SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 6:13, 14
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
OBSERVATION
I am so thankful that through walking with God, my heart is tugged on by God. As an infant Christian I was not sure between good and evil. As time with God continues, so does my understanding of the Christian life. God will speak to me through my conscious and that is a great thing. My understanding of God and His word has grown and I enjoy the meat.
APPLICATION
I just went to Promise Keepers a few days ago, I was challenged and convicted not to settle for being a (Good Christian). Instead be a Sold Out Man of God in every part and every area of my life. (Grow Up and Eat from God’s Menu!!)
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the sour stomach you gave me from staying on the infant milk too long. As I continue to eat from your menu I pray my whole body, mind and spirit will line up with your will. In Jesus name Amen.
Gene Hull
Choir Member (Tenor)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
SCRIPTURE
Titus 2:12 (New Living Translation)
And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God
OBSERVATION
Is God pleased with me? Is He proud of me? Does my heart match my life(my lustful nature) or am I no more than a present day "Pharisee"? Sobering questions and eternal bondage for the weak of mind and the ignorant for change. The word "instructed" is saying "God disciplining us." The only way we can come even close to living in righteousness (Godly) is to submit to the righteous(God). We are called to live in this world and it's god, in my God's conditions as righteous as His Son did. We are not called to try and change the world but to change our understanding of our hearts and lives.
APPLICATION
I need to understand more! More about who I am and who I am called to be. At first this may seem to be a pretty deep study, but God calls us to be the "image of Christ". Well now, this breaks it down for me into a simpler way to think. All I have to do is read the book of "instruction", my Bible, and compare it to my life, over and over and over again. The only way for me to truly change to living in righteousness is to take a sober look and understand who I am in Christ and who I am in the world. As I open my heart (life) to the Holy Spirit and leave it open for Him, I will be discipled by God.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit fill my thoughts from my heart where you dwell. Instruct me the ways of righteousness so I may live a life that is pleasing to God.
Cullen Cooper
Choir Member (Tenor), Church Elder
Titus 2:12 (New Living Translation)
And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God
OBSERVATION
Is God pleased with me? Is He proud of me? Does my heart match my life(my lustful nature) or am I no more than a present day "Pharisee"? Sobering questions and eternal bondage for the weak of mind and the ignorant for change. The word "instructed" is saying "God disciplining us." The only way we can come even close to living in righteousness (Godly) is to submit to the righteous(God). We are called to live in this world and it's god, in my God's conditions as righteous as His Son did. We are not called to try and change the world but to change our understanding of our hearts and lives.
APPLICATION
I need to understand more! More about who I am and who I am called to be. At first this may seem to be a pretty deep study, but God calls us to be the "image of Christ". Well now, this breaks it down for me into a simpler way to think. All I have to do is read the book of "instruction", my Bible, and compare it to my life, over and over and over again. The only way for me to truly change to living in righteousness is to take a sober look and understand who I am in Christ and who I am in the world. As I open my heart (life) to the Holy Spirit and leave it open for Him, I will be discipled by God.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit fill my thoughts from my heart where you dwell. Instruct me the ways of righteousness so I may live a life that is pleasing to God.
Cullen Cooper
Choir Member (Tenor), Church Elder
Friday, July 4, 2008
Greater Than Great
SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 1: 1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they
OBSERVATION
After reading something like that, all a person can say is WOW!
What a God we serve. He loved us so much He sent His son to communicate to us His great compassion. In times past it was different but at the right time His son came and revealed
‘in person’ the truth about the Father.
WOW! Who are we that Jesus should do that? After all, He is appointed heir of all things.
Listen to His credentials from Paul: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Col 1:15-18 WOW!
APPLICATION
If I ever had any doubt about who is in control or who should be in control, that doubt is answered by knowing who Jesus is. He has been given a name that is above every name and deserves to be in control of our universe, our world, our nation, our state and our lives.
May we truly become once again a nation UNDER GOD and a people who surrender to His will. If this happens, the 4th of July will become a true celebration.
PRAYER
Father, how great is your love for us. I can’t fathom it but I choose to accept it. You are my reason for living and I want to be pleasing to you today. Help me glorify your son’s name through my daily activities and choices. All I can say when I think of you is WOW!
Hebrews 1: 1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they
OBSERVATION
After reading something like that, all a person can say is WOW!
What a God we serve. He loved us so much He sent His son to communicate to us His great compassion. In times past it was different but at the right time His son came and revealed
‘in person’ the truth about the Father.
WOW! Who are we that Jesus should do that? After all, He is appointed heir of all things.
Listen to His credentials from Paul: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Col 1:15-18 WOW!
APPLICATION
If I ever had any doubt about who is in control or who should be in control, that doubt is answered by knowing who Jesus is. He has been given a name that is above every name and deserves to be in control of our universe, our world, our nation, our state and our lives.
May we truly become once again a nation UNDER GOD and a people who surrender to His will. If this happens, the 4th of July will become a true celebration.
PRAYER
Father, how great is your love for us. I can’t fathom it but I choose to accept it. You are my reason for living and I want to be pleasing to you today. Help me glorify your son’s name through my daily activities and choices. All I can say when I think of you is WOW!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Friends Are Forever
SCRIPTURE
Philem. 1:1 ¶ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, ¶ To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker,
Philem. 1:2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
Philem. 1:3 ¶ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philem. 1:4 ¶ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,
OBSERVATION
Have you ever noticed that Paul the Apostle often made reference to his friends when he wrote a letter? It happens frequently and this letter is no exception. This book is actually addressed to a dear friend named Philemon.
Friends - are a gift from the Lord!
Good friends are hard to find but when you actually discover a good friend who wants to walk in close relationship, you have discovered a treasure.
Friends - are like tributaries - Not only do they carry worth but they also deposit valuable assets into a person life. Tributaries create great rivers. From all directions, those tributaries contribute to a river, feeding and making it grow. That sounds like the way people grow too - when they open up to the contribution from others.
Friends can speak into our lives and when these friends have the fruit of the Spirit, recorded in Galatians chapter 5, we become better people.
Remember: The company you keep will determine the path you take. 1 Cor. 15:33
APPLICATION
What kind of a friend are you to the people in your world? When they spend time with you, do they leave enriched? Encouraged? Edified? One person said: I enjoy all people - some when they come and others when they leave. When you carry with you the fruit of the Holy Spirit, you will be a friend who is enjoyed at all times. Today let’s surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow His directives. Galatians 5 tells us that when we do this, HE will produce the fruit that will provide the foundation for lasting relationships.
Remember: Friends are forever when they are rooted in Christ.
PRAYER
Father, help us to grow in our love for each other. Let us see how important people really are and may we become the friends that will enrich the lives of others.
Philem. 1:1 ¶ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, ¶ To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker,
Philem. 1:2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
Philem. 1:3 ¶ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philem. 1:4 ¶ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,
OBSERVATION
Have you ever noticed that Paul the Apostle often made reference to his friends when he wrote a letter? It happens frequently and this letter is no exception. This book is actually addressed to a dear friend named Philemon.
Friends - are a gift from the Lord!
Good friends are hard to find but when you actually discover a good friend who wants to walk in close relationship, you have discovered a treasure.
Friends - are like tributaries - Not only do they carry worth but they also deposit valuable assets into a person life. Tributaries create great rivers. From all directions, those tributaries contribute to a river, feeding and making it grow. That sounds like the way people grow too - when they open up to the contribution from others.
Friends can speak into our lives and when these friends have the fruit of the Spirit, recorded in Galatians chapter 5, we become better people.
Remember: The company you keep will determine the path you take. 1 Cor. 15:33
APPLICATION
What kind of a friend are you to the people in your world? When they spend time with you, do they leave enriched? Encouraged? Edified? One person said: I enjoy all people - some when they come and others when they leave. When you carry with you the fruit of the Holy Spirit, you will be a friend who is enjoyed at all times. Today let’s surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow His directives. Galatians 5 tells us that when we do this, HE will produce the fruit that will provide the foundation for lasting relationships.
Remember: Friends are forever when they are rooted in Christ.
PRAYER
Father, help us to grow in our love for each other. Let us see how important people really are and may we become the friends that will enrich the lives of others.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Our Past is Gone
SCRIPTURE
Titus 3:3 ¶ Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.
Titus 3:4 ¶ But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Titus 3:7 He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. NLT
OBSERVATION
Have you ever viewed at an old photograph of yourself and felt embarrassed because of the way you looked? If you are like me you may have wondered how anyone could let themselves dress and look that way.
Verse 3 is like an old picture of you and me before Christ took up residence in our lives. We weren’t a pretty sight.
The next few verses, (4-7) however, reveal that God has set himself to do an extreme make over for all those who will respond to His kindness and love. He begins to transform them from the inside out. He pours His Spirit into them and the process of change begins. Old things pass away and new things begin to appear (2 Corinthians 5:17) Gradually, if not suddenly, we begin to look different. Our attitude changes, our actions are altered, our motives become pure and our lives are filled with a new purpose. Just think, all this happens because of God’s kindness and love. It didn’t have anything to do with our goodness or performance. Thank you Jesus for salvation.
APPLICATION
I don’t plan on throwing my old embarrassing pictures away any time soon. (Yes I have some old albums with many - not so pretty pictures) I am making a conscious decision to keep them! Why, you may ask? Because when I look at my past, I remember where I came from and that creates a gratefulness for how far I have come. It tells me that change is possible.
I will not forget my B.C. days either because they remind me of God’s great love for me.
I may not be what I ought to be but I sure am not what I use to be - All because of His kindness and love. Romans 5:8
PRAYER
Jesus, I thank you for your grace and love. It is you kindness and mercy that has changed me. May I look more like you as I continue to grow in your holiness. You are beautiful.
Titus 3:3 ¶ Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.
Titus 3:4 ¶ But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did.
Titus 3:7 He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. NLT
OBSERVATION
Have you ever viewed at an old photograph of yourself and felt embarrassed because of the way you looked? If you are like me you may have wondered how anyone could let themselves dress and look that way.
Verse 3 is like an old picture of you and me before Christ took up residence in our lives. We weren’t a pretty sight.
The next few verses, (4-7) however, reveal that God has set himself to do an extreme make over for all those who will respond to His kindness and love. He begins to transform them from the inside out. He pours His Spirit into them and the process of change begins. Old things pass away and new things begin to appear (2 Corinthians 5:17) Gradually, if not suddenly, we begin to look different. Our attitude changes, our actions are altered, our motives become pure and our lives are filled with a new purpose. Just think, all this happens because of God’s kindness and love. It didn’t have anything to do with our goodness or performance. Thank you Jesus for salvation.
APPLICATION
I don’t plan on throwing my old embarrassing pictures away any time soon. (Yes I have some old albums with many - not so pretty pictures) I am making a conscious decision to keep them! Why, you may ask? Because when I look at my past, I remember where I came from and that creates a gratefulness for how far I have come. It tells me that change is possible.
I will not forget my B.C. days either because they remind me of God’s great love for me.
I may not be what I ought to be but I sure am not what I use to be - All because of His kindness and love. Romans 5:8
PRAYER
Jesus, I thank you for your grace and love. It is you kindness and mercy that has changed me. May I look more like you as I continue to grow in your holiness. You are beautiful.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Truth vs. Tradition
SCRIPTURE
Titus 2:1 ¶ You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
OBSERVATION
I remember a history teacher in high school who would not deviate from the facts of the past. He said many teachers try to rewrite history but the best way to learn is to stick to the truth - even though it may hurt. That is the principle taught here! There are those, however who teach a philosophy that originates in man and not on sound doctrine. The Pharisees were one such group. They were recognized as teachers but they taught their traditions at the expense of truth. (See 2 Tim 315-17)
Mark 7:8 ¶ For you ignore God’s specific laws and substitute your own traditions.”
Mark 7:9 ¶ Then he said, “You reject God’s laws in order to hold on to your own traditions.
Mark 7:13 As such, you break the law of God in order to protect your own tradition. And this is only one example. There are many, many others.”
When you seek to follow Jesus, make sure you are seeking for truth and not traditions. Truth is the only thing that will set you free. John 8:3.
APPLICATION
James 3:1 makes it clear that teachers are held to a very high standard. If you desire to be a teacher of His Word, you must come to God with an attitude of submission. You must be willing to adjust your lifestyle to truth and not try to adjust truth to your lifestyle. When you do this, freedom begins to happen - For us and others…
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be receptive to truth even though it may hurt at times.
Titus 2:1 ¶ You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
OBSERVATION
I remember a history teacher in high school who would not deviate from the facts of the past. He said many teachers try to rewrite history but the best way to learn is to stick to the truth - even though it may hurt. That is the principle taught here! There are those, however who teach a philosophy that originates in man and not on sound doctrine. The Pharisees were one such group. They were recognized as teachers but they taught their traditions at the expense of truth. (See 2 Tim 315-17)
Mark 7:8 ¶ For you ignore God’s specific laws and substitute your own traditions.”
Mark 7:9 ¶ Then he said, “You reject God’s laws in order to hold on to your own traditions.
Mark 7:13 As such, you break the law of God in order to protect your own tradition. And this is only one example. There are many, many others.”
When you seek to follow Jesus, make sure you are seeking for truth and not traditions. Truth is the only thing that will set you free. John 8:3.
APPLICATION
James 3:1 makes it clear that teachers are held to a very high standard. If you desire to be a teacher of His Word, you must come to God with an attitude of submission. You must be willing to adjust your lifestyle to truth and not try to adjust truth to your lifestyle. When you do this, freedom begins to happen - For us and others…
PRAYER
Lord, help us to be receptive to truth even though it may hurt at times.
Monday, June 30, 2008
An Example Worth Following
SCRIPTURE
Titus 2:7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. NAS
OBSERVATION
Do I provide an example of good deeds for others to benefit from? That's the question I had to ask myself when I read these verses. We are reminded in this book that God has designed us to affect others so we dare not live our lives as if we are on an island - unattached to people. The way we live our lives can be a positive influence if we live like Christ and seek to be and example. One person said that everyone is an example: some show us what to do and others what not to do. Which one are you? Paul tells us to be an example in the positive sense.
When I think of the term ‘example’ I am reminded of Baskin Robbins. Every time I visit that establishment, I am asked if I would like to ‘sample’ something. A ‘sample’ gives a taste of what you will receive if you decide to purchase the specific item. In similar fashion: to be an’ example’ shows people what will happen if they choose to follow. When you do good deeds for the right reasons, at the right time and in a right way, God can work through you and lead others to fruitfulness
APPLICATION
I really want these two verses to become a reality in my life. How about you?
May we not succumb to the old saying: Do as I say and not as I do - If we practice what we preach, no one will be able to point a finger at us or have anything negative to say. If we provide a positive example for others to follow, our opponent will experience defeat! That’s enough motivation for me!
PRAYER
O Lord show us how to live in such a way that will honor you and reveal your glory to others.
Titus 2:7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. NAS
OBSERVATION
Do I provide an example of good deeds for others to benefit from? That's the question I had to ask myself when I read these verses. We are reminded in this book that God has designed us to affect others so we dare not live our lives as if we are on an island - unattached to people. The way we live our lives can be a positive influence if we live like Christ and seek to be and example. One person said that everyone is an example: some show us what to do and others what not to do. Which one are you? Paul tells us to be an example in the positive sense.
When I think of the term ‘example’ I am reminded of Baskin Robbins. Every time I visit that establishment, I am asked if I would like to ‘sample’ something. A ‘sample’ gives a taste of what you will receive if you decide to purchase the specific item. In similar fashion: to be an’ example’ shows people what will happen if they choose to follow. When you do good deeds for the right reasons, at the right time and in a right way, God can work through you and lead others to fruitfulness
APPLICATION
I really want these two verses to become a reality in my life. How about you?
May we not succumb to the old saying: Do as I say and not as I do - If we practice what we preach, no one will be able to point a finger at us or have anything negative to say. If we provide a positive example for others to follow, our opponent will experience defeat! That’s enough motivation for me!
PRAYER
O Lord show us how to live in such a way that will honor you and reveal your glory to others.
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