SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 2:14-18 verse 14 'Since the children have flesh and blood, he too (Jesus) shared in their humanity" verse 17 "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest" and verse 18 "Because he himself (Jesus) suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
OBSERVATION
Jesus "gets" us. He shared in our humanity, he was made like us in every way. He suffered and was tempted.
APPLICATION
God "gets" me?? huh? How can that be? I don't even get me sometimes...lol. The cool thought is, this also makes him a merciful and faithful high priest! It makes me think about Psalm 103:10, 13 & 14. He does not treat us as our sins deserve...As a father has compasion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
PRAYER
I don't always get your thoughts because they are so much higher than me, but....thanks for "getting me" and loving me anyway!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
In the same place
SCRIPTURE
Hosea 1:10 In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people', they will be called the 'sons of the living God.'
OBSERVATION
There is a drastic contrast here from not even being 'My people' to the status of 'sons' and it happens in the same place!
APPLICATION
I think when we've been in "that place" of life with Christ we can, just like Israel, become complacent and allow some things to slip in on us. It doesn't have to be big stuff either, I think its little stuff too. But God is always ready to bring us back to himself as sons.
PRAYER
Father God, you are amazing...you always have been....from the Israelites to me! Keep me mindful of how easy it is to go from faithful to faithless, from thankful to unthankful, from obedient to disobedient, from selfless to selfishness and the list goes on...and on...and on...and....Thank you, for making me your daughter!
Hosea 1:10 In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people', they will be called the 'sons of the living God.'
OBSERVATION
There is a drastic contrast here from not even being 'My people' to the status of 'sons' and it happens in the same place!
APPLICATION
I think when we've been in "that place" of life with Christ we can, just like Israel, become complacent and allow some things to slip in on us. It doesn't have to be big stuff either, I think its little stuff too. But God is always ready to bring us back to himself as sons.
PRAYER
Father God, you are amazing...you always have been....from the Israelites to me! Keep me mindful of how easy it is to go from faithful to faithless, from thankful to unthankful, from obedient to disobedient, from selfless to selfishness and the list goes on...and on...and on...and....Thank you, for making me your daughter!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Used to be usless
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!
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!
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.
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