SCRIPTURE
Matt 12:1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."
3He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6I tell you that one[a] greater than the temple is here. 7If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,'[b] you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
OBSERVATION
The Pharisees were so myopic in their outlook on life. You might say they were living in the box. We learn here that Jesus didn’t live outside the box but He’s the one who make the box in the first place. He is the Lord of the Sabbath and the Lord of all.
APPLICATION
I’m committing myself to living outside the box. I might even through away the box all together.
PRAYER
Lord, please open our eyes to see things from your perspective.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Who's Who
SCRIPTURE
Matt 11:2 & 3
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
OBSERVATION
In times of difficulty, a person might experience doubt regarding the identity of Jesus. Rather than draw a wrong conclusion, yield to temptation, verbalize some inappropriate verbiage or allow his emotions to lead his life, John decided to ask Jesus himself. It’s never wise to follow your feelings and allow them to be the deciding factor in your life. While feelings are fine, faith is the basis of your walk. This was an opportunity for John to evaluate his faith and sure up his life in view of his current circumstances
APPLICATION
John discovered that Jesus hadn’t changed. No matter what you go through, Jesus remains true. We may not understand why we are experiencing a dark and difficult time but God is still in control. Sometimes Jesus will change your situation but at other times he will change you. Both are valid expressions of God’s love.
PRAYER
O Lord, even though John lost his life in prison, you are still the Lord of all. Please give us the courage to exercise faith in the best of times and the worst of times.
Matt 11:2 & 3
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
OBSERVATION
In times of difficulty, a person might experience doubt regarding the identity of Jesus. Rather than draw a wrong conclusion, yield to temptation, verbalize some inappropriate verbiage or allow his emotions to lead his life, John decided to ask Jesus himself. It’s never wise to follow your feelings and allow them to be the deciding factor in your life. While feelings are fine, faith is the basis of your walk. This was an opportunity for John to evaluate his faith and sure up his life in view of his current circumstances
APPLICATION
John discovered that Jesus hadn’t changed. No matter what you go through, Jesus remains true. We may not understand why we are experiencing a dark and difficult time but God is still in control. Sometimes Jesus will change your situation but at other times he will change you. Both are valid expressions of God’s love.
PRAYER
O Lord, even though John lost his life in prison, you are still the Lord of all. Please give us the courage to exercise faith in the best of times and the worst of times.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Authrority and Power
SCRIPTURE
Matt. 10:1 ¶ He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. NIV
OBSERVATION
Power and Authority are not the same. Authority precedes power because it is a position that is given to a person based upon the status of another. When a Christian accepts and embraces the position they have been given by God, they are able to do certain things within the scope of their position. This is power. We are God’s children and have a position that is secure in Christ. Ephesians 1-3 talks to us about who we are. If you grab this truth, there is no telling what God can do through you.
APPLICATION
I want to make sure that I am always in position to do whatever God wants me to do. Sometimes we miss opportunities because we are out of position.
PRAYER
O God may we use the authority you have given for the advancement of your kingdom. Thank you for allowing us to stand before you in the grace you have provided.
Matt. 10:1 ¶ He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. NIV
OBSERVATION
Power and Authority are not the same. Authority precedes power because it is a position that is given to a person based upon the status of another. When a Christian accepts and embraces the position they have been given by God, they are able to do certain things within the scope of their position. This is power. We are God’s children and have a position that is secure in Christ. Ephesians 1-3 talks to us about who we are. If you grab this truth, there is no telling what God can do through you.
APPLICATION
I want to make sure that I am always in position to do whatever God wants me to do. Sometimes we miss opportunities because we are out of position.
PRAYER
O God may we use the authority you have given for the advancement of your kingdom. Thank you for allowing us to stand before you in the grace you have provided.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Follow Me
SCRIPTURE
Matt 9:9 …”Follow Me”
OBSERVATION
These two words can change a person’s life if acted upon. Jesus has a way of transforming lives for the inside out. Very few things happen immediately but as one walks in the Spirit and faithfully follows Jesus, change happens. If you have things in your life that need to change, why don’t you go beyond prayer? Start walking in obedience. Do what Jesus says to do. Say what Jesus says to say. Go where Jesus says to go. If you do, life will be simplified and Jesus will be glorified.
APPLICATION
All of us need change but few are willing to follow in the steps of Christ. For those who do, however, the promise of becoming more like Jesus becomes a real possibility. I choose to go beyond lip service and choose to actively purse the Lord with all my heart.
PRAYER
O Lord, some times you lead us beside still waters and at other times into dark times. Wherever you lead, may I be willing to follow.
Matt 9:9 …”Follow Me”
OBSERVATION
These two words can change a person’s life if acted upon. Jesus has a way of transforming lives for the inside out. Very few things happen immediately but as one walks in the Spirit and faithfully follows Jesus, change happens. If you have things in your life that need to change, why don’t you go beyond prayer? Start walking in obedience. Do what Jesus says to do. Say what Jesus says to say. Go where Jesus says to go. If you do, life will be simplified and Jesus will be glorified.
APPLICATION
All of us need change but few are willing to follow in the steps of Christ. For those who do, however, the promise of becoming more like Jesus becomes a real possibility. I choose to go beyond lip service and choose to actively purse the Lord with all my heart.
PRAYER
O Lord, some times you lead us beside still waters and at other times into dark times. Wherever you lead, may I be willing to follow.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Faith or Fear
SCRIPTURE
Matt 8:26 …”You of little faith, why are you so afraid?
OBSERVATION
Like clouds that collide with a clear blue sky and changes the atmosphere;
A stormy time can bring a collision of faith and fear.
APPLICATION
What is the foundation of our fears? Why are we afraid? Jesus asks a very important question. When faith is connected to the Word of God and exercised with confidence we can be victorious over fear .
PRAYER
O Lord help me to exercise my faith so fear will leave in defeat.
Matt 8:26 …”You of little faith, why are you so afraid?
OBSERVATION
Like clouds that collide with a clear blue sky and changes the atmosphere;
A stormy time can bring a collision of faith and fear.
APPLICATION
What is the foundation of our fears? Why are we afraid? Jesus asks a very important question. When faith is connected to the Word of God and exercised with confidence we can be victorious over fear .
PRAYER
O Lord help me to exercise my faith so fear will leave in defeat.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Something or Everything?
SCRIPTURE
SCRIPTURE:
Matt. 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. NIV
OBSERVATION
Do you notice that it says ‘Everything?’ Not just a few things but all things! Being considerate of others is one of the foundational teachings of Scripture. The Bible is
an ‘Other’ centered book. One person said: With one small exception, the whole world is all about others. If we take this to heart, we will life a full life and fulfill the teachings of the Law and Prophets. Maybe this is why we callthis the golden rule because it is very costly when you don’t function this way!
APPLICATION
Before I act on my emotional sense, I am going to pass my feelings through the grid of my mind and the Holy Scriptures.
PRAYER
May I be one of those who seeks to put others first in all I do and do to them only those things that I would want done to me.
SCRIPTURE:
Matt. 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. NIV
OBSERVATION
Do you notice that it says ‘Everything?’ Not just a few things but all things! Being considerate of others is one of the foundational teachings of Scripture. The Bible is
an ‘Other’ centered book. One person said: With one small exception, the whole world is all about others. If we take this to heart, we will life a full life and fulfill the teachings of the Law and Prophets. Maybe this is why we callthis the golden rule because it is very costly when you don’t function this way!
APPLICATION
Before I act on my emotional sense, I am going to pass my feelings through the grid of my mind and the Holy Scriptures.
PRAYER
May I be one of those who seeks to put others first in all I do and do to them only those things that I would want done to me.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Plumbers of Men?
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 4:19
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
OBSERVATION
Jesus calls Peter and Andrew from what they were doing — casting their nets into the lake — and tells them that he will make them into fishermen of a different kind. He will make them into fishers of men.
APPLICATION
We who follow Jesus are like Peter and Andrew. He has called us out and said to us, "I will make you fishers of men." Except, if He were calling us today, He would most likely use our own profession instead of that of fishermen. He might say, "come and I will make you an engineer of men", or "a plumber of men, one who is going to help clean out men's hearts", or "a builder of men."
Jesus has a way of calling us where we are at and using our skills and talents for His purposes. His purposes are primarily to draw more men and women to Himself. The question is, am I cooperating with Him in this strategy or am I just living life enjoying the blessings He has given me? I must remember, my call is to be one who goes after the heart of men and women for the purpose of bringing them into His Kingdom!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see the lost of the world and make the choice not to turn away, but to see myself as part of your Kingdom purpose of drawing men to Yourself. Help me to open my mouth, use my hands and give of myself to this most important task. Amen.
Matthew 4:19
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
OBSERVATION
Jesus calls Peter and Andrew from what they were doing — casting their nets into the lake — and tells them that he will make them into fishermen of a different kind. He will make them into fishers of men.
APPLICATION
We who follow Jesus are like Peter and Andrew. He has called us out and said to us, "I will make you fishers of men." Except, if He were calling us today, He would most likely use our own profession instead of that of fishermen. He might say, "come and I will make you an engineer of men", or "a plumber of men, one who is going to help clean out men's hearts", or "a builder of men."
Jesus has a way of calling us where we are at and using our skills and talents for His purposes. His purposes are primarily to draw more men and women to Himself. The question is, am I cooperating with Him in this strategy or am I just living life enjoying the blessings He has given me? I must remember, my call is to be one who goes after the heart of men and women for the purpose of bringing them into His Kingdom!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see the lost of the world and make the choice not to turn away, but to see myself as part of your Kingdom purpose of drawing men to Yourself. Help me to open my mouth, use my hands and give of myself to this most important task. Amen.
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