SCRIPTURE
Judges 10:16 "Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could not bear Israel's misery no longer."
OBSERVATION
My first observation when I read this was, they don't deserve God's mercy. After they turned away from Him so many times and served other gods, even after He showed them so many miracles! But then I looked at myself and realized that I don't deserve His mercy either. How much time have spent with false gods? How many times have I turn to something other then that true God for comfort, answers, or even entertainment. Although my sin might not be the same as the Israelites, they still travel down the same path away from God.d.
APPLICATION
My application is to do exactly what the Israelites did. They "got rid of the foreign gods and served the Lord." They served the Lord BEFORE they knew He would have mercy on them. He had just told them in few verses prier, that He would not save them. But they were now very aware of their sin, and knew that God deserve to be served regardless if His blessings fell on them. I am very aware of the foreign gods I have had in my life. I am very aware of the damage they have, and can produce if I don't get rid of them for good!
PRAYER
Father, You are fully aware of the sin in my life that I choose to keep. Lord, I know that sin is a choice, and I choose TODAY to get rid of the foreign gods in my life. I know that, just like the Israelites, I don't deserve your mercy. Just like the Israelites I will serve You because despite who I am, you want me to serve you. Father I ask for forgiveness for serving other gods in my life, when you deserve every cell of my body, mind, and soul to serve and love only You. I love you Lord, and thank you for wiping my slate clean once again.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Never Quit by Donna Howard
SCRIPTURE
Judges 8:4 NLT
Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his three hundred men, and though they were exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy.
OBSERVATION
Gideon and his 300 men had just finished confronting the Midianites. God had caused the enemy camp to be thrown into confusion so these few men could defeat them. They had been up all night, had marched down to the valley and now the enemy was fleeing. Most would say that was a good nights work and now they could rest. However, Gideon and his men continued to pursue because he realized it wasn’t enough to just scatter the enemy, they must be totally destroyed.
APPLICATION
There have been times when I’ve realized the enemy had gotten a foothold in my life and some type of action needed to be taken. I would start to pray and do battle against the enemy until I felt a measure of relief. “Ah, this freedom feels good” I would say, not realizing I had just scattered the enemy for a while and had not destroyed his foothold. The enemy would just wait for a more opportune time to continue his assault.
Battle is hard work. Not having served in the armed forces or in a war I can’t imagine the bone weary fatigue that is a part of warfare. I do know that I want to quit long before the war is won. I guess that’s part of my human nature. But God in His graciousness tells me, as He did Gideon, “I will be with you and I will give you victory”. He reminds me again and again, “Don’t quit before the enemy is totally destroyed. I will give you the strength needed to complete the battle.”
PRAYER
Lord, Thank you that you don’t give up on me as quickly as I give up the fight. Give me the strength it takes to battle for total freedom in my life. Help me to continually dress myself in the whole Armor of God as found in Ephesians 6.
Judges 8:4 NLT
Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his three hundred men, and though they were exhausted, they continued to chase the enemy.
OBSERVATION
Gideon and his 300 men had just finished confronting the Midianites. God had caused the enemy camp to be thrown into confusion so these few men could defeat them. They had been up all night, had marched down to the valley and now the enemy was fleeing. Most would say that was a good nights work and now they could rest. However, Gideon and his men continued to pursue because he realized it wasn’t enough to just scatter the enemy, they must be totally destroyed.
APPLICATION
There have been times when I’ve realized the enemy had gotten a foothold in my life and some type of action needed to be taken. I would start to pray and do battle against the enemy until I felt a measure of relief. “Ah, this freedom feels good” I would say, not realizing I had just scattered the enemy for a while and had not destroyed his foothold. The enemy would just wait for a more opportune time to continue his assault.
Battle is hard work. Not having served in the armed forces or in a war I can’t imagine the bone weary fatigue that is a part of warfare. I do know that I want to quit long before the war is won. I guess that’s part of my human nature. But God in His graciousness tells me, as He did Gideon, “I will be with you and I will give you victory”. He reminds me again and again, “Don’t quit before the enemy is totally destroyed. I will give you the strength needed to complete the battle.”
PRAYER
Lord, Thank you that you don’t give up on me as quickly as I give up the fight. Give me the strength it takes to battle for total freedom in my life. Help me to continually dress myself in the whole Armor of God as found in Ephesians 6.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Looking Out For The Weak
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 41:1, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
OBSERVATION
This passage gave me so many visual images. Those who first come to mind are the orphans, widows, or elderly, but I can also imagine someone needing physical help opening a door, or lifting something. I could visualize a person in a wheelchair that might not be able to reach an item off the shelf. It also made me think of those who are spiritually weak. You know the person
who calls you for prayer just when you sat down for dinner. They seem to struggle with the same terminal tendencies. Our society has become so ME oriented it seems that people walk around with blinders on, not even noticing or caring about the world that is passing them by. Others seem to be running by the clock with head down moving forward at a fast and constant pace. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a door slam on someone, not by accident just with no regard. Or someone dropping something and 3 or even 4 people just walk on by never bothering to give a second glance much less a helping hand. Let's face it, all of us at some time in our life will be the weak one. My thoughts go to Jesus' words in Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them to do you". When we have regard for the weak, this verse tells us we will be "blessed", and that "the Lord will deliver us in times of trouble". Anyone out there want a blessing? I sure raise my hand to that, but I must be obedient to God's word.
APPLICATION
we need to look for those opportunities that come into our path everyday where we can be a blessing to those that are weak. It may be holding that door open, or sending that extra cash I have to a missionary who is taking care of orphans. It might mean I won't get that quiet time I was looking forward to. It reminds me of a little song I used to sing with my class. It's the only way to spell real joy. J is for Jesus-He takes first place.
O is for others we meet face to face
Y is for you in whatever you do, put yourself last and spell JOY!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for opening my eyes and ears that I will see the opportunities that you set before me each day to have regard for the weak. I want to see them as your divine appointments to be a blessing rather than an inconvenience. Help me to remember that true Joy comes from me putting you first, others next, and myself last. Thank you that you will deliver me in my day of trouble.
In Jesus name, Amen
Psalm 41:1, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
OBSERVATION
This passage gave me so many visual images. Those who first come to mind are the orphans, widows, or elderly, but I can also imagine someone needing physical help opening a door, or lifting something. I could visualize a person in a wheelchair that might not be able to reach an item off the shelf. It also made me think of those who are spiritually weak. You know the person
who calls you for prayer just when you sat down for dinner. They seem to struggle with the same terminal tendencies. Our society has become so ME oriented it seems that people walk around with blinders on, not even noticing or caring about the world that is passing them by. Others seem to be running by the clock with head down moving forward at a fast and constant pace. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a door slam on someone, not by accident just with no regard. Or someone dropping something and 3 or even 4 people just walk on by never bothering to give a second glance much less a helping hand. Let's face it, all of us at some time in our life will be the weak one. My thoughts go to Jesus' words in Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them to do you". When we have regard for the weak, this verse tells us we will be "blessed", and that "the Lord will deliver us in times of trouble". Anyone out there want a blessing? I sure raise my hand to that, but I must be obedient to God's word.
APPLICATION
we need to look for those opportunities that come into our path everyday where we can be a blessing to those that are weak. It may be holding that door open, or sending that extra cash I have to a missionary who is taking care of orphans. It might mean I won't get that quiet time I was looking forward to. It reminds me of a little song I used to sing with my class. It's the only way to spell real joy. J is for Jesus-He takes first place.
O is for others we meet face to face
Y is for you in whatever you do, put yourself last and spell JOY!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for opening my eyes and ears that I will see the opportunities that you set before me each day to have regard for the weak. I want to see them as your divine appointments to be a blessing rather than an inconvenience. Help me to remember that true Joy comes from me putting you first, others next, and myself last. Thank you that you will deliver me in my day of trouble.
In Jesus name, Amen
Friday, March 27, 2009
One Body Working Together
SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 12:27, Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
OBSERVATION
This passage and entire chapter is so visual. It makes me think of the human body, God created it with such wonder. If something happens to one part of your body it affects everything else. Think of "just" the common cold, stuffy nose, cough, but we seem to feel miserable all over, it's amazing. How much more is the body of Christ effected when part of it is is not functioning properly? We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12:25, "so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other". God wants His church to be healthy!
APPLICATION
We must seek God's wisdom to know what part of the body we are. He has given each one of us unique gifts and talents to be used for His glory and if we're not using them, it's affecting the rest of the body. We need to use them!!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for gifting each one of us with unique talents. Help us to be a healthy church body and use our gifts to glorify your name. Let our community see how your body works together and fellowships together. Let us be mindful to show concern for our brothers and
sisters in Christ. Let there be no division in our body Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen!
1 Corinthians 12:27, Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
OBSERVATION
This passage and entire chapter is so visual. It makes me think of the human body, God created it with such wonder. If something happens to one part of your body it affects everything else. Think of "just" the common cold, stuffy nose, cough, but we seem to feel miserable all over, it's amazing. How much more is the body of Christ effected when part of it is is not functioning properly? We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12:25, "so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other". God wants His church to be healthy!
APPLICATION
We must seek God's wisdom to know what part of the body we are. He has given each one of us unique gifts and talents to be used for His glory and if we're not using them, it's affecting the rest of the body. We need to use them!!
PRAYER
Father, thank you for gifting each one of us with unique talents. Help us to be a healthy church body and use our gifts to glorify your name. Let our community see how your body works together and fellowships together. Let us be mindful to show concern for our brothers and
sisters in Christ. Let there be no division in our body Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 11:31-32 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
OBSERVATION
In this chapter Paul is giving instructions on the proper way to take the Lord's Supper or communion. In verse 31 we are reminded to self examine our hearts before we partake, "judge ourselves". In other words take care of any sin in our life. Clean it up and get it out. We must be sure we are using God's Word to measure the standard we set for our life. If we follow the world's compass we will find ourselves falling far off the mark. The moral decay of our society is all around us and we must guard our hearts to not fall prey to it. If we choose to do this, verse 31 tells us "we would not come under judgment". However if we choose NOT to do this, verse 32 tells us we will be "disciplined". God doesn't want us to be condemned with the world. Jeremiah 29:11 tell us, "He has a hope and a future for us, not calamity".
APPLICATION
I must never take the Lord's Supper in a casual manner. In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Jesus said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me". When I pause and remember what Christ has done for me I am humbled. I must come before him and examine my heart and repent of any sin. He is faithful to forgive.
PRAYER
Father, I thank you for the high price that was paid for my salvation. Your love is an awesome and amazing thing. Help me to always be mindful to not only examine my heart each day and repent of the sin that is there, but also before I partake of your supper. Thank you for your mercy and your grace.
In Jesus name, Amen!
1 Corinthians 11:31-32 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
OBSERVATION
In this chapter Paul is giving instructions on the proper way to take the Lord's Supper or communion. In verse 31 we are reminded to self examine our hearts before we partake, "judge ourselves". In other words take care of any sin in our life. Clean it up and get it out. We must be sure we are using God's Word to measure the standard we set for our life. If we follow the world's compass we will find ourselves falling far off the mark. The moral decay of our society is all around us and we must guard our hearts to not fall prey to it. If we choose to do this, verse 31 tells us "we would not come under judgment". However if we choose NOT to do this, verse 32 tells us we will be "disciplined". God doesn't want us to be condemned with the world. Jeremiah 29:11 tell us, "He has a hope and a future for us, not calamity".
APPLICATION
I must never take the Lord's Supper in a casual manner. In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Jesus said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me". When I pause and remember what Christ has done for me I am humbled. I must come before him and examine my heart and repent of any sin. He is faithful to forgive.
PRAYER
Father, I thank you for the high price that was paid for my salvation. Your love is an awesome and amazing thing. Help me to always be mindful to not only examine my heart each day and repent of the sin that is there, but also before I partake of your supper. Thank you for your mercy and your grace.
In Jesus name, Amen!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Look For The Exit Door
SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
OBSERVATION
When I read verse 12 . . . "so, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall"! I immediately remembered when my children were in high school choir. I can recall attending several rehearsals where the choir director would remind the students not to stand with their knees locked, instead the director would instruct the students to stand with their knees slightly bent. During wedding rehearsals you will hear the wedding coordinator say the same thing, "NO locked knees, you might faint". You cannot stand for very long in this manner. This passage reminded me that when I think I'm standing upright and firm locked knee, I'm not! The Lord tells us be careful so you don't fall. If I have slightly bent knees I can stabilize myself if something comes my way to knock me over. I'm also ready to flee! In verse (13) the Lord reminds us everyone will go through temptation, but NOTHING beyond what we can bear. He makes a way of excape. We need to be ready to take it.
APPLICATION
I will not be ruled by my feelings and emotions! When temptations comes I will stand on the truth of God's word putting on the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) and look for the EXIT door to escape temptation. He has already made the plan of escape for me, all I need to do is look for it, find it, and run through it. And with my knees slightly bent I will be ready to flee quickly when temptation comes.
PRAYER
Father, thank you that you will never give me more than I can bear, thank you that you love me so much you already have the plan of escape in place for me when temptation comes. Give me strength and wisdom Lord to run through the EXIT door when temptation comes calling. Help me to stand with knees slightly bent and ready to flee at all times. I give you praise for it Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen!
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
OBSERVATION
When I read verse 12 . . . "so, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall"! I immediately remembered when my children were in high school choir. I can recall attending several rehearsals where the choir director would remind the students not to stand with their knees locked, instead the director would instruct the students to stand with their knees slightly bent. During wedding rehearsals you will hear the wedding coordinator say the same thing, "NO locked knees, you might faint". You cannot stand for very long in this manner. This passage reminded me that when I think I'm standing upright and firm locked knee, I'm not! The Lord tells us be careful so you don't fall. If I have slightly bent knees I can stabilize myself if something comes my way to knock me over. I'm also ready to flee! In verse (13) the Lord reminds us everyone will go through temptation, but NOTHING beyond what we can bear. He makes a way of excape. We need to be ready to take it.
APPLICATION
I will not be ruled by my feelings and emotions! When temptations comes I will stand on the truth of God's word putting on the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) and look for the EXIT door to escape temptation. He has already made the plan of escape for me, all I need to do is look for it, find it, and run through it. And with my knees slightly bent I will be ready to flee quickly when temptation comes.
PRAYER
Father, thank you that you will never give me more than I can bear, thank you that you love me so much you already have the plan of escape in place for me when temptation comes. Give me strength and wisdom Lord to run through the EXIT door when temptation comes calling. Help me to stand with knees slightly bent and ready to flee at all times. I give you praise for it Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
It's All In The Approach
SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 9:21-22 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by possible means I might save some.
OBSERVATION
Paul is reminding the church in Corinth to approach people with the Gospel at their level. When sharing the Lord with others Christians often speak in their own language "Christianize". It can cause us to not effectively communicate the Gospel. It's important to meet people where they are. Just as God does for us. In my approach I must ask, does the tone of my voice reflect Christ, or am I jumping on some one's back beating them with the Gospel?
Working with children has helped refine my approach. An example of this would be; "all of us need Jesus to come in our heart and live inside". Children respond with; "How does he get in there? Does the doctor put him in there? Will it hurt? How long does he stay there? How will he eat in there"? But if I tell a child "Jesus loves you so much he wants to guide your life and help you do what's right. He wants to be the BOSS of your life". They get it! They understand authority and who's in charge. It's all in the approach.
APPLICATION
I need to seek God's guidance on my approach. At times I need to be quite and let my life speak to others. I need to put myself in a person's shoes to see where they are coming from. I know I can't do this on my own, I must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. As I allow Him to guide me with the right words and the right approach for a specific person. I am reminded in verse 22 "by all possible means I might save some". Not all will be saved for some I am merely planting a seed for the Holy Spirit to do His work.
PRAYER
Father, Help me to communicate the Gospel to each individual as uniquely as they are. Thank you Lord that I will be lead by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen!
1 Corinthians 9:21-22 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by possible means I might save some.
OBSERVATION
Paul is reminding the church in Corinth to approach people with the Gospel at their level. When sharing the Lord with others Christians often speak in their own language "Christianize". It can cause us to not effectively communicate the Gospel. It's important to meet people where they are. Just as God does for us. In my approach I must ask, does the tone of my voice reflect Christ, or am I jumping on some one's back beating them with the Gospel?
Working with children has helped refine my approach. An example of this would be; "all of us need Jesus to come in our heart and live inside". Children respond with; "How does he get in there? Does the doctor put him in there? Will it hurt? How long does he stay there? How will he eat in there"? But if I tell a child "Jesus loves you so much he wants to guide your life and help you do what's right. He wants to be the BOSS of your life". They get it! They understand authority and who's in charge. It's all in the approach.
APPLICATION
I need to seek God's guidance on my approach. At times I need to be quite and let my life speak to others. I need to put myself in a person's shoes to see where they are coming from. I know I can't do this on my own, I must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. As I allow Him to guide me with the right words and the right approach for a specific person. I am reminded in verse 22 "by all possible means I might save some". Not all will be saved for some I am merely planting a seed for the Holy Spirit to do His work.
PRAYER
Father, Help me to communicate the Gospel to each individual as uniquely as they are. Thank you Lord that I will be lead by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen!
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