SCRIPTURE
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God
OBSERVATION
Have you ever reached a point when you had nothing? Not enough money to buy a cup of coffee? ‘Broke’ as some would say? It’s not a good feeling is it? The disciples were at that place but they discovered a truth. When material things run dry, you still have a reserve tank full of resources that will carry you through the most difficult times. You may be ‘broke’ financially but God is looking for a ‘broken’ and ‘contrite’ heart. When he finds that, He can do great things. Psalms. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
APPLICATION
In this season of financial instability, I am deciding to depend upon His resources and not my own. When I don’t have money, I will rejoice. When I am broke, I will develop a contrite heart, when I have nothing to give, I will allow Him to give His gifts through me.
PRAYER
O Lord, even as you gave this man in Acts 3 the ability to walk in your strength, please give us the strength to walk in your ways and depend upon you for all our needs. Help us to walk before you with great joy and confidence. Psalms 1.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome
SCRIPTURE Nehemiah 4:13-15
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work.
OBSERVATION
Nehemiah placed families around the wall as they worked to rebuild it. The enemy was trying to intimidate date and harass them while the worked. The command that Nehemiah gave them was, "Don't be afraid of them." Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome. So many times we forget that if God is for us, then who can be against us. Psalms 3:6 states even if there are thousands against you, God will still deliver you from your enemies. The families went back to work when they were reminded of how great God is! We will loose the battle if we get our eyes off of God and on to all of our problems that Satan brings our way. There have been several times that I felt like giving up and saying, "how are we going to make it through this battle." Crisis after Crisis God has gave us Victory!
APPLICATION
I want to continue to trust in you Lord. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the work that you have put before me. Sometimes, the battles seem too fierce. Sometimes, I can't see past the crises or dilemmas that I am going through. Please send your Holy Spirit to remind me that you are an Awesome God. Remind me of the past victories you have given me. Remind me of how good you have been to me. Remind me of the promises you have given me. Remind me of who you are and remind Satan of his future. Teach me how to work and use the sword of the Spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that you will give me the will to fight not by might nor by power but by the Spirit. I know that Nehemiah had to face his fears and feelings of being overwhelmed! I pray that today you will break the spirit of fear and the spirit of harassment in our lives today. Teach how to live victoriously and help us to complete the work that is before us. Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." I pray today that you will frustrate the enemies plans and give us success in all that we face. I pray for my brothers, my sons & daughters, my wife and home. Protect us today!
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work.
OBSERVATION
Nehemiah placed families around the wall as they worked to rebuild it. The enemy was trying to intimidate date and harass them while the worked. The command that Nehemiah gave them was, "Don't be afraid of them." Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome. So many times we forget that if God is for us, then who can be against us. Psalms 3:6 states even if there are thousands against you, God will still deliver you from your enemies. The families went back to work when they were reminded of how great God is! We will loose the battle if we get our eyes off of God and on to all of our problems that Satan brings our way. There have been several times that I felt like giving up and saying, "how are we going to make it through this battle." Crisis after Crisis God has gave us Victory!
APPLICATION
I want to continue to trust in you Lord. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the work that you have put before me. Sometimes, the battles seem too fierce. Sometimes, I can't see past the crises or dilemmas that I am going through. Please send your Holy Spirit to remind me that you are an Awesome God. Remind me of the past victories you have given me. Remind me of how good you have been to me. Remind me of the promises you have given me. Remind me of who you are and remind Satan of his future. Teach me how to work and use the sword of the Spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that you will give me the will to fight not by might nor by power but by the Spirit. I know that Nehemiah had to face his fears and feelings of being overwhelmed! I pray that today you will break the spirit of fear and the spirit of harassment in our lives today. Teach how to live victoriously and help us to complete the work that is before us. Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." I pray today that you will frustrate the enemies plans and give us success in all that we face. I pray for my brothers, my sons & daughters, my wife and home. Protect us today!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Repent
SCRIPTURE Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah's Prayer 1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
3 They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
OBSERVATION
Today on the Jewish calendar it is a High Holy Day. Today is Yom Kipper. also known in English as the Day of Atonement, it is the most solemn and important of the Jewish Holidays Its central themes are atonement and repentance Jews traditionally observe this High Holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer. They confess their sins and intercede for others on this day. The reading for today's Life Journal gives Nehemiah's prayer to us to review and also to make it our own prayer. Today is a good day to ask for forgiveness! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We know that God is full of grace and has given his only begotten son to die for our sins so that we may have life. I am so glad that Jesus made atonement for us and that I can come before God everyday to ask for his mercy. I confess that I am a sinner and I have wronged many people.
APPLICATION
I believe, that Nehemiah prayed this prayer because he felt the conviction of God. God wants us to come into his presence, confess our sins and ask for his forgiveness. As a child, I remember praying every night before going to bed and saying my prayers. I remember asking God to forgive me for the sins that I committed that day and to protect us during the night. As an Adult, I confess that I have not stayed with the same routine. Now, that I have children I have been teaching them how to go before God each night and ask him to forgive them for their sins. It seems like we are always in a hurry and we take little time to say prayers. The average American prays less than 15 minutes of prayer. We often times skip over the repentance part. We say a 5 minute "Morning prayer", a 5 minute "Dinner prayer" and a 5 minute "Lay me down to sleep prayer". I think as a family we need to take more time out to genuinely pray for repentance and God's forgiveness.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray to you today that you will forgive me of all my sins. You know exactly the things I should of done or things that I did wrong. You know every time that I have failed you and have chosen to go my own way. Lord I pray that you will forgive me for my attitude and unwillingness to be more like you. I confess to you that I need your help so that I can be more like you. I am a sinner in need of a savior. I have wronged people and have not loved them the way that you wanted me to. Forgive me for my selfish desires and laziness. Please teach me how to live a righteous life that I may be pleasing to you. I pray for our nation and my father's house. Forgive us for the wickedness in our land. We have not followed your commands, decrees, and laws. We have ignored your Holy Spirit's guiding and we have rejected his directions. We pray that you will forgive us today Lord.
Nehemiah's Prayer 1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
3 They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
OBSERVATION
Today on the Jewish calendar it is a High Holy Day. Today is Yom Kipper. also known in English as the Day of Atonement, it is the most solemn and important of the Jewish Holidays Its central themes are atonement and repentance Jews traditionally observe this High Holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer. They confess their sins and intercede for others on this day. The reading for today's Life Journal gives Nehemiah's prayer to us to review and also to make it our own prayer. Today is a good day to ask for forgiveness! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We know that God is full of grace and has given his only begotten son to die for our sins so that we may have life. I am so glad that Jesus made atonement for us and that I can come before God everyday to ask for his mercy. I confess that I am a sinner and I have wronged many people.
APPLICATION
I believe, that Nehemiah prayed this prayer because he felt the conviction of God. God wants us to come into his presence, confess our sins and ask for his forgiveness. As a child, I remember praying every night before going to bed and saying my prayers. I remember asking God to forgive me for the sins that I committed that day and to protect us during the night. As an Adult, I confess that I have not stayed with the same routine. Now, that I have children I have been teaching them how to go before God each night and ask him to forgive them for their sins. It seems like we are always in a hurry and we take little time to say prayers. The average American prays less than 15 minutes of prayer. We often times skip over the repentance part. We say a 5 minute "Morning prayer", a 5 minute "Dinner prayer" and a 5 minute "Lay me down to sleep prayer". I think as a family we need to take more time out to genuinely pray for repentance and God's forgiveness.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray to you today that you will forgive me of all my sins. You know exactly the things I should of done or things that I did wrong. You know every time that I have failed you and have chosen to go my own way. Lord I pray that you will forgive me for my attitude and unwillingness to be more like you. I confess to you that I need your help so that I can be more like you. I am a sinner in need of a savior. I have wronged people and have not loved them the way that you wanted me to. Forgive me for my selfish desires and laziness. Please teach me how to live a righteous life that I may be pleasing to you. I pray for our nation and my father's house. Forgive us for the wickedness in our land. We have not followed your commands, decrees, and laws. We have ignored your Holy Spirit's guiding and we have rejected his directions. We pray that you will forgive us today Lord.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Put your hope in the Lord
SCRIPTURE
Psalms 131
1 My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
OBSERVATION
King David knew when to rely on God's power and his hope was in God. This psalm is short and to the point. We all need to rest in God's presence and know that he is going to take care of us. Even though, King David was a mighty man and had every right to feel like he was something great, he did not take pride into his heart. He realized that God is the only person that could come to his rescue. God came to his rescue time after time, in every battle and every situation he faced. David knew how to rest in God's presence, like a child who knows that his mother is the only one who has nurtured him and protected him. God raised him up to be a mighty man and nurtured him along the way. So many times, I forget that God has helped me to get where I am today! He knows the hardship and trials that I have faced and he has helped me to put my hope in him. I know that without his hand of protection and provision I would have lost my way.
APPLICATION
David states that his heart is not proud and his eyes are not haughty. David knew where he originated from before he was anointed King. David was just a poor shepherd boy with no real purpose with out God's anointing. David knew that without God he was nothing and without God's nurturing he would of not survived. I want to walk in a way that shows humility and dependence upon God. I want to be like David who was able to quite his soul knowing that God will continue to lead, guide and sustain him.
PRAYER
Lord, I put my hope in you this morning knowing that you will continue to sustain me and my family. I know that you have given me your word and promises that I can trust in. Lord teach me how to walk the way David did. He knew that you were his only hope in time of trouble. Please continue to help me rest in your presence and quite my soul before you as I meditate on your goodness. You are always there for us and we can find joy knowing that you will be with us forever.
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.
OBSERVATION
King David knew when to rely on God's power and his hope was in God. This psalm is short and to the point. We all need to rest in God's presence and know that he is going to take care of us. Even though, King David was a mighty man and had every right to feel like he was something great, he did not take pride into his heart. He realized that God is the only person that could come to his rescue. God came to his rescue time after time, in every battle and every situation he faced. David knew how to rest in God's presence, like a child who knows that his mother is the only one who has nurtured him and protected him. God raised him up to be a mighty man and nurtured him along the way. So many times, I forget that God has helped me to get where I am today! He knows the hardship and trials that I have faced and he has helped me to put my hope in him. I know that without his hand of protection and provision I would have lost my way.
APPLICATION
David states that his heart is not proud and his eyes are not haughty. David knew where he originated from before he was anointed King. David was just a poor shepherd boy with no real purpose with out God's anointing. David knew that without God he was nothing and without God's nurturing he would of not survived. I want to walk in a way that shows humility and dependence upon God. I want to be like David who was able to quite his soul knowing that God will continue to lead, guide and sustain him.
PRAYER
Lord, I put my hope in you this morning knowing that you will continue to sustain me and my family. I know that you have given me your word and promises that I can trust in. Lord teach me how to walk the way David did. He knew that you were his only hope in time of trouble. Please continue to help me rest in your presence and quite my soul before you as I meditate on your goodness. You are always there for us and we can find joy knowing that you will be with us forever.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
20/20 Vision
SCRIPTURE
Luke 20:20 -26 The pharisees tried to trap Jesus regarding money. They asked him a question that they thought they could trap him in. They asked him, " Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar? Jesus took this question and turned it into a Spiritual teaching. Jesus asked them to pull out a denarius and tell him what image was on the coin. They responded by stating Caesar's image. He responded by stating, " Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's.
OBSERVATION
Jesus stated that the coin was made in Caesar's image and we are created in God's image. We belong to God. In Genesis 1:27 it states that man was created in his own image, in his own image he created male and female! We belong to God because he is our creator. God does not make mistakes he has created you either male or female. He is the one who decides how you are made. He is the artist, the sculptor and he has designed you perfectly. When you look in the mirror today realize that God loves you.
APPLICATION
I am so thankful that God made me the way that I am. He knows all my faults and failures but he also knows my strengths. He is has patience with me and know that the work that he started he will complete. So many times we get depressed or worried that we do not measure up to his expectations. I am glad that he is not finished with me. I am a work in progress!
PRAYER
Lord thank you for creating me in your image. Teach me how to be more like you. I want others to see you through me, so I pray that you will help me reflect who you are. I pray you will teach me how to bring glory to you. You are our creator and we give you praise.
Luke 20:20 -26 The pharisees tried to trap Jesus regarding money. They asked him a question that they thought they could trap him in. They asked him, " Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar? Jesus took this question and turned it into a Spiritual teaching. Jesus asked them to pull out a denarius and tell him what image was on the coin. They responded by stating Caesar's image. He responded by stating, " Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's.
OBSERVATION
Jesus stated that the coin was made in Caesar's image and we are created in God's image. We belong to God. In Genesis 1:27 it states that man was created in his own image, in his own image he created male and female! We belong to God because he is our creator. God does not make mistakes he has created you either male or female. He is the one who decides how you are made. He is the artist, the sculptor and he has designed you perfectly. When you look in the mirror today realize that God loves you.
APPLICATION
I am so thankful that God made me the way that I am. He knows all my faults and failures but he also knows my strengths. He is has patience with me and know that the work that he started he will complete. So many times we get depressed or worried that we do not measure up to his expectations. I am glad that he is not finished with me. I am a work in progress!
PRAYER
Lord thank you for creating me in your image. Teach me how to be more like you. I want others to see you through me, so I pray that you will help me reflect who you are. I pray you will teach me how to bring glory to you. You are our creator and we give you praise.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Faith Healing
SCRIPTURE
Arise, and go your way. Your faith has made you well.
OBSERVATION
This is an amazing verse because Jesus tells this Smaritan that his faith is the reason for his healing. There are other instances in scripture where Christ heals out of compassion, and of course, others where the person's faith brings about healing. This scripture seems especially significant because of the relationship beteween Jews and Samaritans at this time. Despite the turmoil beteween the two cultures, this Samaritan had enough faith in the "King of the Jews" to be healed!
APPLICATION
Faith...
Faith is something that cannot be asked for. The word says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. I want to have this kind of faith, and even on a larger scale! It would be amazing to say to someone bound in a wheelchair, "Arise in Jesus name and walk! Sense faith comes by hearing the Word of God, the more time I spend in His Word, the more my faith will grow!
PRAYER
Father, I pray that in my quiet time with you, when I am in your Word, that you would grow my faith by hearing your Word. I want to have a lifestyle of faith! Faith for healing, faith for provision, and faith for giving beyond my means!
Amen
Arise, and go your way. Your faith has made you well.
OBSERVATION
This is an amazing verse because Jesus tells this Smaritan that his faith is the reason for his healing. There are other instances in scripture where Christ heals out of compassion, and of course, others where the person's faith brings about healing. This scripture seems especially significant because of the relationship beteween Jews and Samaritans at this time. Despite the turmoil beteween the two cultures, this Samaritan had enough faith in the "King of the Jews" to be healed!
APPLICATION
Faith...
Faith is something that cannot be asked for. The word says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. I want to have this kind of faith, and even on a larger scale! It would be amazing to say to someone bound in a wheelchair, "Arise in Jesus name and walk! Sense faith comes by hearing the Word of God, the more time I spend in His Word, the more my faith will grow!
PRAYER
Father, I pray that in my quiet time with you, when I am in your Word, that you would grow my faith by hearing your Word. I want to have a lifestyle of faith! Faith for healing, faith for provision, and faith for giving beyond my means!
Amen
Friday, October 3, 2008
I do believe!
SCRIPTURE
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- Do not abandon the works of your hands. (Ps. 138:8)
OBSERVATION
Here, in chapter 138, David is reflecting on the goodness, faithfulness, and love of the Lord. It's interesting to see how in verse 8, David knows that the Lord will fulfill his purpose for David's life, yet his ending request is for the Lord not to abandon the works of his hands!
APPLICATION
I feel like this sometimes. I know what the Lord can do and I know what the Lord has said that he would do. Instead of continuing to pray for something that he's already said that he would do, I need to continue to rest in the assurance that he will do it, and in prayer, give thanks for whatever it is that he said that he would do instead of repeatedly requesting the same thing! It's like the father who was asking Jesus for healing for his son who was being tormented by a Demon (Mark 9). Jesus said everything is possible for those who believe. The father responds, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.
PRAYER
Father, help me overcome my unbelief! I do know that you are able to do all things, and that your purposes will be fulfilled in my life. Help me to rest in that assurance and trust in you fully.
Amen
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- Do not abandon the works of your hands. (Ps. 138:8)
OBSERVATION
Here, in chapter 138, David is reflecting on the goodness, faithfulness, and love of the Lord. It's interesting to see how in verse 8, David knows that the Lord will fulfill his purpose for David's life, yet his ending request is for the Lord not to abandon the works of his hands!
APPLICATION
I feel like this sometimes. I know what the Lord can do and I know what the Lord has said that he would do. Instead of continuing to pray for something that he's already said that he would do, I need to continue to rest in the assurance that he will do it, and in prayer, give thanks for whatever it is that he said that he would do instead of repeatedly requesting the same thing! It's like the father who was asking Jesus for healing for his son who was being tormented by a Demon (Mark 9). Jesus said everything is possible for those who believe. The father responds, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.
PRAYER
Father, help me overcome my unbelief! I do know that you are able to do all things, and that your purposes will be fulfilled in my life. Help me to rest in that assurance and trust in you fully.
Amen
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