SCRIPTURE
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith”…Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
OBSERVATION
My first observation? Where do I start? These verses are so full of rich layers of meaning. All will agree, this is a very powerful story, but the verse that touched my heart today was verse 9: “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me”. The centurion understood Jesus’ power under God better than anyone at that moment. His faith was based on a personal acknowledgement that Jesus had an authority greater than his servant’s suffering.
APPLICATION
My dad used to say, “Faith is simple”. He was right. The faith of the Centurion was truly simple because he simply acknowledged Jesus’ authority. Applying the meaning of these verses to our lives is also simple. It is clear that as Christians, we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and profess our understanding of His saving grace. And on a daily basis, we must also simply acknowledge His almighty authority as the one and only Son of God.
PRAYER
Father, in the busyness of my life, it can be too easy to forget your almighty authority as the God of the Universe. Please forgive me if I’ve overlooked your sovereignty in my life. Strengthen my understanding of Your authority. Teach me more and more about who You are. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department
Woodwinds/Keyboard/Section Leader
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Salt Substitute
SCRIPTURE
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Mt. 5:13)
OBSERVATION
Salt...Salt has many purposes. Salt is used in preservation, in curing, and to enhance flavor. The scripture says that if we, as Christians, lose our effectiveness (saltiness) we aren't good for anything, we're useless. We are in danger of becoming a "Salt Substitute." It looks like salt, and resembles salt in taste, but in reality, it's not salt!
APPLICATION
God says we're the salt of the earth! We as Christians are called to preserve mankind. We're called to bring a "Cure" to that which is rotting in sin and to bring flavor to this bland world. The cure, the preservation, and the flavor is in Christ...It IS Christ. If we aren't doing these things, if our salt isn't being used, we are in danger of losing our "Saltiness" and becoming that substitute!
PRAYER
God, help me. Help us as Christians to do what you've called us to do. Help us to take the call of the Great Commission seriously and use our "Saltiness" for it's intended purpose. If it's fear that's holding us back, give us your boldness. In Jesus name! Amen.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Mt. 5:13)
OBSERVATION
Salt...Salt has many purposes. Salt is used in preservation, in curing, and to enhance flavor. The scripture says that if we, as Christians, lose our effectiveness (saltiness) we aren't good for anything, we're useless. We are in danger of becoming a "Salt Substitute." It looks like salt, and resembles salt in taste, but in reality, it's not salt!
APPLICATION
God says we're the salt of the earth! We as Christians are called to preserve mankind. We're called to bring a "Cure" to that which is rotting in sin and to bring flavor to this bland world. The cure, the preservation, and the flavor is in Christ...It IS Christ. If we aren't doing these things, if our salt isn't being used, we are in danger of losing our "Saltiness" and becoming that substitute!
PRAYER
God, help me. Help us as Christians to do what you've called us to do. Help us to take the call of the Great Commission seriously and use our "Saltiness" for it's intended purpose. If it's fear that's holding us back, give us your boldness. In Jesus name! Amen.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Pure and Flawless
SCRIPTURE
And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (Ps. 11:6)
OBSERVATION
The words of the Lord are perfect, without flaw, without blemish. What God says is true and will come to pass. You can put your faith in God's word.
APPLICATION
This scripture is simple, yet so powerful. There are thousands of promises from God in the Bible, the written word. God also speaks through prophecy. This hits home for me because people that have given prophetic words are imperfect, the writers of the Bible were imperfect, But the Word of God remains untainted and perfect. Remember, when God tells you something, it's something that you can forever cling to!
PRAYER
Father, help me to put all my faith in your Word! Help me to hide it in my heart and lean on it not only in times of trouble, but when all seems well.
Amen.
And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (Ps. 11:6)
OBSERVATION
The words of the Lord are perfect, without flaw, without blemish. What God says is true and will come to pass. You can put your faith in God's word.
APPLICATION
This scripture is simple, yet so powerful. There are thousands of promises from God in the Bible, the written word. God also speaks through prophecy. This hits home for me because people that have given prophetic words are imperfect, the writers of the Bible were imperfect, But the Word of God remains untainted and perfect. Remember, when God tells you something, it's something that you can forever cling to!
PRAYER
Father, help me to put all my faith in your Word! Help me to hide it in my heart and lean on it not only in times of trouble, but when all seems well.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Fruitless Repentance
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.
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.
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
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