SCRIPTURE
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. (Mt. 3:8)
OBSERVATION
John the Baptist was preaching and baptising people from Jerusalem, Judah, and the whole region of Jordan. When he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming, He said to them, "You brood of Vipers, Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance! They were all about religion and "Acts". John was warning them that Repentance without bearing fruit was pointless. He goes on to say that fruitless trees would be cut down and cast into the fire.
APPLICATION
Am I producing fruit? What kind of fruit am I producing? Am I in danger of being cut down? Remember, repentance isn't just saying I'm sorry or some action of desperation to get out of trouble, but a change of heart, a complete 180. It's turning and running the other way, producing fruit as you go.
PRAYER
Father, help me to be fruitful! Help me to be ever mindful that if I am not bearing fruit, that I am in danger of being cut down! Help me to not only produce fruit, but quality fruit, fruit that won't wither in a day or so, but food that will strengthen the body of Christ.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Power of Fear
SCRIPTURE
When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear. (1 Sam 17:24)
OBSERVATION
The Israelites were about to go up in battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were "God's Army" (V.45), but when they saw Goliath, the fear of man gripped their hearts causing them to lose faith in the power of the Lord. David knew God was with him and that God was greater than anyone or anything.
APPLICATION
Don't let the fear of man hold you back from the things that God has for you! Maybe it's a defeat that God is seeking to give you in your personal life or your work life. Maybe God wants to use you to make a difference in the life of someone that's hurting. The fear of man can be great at times, but is nothing compared to the power of God!
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to give in to fear. Give me your strength and boldness when fear begins to creap in.
Amen.
When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear. (1 Sam 17:24)
OBSERVATION
The Israelites were about to go up in battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were "God's Army" (V.45), but when they saw Goliath, the fear of man gripped their hearts causing them to lose faith in the power of the Lord. David knew God was with him and that God was greater than anyone or anything.
APPLICATION
Don't let the fear of man hold you back from the things that God has for you! Maybe it's a defeat that God is seeking to give you in your personal life or your work life. Maybe God wants to use you to make a difference in the life of someone that's hurting. The fear of man can be great at times, but is nothing compared to the power of God!
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to give in to fear. Give me your strength and boldness when fear begins to creap in.
Amen.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Taking Care of “Numero-uno”
SCRIPTURE
(I Cor. 12:7) “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”
OBSERVATION
In the time of Paul, Corinth was a very ungodly, corrupt city. The pagan life-style of the city profoundly influenced the newly forming church and Paul is addressing the correlated problems. In the twelfth chapter he is talking about the impartation of spiritual gifts to every believer. Secular society tends to support the principle of self-advancement. Christian principles teach the importance of giving and supporting each other. Paul tells the church that the gifts of the Spirit are to be used for the common good of the collective Christian community, not for personal feelings or self-worth.
APPLICATION
If I have been given a gift with the specific instruction that it must be shared openly, and I choose to keep it to myself, I stand to be judged by the one who gave the gift. To withhold my spiritual gifts, to not use my talents and abilities in the church, is to rebel against the intentions of God Himself. Our society imposes the belief of taking care of yourself because no one else is looking out for your interests. The Christian teaching says we should “take care of number one” also, number one for us is not ourselves but God almighty.
PRAYER
Lord, I want you to be the central influence in all I do or say. Let others see Your grace and compassion in my actions and interactions.
Written By Roger Watson
(I Cor. 12:7) “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”
OBSERVATION
In the time of Paul, Corinth was a very ungodly, corrupt city. The pagan life-style of the city profoundly influenced the newly forming church and Paul is addressing the correlated problems. In the twelfth chapter he is talking about the impartation of spiritual gifts to every believer. Secular society tends to support the principle of self-advancement. Christian principles teach the importance of giving and supporting each other. Paul tells the church that the gifts of the Spirit are to be used for the common good of the collective Christian community, not for personal feelings or self-worth.
APPLICATION
If I have been given a gift with the specific instruction that it must be shared openly, and I choose to keep it to myself, I stand to be judged by the one who gave the gift. To withhold my spiritual gifts, to not use my talents and abilities in the church, is to rebel against the intentions of God Himself. Our society imposes the belief of taking care of yourself because no one else is looking out for your interests. The Christian teaching says we should “take care of number one” also, number one for us is not ourselves but God almighty.
PRAYER
Lord, I want you to be the central influence in all I do or say. Let others see Your grace and compassion in my actions and interactions.
Written By Roger Watson
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
God’s Opinion of Situational Ethics
SCRIPTURE
(Josh. 23:12 & 13) “For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you.”
OBSERVATION
Joshua warns his people of giving in to the pressures and beliefs of the world around them. The environmental standard of the “majority opinion is right” does not hold true with God. He has a standard that does not change with time or situation. Joshua warns the people that compromise to the beliefs and practices of others will result in His removal of protection and provision for them.
APPLICATION
To base my actions or beliefs solely upon the majority opinion, will lead to eventual destruction. Special interest groups that lobby for acceptance and support of their cause, that are not in line with the Word of God, will continue to lead to the demise of any country. Just because the poles indicate a majority opinion about a person or issue, does not mean that it is the coarse I should take or support. God is not moved by situational ethics.
PRAYER
Lord, let me be the one who stands for righteousness and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Help me to stand firm in the face of adversity.
Written By Roger Watson
(Josh. 23:12 & 13) “For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you.”
OBSERVATION
Joshua warns his people of giving in to the pressures and beliefs of the world around them. The environmental standard of the “majority opinion is right” does not hold true with God. He has a standard that does not change with time or situation. Joshua warns the people that compromise to the beliefs and practices of others will result in His removal of protection and provision for them.
APPLICATION
To base my actions or beliefs solely upon the majority opinion, will lead to eventual destruction. Special interest groups that lobby for acceptance and support of their cause, that are not in line with the Word of God, will continue to lead to the demise of any country. Just because the poles indicate a majority opinion about a person or issue, does not mean that it is the coarse I should take or support. God is not moved by situational ethics.
PRAYER
Lord, let me be the one who stands for righteousness and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Help me to stand firm in the face of adversity.
Written By Roger Watson
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Mexico here we come.
SCRIPTURE
Galations 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.
OBSERVATION
Galations 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.
OBSERVATION
I am on my way to Mexico, and I am already tired. It seems like the preparations and packing is the hardest part. The focus of our trip to Rancho De Sus Ninos is to reach out to the orphans and share God's love. It seems like it would be easier if we just sent a letter, supplies, or money. God is sending a group of youth and young adults to be his arms. We are going to express God's love and tell them how much he loves them even if takes hours of packing and hours of driving. We made it to San Diego last night and we are getting ready to cross the border this morning. I am excited for the youth who are going for the first time. They will forever be changed. It is a wonderful feeling knowing you are going to be used by God.
APPLICATION
Lord use us today to be a friend to the fatherless. Teach us how to be your witness. I want the children to know that you care for them and you have a divine purpose for their lives.
PRAYER
I pray, this morning that you will give us protection while traveling. I pray that we will reap a harvest and that lives will be changed. Lord we will not give up serving you. Let us see your Glory today as we serve you!
APPLICATION
Lord use us today to be a friend to the fatherless. Teach us how to be your witness. I want the children to know that you care for them and you have a divine purpose for their lives.
PRAYER
I pray, this morning that you will give us protection while traveling. I pray that we will reap a harvest and that lives will be changed. Lord we will not give up serving you. Let us see your Glory today as we serve you!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Listen to the Spirit
SCRIPTURE
Galtatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
OBSERVATION
All around us we see people who are in leadership or in the public eye fall to temptations that the Bible clearly marks as a trap for our life. It is always disappointing to see someone that appears to have everything together fall to immorality and to sins listed in these verses. Is there any difference between a Pastor of a Mega church who falls into homosexuality, A Governor who falls to adultery or a Pop stars who falls to drugs and alcohol? I believe the answer is no! We all have sinned and fallen short of the the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Witchcraft is being taught in our schools, prostitution is in our streets, and anger is in our hearts. The Bible warns us that if we live with sin in our lives we will not inherit the Kingdom of God. The first step is to recognize various sins in our life. My hope is as a leader, I will not fall to these sins. I want to be an example, of how to live by the Spirit and not by my fleshly desires.
APPLICATION
If I can keep my spiritual eyes and ears open, the Holy Spirit will guide me to make the right choices in life. I can follow after pleasure or purity! The good news is that Jesus was the ultimate example of how I can live my life in the Spirit. If I will listen to the Lord's voice he will help me to turn away from these sins. As a child, my parents told me "no" to certain things. Today I can still hear their voices, when I am about to make a wrong decision. I want to hear the Heavenly Father's voice clearly and be led by the Spirit. Sin starts with one thought, so teach me how to guard my mind.
PRAYER
Father, teach me to make the right choices in life. It is so easy to get tangled up in fleshly desires. I pray, that I will be an example of how to live by the Spirit. Forgive me for making bad choices and I pray that you will restore those who have fallen to sin. Lord send your grace to those who have fallen to temptations and show us how to receive the power of the cross in our lives. Guard our hearts and our minds!
Galtatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
OBSERVATION
All around us we see people who are in leadership or in the public eye fall to temptations that the Bible clearly marks as a trap for our life. It is always disappointing to see someone that appears to have everything together fall to immorality and to sins listed in these verses. Is there any difference between a Pastor of a Mega church who falls into homosexuality, A Governor who falls to adultery or a Pop stars who falls to drugs and alcohol? I believe the answer is no! We all have sinned and fallen short of the the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Witchcraft is being taught in our schools, prostitution is in our streets, and anger is in our hearts. The Bible warns us that if we live with sin in our lives we will not inherit the Kingdom of God. The first step is to recognize various sins in our life. My hope is as a leader, I will not fall to these sins. I want to be an example, of how to live by the Spirit and not by my fleshly desires.
APPLICATION
If I can keep my spiritual eyes and ears open, the Holy Spirit will guide me to make the right choices in life. I can follow after pleasure or purity! The good news is that Jesus was the ultimate example of how I can live my life in the Spirit. If I will listen to the Lord's voice he will help me to turn away from these sins. As a child, my parents told me "no" to certain things. Today I can still hear their voices, when I am about to make a wrong decision. I want to hear the Heavenly Father's voice clearly and be led by the Spirit. Sin starts with one thought, so teach me how to guard my mind.
PRAYER
Father, teach me to make the right choices in life. It is so easy to get tangled up in fleshly desires. I pray, that I will be an example of how to live by the Spirit. Forgive me for making bad choices and I pray that you will restore those who have fallen to sin. Lord send your grace to those who have fallen to temptations and show us how to receive the power of the cross in our lives. Guard our hearts and our minds!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Who is your daddy?
SCRIPTURE
Galatians 4: 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
OBSERVATION
I love to read this scripture because not only is God calling us to be his sons, but we have the Spirit of his Son. This is an incredible look into how God views me. The King of Kings views me as a prince! He has chosen me to be in his royal family (1 Peter 2:9). This scripture brings to mind the story of Joseph. Not only was Joseph sold into slavery, but he was also a prisoner at one time. God makes a way for Joseph to become the ruler of the Egyptian Empire and live in royalty with the Pharoh. The same story line is seen through out the Bible. Moses is another great example of how God loves to take people who are in slavery and set them free. Not only, does he want to free us, but he wants to adopt us and make us his own. I believe that God has done this for me. I am nothing with out him! I was a slave to sin and this world and now I am an Heir to his Kingdom! My Father loves to bring people from rags to riches!
APPLICATION
I believe that every day I have the priveledge of meeting with the King. My father is an awsome God. Sometimes I say to myself I am to busy to pray or talk to my father, thats when the Holy Spirit brings back to my attention that I have a divine appointment with the King everyday and all I need to do is call out Aba Father. He is never faraway and he is everywhere! Today, we can talk with people across the globe at any given time or chat with people on the internet who live across the United States. For us, it is so easy to forget that people in the past did not have the technology like we do today, yet they found a way to stay in touch! I have the ability to talk to my father at anytime of the day, and all I have to do is bow my head in prayer.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord, for making me your son. I pray that we will be able to spend some time this weekend. Forgive me for getting so caught up in the things of this world. I just want to please you and make you smile. I know you understand that sometimes I get really busy but I am so glad that I can call you anytime. Thanks for making me your favorite son. I know that others think they are your favorite as well! I pray that people who are reading this blog, will relize that
you are a great God and you have room in your heart for all of us!
Galatians 4: 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba,[a] Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
OBSERVATION
I love to read this scripture because not only is God calling us to be his sons, but we have the Spirit of his Son. This is an incredible look into how God views me. The King of Kings views me as a prince! He has chosen me to be in his royal family (1 Peter 2:9). This scripture brings to mind the story of Joseph. Not only was Joseph sold into slavery, but he was also a prisoner at one time. God makes a way for Joseph to become the ruler of the Egyptian Empire and live in royalty with the Pharoh. The same story line is seen through out the Bible. Moses is another great example of how God loves to take people who are in slavery and set them free. Not only, does he want to free us, but he wants to adopt us and make us his own. I believe that God has done this for me. I am nothing with out him! I was a slave to sin and this world and now I am an Heir to his Kingdom! My Father loves to bring people from rags to riches!
APPLICATION
I believe that every day I have the priveledge of meeting with the King. My father is an awsome God. Sometimes I say to myself I am to busy to pray or talk to my father, thats when the Holy Spirit brings back to my attention that I have a divine appointment with the King everyday and all I need to do is call out Aba Father. He is never faraway and he is everywhere! Today, we can talk with people across the globe at any given time or chat with people on the internet who live across the United States. For us, it is so easy to forget that people in the past did not have the technology like we do today, yet they found a way to stay in touch! I have the ability to talk to my father at anytime of the day, and all I have to do is bow my head in prayer.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord, for making me your son. I pray that we will be able to spend some time this weekend. Forgive me for getting so caught up in the things of this world. I just want to please you and make you smile. I know you understand that sometimes I get really busy but I am so glad that I can call you anytime. Thanks for making me your favorite son. I know that others think they are your favorite as well! I pray that people who are reading this blog, will relize that
you are a great God and you have room in your heart for all of us!
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