SCRIPTURE
Acts 6:2-3
To this he replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 3'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.
OBSERVATION
Stephen begins to give a discourse on the history of God’s people and how He led them throughout their lifetime. I note this because history is very important to all of us who have a desire to grow in Jesus. You can’t get to where you want to go unless you know where you have been. As we learn from our past, we can avoid many pitfalls in our present. Hindsight is great if you learn from your failures. Many times I have been encouraged because I took time to remember and reflect upon God’s faithfulness to me. It can do the same for you as well. God’s faithfulness in our past inspires us to keep moving ahead with great hope. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul talks about moving ahead and leaving the past behind. He is focusing, however, on those people who choose to live in the past and not the present. I am talking about visiting the past and remembering God’s goodness. Let’s live in the present but visit the past mercies of God - often!
APPLICATION
I am going to take some time today to reflect upon God’s goodness. If you are like me, you may need to actually schedule an appointment with Jesus. Time is precious and a day can speed by without getting around to the important things in life. Spending time with Jesus is more important than we can realize.
PRAYER
Lord, as I remember your faithfulness, may you help me to be faithful to you in all things. I desire to please you in all I do.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Truth or Consequences
SCRIPTURE
Acts 5:1 ¶ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:3 ¶ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.
OBSERVATION
Studies tell us that most people lie to others once or twice a day and deceive up to 30 people a week. 86 percent of children lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends and 69 percent to spouses. 10,000,000 people lie to the IRS each year. - 70% of all doctors lie to insurance companies. Amazing isn’t it? If you are like Peter you may want to ask: What causes people to lie. Four reasons come to mind.
To PROTECT something or someone. To PROJECT a better self image. To PUNISH a person or to OBTAIN something that you could not get otherwise. Anaias and Sapphira wanted to look good in the eyes of others. What a tragic end when you don’t live in accordance with the truth.
APPLICATION
Truth will help a person even though it may hurt but a lie will lead them to death. Listen to these lies that will destroy your life: You can’t be happy unless everyone likes you. You can’t be happy unless you have a lot of money. Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength. I have no options - There is no way out. I am the only one with this problem. God’s love and favor depend on my behavior. God uses only spiritual giants. Having true faith means waiting for God to help me while doing nothing until He does. I am a Christian and should not have any difficulties because Jesus is on my side. These are just a few lies that have been devastated the lives of many. May we commit ourselves to the truth because it sets people free.
PRAYER
O Lord, help us to walk in honesty so that we might please you in all we do
Acts 5:1 ¶ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:3 ¶ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.
OBSERVATION
Studies tell us that most people lie to others once or twice a day and deceive up to 30 people a week. 86 percent of children lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends and 69 percent to spouses. 10,000,000 people lie to the IRS each year. - 70% of all doctors lie to insurance companies. Amazing isn’t it? If you are like Peter you may want to ask: What causes people to lie. Four reasons come to mind.
To PROTECT something or someone. To PROJECT a better self image. To PUNISH a person or to OBTAIN something that you could not get otherwise. Anaias and Sapphira wanted to look good in the eyes of others. What a tragic end when you don’t live in accordance with the truth.
APPLICATION
Truth will help a person even though it may hurt but a lie will lead them to death. Listen to these lies that will destroy your life: You can’t be happy unless everyone likes you. You can’t be happy unless you have a lot of money. Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength. I have no options - There is no way out. I am the only one with this problem. God’s love and favor depend on my behavior. God uses only spiritual giants. Having true faith means waiting for God to help me while doing nothing until He does. I am a Christian and should not have any difficulties because Jesus is on my side. These are just a few lies that have been devastated the lives of many. May we commit ourselves to the truth because it sets people free.
PRAYER
O Lord, help us to walk in honesty so that we might please you in all we do
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I'm With HIM!
SCRIPTURE
Acts 4:13 ¶ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
OBSERVATION
When a person spends time with Jesus, it shows!
There is something transferred from one to another when true ‘koinonia’ happens on a regular basis.
Someone made the observation that the friends you have will determine the direction you take. If you want to know where you will be in five years, take a look at the friends you have now. 1 Cor 15:33.
When Jesus is your friend and you meet together often, don’t be surprised when people ‘take note’ and see HIM working through your life. You become a reflection of Him. 2 Cor 3:18
APPLICATION
Today I am deciding to spend some quality, one on one time with the greatest friend anyone could ever have. (John 15:15) This means I will need to withdraw from the crowds and get alone with Jesus. If you are to do the same, you must begin to prioritize each and every hour of your day. It is so easy to get caught up in urgent matters and miss the important things of life. Jesus is most important!
PRAYER
O Lord, thank you for changing us and making us more like you. May you continue to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves.
Acts 4:13 ¶ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
OBSERVATION
When a person spends time with Jesus, it shows!
There is something transferred from one to another when true ‘koinonia’ happens on a regular basis.
Someone made the observation that the friends you have will determine the direction you take. If you want to know where you will be in five years, take a look at the friends you have now. 1 Cor 15:33.
When Jesus is your friend and you meet together often, don’t be surprised when people ‘take note’ and see HIM working through your life. You become a reflection of Him. 2 Cor 3:18
APPLICATION
Today I am deciding to spend some quality, one on one time with the greatest friend anyone could ever have. (John 15:15) This means I will need to withdraw from the crowds and get alone with Jesus. If you are to do the same, you must begin to prioritize each and every hour of your day. It is so easy to get caught up in urgent matters and miss the important things of life. Jesus is most important!
PRAYER
O Lord, thank you for changing us and making us more like you. May you continue to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Broken but not Broke
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.
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.
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.
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