SCRIPTURE
John 20:29-31 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
OBSERVATION
As I re-read this Scripture, I was reminded of my own personal search for answers about God. I wanted evidence - tangible proof that the Bible was irrefutably true. Eventually, God brought me to a place where I was to walk away or to step out in faith. Obviously, I chose faith.
So, as Jesus is proving Himself to Thomas, he tells the disciples that those who believe without seeing will be blessed. That's us! That's me! That is all current and future believers.
The last sentence of this passage made me realize what a huge responsibility the disciples must have felt . . . to tell others of what they had actually seen. And from those few who saw firsthand sprang forth a church of millions and millions!
APPLICATION
Now that the hard part is over (believing without seeing), it is now this disciple's responsibility to tell others so that they, too, can have life in His name.
I need to remember how I used to doubt, just as Thomas did, and apply those memories to how I am to approach telling others about Jesus. Our responsibility is no less than what was placed upon the original disciples. Of course, we can't do it without the Holy Spirit. But, with the Holy Spirit, we can continue to add to His church and more and more will have life in His name!
PRAYER
Father, thank You for offering me life in Your son's name. Forgive me for ever doubting yet knowing that I and many others would. You are compassionate and all-knowing even in dealing with stubborn individuals and "doubting Thomases'. Assist me, Holy Spirit, in reaching others who doubt the existence of an "unseen" God. May I be as bold, wise and convincing as John was.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Leave a legacy
SCRIPTURE Psalms 112 1-6
1Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
OBSERVATION
This psalm gives us two keys to a blessed life. Is it really this simple? There have been hundreds of books written on having an abundant life. Motivational speakers charge you extraordinary amounts of money to come and hear them talk about being successful in life. God's favor towards people who fear him is very generous. The man who genuinely respects God, delights in his Word and follows his commandments will have wealth and riches in his home. What is the secret to finding God's favor? I believe God makes it simple to serve with a joyful heart. Find joy in following commands not just reading about them. Cheerful obedience is the only acceptable obedience. I want to serve God out of joy not grudgingly. I want to praise God because of who he is! I want to be a person who is remembered as someone who delighted in serving God with a joyful heart.
APPLICATION
I believe that studying the commandments is a good thing, but it is a great thing when we actually follow them. Self righteous men praise themselves, but the person who has been made righteous by the Lord's grace and goodness gives all praise to the Lord. I want my children to be strong leaders and influential in our community. I want them to be blessed and to remember God's favor is upon them because their father delighted in God's commandments. Even though the world is getting darker, God's light will shine upon us because we belong to him and we serve him with all our heart, mind and strength.
PRAYER
Lord teach us how to fear you and follow your commandments. Give us a joyful and obedient heart. I know you have promised us your favor, and I ask for you to bless us and our children. There are no riches that can rival your love. Prosperity and peace we pray will be poured out on those who serve you with cheerful hearts. Guide us in doing right and help us to be righteous. Lord help me to leave a legacy that will glorify you.
1Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
OBSERVATION
This psalm gives us two keys to a blessed life. Is it really this simple? There have been hundreds of books written on having an abundant life. Motivational speakers charge you extraordinary amounts of money to come and hear them talk about being successful in life. God's favor towards people who fear him is very generous. The man who genuinely respects God, delights in his Word and follows his commandments will have wealth and riches in his home. What is the secret to finding God's favor? I believe God makes it simple to serve with a joyful heart. Find joy in following commands not just reading about them. Cheerful obedience is the only acceptable obedience. I want to serve God out of joy not grudgingly. I want to praise God because of who he is! I want to be a person who is remembered as someone who delighted in serving God with a joyful heart.
APPLICATION
I believe that studying the commandments is a good thing, but it is a great thing when we actually follow them. Self righteous men praise themselves, but the person who has been made righteous by the Lord's grace and goodness gives all praise to the Lord. I want my children to be strong leaders and influential in our community. I want them to be blessed and to remember God's favor is upon them because their father delighted in God's commandments. Even though the world is getting darker, God's light will shine upon us because we belong to him and we serve him with all our heart, mind and strength.
PRAYER
Lord teach us how to fear you and follow your commandments. Give us a joyful and obedient heart. I know you have promised us your favor, and I ask for you to bless us and our children. There are no riches that can rival your love. Prosperity and peace we pray will be poured out on those who serve you with cheerful hearts. Guide us in doing right and help us to be righteous. Lord help me to leave a legacy that will glorify you.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The
SCRIPTURE Psalms 93
OBSERVATION
Summer is always a great time to visit the coast and relax on the beach. It is relaxing to sit on the beach and just take in all the sounds of the waves crashing.
1 The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed in majesty
and is armed with strength.
The world is firmly established;
it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days, O LORD.
OBSERVATION
Summer is always a great time to visit the coast and relax on the beach. It is relaxing to sit on the beach and just take in all the sounds of the waves crashing.
It is amazing to see the waves crashing on the shore and against the rocks. Relaxing and taking in all the scenery is a great way to meditate on who God is. The ocean's power is great but God's power is mightier. I love walking on the beach and letting the waves crash on me, but sometimes the waves are more powerful than they look and can knock you down and take you in deeper than you wanted to go. Sometimes we forget that the God we serve is all mighty and he created everything. At anytime he can knock us down! I am reminded of God's presence when I look at the breakers. His presence can be overwhelming but he wants us to relax and enjoy his presence.
APPLICATION
I am aware of your mighty power and you are awesome! I am so glad that you have created this world for us and that you want us to enjoy your Holy Spirit. Your Spirit is powerful and can be overwhelming, but you are gentle as a dove with us. Thank you for wanting to spend time with us and helping us to know that we can relax in your presence. Let the peace that passes all understanding take over me today. Just as we love spending time at the beach I look forward spending time with the God who created it. Your so Majestic!
PRAYER
Lord even though I am not at the beach today I can enjoy your presence and relax. It is a wonderful feeling to know that at anytime I want I can sit with you the all mighty creator and see your beauty. You are so creative and and amazing. I pray that people who are looking for peace today will find it as turn to you. Please send your Spirit to those who are overwhelmed or who have stress today.
APPLICATION
I am aware of your mighty power and you are awesome! I am so glad that you have created this world for us and that you want us to enjoy your Holy Spirit. Your Spirit is powerful and can be overwhelming, but you are gentle as a dove with us. Thank you for wanting to spend time with us and helping us to know that we can relax in your presence. Let the peace that passes all understanding take over me today. Just as we love spending time at the beach I look forward spending time with the God who created it. Your so Majestic!
PRAYER
Lord even though I am not at the beach today I can enjoy your presence and relax. It is a wonderful feeling to know that at anytime I want I can sit with you the all mighty creator and see your beauty. You are so creative and and amazing. I pray that people who are looking for peace today will find it as turn to you. Please send your Spirit to those who are overwhelmed or who have stress today.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
American Idols
SCRIPTURE Psalms 96-1:6
Psalms 96 encourages us to declare his glory among the nations! As I read this Psalm I asked myself have I done what the Lord is asking me to do. Have I declared his glory to my neighborhood, community, country and other nations? I believe God is asking me to declare his praises not only here in our community but in the world. Telling people about his wonderful and marvelous deeds is easy when he has done so much for me! Although, it is easy to tell people in our community about his good works, it does take time, energy and money to go to the nations! Is this scripture only for missionaries who go out to other nations, or is God asking us to declare his praises as well?
APPLICATION
Today, we have the luxury of sitting in our home and getting on the Internet and chatting with people who live in London, Mexico or Brazil. We really do not have any excuse not to declare his praises. We can send emails out to Pastors who are working in orphanages. We can send money to help support missionaries. We can go on short term missionary projects. There are so many creative ways that we can declare his glory among the nations. When people from other nations think about America, do they think about all the Idols, Hollywood Stars, Fame and Fortune? Do people from other nations view Americans as people of praise who love God and worship the Majestic King of Kings. I believe this passage of scripture has encouraged me to do a better job of declaring his praises. If only people in my community know about God's wonderful deeds then maybe I need to declare his praise louder and more effectively.
PRAYER
Lord forgive me for not declaring your praises through out the nations. Lord you know that I love you and what others to know you. Teach me how to proclaim your salvation day to day. Lord I want others to know how great you are. Let me be your Ambassador to other nations. Send me Lord, to people who are longing to hear about your goodness and mercy. Thank you for your loving kindness and the Salvation you have brought to my family.
1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Psalms 96 encourages us to declare his glory among the nations! As I read this Psalm I asked myself have I done what the Lord is asking me to do. Have I declared his glory to my neighborhood, community, country and other nations? I believe God is asking me to declare his praises not only here in our community but in the world. Telling people about his wonderful and marvelous deeds is easy when he has done so much for me! Although, it is easy to tell people in our community about his good works, it does take time, energy and money to go to the nations! Is this scripture only for missionaries who go out to other nations, or is God asking us to declare his praises as well?
APPLICATION
Today, we have the luxury of sitting in our home and getting on the Internet and chatting with people who live in London, Mexico or Brazil. We really do not have any excuse not to declare his praises. We can send emails out to Pastors who are working in orphanages. We can send money to help support missionaries. We can go on short term missionary projects. There are so many creative ways that we can declare his glory among the nations. When people from other nations think about America, do they think about all the Idols, Hollywood Stars, Fame and Fortune? Do people from other nations view Americans as people of praise who love God and worship the Majestic King of Kings. I believe this passage of scripture has encouraged me to do a better job of declaring his praises. If only people in my community know about God's wonderful deeds then maybe I need to declare his praise louder and more effectively.
PRAYER
Lord forgive me for not declaring your praises through out the nations. Lord you know that I love you and what others to know you. Teach me how to proclaim your salvation day to day. Lord I want others to know how great you are. Let me be your Ambassador to other nations. Send me Lord, to people who are longing to hear about your goodness and mercy. Thank you for your loving kindness and the Salvation you have brought to my family.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A Fuitful LIfe
SCRIPTURE
John 15:1 ¶ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
John 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
John 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
John 15:5 ¶ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
OBSERVATION
Every true believer I have ever met has a desire to be fruitful. Every true believer I have encountered is grateful for a relationship with God that is based upon His decision to be our friend. (John 15:15) In this text we discover the importance of an ongoing relationship with God. In the context of this relationship, believers are able to produce fruit. Apart from a living relationship, you may be able to produce results in the strength of your flesh but you can’t bear fruit. When we do things in our own power, we are not merely handicapped or hindered but hopelessly paralyzed. We can do nothing of lasting value apart from Him. Relationship is key to everything! When we relate to God on an intimate basis and not merely as an acquaintance, He helps us develop and grow. It is not always easy or fun. There are times of pruning, breaking, adjusting, chastisement, cleansing and correction. The end product however, is a life that is pleasing and useful to God .
APPLICATION
What does it mean to abide in Christ? What are the signs of someone who is not taking advantage of this great privilege? How will I know I am abiding? Do I have any noticeable fruit that is being produced? Am I doing things in my own power or in the strength of His power? Is there anything that is unproductive in my life that needs to be pruned away?
Today, I am seeking God to help me find the answers to these questions. I am deciding to stay as closely connected to Jesus as I possibly can.
PRAYER
Lord, as I look at my life, I don’t see as much fruit as I would desire. Please help me produce more and much fruit so that others might taste of your goodness and be fed. (Ps 34:8)
May the fruit of my relationship with you be evident to all (1 Tim 4:15) and may you be pleased to use me in the extension of your Kingdom.
John 15:1 ¶ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
John 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
John 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
John 15:5 ¶ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
OBSERVATION
Every true believer I have ever met has a desire to be fruitful. Every true believer I have encountered is grateful for a relationship with God that is based upon His decision to be our friend. (John 15:15) In this text we discover the importance of an ongoing relationship with God. In the context of this relationship, believers are able to produce fruit. Apart from a living relationship, you may be able to produce results in the strength of your flesh but you can’t bear fruit. When we do things in our own power, we are not merely handicapped or hindered but hopelessly paralyzed. We can do nothing of lasting value apart from Him. Relationship is key to everything! When we relate to God on an intimate basis and not merely as an acquaintance, He helps us develop and grow. It is not always easy or fun. There are times of pruning, breaking, adjusting, chastisement, cleansing and correction. The end product however, is a life that is pleasing and useful to God .
APPLICATION
What does it mean to abide in Christ? What are the signs of someone who is not taking advantage of this great privilege? How will I know I am abiding? Do I have any noticeable fruit that is being produced? Am I doing things in my own power or in the strength of His power? Is there anything that is unproductive in my life that needs to be pruned away?
Today, I am seeking God to help me find the answers to these questions. I am deciding to stay as closely connected to Jesus as I possibly can.
PRAYER
Lord, as I look at my life, I don’t see as much fruit as I would desire. Please help me produce more and much fruit so that others might taste of your goodness and be fed. (Ps 34:8)
May the fruit of my relationship with you be evident to all (1 Tim 4:15) and may you be pleased to use me in the extension of your Kingdom.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Gifted to Serve
SCRIPTURE
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
OBSERVATION
Scripture says that each of us are given different gifts to benefit the body of Christ. We all play different roles, but work together to edify the body. The purpose of our gifting is to serve the body of Christ. This is not new, but rather a repeated and significant theme.
APPLICATION
Because this scripture has a repetitive theme, we should pay special attention. God has uniquely designed and gifted each one of us to play our own part in building up the church. We need to begin to step out in faith and operate more in the gifts of the Spirit as well as in the talents that the Lord has blessed us with for the benefit of the church.
PRAYER
Lord, I know you've given me my own special talents and gifts that you want me to use to build up, encourage, and minister to your people. I pray that you would give me the strength and boldness to begin stepping out in faith and operating in these giftings on a more regular basis.
Amen.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
OBSERVATION
Scripture says that each of us are given different gifts to benefit the body of Christ. We all play different roles, but work together to edify the body. The purpose of our gifting is to serve the body of Christ. This is not new, but rather a repeated and significant theme.
APPLICATION
Because this scripture has a repetitive theme, we should pay special attention. God has uniquely designed and gifted each one of us to play our own part in building up the church. We need to begin to step out in faith and operate more in the gifts of the Spirit as well as in the talents that the Lord has blessed us with for the benefit of the church.
PRAYER
Lord, I know you've given me my own special talents and gifts that you want me to use to build up, encourage, and minister to your people. I pray that you would give me the strength and boldness to begin stepping out in faith and operating in these giftings on a more regular basis.
Amen.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Called To Action
SCRIPTURE
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness...(7)To open the eyes that are blind, to free the captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:7)
OBSERVATION
This is a powerful scripture! The Lord has called us as believers into action, to reach in to the clutches of darkness and free those from the captivity of the enemy and to make those blind in the darkness of this world, to see.
APPLICATION
In verse 6, it says that God will take hold of our hand and keep us as we (6) free the captives and make the blind to see. We live in a world where the enemy does everything in his power to keep the light of the Word of God, the light of Christ, from reaching the spiritually blind. He does everything in his power to keep the truth of the Word of God from setting the captives free! God has called us to play a role in standing against the enemy to bring His truth and this light to the Lost that we come in contact with.
PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would give us strength as believers to do just that. Strength to stand against the enemy and his schemes so that we may bring light to the spiritually blind, and to bring the truth of your Word to those held captive in darkness because the truth will set them free! I thank you that you said you will hold our hand as we step out in obediance and do what you have asked us to do.
Amen.
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness...(7)To open the eyes that are blind, to free the captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:7)
OBSERVATION
This is a powerful scripture! The Lord has called us as believers into action, to reach in to the clutches of darkness and free those from the captivity of the enemy and to make those blind in the darkness of this world, to see.
APPLICATION
In verse 6, it says that God will take hold of our hand and keep us as we (6) free the captives and make the blind to see. We live in a world where the enemy does everything in his power to keep the light of the Word of God, the light of Christ, from reaching the spiritually blind. He does everything in his power to keep the truth of the Word of God from setting the captives free! God has called us to play a role in standing against the enemy to bring His truth and this light to the Lost that we come in contact with.
PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would give us strength as believers to do just that. Strength to stand against the enemy and his schemes so that we may bring light to the spiritually blind, and to bring the truth of your Word to those held captive in darkness because the truth will set them free! I thank you that you said you will hold our hand as we step out in obediance and do what you have asked us to do.
Amen.
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