Tuesday, November 30, 2010

ENCOURAGED IN THE FAITH

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 11/30/10 Romans 1-4 - ENCOURAGED IN THE FAITH

S -  Rom 1:11-12, Paul: "I long to see you so that... you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." Rom 4:20-21, Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised.

O - Paul wanted to encourage the Roman believers and planned a visit to see them. He was hoping they could encourage each other in the faith. Before going, he told them in a letter about Abraham's unbelievable walk of faith.

A - Testimonies are so powerful!  Wow, the fact that Abraham didn't doubt God's promise, even though his and Sarah's bodies were way too old to produce a child, is a powerful story.  He walked in faith knowing that God had the power to do whatever He promised.  We need these promises.  And we need to walk in this kind of faith! We need to see how God fulfills His promises in others - we are encouraged to not doubt in our own life when we see other's not doubting and God fulfilling!

P - Father, may we have the faith of Abraham. May we see the need to encourage each other as Paul did. May we be open about Your faithfulness in our lives so that others will be encouraged!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Worth It All

1 Thessalonians 1:2 - It is clear to us friends that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.
O: God loves us so much and has put his hand on each of us for soemthing special.
A: Ever felt worthless or like you have nothing to offer? Yet God loves us so much we are not capable of comprehending that love. He has something for each of us. No matter what our need. We waste far too much time feeling unworthy, worthless. We are loved by the most High God. The creator of heaven and earth. What more do we need? When we are young we are told by the world "you're too young". When we get older we are told "you're too old". Yet God has a different perspective. He has something for all of us to do whether we are 8 or 88. There is always something to be done in the Kingdom of God; something that only you can do; all part of God's perfect plan. Let's not waste our time comparing our worth to those around us and instead seek those special tasks that God has designed us (and only us) to do.
P: Father God overwhelm us with your love today. Forgive us for all the time we've wasted feeling worthless and unworthy. Let your face be the only one we seek when we question our worth. Let our value come from you alone. Set a task before me today Lord for me to do for Your Kingdom. Let me spend each day working toward making earth a little more like your Kingdom. Amen.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Unshakeable God

S- Ps. 125:1 - "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken."

O - It has long been a goal in my life to be unshakeable. I have learned that it is not that I will never be "shaken", overwhelmed, insecure or anxious. Those feelings are part of the human experience. I believe that when I am "shaken", I can turn to the One who is unshakeable, consistent, and unchanging. Therein is my security. When the way is rough, when I slip and fall, and I do, I must once again turn to God, my Rock, and get my footing again.

A - The way to security is not through self-sufficiency. It is through the way of turning and trust.

P - Lord, I am so glad that in this world of constant change and challenge, you are faithful. You are unshakeable. You are my Rock and my Fortress.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

November 25, 2010 Mt. 20-22 "A Place of Honor"


November 25, 2010
Mt. 20-22 "A Place of Honor"

S-Matt. 20:21 "What is you want?" He asked. She said "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.

O-The mother of Zebedee, had a request to Jesus. The request was that her two son's James & John, would be favored and seated in a place of honor, one on each side of Jesus. Little did she know what she was asking, and the price to be paid for this place of honor.

A- Often we desire the place of honor, but do not realize the cost for that seating. Jesus knew the moment of crucification was to come. Would James and John's desire still be to be seated on the right and left of Jesus? Sometimes, we do not know what we ask! It is easy to say, "sure I can do what it would take to have that placement" as James and John replied to Jesus. It is best to be asked to be in the seat of honor, than to put yourself there. Jesus came to serve, not to be served.....the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.

P- Father, thank you that you came to serve and that you came to give.....thank you for your sacrifices. Teach us Lord how to follow in your ways, to be humble and teachable servants. Amen

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

FORGIVING FROM YOUR HEART

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - November 24, 2010 - Matthew 17-19 - FORGIVING FROM YOUR HEART


S - Matthew 18:35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive a brother or sister from your heart."

O - Jesus was explaining how we should forgive people through the parable of the unmerciful servant who ended up being tortured by the jailers until he paid back what he owed.

A - I owe Jesus a debt I can never repay. He saved me from the fiery pit of hell and eternal separation from love! If He could forgive me for breaking every single commandment, how can I NOT forgive a brother or sister who has merely offended me? You know how happy you are to receive an unexpected gift sometimes? You just want to pass at least a little of that good feeling along, don't you? So it is with forgiveness - pass it on! And it shouldn't be just lip service to say you did it. Let God change your heart so that you can truly forgive and say with all sincerity "I FORGIVE YOU!"

P - Lord, help me to walk in generous forgiveness, doling it out before anyone has to even ask.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

BAD YEAST!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 11/23/10 Matthew 14-16 - BAD YEAST!

S - Matt 16:6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them, "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

O - When the disciples went across the lake forgetting to take bread with them, Jesus used the opportunity to enlighten them in a spiritual matter.  He warned them about embracing the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  The Pharisees were legalistic and hypocritical.  Legalism is trying to receive acceptance, with God, others or yourself, through your behavior and performance.

A - I struggle with legalism. But I'm working on it... I've spent years walking away from being hypercritical - especially of myself and those close to me.  I don't want to judge by behavior anymore. Jesus paid the price - all of it. I don't need to "measure up" to be accepted.  If Grace means that Jesus did it all for me, then I am negating His finished work when I want to take some credit/blame and put it on myself.

P - Lord, please set us (and me!) free from legalism.  Teach us the Grace Walk.  Set us free to just be.

Monday, November 22, 2010

FIND REST

Diana Kriesel

Monday, 11/22/10 – Matthew 11-13 - “FIND REST”

S – Matthew 11:29 – “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
O- This is a strange paradox: that a person already overloaded must take a new weight upon him in order to be eased and find rest. But the Lord is calling us to learn from HIM; that just as Christ’s willingness to empty Himself to all that His Father asked was the spring of peace and rest for His own spirit, He invites us to do the same and assures us of the same rest and peace. Check out how the Message Bible puts it: “Walk with Me and work with Me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.”
A – He calls us to be partakers of the work of the Kingdom, but also promises that a heart that is surrendered to Him will be joined (yoked) to Him, His peace, His joy, His freedom. It is an amazing Kingdom principle, that when we try to do things on our own we tire out and can feel the weight of life and its problems. But when we yoke ourselves with our Lord, and cast our cares and responsibilities on Him, He carries us AND what we carry, and there is freedom there. When we are yoked with Him, we find rest for our souls, and our burden becomes His, and His is light…therefore ours is light as well!

P – Lord, thank You for Your promise to give us rest as we surrender everything to You. Teach us to not hold on, when You are calling us to let go; take us to a new place of “learning from You” as we learn to trust in You and Your ability to carry us.

Friday, November 19, 2010

I DESERVE HEAVEN

By Mary White

S--Matthew 3:8&9a “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance and do not think you can say to yourselves “We have Abraham as our Father;”

O--This is what John the Baptist told a group of Pharisees and Saducees.

A--John’s point was that if we are truly repentant, then our lives will show it…there will be a positive change in our lives (fruit). Also, it doesn’t matter who our parents are or what our “religious heritage” is…Salvation is NOT a birthright, but comes through faith in Jesus as Lord. Ephesians 2:8 says “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…”

P--Jesus thank you for your awesome sacrifice…taking upon yourself all our sins that we might be saved…help us spread that truth to those who are loss.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

FREE!

by Vivian Bills

Thursday - November 18, 2010 - Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11-13


S - Psalm 124:7 We have escaped like a bird from the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.

O - The psalmist is speaking of how, because God is with us, we have escaped from the wrath of the enemy.

A - Sometimes when I reflect on my past before I came to the realization that Jesus died for my sins, I feel just like the psalmist says - I've escaped. I remember being in the midst of my sin and having thoughts that I could die right then because of what I was doing and panic would set it - the kind of panic that comes when you're entangled in a snare and the more you struggle, the more trapped you become. And then Jesus reached out with His nail pierced hands and ripped open a huge hole in that snare and pulled me out. I am free! I am free INDEED!

P - Jesus, thank You, thank You, thank You for setting me free. I will always remember how it felt to be trapped and I don't ever want to go back. I am so grateful. Help me, Lord, to never forget this and allow me to use my hands as the hands of Jesus to rip open the snares that have trapped others.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

NO REGRETS

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - November 17, 2010 - 2 Corinthians 7-10


S - 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

O - You should feel bad about your sins, but not so you want to kill yourself - only so you repent and get on the right path.

A - There is always a way out. Nobody walking on earth is so far gone that God can't turn them around. All that they have to do is repent and recognize that Jesus is Lord. There is no regret with this and there should only be a determination to make things right as far as you can. Apologize, make restitution, serve God as whole heartedly as you had served the world - even more so. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel of depravity and despair. Run toward it, be saved, never go back.

P - Lord, help me to live with no regrets and to show others that there is a way to live that is so much better than a life of regret and worldly sorrow.


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Ministry of RECONCILIATION

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 11/16/10 2 Corinthians 3-6  The Ministry of RECONCILIATION

S - 2 Cor 5: 18-19  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

O - God made it all right between us and Him.  We have access to Him and His wrath has been taken away - because of Jesus!  We are changed forever, reconciled to God.  Now we have this same assignment - reconciling to others and even spreading this message of reconcilation provided through Jesus. In the Message, it reads, "All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other."

A - I love the word Reconciliation!! It means to renew or restore; to make new or bring back to a former condition. In the Greek, the word is katallage - to change or reconcile.  "A change or reconciliation from a state of enmity between persons to one of friendship." (Zodihiates). Wow, our Father's heart so wanted reconciliation with man that He even sent His son to pay the price.  How dedicated are we to reconciling? Are we willing to pay the price to restore friendship with another with whom we are at enmity?

P - Father - thank you for "the Minsitry of Reconciliation."  May we be faithful to do all we can do - to reconcile with anyone we may be at odds with.  It's just called - LOVE.

Monday, November 15, 2010

COMFORTED TO COMFORT OTHERS

Diana Kriesel

Monday, 11/15/10 – Job 41, 42; 2 Corinthians 1,2 - “Comforted to Comfort Others”

S – 2 Corinthians 1:4 – “He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” The Message Bible says it this way: “He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.”

O – The comfort we receive from God is not simply for our own personal relief; it has another purpose- so that we might be able to help others. Paul went through tribulation and through his experience, he was also equipped to better minister to others. God prepares us for what He is preparing us for. We lead others most effectively down the path that God has taken us. God’s math is amazing! As the trials abound, the comfort of God abounds. And then He multiplies it over when he uses us in the lives of others!

A – God shows Himself to be the God of tender mercy and comforts us, bearing us up in, through and above all our trial and difficulties. He gives us personal experience of His sustaining power and grace, and He doesn’t stop there! He then uses us as agents of comfort for others.

P – Lord, teach us to live from Kingdom perspective, living from the realization that as we experience Your comfort in our distress, there is not only relief, but also purpose, far beyond what we presently know or see. Give us eyes to see that Your comfort is channeled through us, transforming our lives as well as the lives of others.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

God is big and I am Small

S - "Does the hawk fly by your wisdom?" Ps. 39:26

O - In chapters 38 and 39 of Job, God reveals his ominipotence (power) and his omniscience (knowlege). In chapter 40, Job realizes that God is big and he is small, and that Job's knowledge and understanding is limited. "Does the hawk fly by my wisdom?" The answer is no. So much is beyond my understanding and control! The great Apostle Paul realized this too. He said "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known."

A - I declare that God is big and I am small. He knows all things, and I don't.

P - Lord, thank you for this beautiful amazing world we live in. Help us to humbly seek more wisdom and understanding. We want to learn and grow. Be with us on our journey of discovery, and help us to accept that some answers are elusive, but someday we will know as we are knows.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Job 37-38; 1 Corinthians 12

"OUCH…MY HAND HURTS"!
By Mary White

S--1 Corinthians 12:25 & 26 “…there should be no division in the body…if one part suffers every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices.”

O--Paul is comparing our physical body to the Church (believers). Every part of our body was created to do specific tasks. Just as the Body of believers have varied gifts, talents and purposes, each one is necessary so the body can be whole and function as God planned.

A--If my hand is injured I would not ignore it, but nurse it back to health. Likewise, if someone in the body is hurting I need to minister to that part of the body so the body will be whole and well again.

P--Father help me to look to each one of my brothers and sisters and to honor them as a vital and important part of the Body.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

COMMON GROUND

by Vivian Bills

Thursday - November 11, 2010 - Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9-11


S - 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

O - Paul is speaking of his use of his freedom to win people to Christ.

A - The unfamiliar is uncomfortable to a lot of people. But, when they find they have something in common with someone, familiarity creeps in and friendships can form. And this is why it is good to look for something you have in common with the unsaved. Common ground can give you credibility. " I was once like you, but Jesus set me free." When you can do this, you set pride and arrogance aside and people might be more prone to linger and listen to what you have to say.

P - Lord, help me to always be able to find common ground with the lost and then use me to be a bridge straight to you.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

STUMBLING BLOCKS

by Vivian Bills


S- 1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

O - Paul is speaking specifically about rules and regulations regarding food. But, it goes much deeper than that.

A - If someone that is an alcoholic lives with you, and you're NOT an alcoholic, it is perfectly permissible and fine, maybe even beneficial for you to have a glass of wine with dinner. But, the alcoholic should not have that glass of wine because it would most likely cause them to imbibe to excess. So, even though it's okay for you, for the other person to see you might make them think that they could do the same as you and stop at one drink - when they can't. So, in cases like these, it is not okay because your act of drinking without sin would cause them to sin by drinking to excess.

P - Lord, help me to not be a stumbling block to anyone. Instead, make me a stepping stone that helps people step closer to You.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

ROLE MODELS

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 11/9/10 Job 34; 1 Cor 4-6 - ROLE MODELS

S - 1 Cor 4: 14-16 MSG, 16 NIV, "I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled.  There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up... I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself. Therefore I urge you to imitate me."

O - Paul didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk.  He was encouraging the Corinthian church to follow his example because he had the heart of a father - hoping and praying for help them to grow up in genuine faith.

A - Let's be true role models - Let's live the talk.  Nothing turns people off more than hypocrisy.  Our best teaching style of the life of faith is our own life and how we walk in it.  Let's remember that others are watching us, waiting to see how we will respond when stuff happens. Let's be powerful role models!

P - Father, help us be genuine, true, honest Believers because the world is watching. I pray that we not be fake or pretenders, but real people.  Empower us to walk in faith - for the world to see the real Christian life. And draw others to You and help others to grow up in You because of our own walk.  Use us Lord!

Monday, November 8, 2010

SPIRITUAL ALIGNMENT

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 11/8/10 – Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1-3 - “Spiritual Alignment”

S - 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

O – This quote is taken from lsaiah 64:4 and the words not only apply to the glory that we will know in a future world; but they also belong in our lives now. They express the amazing light, life, and liberty that God has prepared for those that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our new life in Christ takes to a realm that God has prepared for us as His children; where things we have never seen, heard of, or even conceived in our natural minds… The apostle Paul is telling the Corinthians that the only way to know these things is by the Spirit, who knows and reveals the deep things of God.

A – As children of God, we can know that our Father has prepared great things for us; greater things that we could ever imagine! This places a hunger in me to position my life, my heart, my spiritual eyes and ears – in a position of eager anticipation and expectation for my heavenly Father to ‘download’ the revelation of the Kingdom into my life. Imagine if we all position ourselves for all that He has prepared for us!

P – Father, I ask that you continually teach me how to align myself with Your Holy Spirit so that I am positioned for Your truth, your purposes, your surprises for my life and to work those things through my life into the world You have placed me in. Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening...

Saturday, November 6, 2010

What is your Harp tuned to?

S - Job 30:31 "My harp is tuned to mourning, and my flute to the sound of wailing."

O - Job has gone through terrible trauma: the loss of his family, possessions, health, prestige, and friends. He feels terribly hurt and wonders where God is in what he sees as a terrible injustice. Verse 27 says "The churning inside me never stops." There are people all around us who have been traumatized by life, whose harp and flute, their inward being and outward expression are constantly tuned to mourning. I think that eventually they have to let go of the unanswered question of "Why me?" and move in time to freedom by acceptance and forgiveness.

A - I want my harp tuned to gratitude and my flute to express joy.

P - Lord, I pray right now for anyone who is experiencing loss and grief, and who is tortured by unanswered questions. I know that "there is a time for everything" including "a time to mourn and a time to dance". I pray for your comfort, peace, strength in that time of mourning and pray that you give them hope that there is a place of healing, joy and restoration that you will lead them to.

Friday, November 5, 2010

“MAN’S APPROVAL?”

by Mary White
S--Galatians 2:16 “Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”

O--Paul was correcting Peter who was teaching Gentiles to follow Jewish laws.

A-- It is interesting to see that even a great Apostle like Peter could occasionally be lured to please men instead of God. Paul set him straight. Gal 1:10 says “…if I were still trying to please men I would not be a servant of Christ.” We please God when we accept His free gift of salvation by faith and realize that we cannot earn it.

P--God, thank you for taking upon Yourself all our sins that we might be set free. Help me want to please You more and not to seek the approval of man.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

A BEAUTIFUL THING

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 - Job 25; Mark 13-14

S- Mark 14:6 "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me."

O - Jesus is talking with his followers about the woman who anointed him with expensive perfume. They thought it was a waste.

A - It is never a waste to take time to worship the Lord. It's a beautiful thing. It's okay to take the time even if your children are clingy, your tummy is hungry, your spouse is waiting for you. It's okay for them to witness your devotion and for you to draw them with you as you worship. I remember my dad thinking tithing was a waste and foolishness so that pastors could run around in fancy cars. I asked him if he saw the clunker our assistant pastor tooled around in. But, to me, tithing is an act of worship. It's giving back to God only a small portion of the abundance He has given me. The perfume the woman poured on Jesus' head was only a small portion of the riches He had bestowed upon her. Salvation is everything.

P - May it be a pleasing fragrance
That I bring to you oh my Lord
I am so in need of your presence
That I bow before you now
I pour my vial of worship over you

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

STRANGE REQUESTS!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 11/2/10 Job 23.24; Mark 11,12  STRANGE REQUESTS!

S - Mark 11:5 "What are you doing, untying that colt?"

O - Jesus instructed two of his disciples to go ahead to a village, untie a virgin, unridden colt to bring to Him.  He wanted to ride into Jerusalem.  He even instructed them what to say if anyone asked what they were doing!

A - I loved Pastor Diana's story told at the retreat of giving away a purse to a cashier at Kohl's.  The story spread like wildfire and I wonder how many possessions will be given away to others as a blessing because of her adventure?  Sometimes the Lord asks us to do unexpected, maybe even strange things.  I pray it doesn't stop us just because it's unusual.  He will even give us the words to say if someone asks!

P - Father, I pray that we become obedient to the small and large instructions you give us!  I pray others are blessed through our obedience.  I pray that You touch the world through us.

Monday, November 1, 2010

OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 11/1/10 – Psalm 121; Mark 9,10 - “Our Help Comes From the Lord”

S – Psalm 121:1-2 – “I will lift up my eyes to the hills — from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.”

O – The psalmist declares that there is only One source of help: our help comes from God. This speaks of a confident, yet humble reliance on Him-the Creator of the universe who is also able to defend, protect and keep us.

A – God’s power to help us reaches to the remotest parts of creation, and the remotest parts of my life. Where, when, and how I need help is known by Him, and not only known by Him, but He IS my help. I just spent a weekend in the mountains with 84 women who know…that HE IS OUR HELP! No matter what we go through, we can know that He has purpose in each test, each trial, each circumstance, and He is there with us to not only help us IN the difficulty, but He also uses it to prepare us for what’s next.

P – Thank You Lord that no matter what we go through we can lift up our hearts and our eyes to You, our Source of help in time of need. Thank You for Your amazing love and faithfulness to our lives.