Saturday, April 30, 2011

The Beloved Son

S - Matt 17:5 - While he was speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love: with Him, I am well please. Listen to Him!"

O - Jesus is the Son of God; he is the bleloved Son, who gave his life for us, so that we too could become the beloved children of God. God sees us and is pleased, because we are "in Christ". We are in the beloved Son. Col 1:22 says "But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation." Wow! That is what I call good news! I am without blemish in God's eyes and free from accusation before Him. God is for me and I will listen to him and his word, not the words of the accuser.

A - My focus is on Christ, not me. I will listen to Him and trust in Him, and I will focus on his righteousness in me.

P - Lord, thank you for such a great salvation! Thank you that Jesus lived a holy life and paid the price for me. Thank you that I am now your beloved child and that I am free from judgment and accusation. Thank you that the power of judgment has been destroyed by the power of the Beloved Son.

Friday, April 29, 2011

HE KNOWS ME

S--Psalm 139:23,24 “Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

O--David acknowledges that God knows everything about him…that He knew him before he was born; that He knows his thoughts…and every word that will come out of his mouth. Still David asks God to search him and see if there is any offensive way in him.

A--I know that my heart, motives and thought life are not always pleasing to the Father, so I admire David’s heart when he says search me. Hiding things that are not pleasing to God may fool those around me…but God already knows. I want my thoughts and actions to be pleasing to God. Help me to be real and transparent.

P--Father I’m sorry for all offensive attitudes I have. Help me to be the woman of God You have created me to be. Show me, teach me and keep me on the right path. Thank You for your everlasting love.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thursday April 28, 2011 2 Sam. 3; 1 Chron . 12, Matt. 15 "Soap Your Mouth"

Thursday April 28, 2011
2 Sam. 3; 1 Chron . 12, Matt. 15
"Soap Your Mouth"
S-Matt 15:11 What goes into a man's mouth does not make him "unclean," but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him "unclean."

O- Jesus is talking about the clean and unclean, and clearly stating that what you put in is not what unholy, but what comes out.

A- Whoah, that was good! When we feed ourselves with the word, that is what goes in. We say evil things sometimes. It's not always intentional, but stuff comes out of our mouths that are unclean. This is not talking about our hearts, because our hearts can hide the evil intentions, but our mouths speak our true thoughts and feelings. Our mouths are the true test of our walk. Jealousy, anger, vindictiveness, self righteous....it all start here, in the mouth. Out of our mouths, the truth speaks......wow!

P- Lord, my mouth can be so ugly at times, brush my teeth and scope my mouth with your righteous, and fill my heart with pure thoughts, to come out of my lips. Create in me a clean heart, mind and spirit, so that my mouth doesn't pollute my thoughts with ugly truth of what I am thinking. Thank you Lord for your unconditional Love over all of us, that you see us without judgement.......then why should we speak judgement. Teach us Lord your ways. Amen

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

LORD, SAVE ME!

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - April 27, 2011 - 2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14

S - Matthew 14:30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

O - Peter was actually walking on water toward Jesus when he stepped into a crisis of faith.

A - I've done it and I've seen others do it. I'll be stepping out with faith as big as a mountain and then I come up against something that makes my faith waiver and doubt creeps in. Did God really tell me to do this? Or was it just me getting all emotional? I know it seems like it's working now but I don't see how and I can't sustain this and oh Lord, save me! And He does. And He doesn't get mad at me or rebuke me - but just like with Peter, He asks me, "why did you doubt?"

P - Oh, Jesus, when adversity comes and I feel like I'm sinking, increase my faith! Lord, save me!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

God's Creative Activity on Your Behalf

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 4/26/11 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matt 13 - God's Creative Activity on Your Behalf

S - Psalm 140:12 MSG, "I know that you, God, are on the side of victims..."

O - In this Psalm, David is crying out to God for rescue from evil men. As usual, David ends this Psalm declaring his trust and faith in God. In the NASB version, ("I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted"), the Hebrew word for maintain means to labor, toil, squeeze, - and describes God's creative activity to work on our behalf when we are a victim.

A - Have you ever been in the place of being a victim or the target of someone else's arrows?  Who hasn't!  It's an uncomfortable place to be in and sometimes it's difficult to remember who the real enemy is (the Accuser of the Brethren).  There is a spirit of Accusation that comes against you when, in reality, you are the victim.  In these times, it is awesome to know that God is working creatively - laboring and toiling in your cause.  He sees and knows the truth.  And as the Amplified version describes, "I know and rest in confidence.." because of God's involvement.

P - Lord, we recognize that you are on the side of the afflicted.  You see and know what we are going through.  You are working creatively behind the scenes - so we can rest, relax, and let go.  I let go today and trust that all will work for Your glory.  Thank you for reassuring me in the journey and I am seeing fruit of your creative activity! Amen.

Monday, April 25, 2011

David Strengthened Himself in the Lord

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 4/25/11 – 1 Samuel 30,31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12 – “David Strengthened Himself in the Lord”

S– 1 Samuel 30:6 – “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

O – David had been rejected by the king, rejected by the Israelites, and even rejected by their enemies. To make matters worse, when David’s men saw their burned city and missing families, they spoke of stoning him, but…”David strengthened himself in the Lord.”

A – David could have become indignant and start defending his place as their leader by reminding them that they owe him their lives. David could have run for his life. But instead,he “strengthened himself in the Lord.” David chose not to look to himself or others for his strength, but to the Lord his God. God gave David the strength to master his own distress, and to rise above all his rejection. After strengthening himself in the Lord, he was able to encourage his men and call them back to the purpose and vision for their lives. When David turned to his men in strength, they pulled themselves together, went after the Amalekites, and retrieved every person and possession that had been taken. It was David’s decision to strengthen himself and be faithful to his purpose instead of collapsing under pressure, not only saved his life but it also enabled him to lead his men to victory. David’s breakthrough lead to the breakthrough of all who followed him. This was one more step in God’s preparation process for David to become king.

P – Lord, teach us to look to You alone in our dark days. Teach us that our dark days are not designed to throw us down and out; they are designed to bring us to our knees so we will look to You alone. Teach us to strengthen ourselves in You.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

REST

S: -Matthew 11:28 – Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.
O: Jesus is our rest from the burdens and troubles of this world.
A: There was a time in my life when I tried to “Do” life on my terms; without anyone’s help. My best efforts brought to me a place of surrender only when I couldn’t live with the pain any longer. I didn’t come seeking a relationship with God. I came because I couldn’t stand the pain. I was at a point where I would have done anything to make the pain stop. It didn’t take long before I was faced with a dilemma. Full of shame and guilt for the way I had been living my life I came face to face with the reality that the only way to freedom for me was at the foot of the cross. I was not worthy. I did not deserve it. I surrendered and left my sin at the foot of that cross and in return I received the rest that only Jesus can give and he didn’t ask for anything in return. The most precious gift in this world was given to me free of charge.
P: Father God thank you for the cross. Thank you for loving me when I was less than loveable. I surrendered my ways and accepted yours and was given rest. Father God I pray today that you will empty me of all that is me and fill me with you. Use me to bring others who need rest to the foot of the cross where your son gave his all that we might have life.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Seeking God

S - Ps. 63:1 - O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

O - David was in a desert, a place of barreness, a place of lack. There were few resources to turn to so he turned to God with great intensity. He was seeking God's presence and his comfort. He needed Abba Father's arms around him. How did David seek God? This psalm says that he sought him through spoken declarations. "O God, you are my God." He sought God with intensity. "Earnestly I seek you," and he sought Him through the vehicle of singing. Verse 4 says "I will praise you as long as I live and in your name, I will lift up my hands," and verse 5 says "with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Verse 7 says "I sing in the shadow of your wings." When we seek God in prayer, in faith declarations and worship, we come into the place of his presence.

A - God meets people in the place of worship.

Prayer - Lord, with faith filled lips, with singing lips, we seek you today. Meet your people in the place of worship today and this Easter Sunday, as we celebrate your loving gift of salvation and your wonderful resurrection power. Amen.

Friday, April 22, 2011

1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

DON’T LET THE TOMATOES DIE ON THE VINE
S--Matthew 9:37,38 “Then He said to His disciples “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the God of the Harvest to send us out workers into the harvest field.”

O--Jesus uses this illustration to encourage us to not only, to be workers, but to pray for more workers in order to save the harvest.

A--It is so sad to me when I drive past a field and see the corn dying on the stalk, or see my tomatoes spoiling on the vine because I haven’t taken the time to harvest in a timely fashion. Sometimes our eyes are blind and our ears are deaf to the things God calls us to do. People are dying without Christ in their lives…we need to GO AND TELL.

P--Oh God help me to see and meet the need…help me to reach out to the lost, help me to have Your heart for people, help me to proclaim Your saving and restorative powers.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Thursday April 21, 2011 "He Knows" 1 Sam. 224; Psalm 57,58; 1 Chr. 8, Matt. 8

Thursday April 21, 2011
"He Knows"
1 Sam. 224; Psalm 57,58; 1 Chr. 8, Matt. 8

S-Matt 8:2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, :Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

O- Crowds of people were coming to Jesus for healing. A leper comes to him, and humbly kneels down at His feet, and ask for the Lord's will. The leper didn't say "you must heal me, or I'll________." He knew the power and the way to come to Jesus.....it was to be Humble and ask, and he was healed.

A-Jesus knows what we need more then we do. Some times we ask, and we are humble but the request is with held for a purpose, that we need to trust that He knows what we need and what our purpose is more than we do. He knows our end from our beginning. In our business we often will be discouraged if we do not win a bid, or get a job that we were counting on, and praying to God about. Later, to find out, that there was a very good reason why we did not get it, and it was for our best interest. Now, we try to just let God be the CEO
of our business, and let Him make the decisions of what we get and what we don't, and that's ok with me.

P- Father thank you that we just have to humbly ask for your will, and it will be done. Even when it is not our will, it is the best thing to have happen for our lives, and I trust you with that with my whole

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

BONFIRE

by Vivian Bills


Wednesday - April 20, 2011 - 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31,54; Matthew 7


S - Matthew 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from the other person's eye.

O - Jesus is telling us to not judge other people and criticize them. Instead, we are to look at our own behavior and actions and take care of them.

A - I think I may spend the rest of my life taking planks out of my eyes. There's a bonfire in my spiritual backyard and it seems to never run out of fuel. But I don't take a plank (a fault, a sin) and beat myself up with it. I take it and burn it - I don't save it for a time when it might be "useful." It's useful right now to fuel this fire burning in my soul to get closer to the heart of God.

P - Lord, provide the fire to burn up all the planks in my life that keep me from seeing you in all your glory.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Vindication and Refuge

Tuesday 4/19/2011  1 Sam 22; Psalm 17,35; Matthew 6 - Vindication and Refuge

S - Psalm 35:1,  Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me... Psalm 35:2,7,8, May my vindication come from You; may your eyes see what is right.  Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

O - The Lord is our refuge when false accusations come.  He is the One I must hide in, tucked right there under His wing.

A - The God who Sees (El Roi) is the one who sees when enemies come prowling around.  It's hard to remember sometimes who the real enemy is - Satan and his cohorts.  I think many of us carry responsibilities for things that we really are not responsible for - and then we carry the blame as well. A double whammy. Where can we go with all this? Into the arms of our Savior and Father who love us so much.

P - Lord, hide me in the shadow of your wings today.  Protect me, cover me, save me. You promise to save me if I take refuge in You from my foes.  Come today Lord and save me.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Bring Out the God-Colors of this World!

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 4/18/11 – 1 Samuel 20,21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5 – “Bring out the God-Colors of this World!”

S– Matthew 5:14-16 – “You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand — shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. [from the Message Bible]

O – In John 8:12, Jesus called Himself the Light of the world. Now, He calls US the light of the world! He is telling us that we are the instruments God chooses to use to display His goodness and glory. He wants to use our lives as a testimony that points to God.

A – A light is meant to shine and give direction. Jesus is calling us to radiate and point others to the path of Truth. Our influence is to be evident, like a city on a hill or a lamp on its stand, not concealed or hidden. Light-radiating people live so that others see a life that results in praise to God. We have opportunities every day to be a display of the goodness, kindness, and love of God.

P – Lord, we desire to be as a paintbrush in Your hand! That You may use us to display Your love, character, goodness and mercy to a world in darkness. Cause us to shine brightly for Your glory, that others may be drawn to You through our lives.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Transformed

S: 1 Samuel 19:20 - so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s men, and they also prophesied.
O: Saul was intent on killing David. David escaped and ran to Samuel, a priest. Saul sent men after David but when they came to where the prophets gathered they were overcome by the Holy Spirit and they too began to prophesy.
A: These men came upon this group of priests with murder in their hearts yet when the Spirit of God came on them they began to prophesy. I love that our God does not dismiss us when our hearts aren't right or when we are carriers of sin but that he can use us in our dirty, broken condition. We don't have to "get it right" before we can be useful for the Kingdom of God. He loves us right where we are in our human condition. In the middle of our messes he loves us. In the middle of our sin he loves us. This is such a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit; of God's power at work in human lives. These men came to murder and destroy and yet when they ran into the presence of the Holy Spirit they were completely overcome and regardless of their intentions or their hearts.....they began to prophesy. That is transformation. God is in the transformation business. Invite him in and be amazed at what he will do with the broken, mess that we call our lives.
P: Father God thank you that you loved me without me having to do a thing. Thank you for your overwhelming love. Father God help me to completely surrender to you. Transform me. Use me right where I am at today Lord. Use me to set other free. Amen.

Friday, April 15, 2011

1Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD
S--1Samuel 17:45 “David said, “You come against me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord.”
O--Young David challenges the giant warrior, Goliath, with only a sling shot and stones.

A--David was trusting in his God…but his brothers and country men were making fun of his small stature. In vs. 47 David says “…all will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. David loved God and completely trusted Him. David, a shepherd boy, spent much of his days tending sheep, and worshiping God…He knew his God and knew that He was trustworthy. How much time do we spend worrying about the daily things we deal with; finances, health, family etc. We make the battle ours and struggle until we come to the end of ourselves… then realize that the battle is the Lord’s. If I, like David really knew my God, then I would be more inclined to trust Him. Life would be simpler and more enjoyable if we would just trust God completely.

P--Father, I acknowledge that You are God and that You are more than able to protect and keep me. Forgive me for my lack of faith and help me to trust You with all aspects of my life.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thursday April 14, 2011 1Sam 15, 16; 1 Chron 5, Matt. 1 "Saved-From Sin not In"

Thursday April 14, 2011

1Sam 15, 16; 1 Chron 5, Matt. 1
"Saved-From Sin not In"
S-Matt 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

O- Joseph was pledged to be married to Mary. Joseph was torn, because he discovered Mary was with child. To not disgrace or humiliate Mary, he wanted to divorce her from the promise of marriage. One night, an angel of the Lord appeared and said to Joseph, "do not be afraid to have Mary as your wife, because what she has conceived is from the Holy Spirit, she will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, he will save his people FROM their sins. Peace came over Joseph, and he knew he was to marry Mary, and father the son of God.

A- There is one piece that I picked up when reading it this time. Jesus was born to save us FROM sin, not to save us IN sin, because of the cross and the ultimate sacrifice of His life and dying on the cross. Saving us FROM our sin, saves us for Him, so that we can have eternal life, to not be of the world, but to be set aside for Him. If I ask for forgiveness but continue to sin, what is that? Isn't that taking for granted what was done on the cross for me. He wants us to walk away, not to be IN sin. Forgiveness for sin choices is always given, but guilt and shame stay with us when we continue to walk in our sin.

P-Father thank you for the ultimate sacrifice, and for sending your son to earth, to to save your people FROM sin. Please give us the strength and the love for what was done for us on the cross, to walk away from sin, and to live our lives holy for you. Open our eyes to the darkness in our own lives, and shine the light, where there needs to be light, and turn away from evil, so that we may have eternal life with you. Amen.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

WHO IS JABEZ?

by Vivian Bills


Wednesday - April 13, 2011 - 1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13 


S - 1 Chronicles 4:9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.

O - Jabez sticks out of the seemingly endless genealogies as someone who prayed and had God answer his prayers. But, I can't figure out where he came from.

A - The genealogy of the lineage of Judah was interrupted in order to mention Jabez. But, who are his parents? I don't think that matters as much as the fact that Jabez broke free of what was pronounced over him by his mom - Jabez means "sorrow." Jabez called out to God to deliver him from that which was pronounced over him and God answered his prayer. It doesn't really matter where you come from - only where you point your focus for your future. Leave your past behind and head for the promises of God.

P - Oh, that You would bless ME and enlarge MY territory, Lord! Let Your hand be with ME and keep ME from harm so that I will be free from sorrow.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

WHAT IS GRACE, ANYWAY?

by Cathy Weymouth


Tuesday 4/12/11 - 1 Sam 13; 1 Chr 2,3; 2 Cor 12 - WHAT IS GRACE, ANYWAY?

S - 1 Cor 12: 7-9 MSG, Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,  "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

O - Paul was given great revelations from the Lord Jesus himself.  To keep him humble, the Lord blessed him with "the gift of a handicap." This kept Paul dependent upon the Lord.

A - I am reading about the Grace Walk in a book titled, Grace Rules.  We cannot live the Christian life - only Jesus can.  What is Grace? It is receiving something we don't deserve - receiving the Life of Christ within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.  Grace is the gift of His life.  Now, I don't have to live the Christian life; I need to become dependent upon Him in me to live it. God used Paul's handicap to teach him this principle.

P - Father, forgive us for trying to live the life ourselves. Thanks for the gift of handicaps that remind us that we are weak and you are strong and that we have You in us - You wanting to express Your life through our weak ones.  Go for it, Lord!  May it be true of us as it was of Paul, who said in verse 10, "I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become."

Monday, April 11, 2011

Be Careful What You Ask For-You Just Might Get It!

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 4/11/11 – 1 Samuel 11,12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11 – “BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR…YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT!”

S – 1 Samuel 12:13- “So here's the king you wanted, the king you asked for. God has let you have your own way, given you a king.” [from the Message Bible]

O – The people desired a king, and when they asked Samuel to appoint a general, he told them that God was their commander-in-chief, and they needed no other. The got the king they wanted.

A – What strikes me in this reading is that sometimes God loves us so much He gives us just what we ask for. Then we learn the tough lessons that show us what we really needed was Him, and His wisdom, and to follow what HE says we should do, and receive what HE says is best for us. And the amazing thing is, Even though they cast God aside, He does not cast them aside. He takes them under His merciful protection and loves them. He does the same for us. We serve an amazing, merciful, loving God.

P – Lord, thank You for all the times that you DON’T give us what we ask for! We think we know what we need, what is best for us; but we don’t. Thank You for your great grace, Your patience with us, and Your overwhelming love. Teach us YOUR WAYS, that we may desire to follow You…no matter what.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Friday, April 8, 2011 1Samuel 3-5; Psalm 77 2Corinthians 8

MOM
Meditate on Miracles

S--Psalm 77: 10 “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the most High God.”

O--David was going through a really rough time and was in a crisis of belief. Rather than continue to travel down that gloomy road…David decided to meditate on the miracles and Words of His God. vs. 11 says “I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

A--I was married 6 years before becoming pregnant…you can imagine my delight when I found out I was pregnant. However, on that same day I found out that I had a kidney stone 1 inch by ½ inch (which is considered pretty large.) In 1976 the practice of breaking up stones was not done here in VT…the alternative was major surgery. The Dr. said you must abort this baby and have surgery. Many people prayed for me and the pain was gone…I delivered a very healthy baby boy. I had the surgery to remove the stone and 2 years later I asked the Dr. when I could get pregnant again…he said never. Again we prayed and in 1979 we had a beautiful healthy baby girl. Now I have 4 wonderful grandkids…this all is a wonderful miracle…when I hit a crisis of belief…I meditate on how MIGHTY, MERCIFUL AND MIRACULOUS our God is.

P--Thank you God for your mercy and mighty miraculous deeds in my life.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Thursday April 7, 2011 "Get to Presents" 1 Sam. 1,2 Psalm 66, 2 Cor. 7

Thursday April 7, 2011
"Get to Presents"
1 Sam. 1,2 Psalm 66, 2 Cor. 7

Psalm 66: 15 (NIV) I will sacrifice fat animals to you an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goals.
(MSG.) I'm bringing my prizes and presents to your house. I'm doing what I said I would do.

O- A time of coming together to shout out and celebrate our Lord, not only in words & song but in actions and sacrifices....in holiness and pure heart.
By the excitement in the people, I can tell this is a "Get to" opportunity to Bless.

A- I like the Message version because I think of when I go to a party or give someone a gift, it is out of joy, and with the purest of hearts. There is a big difference in when you "have to" buy someone a gift....it doesn't even feel like you are blessing them, it feels more of an obligation. But, when you "Get to" give or do something to someone, because our hearts truly wants to bless and extend gratitude and appreciation, that is the best type of blessing......Pure in Heart, and totally out of love. We don't give
our friends junk, but we try to choose something that will be meaningful and useful to bless their hearts. That is what the psalmist is saying here too.
The people came together in celebration and in joy. I can see in my minds eye when I read this, smiling faces and people dancing, and singing,
like a party. Celebrating the gift of the Lord's goodness in our lives.

P- Father keep the spirit of celebration and Joy in our hearts. Let us give with joyful hearts and contrite spirits and with a song and dance in our hearts
all that you ask, and above and beyond for the Glory of God. Thank you for carrying us, when the load is toooo heavy for us alone. You are
truly amazing gift, please teach us to never take that for granted, but to always have appreciation in our hearts for all you have done for us. Thank you for all of my "get to" opportunities:) Amen

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

YOKED WITH UNBELIEVERS?

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - April 6, 2011 - Ruth 3,4; Psalm 64,65; 2 Corinthians 6


S - 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

O - Paul is not speaking of mere association - he is speaking of being yoked, partnered with someone.

A - I don't really like the way this verse is used amongst Christians to justify their wrongdoings. They use it to condemn others and as an excuse to not associate with those in need of our Savior. They use it to justify divorce, which God hates. But, they don't use it for what Paul intended and that is as a preventive directive. Stop pursuing close relationships with those who don't believe as you do. This includes people of the same and of the opposite sex. Those close to you should be able to hold you accountable to that which you believe and not draw you away from the one who saved you.

P - Lord, help me to get this across to the people in my sphere of influence. They pursue people like the world does, chasing after the wrong things.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Jesus, Our Scapegoat

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 4/5/11 Ruth 1,2; Psalm 53,61; 2 Cor 5 - Jesus, Our Scapegoat

S - 2 Cor 5:21 JBP & MSG, For God caused Christ, who himself knew nothing of sin, actually to be sin for our sakes, so that in Christ we might be made good with the goodness of God.  God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

O - Jesus became our scapegoat - the innocent Lamb, who knew no sin, carried no sin, experienced no sin, to be our sin-carrier. In that way, the sin was completely removed from us and put upon Jesus - so sin is now gone.  Finished.  Disappeared.  Carried Away.  It is not on me or you.  Why do we focus on it so much, then??

A - The Lord has been teaching me a lot lately about the scapegoat (Leviticus 16). Have you ever been accused of something that wasn't your responsibility or fault?  It doesn't feel so good - but it does teach us what Jesus did on our behalf.  All of the sins of the nation were put on the head of the goat which was sent off into the wilderness alone to die.  And the nation was cleansed - completely.

P - Jesus, may I appreciate what you have done for me to a greater depth.  Thank you for taking upon Yourself all my stuff.  Thank you for removing it from me.  It must have felt horrible to carry the blame and burden for my sin.  Thank you for being willing to do that. May I walk now - in the goodness of God.

Monday, April 4, 2011

SMALL POTATOES!

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 4/4/11 – Judges 19-21; 2 Corinthians 4 – “SMALL POTATOES!”

S – 2 Corinthians 4:17- “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

O – The Apostle Paul has a hard time comparing our light afflictions to the eternal weight of glory that Christ has prepared for us. Earthly language seems to fall far short of the truth he is conveying in trying to compare things present to things future; a moment of our time to eternity; lightness to weight; afflictions to glory.

A – The Message Bible says “these hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.” What God has prepared makes what we go through seem like ‘small potatoes’. Talk about a reality check! What Paul endured seemed anything but light. They consisted of want, danger, comtempt with stoning, shipwreck, toil, weariness, the constant scorn of this world, and constant exposure to death by land or by sea. Yet he considered these things ‘light’ compared to the eternal glory that awaited him.

P – Lord, give us a heavenly, eternal perspective! We whine and complain about what we go through, when in reality those things are crafted to cause us to look to You, and make a choice to glorify you in and through our trials. Forgive us Lord. Teach us to see our lives through Your eyes.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Transform Me

S: 2 Corinthians 3:17 – But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
O: We are being transformed into the very same image of the Lord through the Holy Spirit at work in us.
A: Moses would ascend the mountain and spend time with the Lord and when he returned he would glow with the glory of the Lord. The Israelites had Moses cover his face with a veil when he would come down from the mountain as they could not look at him because the glory was so intense. Years later Jesus came and introduced us to a personal relationship with God where we no longer needed someone else to go to the Lord for us but we could have a one on one, personal relationship with God. Jesus came to bring us life. To die for our sins. To grant us direct access to our Father in Heaven. Jesus is alive in each and every one of us. If we submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit and completely surrender to what God has for us we will be transformed. I cannot spend time in the word or spend time with the Lord without being changed by it. Most times I may not notice the change but every action I take that furthers my relationship with Jesus is changing me, is molding me into the person I am called to be. Those times when I find myself face down before the Lord I often leave knowing that there has been a change in me, a lesson learned, a passion lit. There was a time in my life when I could not look in a mirror because the image that stared back at me was too awful to bear. Oh the outsides looked alright but I couldn’t look myself in the eyes because my eyes showed the true condition of my soul. I was not the person I wanted to be. I was mean. The list of people I had hurt in my short time on this earth was as long as my arm. But Jesus. Jesus came into my life like a hurricane, loved me when I couldn’t love myself and began a process of transformation that continues to this day. This morning I looked at myself in the mirror and I smiled. There is still much work to be done but today I belong to Jesus and my heart’s desire is that someday I will start to look a little bit like him.
P: Father God I surrender everything in me. Every part of my life. My marriage. My children. My finances. My family. My ministry. My heart. Every thought. I lay it all down before you. Clean me up Lord. Make me new. Transform me into the person you want me to be. I want to live every day for the rest of my life for you and you alone. Amen.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Tragedy and Triumph of Sampson

S - Judges 13:5 " ...set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel."

O - Samson was set apart by God to be a deliverer of Israel. He had a calling, a clear purpose for his life, and the Holy Spirit was with him powerfully. Yet Sampson had a very flawed character and made very poor choices in his life. But here is the kicker! Bound, blinded, and a terrible failure, Samuel prayed to God, and asked for one more chance to fulfill his destiny, and God gave it to him.

A - God works through imperfect people and He is a God who hears our heartfelt prayers.

P - Lord, we pray that we will have both character and Holy Spirit power. Lord, give us grace and wisdom to make wise God-honoring choices. Thank you God that even when we have made a mess of things, you still hear heartfelt cries. You are the God of mercy and grace. May we live our lives to bring glory to you. May we not miss our calling and your plan for us. Amen.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Judges 11-12, Psalm 50; 2Corinthians 1

BRANDED
S--2Corinthians 1:21b-22 “He has anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
O--Paul is writing to the church in Corinth.

A--When a rancher purchases cattle he quickly puts his brand on them, declaring his ownership. Should the cattle be stolen or lost, they can be identified by the “seal” or brand that has been stamped on them.

A--cont. When I walked away from God, I struggled and floundered, forgetting who I was and to Whom I belonged. When I looked into the mirror pass the sin, shame and confusion I saw the seal He had placed on me in the form of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, and that is what compelled me to return to my loving Father.

P--Lord, thank You for putting your seal of ownership on us. Thank You for Your unconditional, and compelling love. Thank You for Your generous grace, forgiveness and restorative power. You are such a great God.