Saturday, May 16, 2009

Take Responsibility for your Children

SCRIPTURE
1Chronicles 27:32
Jehonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel, son of Hacmoni, took care of the king's sons.

OBSERVATION
David appointed someone to take of his sons instead of being the father he needed to be. He thought his sons would be taken care of, but as we know from his encounter with Absalom, his sons were not taken care of the way a good father would take care of his children. He should have been the one teaching them the ways of the Lord, as God instructed him to through Moses.

APPLICATION
I cannot let someone else teach my children how to live a godly life. There are times that others need to give insight into my children, but it is my responsibility to make sure they follow the Lord.

PRAYER
Lord, my heart's desire is for my children to love and serve you. I will fail them, as David did, but Lord, as you had mercy on him with Solomon, would you have mercy on me and give my children hearts for you. Would you give me wisdom and understanding on how to be a good mother, teacher, encourager, and ultimately, friend. Thank you Lord, for showing me the perfect example of a loving Father. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Christin Champlin
Worship Department, Pianist

Friday, May 15, 2009

Don't Be Like A Horse!

SCRIPTURE
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.  When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me.  My strength was sapped as the heat of summer.  Psalm 32

OBSERVATION
David fell in with Bathsheba.  However, the enemy uses much less subtle forms of sin on Christians in our day to day lives to grieve the Holy spirit in us.  

APPLICATION
It's crazy to look back at different times of my life and track the times I was at the brink of burn-out.  During those times, the enemy works at changing kingdom priorities with man's inner desire priorities and before you know it you're burned out laboring for earthly things.  Big sin and small sin saps us and separates us from God and until I repented I would see finances, resources and lost time add up.

PRAYER
Don't be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding, but must be controlled by bit and bridle (Psalm 32).  I confess my transgressions to You, Lord, as David did, and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Nick Champlin
Worship Department, Bass

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Prepare the Way

SCRIPTURE
“Now devote your heart & soul to seeking the Lord your God.  Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the convenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the name of the Lord.”    1 Chron. 22:19

 

OBSERVATION

David arranges for the building of the temple by his son Solomon.  David tells him about the word of the Lord given to him about building the temple. The Lord said the task was to be carried out by Solomon. David prepared the way for Solomon and he instructed him to seek the Lord in carrying out this task.

 

APPLICATION

Just as David paved the way for Solomon, we too pave the way for our children or for those training under our leadership by giving them the proper tools to “build their temple” unto the Lord by teaching them to pray, studying the word and making wise decisions in following the Lord.

 

PRAYER
Lord, just as David taught Solomon to be king & worship you with all his heart and to seek you, may I be that example to my child & others who are watching me.  Build your sanctuary within me that I may be a carrier of your presence God, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mary Jo Landry
Worship Department, Alto

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Pleasing God? Or Men?

SCRIPTURE
We are not trying to please men, but God, who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

OBSERVATION
How often do I try to please others?  It is a sometimes constant fight for focus to keep my eyes on Jesus.  The world has so many distractions and principles that are contrary to God's Word.  I thank Him for the tests that keep me coming to Him ONLY for approval.

APPLICATION
I will welcome God's inquiry into my heart as I strive to live to please Him.

PRAYER
Father God, You are in pursuit of my heart.  I pray that You never have to go far to get my attention.  Through Your Word, keep me sensitive to Your calling.  In Jesus' name, Amen!

Paula Aiton
Worship Department, Woodwinds

Monday, May 11, 2009

Rock, Fortress, Deliverer

SCRIPTURE
“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him."  2 Samuel 22:31.


OBSERVATION
I've found that this verse is quite simple in its meaning in that we never have to be afraid of anything the devil can throw at us.  God is our shield and will never forsake us, even in our most dire moment.


APPLICATION
In my life today, I can walk through the challenges and difficulties of this world and still God is ever there beside me.  Knowing this, I'm stronger in my faith, the devil's schemes to bring me down don't work, and I can stand with my feet firmly planted and know God has my back 100%

PRAYER
My God, who have I to still my fears but you?  Not a second goes by without your never-ending love to spur me on towards the goal.  Life is but a whisper of wind, and yet you have numbered the hairs on my head.  Thank you for your ever-extended hand of love. 

Amy Ketz
Worship Department, Bass

Teach All Nations

SCRIPTURE
And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in Earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)

OBSERVATION
Everyone has a purpose here and this is the purpose. No Christian is exempt from this job. Until the Rapture, we will spread the Gospel.

APPLICATION
Every day, I must be an example to show people that God is the Light.

PRAYER
Lord, please help me set an example to everyone around me and help me not to be afraid to share Your Truth. Amen.

Aaron Ketz
Worship Department, Electric Guitar

Sunday, May 10, 2009

In God We trust!


SCRIPTURE Psalms 56:3-4
3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
OBSERVATION
PHILADELPHIA - An unknown number of new George Washington dollar coins were mistakenly struck without their edge inscriptions, including “In God We Trust,” and are fetching around $50 apiece online. The properly struck dollar coins, bearing the likeness of the nation’s first president, are inscribed along the edge with “In God We Trust,” “E Pluribus Unum” and the year and mint mark. The flawed coins made it past inspectors and went into circulation Feb. 15, 2007. You might say how could this mistake been made! Do people forget about God or do they purposefully leave him out of their lives.

APPLICATION
David knew that it would be a grave mistake to trust in man instead of God. David came against a lot of enemies during his reign as King. He did not fear, because he knew that if God was for him who could be against him. No money, power or army could match God's greatness. David was on the winning side and was a mighty warrior because he trust in a mighty God.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to always trust in you. I pray for our nation, that they will repent and come back to you. There is no war that we can win without your help. You preserve us and keep us alive because of your grace. We do not trust in our wealth, position or power. We only trust in you. We know that you are a good God and we should fear you instead of fearing man. Teach us how to trust in you, and I pray for people who are trying to remove you from our country, communities and coins. We pray that you bring an awakening, so that they to could see your glory.