SCRIPTURE
Philemon vs 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
OBSERVATION
I would absolutely hate for someone to call me useless! I mean really! What a terrible commentary! It just makes me feel bad for the guy! I've had that very thought about some people I know! Before you judge me too hard...you probably have someone you're thinking of right now! Or even worse, you've felt that way about yourself!
APPLICATION
Aaah! But read the text again. Some key words change everything! "Formerly" and "but now" this guy Onesimus (what a name) he's not just not useless anymore, Paul goes on to say "now he has become useful to both you and me!" Paul even goes on to say this guy is "my very heart" he actually becomes very dear to Paul! Now I know God changed water into wine but useless to useful....yup, you bet!
PRAYER
Lord forgive me wherever I have placed this "useless" tag on the Onesimus' in my life. Cuz outside of you...I'm useless! Help me to see the "but now" in everyone before it even happens!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Not a license
SCRIPTURE
Jude 1: 4 They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
OBSERVATION
Yesterday as I journaled from the book of Isaiah the grace of God that moves him to remove our sin was so big. Today as I journal from the book of Jude this great caution jumps from the page. That there are many who change the grace of God into a license for immorality or sin. Even angels are listed among some who have fallen into the trap.
APPLICATION
As wonderful as I see the grace of God, and no matter to what measure I have experienced it in my life, and no matter how much I desire others to experience the touch of God's grace in their own life...it is never a license sin...I am not free to sin because of God's grace...but because of His grace in my life....I am free from sin.
PRAYER
Lord, you know how easily we can get off course....and me, I have a tendency to get my head in the clouds and think about how wonderful you are, ( You are so wonderful!) thank you for your grace but, also for your instruction and warning here in Jude. Your grace is free, abundant and able. Its not a license to do my own thing and think you'll look the other way.
Jude 1: 4 They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
OBSERVATION
Yesterday as I journaled from the book of Isaiah the grace of God that moves him to remove our sin was so big. Today as I journal from the book of Jude this great caution jumps from the page. That there are many who change the grace of God into a license for immorality or sin. Even angels are listed among some who have fallen into the trap.
APPLICATION
As wonderful as I see the grace of God, and no matter to what measure I have experienced it in my life, and no matter how much I desire others to experience the touch of God's grace in their own life...it is never a license sin...I am not free to sin because of God's grace...but because of His grace in my life....I am free from sin.
PRAYER
Lord, you know how easily we can get off course....and me, I have a tendency to get my head in the clouds and think about how wonderful you are, ( You are so wonderful!) thank you for your grace but, also for your instruction and warning here in Jude. Your grace is free, abundant and able. Its not a license to do my own thing and think you'll look the other way.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Because of his Mercy
SCRIPTURE Titus 3:3
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior
OBSERVATION
This passage of scripture reminds me not to have pride in my life or believe that because I am a good person that God loves me more from the person down the street. It is only because of his kindness, love, mercy and generosity that I am the person I am today. God created in me a clean heart. My righteous acts or behavior can never save me.
APPLICATION
I want to live my life with his kindness, love, mercy and generosity. I want people to see you when they view me. I want to live my life pleasing you and not for my own pleasure.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me and develop in me your characteristics. I want to represent who you are. Forgive me for having anger, envy, hate, foolishness and disobedient to you. Help me to make the right decisions and live my life so that others will know that you are God.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior
OBSERVATION
This passage of scripture reminds me not to have pride in my life or believe that because I am a good person that God loves me more from the person down the street. It is only because of his kindness, love, mercy and generosity that I am the person I am today. God created in me a clean heart. My righteous acts or behavior can never save me.
APPLICATION
I want to live my life with his kindness, love, mercy and generosity. I want people to see you when they view me. I want to live my life pleasing you and not for my own pleasure.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me and develop in me your characteristics. I want to represent who you are. Forgive me for having anger, envy, hate, foolishness and disobedient to you. Help me to make the right decisions and live my life so that others will know that you are God.
God's grace
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 1:18
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson they shall be like wool.
OBSERVATION
When I read about the state of Jerusalem and Judah, the nature of a man is so clear and really the picture seems so hopeless. Rebellion,corruption,turned their backs, evil deeds,sick,meaningless offerings.But then....the miracle! Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
APPLICATION
Restored by grace! God's restoration is complete,perfect,wonderful and good!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for being moved by your grace to work in my life! Help me to do right, to encourage the oppressed and grow a willing and obedient heart in me.
Isaiah 1:18
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson they shall be like wool.
OBSERVATION
When I read about the state of Jerusalem and Judah, the nature of a man is so clear and really the picture seems so hopeless. Rebellion,corruption,turned their backs, evil deeds,sick,meaningless offerings.But then....the miracle! Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
APPLICATION
Restored by grace! God's restoration is complete,perfect,wonderful and good!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for being moved by your grace to work in my life! Help me to do right, to encourage the oppressed and grow a willing and obedient heart in me.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Hidden Potential by Donna Howard
SCRIPTURE
1Tim. 1:12 ¶ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,
1Tim. 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
1Tim. 1:14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
OBSERVATION
When God called Paul into ministry, Paul had not yet been faithful or obedient to God’s directives. Acts chapter 9 makes that very clear. The Lord, however, saw potential in Paul and on the basis of that vision He anointed and released him into the ministry. God is like a great coach who sees hidden potential
and recognizes what many of us miss.
APPLICATION
Every person has hidden potential and God sees it. You may not recognize it but it’s there anyway. His desire to involve you and me in His work is not based upon what we have done or haven’t done. It is based on his vision of us. You may not feel qualified or ready to be what He has called you to be but He is ready to use you and He’s ready to begin today. I am going to step out in faith and believe what He says and do what He asks. After all, Father knows best. I hope you do the same. He sees great potential in you.
PRAYER
O God. Thank you for seeing my potential. I want to be faithful to those possibilities that have been placed in me by you. Please help me to live up to the potential you see in me.
1Tim. 1:12 ¶ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,
1Tim. 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
1Tim. 1:14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.
OBSERVATION
When God called Paul into ministry, Paul had not yet been faithful or obedient to God’s directives. Acts chapter 9 makes that very clear. The Lord, however, saw potential in Paul and on the basis of that vision He anointed and released him into the ministry. God is like a great coach who sees hidden potential
and recognizes what many of us miss.
APPLICATION
Every person has hidden potential and God sees it. You may not recognize it but it’s there anyway. His desire to involve you and me in His work is not based upon what we have done or haven’t done. It is based on his vision of us. You may not feel qualified or ready to be what He has called you to be but He is ready to use you and He’s ready to begin today. I am going to step out in faith and believe what He says and do what He asks. After all, Father knows best. I hope you do the same. He sees great potential in you.
PRAYER
O God. Thank you for seeing my potential. I want to be faithful to those possibilities that have been placed in me by you. Please help me to live up to the potential you see in me.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Heavenly Minded by Donna Howard
SCRIPTURE
Colossians 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. NLT
OBSERVATION
I am to conduct my life with a heavenly mindset. That means I do not live for myself, I live to show Jesus to a lost and dying world. Making sure that I interject Jesus into every situation by how I live. “Redeeming the time” is the phrase that the King James Version uses. It gives me a sense of urgency, that time is short.
APPLICATION
I’ve always heard the phrase “They’re so heavenly-minded that they’re no earthly good” and knew I didn’t want to be that way. However, I have many times become so earthly-minded that I’ve not been much heavenly good. The key for me is balance. I must show those who don’t know Jesus a love and joy they’ve not experienced before while always looking for a way to reveal the gift of salvation.
PRAYER
Lord, I need boldness and courage to seize every opportunity You bring my way to introduce the lost to your gracious and costly gift of forgiveness of sins. Speak through me to plant seeds of hope in hearts, to water seeds that others have planted or to have the privilege to harvest souls into Your Kingdom.
Colossians 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. NLT
OBSERVATION
I am to conduct my life with a heavenly mindset. That means I do not live for myself, I live to show Jesus to a lost and dying world. Making sure that I interject Jesus into every situation by how I live. “Redeeming the time” is the phrase that the King James Version uses. It gives me a sense of urgency, that time is short.
APPLICATION
I’ve always heard the phrase “They’re so heavenly-minded that they’re no earthly good” and knew I didn’t want to be that way. However, I have many times become so earthly-minded that I’ve not been much heavenly good. The key for me is balance. I must show those who don’t know Jesus a love and joy they’ve not experienced before while always looking for a way to reveal the gift of salvation.
PRAYER
Lord, I need boldness and courage to seize every opportunity You bring my way to introduce the lost to your gracious and costly gift of forgiveness of sins. Speak through me to plant seeds of hope in hearts, to water seeds that others have planted or to have the privilege to harvest souls into Your Kingdom.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
My Citizenship Is Heaven
SCRIPTURE
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly
await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
OBSERVATION
Our citizenship is in heaven! Citizenship is a powerful
word, it means membership of a community. As I
live and function in this world on a day to day basis I
must remember my citizenship is in heaven. I am
a member of the community of heaven and one day
that's where I will live for eternity.
APPLICATION
I must pray for the things going on in this world,
but I don't have to get all caught up in it. I must
keep my perspective of my citizenship in heaven
as I eagerly wait for the coming of my Savior:)
PRAYER
Father, thank You that You have prepared a home
for me for eternity. Cause my mind to be at peace as
I walk through this world knowing my citizenship
is there. I do eagerly await Your returning when
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
that You are Lord! In Jesus name, Amen
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly
await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
OBSERVATION
Our citizenship is in heaven! Citizenship is a powerful
word, it means membership of a community. As I
live and function in this world on a day to day basis I
must remember my citizenship is in heaven. I am
a member of the community of heaven and one day
that's where I will live for eternity.
APPLICATION
I must pray for the things going on in this world,
but I don't have to get all caught up in it. I must
keep my perspective of my citizenship in heaven
as I eagerly wait for the coming of my Savior:)
PRAYER
Father, thank You that You have prepared a home
for me for eternity. Cause my mind to be at peace as
I walk through this world knowing my citizenship
is there. I do eagerly await Your returning when
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
that You are Lord! In Jesus name, Amen
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