SCRIPTURE
Job 15:32-34
“Like trees, they will be cut down in the prime of life;
their branches will never again be green.
They will be like a vine whose grapes are harvested too early,
Like an olive tree that loses its blossoms before the fruit can form.
For the godless are barren.
Their homes, enriched through bribery, will burn.
They conceive trouble and give birth to evil.Their womb produces deceit.”
OBSERVATION
As Job endured the worst time of his life, his “dear” friend, Eliphaz, blamed Job for his own misery. Righteous, learned men accused Job of fabricated flaws because they could not conceive a good man receiving so much undeserved wrath. Job must have reaped what he had sown. How many times do we hear that in church today- that we reap what we sow? How many times has Satan quoted that truth to us to prevent us from fulfilling our destiny? How many times do we smugly blame the unfortunate brother and sister for their misery without the full knowledge that God possesses about that life? Could it be that only suffering can produce the brokenness required for humbleness before God?
APPLICATION
My heart was seared when I read these verses in Job and I immediately sought out “safer” verses for today’s reading in Acts 19 & 20, but the Lord would not let me off the hook. Eliphaz may as well have been addressing me, not Job, because I have really felt I have been cut down in the prime of my life and that it was my fault. I have believed the false teaching that if I don’t respond to God’s call, He will discard me and use somebody else. So while I have battled on the enemy’s terms – being kept busy with despair, hopelessness and resignation, I have often given up and seen myself as second-had goods. I never quite seemed to measure up to where I thought I should be, or, at least, I could have held onto the good place I once was. I have felt that I was on the outside looking in - at the Beautiful Land just beyond my reach. Of course, Satan would quote scriptures and dutifully remind me that when God resists the proud there is no remedy. I readily agreed with my tormenter since the Lord told me as a new Christian that We would deal with pride. At that time I had been so battered and bruised by life I had no idea what He was talking about - but I never forgot what He said. So I didn’t recognize Satan’s condemning voice that sounded like so many other voices – my parents, the Catholic school nuns, my husbands and finally myself, until my sense of worth was gone. In addition, several years ago, I invited the Holy Spirit to remove pride from my heart until I was free from it. How hard could that be? Then God would just totally mess with my mindset, my worldview, my upbringing and the good teachings of churchiantiy. Without Him, I could have never realized that hopelessness, despair and resignation are all forms of pride. These “things” (or, more accurately, “spirits” because they have a life of their own) set themselves up as higher than God’s Word. So did that really mean God Himself is resisting me all the days of my life? Although, the enemy’s tormenting reminders caused me to “forget” Christ’s redemptive work on the cross on my behalf, God has never forgotten me. My God gently reminds me of my identity as His Chosen Daughter. My God is for me because I am for Him. When I display pride by going off my own way, He steps back until I “get it.” Then We continue on as I humbly accept forgiveness and resolve to be more vigilant. As I undergo God’s specialized training and discipline, He directs my steps since He has ordered them for me. Through today’s journaling I have realized that the missing element in my spiritual journey has been my agreement with God’s Word. Yes, I have read, yes, I have digested, confessed and believed God’s Word. I just have not believed the really terrific parts were for me. See what pride does? Who am I to say how, why or where God can use me? Even, if it’s for something bigger than I ever expected. Or something smaller. Wow.
PRAYER
Here I am Lord – it’s taken me a long time to get here, but here I am. I have asked you to forgive my same failures over and over again to the point where even I have gotten sick of hearing about them. I have finally realized that nothing is too big for You to forgive when true repentance is in my heart. Not only that, but some things I can’t ask forgiveness for because I don’t control outcomes of everything. You do. Who am I to get angry with You for not doing things the way I think You should? I am sorry for that, Lord. Your brain is better than mine – I should know that by now. It is my job to be obedient, even if the outcome for me is personally painful. Anything you ask of me is worth interrupting my comfort zone and plans. I’m just passing through here anyway. Thank you for not getting sick of me, or giving up on me. I am now living my life in the “believing zone.” I believe by Faith that each moment of my day is divinely orchestrated by You. I believe that the fire in my belly is about to erupt into a full Holy Ghost explosion that will impact my world by Your grace. Ready when You are, Lord. In Jesus’ Name.
Vicki Nelson
Worship Department - EasyWorship Operator
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Boldness
SCRIPTURE
Job 13-14; Acts 17-18
OBSERVATION
Job 13-14: It surprises me the boldness of Job in talking to his friends in the first part of chapter of 13; he truly shows his knowledge and wisdom of God. But as the chapter continues, when Job is supposed to be talking with God, you see him speaking more at God than to Him, and his boldness moves to a sort of whining and complaining before God. Haven't we all done this before? When describing God to unbelievers or those who would challenge our faith, haven’t we acted the same way? We get a boldness and sort of anger that rises up within us. But then when we stand before God in prayer we whine and cry like we don’t believe God will hear us. Where is our boldness then? should we not have the same boldness that we displayed earlier?
Acts 17-18: We see here how the Lord was using Paul to spread the word. Between the two chapters I love when Paul visits Athens and reasons with the philosophers there. Using their own idol as a door way through which he was able to speak to them concerning God, and his reasoning was so thorough that these philosophers invited him to return at another time and speak to them more about God.
APPLICATION
The Word says we are to approach God with boldness. All of Job's arguments to God are truthful, but they lack faith, and the word says that without faith it is impossible to please God. When praying let us ask God for the boldness and faith to stand before Him, for He gives without reserve. We must remember God is the Father of everything, and the True Father abounding in love.
PRAYER
I pray that God would use us so boldly and thoroughly. We should dig deeper into the scriptures and gain a deeper intimacy with God so that we can take advantage of the opportunities God sets before us. Let us wait upon the Lord and rest in His shadow.
Joel Hendrick
Worship Team - Electric Guitar
Job 13-14; Acts 17-18
OBSERVATION
Job 13-14: It surprises me the boldness of Job in talking to his friends in the first part of chapter of 13; he truly shows his knowledge and wisdom of God. But as the chapter continues, when Job is supposed to be talking with God, you see him speaking more at God than to Him, and his boldness moves to a sort of whining and complaining before God. Haven't we all done this before? When describing God to unbelievers or those who would challenge our faith, haven’t we acted the same way? We get a boldness and sort of anger that rises up within us. But then when we stand before God in prayer we whine and cry like we don’t believe God will hear us. Where is our boldness then? should we not have the same boldness that we displayed earlier?
Acts 17-18: We see here how the Lord was using Paul to spread the word. Between the two chapters I love when Paul visits Athens and reasons with the philosophers there. Using their own idol as a door way through which he was able to speak to them concerning God, and his reasoning was so thorough that these philosophers invited him to return at another time and speak to them more about God.
APPLICATION
The Word says we are to approach God with boldness. All of Job's arguments to God are truthful, but they lack faith, and the word says that without faith it is impossible to please God. When praying let us ask God for the boldness and faith to stand before Him, for He gives without reserve. We must remember God is the Father of everything, and the True Father abounding in love.
PRAYER
I pray that God would use us so boldly and thoroughly. We should dig deeper into the scriptures and gain a deeper intimacy with God so that we can take advantage of the opportunities God sets before us. Let us wait upon the Lord and rest in His shadow.
Joel Hendrick
Worship Team - Electric Guitar
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Inspiring Women of the Bible
SCRIPTURE
Acts 16:13-15
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
OBSERVATION
One of the most amazing things about the Book of Acts is that it reads like a movie script! A good story must have good characters, and the Book of Acts is full of them! The person of Lydia has long inspired me because she is a business owner, a leader of her household, a worshiper and a good hostess to visitors to her home. Another striking thing about this passage is that Paul, Silas and Timothy are speaking to the women gathered at the river. They saw women as being equally in need of hearing the Gospel. In Jewish tradition, women were usually separated from the men in synagogue. Not so, in this case.
APPLICATION
This passage reminds me of the eagerness of the Gentiles to do what is right to please the Lord. Lydia is a worshiper and a believer. There is no guile in her attitude toward Christ. She is an inspiration.
PRAYER
Father God, thank you for inspiring men to write about all kinds of people in the Bible. Their stories inspire me and give me hope that I can live a life full of You despite the troubles of the world. Thank you for giving us Your Word and these men and women of God who were eager to spread the good news of Jesus Christ! Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department - Woodwinds/Keyboard
Acts 16:13-15
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
OBSERVATION
One of the most amazing things about the Book of Acts is that it reads like a movie script! A good story must have good characters, and the Book of Acts is full of them! The person of Lydia has long inspired me because she is a business owner, a leader of her household, a worshiper and a good hostess to visitors to her home. Another striking thing about this passage is that Paul, Silas and Timothy are speaking to the women gathered at the river. They saw women as being equally in need of hearing the Gospel. In Jewish tradition, women were usually separated from the men in synagogue. Not so, in this case.
APPLICATION
This passage reminds me of the eagerness of the Gentiles to do what is right to please the Lord. Lydia is a worshiper and a believer. There is no guile in her attitude toward Christ. She is an inspiration.
PRAYER
Father God, thank you for inspiring men to write about all kinds of people in the Bible. Their stories inspire me and give me hope that I can live a life full of You despite the troubles of the world. Thank you for giving us Your Word and these men and women of God who were eager to spread the good news of Jesus Christ! Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department - Woodwinds/Keyboard
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
We Must Continue In The Faith
SCRIPTURE
Acts 14:22
"Strengthen the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
OBSERVATION
This verse plainly says to us that we MUST go through many trials, the testing ground to the growth of our faith. We need to strongly urge each other in the midst of trouble to not give up and keep our eyes on the prize, entering the Kingdom of God.
APPLICATION
The sharing of our lives with other believers is crucial, so that we can encourage each other to keep going and not give up. If you don’t have a small group to share your life with, join one. These groups play an important role in our Christian walk. Iron sharpens iron.
PRAYER
Lord I ask for encouragement to those who are going through trials. You said you will never leave us nor forsake us and that your burden is light. Give us strength to overcome the trial laid before us. That our faith may grow and that our testimony will help others. Help us to keep our eye on the prize which is entering the Kingdom of God. Amen
David Ketz
Worship Team - Drums/Acoustic Guitar
Acts 14:22
"Strengthen the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
OBSERVATION
This verse plainly says to us that we MUST go through many trials, the testing ground to the growth of our faith. We need to strongly urge each other in the midst of trouble to not give up and keep our eyes on the prize, entering the Kingdom of God.
APPLICATION
The sharing of our lives with other believers is crucial, so that we can encourage each other to keep going and not give up. If you don’t have a small group to share your life with, join one. These groups play an important role in our Christian walk. Iron sharpens iron.
PRAYER
Lord I ask for encouragement to those who are going through trials. You said you will never leave us nor forsake us and that your burden is light. Give us strength to overcome the trial laid before us. That our faith may grow and that our testimony will help others. Help us to keep our eye on the prize which is entering the Kingdom of God. Amen
David Ketz
Worship Team - Drums/Acoustic Guitar
Monday, October 20, 2008
Open My Eyes
SCRIPTURE
Acts 12:7-11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.
OBSERVATION
God sent an angel to go and rescue Peter, the angel even struck Peter and he thought he was having a vision! It wasn't until he was fully rescued that he finally "woke up" and realized the miracle that God did for him!
APPLICATION
How often do I seek the Lord asking for favor in the midst of my own "prison" and totally miss the hand of the Lord, thinking that it was something else somehow working in my life?
PRAYER
Father, thank you so much for working in our lives even when we are asleep. Lord, wake us up! Your hand is always upon us, and yet we seem to be walking around in a daze. Forgive us Lord for not realizing your miraculous works, let us be ever mindful to be aware of your greatness and your loving hand upon our lives. Thank you God for rescuing me. Amen
Valarie Kerns
Worship Team - Soprano
Acts 12:7-11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.
OBSERVATION
God sent an angel to go and rescue Peter, the angel even struck Peter and he thought he was having a vision! It wasn't until he was fully rescued that he finally "woke up" and realized the miracle that God did for him!
APPLICATION
How often do I seek the Lord asking for favor in the midst of my own "prison" and totally miss the hand of the Lord, thinking that it was something else somehow working in my life?
PRAYER
Father, thank you so much for working in our lives even when we are asleep. Lord, wake us up! Your hand is always upon us, and yet we seem to be walking around in a daze. Forgive us Lord for not realizing your miraculous works, let us be ever mindful to be aware of your greatness and your loving hand upon our lives. Thank you God for rescuing me. Amen
Valarie Kerns
Worship Team - Soprano
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Fight or Flight
SCRIPTURE
Acts 8:1 … ¶ On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
OBSERVATION
As I read Acts chapter 8 I am reminded that there is an enemy who does not want you and me to grow. John 10 tells us that he has come to steal and kill and destroy. Take note of two other scriptures that remind us of this fact:
1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
This truth might be daunting at first glance but we must never forget that Jesus has ‘overcome’ the world. If we resist the enemy in the strength of Jesus, the good news - no the GREAT news is this: the evil one must flee.
James 4:7 ¶ Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
NEVER GIVE UP. We have victory in Christ.
APPLICATION
As I go through this day, I am going to look back and not ahead. I am going to look back to the cross where the enemy was defeated. I can have victory because his downfall is already an accomplished fact. I decide to rejoice today not for the trials I go through
but in the midst of all my trials, God is accomplishing an eternal work.
PRAYER
Lord, may our lives release your power over the enemy and may you help us close every door where he has established a foothold in our lives.
Acts 8:1 … ¶ On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
OBSERVATION
As I read Acts chapter 8 I am reminded that there is an enemy who does not want you and me to grow. John 10 tells us that he has come to steal and kill and destroy. Take note of two other scriptures that remind us of this fact:
1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
This truth might be daunting at first glance but we must never forget that Jesus has ‘overcome’ the world. If we resist the enemy in the strength of Jesus, the good news - no the GREAT news is this: the evil one must flee.
James 4:7 ¶ Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
NEVER GIVE UP. We have victory in Christ.
APPLICATION
As I go through this day, I am going to look back and not ahead. I am going to look back to the cross where the enemy was defeated. I can have victory because his downfall is already an accomplished fact. I decide to rejoice today not for the trials I go through
but in the midst of all my trials, God is accomplishing an eternal work.
PRAYER
Lord, may our lives release your power over the enemy and may you help us close every door where he has established a foothold in our lives.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Visiting the Past
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
