Thursday, September 29, 2011

"Mondy Bags"

September 29, 2011
Zech. 4-6; Luke 12
“Money Bags”
S: Luke 12: Sell what you have and give alms, provide yourselves with money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
O: Jesus is speaking with His disciples about seeking the Kingdom of God. It is not through possessions, it is through our Father’s love for us. We just need to accept it and believe.
A: I just really like my new shoes that go with this great pair of jeans I just bought. Oh, and I have the perfect earrings now to go with that new dress. Admittedly, I get caught up in my possessions – especially jewelry, handbags and hats. Putting those aside though, my attention turns to where it matters – seeking God. God knows what I need and it is definitely not another pair of shoes. When He tells me to sell what I have – why don’t I take my extras, sell them and use the proceeds to give to those without. Why don’t I take all the change I hoard in a vase and use it for the good of others? While I’m at it, why don’t I rely on God for what I need; skip the “I wants” and go against the materialistic nature of our world? I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food in my fridge. God has provided. I seek the real treasure from my “money bags,” that which no one can ever steal from me – it’s mine to lose.
P: Father in Heaven, I know what I want but You know what I need and You provide. I thank you for your many blessings granted to me and those I am able to share. Teach me to trust in You always Lord. I love you.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

ASK

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - Zechariah 1-3; Luke 11

S - Luke 11:9 - So I say to you:  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

O - Jesus is teaching his disciples to just ask God for good things, whether they think they'll get it or not.

A - I have friends who complain about the abundance poured out on certain people they deem undeserving.  They are envious and resentful because they are not getting the same gifts.  But, when I ask if they've asked, they reply that they would NEVER put themselves int the position of asking.  And there's the difference.  Those who have abundance poured out on them are asking.

P - Lord, I thank You for answered prayer.  Let me not forget that I need to put my pride aside and just ask.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

It's the Right Time!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 9/27/11 Haggai 1,2; Psalm 129; Luke 10 - It's the Right Time!

S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer

S - Haggai 1:2-4 MSG, A Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies: "The people procrastinate.  They say this isn't the right time to rebuild my Temple, the Temple of God." Shortly after that, God said more and Haggai spoke it: "How is it that it's the 'right time' for you to live in your fine new homes while the Home, God's Temple, is in ruins?"

O - Some of the people had returned to Jerusalem years before, begun rebuilding the destroyed Temple, but then halted the work.  No progress had been made in years.

A - Let's look at this in light of New Testament living.  God now resides in us; we are His Temple.  Yet often we invest money, time and energy into everything and everyone else.  Our homes are taken care of but our bodies are suffering.  We work hard to shelter, feed, care for our families.  We give our employer our best efforts.  We invest countless hours into ministry and caring for other people.  But who takes care of rebuilding the Temple?  I say it's time to put our priorities in order.  We suffer ourselves because we are giving out so much.  We can't keep doing this and not expect burnout. It's the right time - to rebuild God's Temple, so that we can effectively give out as He asks us to.

P - Lord, help us.  We don't want to neglect your Temple.  Show us how to better care for our bodies, souls and spirits.  Teach us that self-care is NOT selfish but is actually your mandate.  Help us get our priorities in order because we want to glorify you with this Temple and we want to be healthy and whole so that we CAN effectively minister. Amen!  

Monday, September 26, 2011

Pure Profit

Joann Geary
September 26, 2011 Ezra 4; Psalms 113, 127; Luke 9

S: Luke 24-25: For whoever desires to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and is himself destroyed or lost?

O: Jesus is discussing what it means to follow Him and be His disciple. One’s burdens and crosses must still be endured on a daily basis, along with hardships and suffering that may be caused by nonbelievers and enemies.

A: Actors are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to appear in one episode of a television program. Actors are famous, fortunate and followed by admirers, some even longing to have the same wealth and lifestyle. Some are even quite envious of their material wealth. But where is the profit? What is the return on the investment? Jesus said “follow Me” and save your life! Jesus did not promise a rose garden – He even warned there would be suffering. He did promise eternal life in His Father’s kingdom. So I must ask myself, do I want to get rich quick scheme or shall I roll up my sleeves and work toward a higher goal?

P: Jesus with your blood you have given me riches beyond my imagination that no person on Earth could ever match. I thank you by choosing You and the life you promise and I accept you as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

NO LIMITS

Sunday, September 25, 2011 – Ezra 2 & 3, Luke 8

S: Luke 8:50: But when Jesus heard it he answered him saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe and she will be made well.

O: Jairus’ daughter was ill and he asked Jesus to come with him. While they were on their way word came to them that his daughter had died. Jesus responded – Do not be afraid; only believe and she will be made well.

A: I can imagine that Jairus responded to news of his daughter’s death just as any parent would – with horror and disbelief and unimaginable pain. Jesus reassured him to not have fear but to have faith and she would be okay. Jesus went to the girls home, and told her to arise & she who was dead got up and was given something to eat. A miracle! I love the miracles of Jesus – blind eyes being opened, deaf ears hearing, the lame getting up and walking; leprosy cured; withered hands restored. Jairus had faith in what Jesus could and would do. Do I have that kind of faith or do I limit what God can do in me and through me because of my inability to comprehend who God is? Do I spend so much time “in the world” that I mistakenly give my father in heaven earthly attributes and limitations? This is God we are dealing with! There are no limitations except those I try to place on him so that I can comprehend him. When I try to comprehend the maker of the universe I will fail. Every time. There is nothing God can’t do. There is no person on earth he can’t set free. I may not have been physically dead when God came into my life but certainly my soul was dying. Yet he took me by the hand and said "Your sins are forgiven, Arise!” Our God is the God of miracles. We should expect
miracles in our lives every day! Seeing someone raised from the dead does not have to be an experience that only missionaries can have. It can happen right here on Main Street in any town, Vermont. The only person who can limit what God is capable of doing in my life is me. That’s right M-E. The only person who can change that is M-E. I can lay
down my ideas about God and just get in HIS presence. Regular time in his presence is all I need to begin to expect miracles in my life.
P: Father God thank you that you are not limited by the limitations of my understanding.Father God I lay down the lies about you which I have believed. I lay down my old ideas. I declare today Lord that you are Father of Miracles. I claim the miracles you have for me Lord. Use me. Guide Me. Direct my every step. I want to walk in yourways forever. Amen.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

“Simon I Have Something To Say To You”

Saturday, 9- 24, 2011 – Ezra 1; Ps. 84, 85: Lk. 7

S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer

“Simon I Have Something To Say To You”

S – Luke 7:40 “And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon I have something to say to you.” So, he said, “Teacher say it.”

O – Simon the Pharisee was observing the woman at Jesus’ feet. She was washing His feet with her tears and wiping them dry with her hair. Simon knew what type of woman she was and speaking out loud to himself was challenging Jesus’ abilities to discern what manner of woman was touching Him, but Jesus knowing the heart and thoughts of every man took this opportunity to bring Simon into the classroom of parables.

A – Every day the Lord has “something to say to us”, something new to change our hearts reaction to whatever the Lord feels we need to learn. His teachings will come through His Word. It may be in times of prayer as we listen for His still small voice. It could be through the words or actions of others, or maybe even through the mouth of a donkey! We don’t know Simon’s heart response to what the Lord was teaching him about himself, but we do know that he wanted to hear what the Lord had to say when he said, “Teacher say it.” What about our response, to the Lord when he is trying to teach us. Are we listening? Do we posses that teachable spirit? Having a teachable spirit will require a willingness to hear what the Spirit has to say, and a heart willing to change.

P – Lord I ask that I will always have a teachable spirit. That my heart will be open and willing to change in the areas where you are teaching me to be like you. Amen

Friday, September 23, 2011

Rock or Roll

Daniel 11 & 12; Luke 6

S=Scripture=Objective. A=Application, P=Prayer

S-Luke 6 :49 “But the one who hears My words and does not put them to practice is like a man who built his house on the ground without foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

O-Jesus is talking in parables about the builders, one wise and one foolish. The wise man built his house on a strong foundation that went down deep into the ground and when the torrents came the house stood firm.

A-The analogy here is about God’s people…do we put our trust in our bank accounts, trust funds, parents, jobs or do we trust the Word of God that “He will supply all our needs…” Do we really believe that He is the rock that we need to stand on? When times get tough do we run here and there trying to figure things out …or do we simply trust God, Many a home have been destroyed by floods here in Vermont during the tropical storm Irene. We know what torrents look and feel like. We need to make sure we base our life on the Rock that never Rolls, the Lord Jesus Christ.

P-Oh God, I am so thankful that You are my Rock, and I want to build my whole life on You, for You are a sure foundation.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Good Enough

September 22, 2011 - Daniel 9,10; Psalm 123; Luke 5

S - Luke 5:39 And none of you, after drinking old wine, wants the new, for you say, "The old is better."

O - People are resistant to change, especially when they're comfortable and what they have seems good enough.

A - But, what if you never experienced anything better because you thought there was nothing better? God has better for us, but we don't want it because this is good enough. Sometimes we know that change would be good, but we can't handle it - we are "old wineskins." In order to embrace change (for the better) we need to take on a new attitude (wineskin) and partake of everything God has for us.

P - Lord, help me to embrace inevitable change. Renew my wineskin, Lord, so that I can fully hold everything You have for me.

Packaging

September 22, 2011

S: Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners, to repentance.
O: Jesus had just finished dinner with tax collectors. The tax collectors were considered as lowly in class as sinners – at least by the Pharisees – who are critical of Our Lord's choice of dinner companions.

A: Do as I say – not as I do. But no shouldn’t it be that what we say and believe is what we do? We need to work hard each day to follow the lead of Jesus. He sat himself down right smack in the middle of these sinners, zealously working to bring them into the light. By placing Himself with them, by breaking bread with them, He worked to gain their trust so He could save them. So I ask myself – how many times have I passed up opportunities to bring the light and love of Christ to someone? When I choose snobbery over caring for people, am I of better character than the judgmental Pharisees? If I want God to use me, I can’t cherry-pick the projects! I am to open my heart – easier said than done in my case – and hear the call to serve as Jesus did.

P: Father God, your son Jesus is the perfect example to follow. Let not my human weakness get in my way of reaching out to those in need. I pray I see the opportunities in front of me – whether or not I like the packaging! Amen

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

A SOLITARY PLACE

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 - Daniel 7,8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

S - Luke 4:42a At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place.

O - Jesus retreated from all the people He taught and healed. He went away by Himself.

A - Jesus got away when He walked the earth. I've heard a lot of people say that they hate to be alone. But we read several times in the New Testament how Jesus would get away from the crowds. The crowds would always find Him though. But, I like to think that by the time they found Him, He had gotten what He needed - time alone with the Father. We don't read that Jesus told people to go away when they found Him. He attended to their need to be taught, healed and loved. He was ready for them.

P - Jesus, remind me to get away with You. I get so busy attending to others' needs that I forget to get away to truly rejuvenate. I thank You that You encourage retreats by Your example. Refresh me, Lord.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Just in Time!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 9/20/11 Daniel 5,6; Psalm 130; Luke 3 - Just in Time!

S - Luke 3:23  Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.

O - Even the Son of God had a season of growth, training, waiting before he was launched into ministry.  Meanwhile, it seems he worked in his father's carpenter shop.  I wonder if thirty years old was mid-life at that time in history?!

A - Sometimes we think we are just too old!  I have heard this several times in music ministry - adults wondering if they are too old to be a part of the worship team.  I heard it again this week!  I think it's funny! (Especially when the people are younger than me!) God's timing is perfect.  We go through seasons of preparation before being launched into ministry.  It's not that we are too old - LET'S NOT LET AGE STOP US!  It's that we are not ready before that time.

P - Father, what a privilege to serve you in ministry - whatever form it takes.  Use us to minister to others, Lord.  We are available no matter how old we are!  We thank you for the preparation and the seasons needed ahead of time to get us ready, just in time!  We trust your timing. Amen.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

YES

Sunday September 18, 2011 – Ezekie 45,46; Luke 1

S: Luke 1:38: Then Mary said “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word”. And the angel departed from her. (NKJV)
O: An angel appeared to Mary to tell her she has been chosen to be Jesus’ mother and she has agreed.
A: I love that it doesn’t say that Mary responded “I need to pray about it” or that she even thought about the consequences. These were not times when it was “okay” to be unmarried and pregnant. She understood the risk. She could be stoned to death or ostracized by her family. This teenage girl stood to lose everything. Yet her response was simply “let it be to me according to your word”. Mary understood what it meant to love the Lord. Mary understood obedience and how pleasing our obedience is to the Lord. There have been times in my life when I knew God was asking me to do something and I would like to tell you I responded just as Mary did. I did not. I whined and carried on and wrestled with my decision and I had much less at stake then Mary did. Eventually I did get to the place where I said “yes” but it was not without a little hesitation on my part. As I grow in my relationship with God I fall more and more in love. The more I love the more I desire to obey and to grant his wishes. I would like to think today my hesitation would pass more quickly.
P: Father God thank you for Mary and for the wonderful example she was of courage and obedience and love for you. Show me how to walk in her footsteps Lord. My heart’s desire is to please you and to walk in all of your ways. Search me Lord. Change me from the inside out that my response to you will always be “Let it be to me according to your word”. Amen.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

"Come!"

Saturday, 9-17, 2011 – Ezek. 42, 44: Rev. 22

S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer

“Come!”

S – Rev. 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!”

And let him who thirsts, come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A – We get invitations to all sorts of events, you name it there’s an invitation for it. When we plan for an event we make out an invitational list of names and we hope that everyone that we have invited will be able to attend and that they will want to come. We do everything within our power to convince them that they should attend this event, and that they don’t want to miss out. We send out cards, we make calls, we text, we even put it out on facebook! We muster up as much enthusiasm as we can in hopes that all will come to the event planned. Sad to say not everyone will come. There may be perfectly good reasons and some not so good excuses why the invitation was declined.

There is one invitation none of us want to decline, the invitation from the Spirit and the bride. This is the most life changing invitation you will ever receive. You will never be the same if you accept. You don’t need to prepare anything, you don’t need to bring anything, you don’t need to go out and purchase a special outfit for the occasion you “come” as you are. If you accept the invitation you will be transformed and be made new. The invitation is not limited to age, gender, color, race or size. Everyone is invited to attend! And look at what the invitation says, “and let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely!” Wow! A new set of clothes and when I’m thirsty I can drink until I’m full and best of all eternal life! But wait, there’s a stipulation at the bottom of the card. I must “respond” to the invitation from the Spirit and the bride in order to be let into the event. Will you come? The Spirit and the bride are inviting you and they say, “Come!”

P- Lord your return is eminent. You are coming soon. Help me to redeem the time for You are coming quickly. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Make me Your “wedding planner” the one who will send out the invitations and invite all to “Come!” Not leaving anyone out. Freely I have received. Freely I want to give, by inviting all you place in my path to “Come!”

Friday, September 16, 2011

MY GRANDBABIES

Ezekiel 40,41; Psalm 128, Revelations 21

S=Scripture=Objective. A=Application, P=Prayer

S-Psalm 128:1,6 “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.”…and may you live to see your children’s children.”

O-The Psalmist is saying that if we love and honor God, and walk in His ways than we will live long enough to see our grandchildren.

A-Walking in God’s ways means living a life filled with compassion, grace, forgiveness and mercy for our fellow man. We do this because of God’s great love for us. We need to re-present Christ in all we do and say…I know I fail at this often…but God is full of second chances. Our reward for living a life revering God and walking in His ways is that we will live long enough to see our children’s children. Don’t get me going on grandkids…they are the sweetest gift that God could ever give us. I know how much I enjoy mine I believe that many a person came to know Christ through the loving prayers of Grandparents.

P-Oh God, help me to walk in Your ways, acknowledging who You are and what You have done for me.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

DRY BONES

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 - Ezekiel 36-37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

S - Ezekiel 37:3  He asked me, "Son of Man, can these dry bones live?"

O - The prophet saw lifeless dried out bones; God saw an army resurrected.

A - There is a place of hopelessness, where all seems lost.  Ezekiel saw a valley filled with useless bones.   But when the breath of God was prophesied over them, the bones became covered with flesh once again and came to life.  Thus, God breathes hope and life into those who have lost all hope.  Dry bones can live.  The Spirit of God can make all the difference in the world to those who believe that desolation and despair is all they have left in this life.  Speak life to those you know.  Breathe on them with the breath of God.

P - Lord, use me to breathe your breath  into those who are like the dried bones in the valley.  Give them hope, Lord, and new life, in Jesus' name I pray.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

An Intimate Shepherd


by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 9/13/11 Exekiel 33-35; Revelation 18 - An Intimate Shepherd

S - Exekiel 34: 11-12 MSG, God, the master, says: From now on I myself am the shepherd.  I'm going looking for them.  As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep.  I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scatter to in the storms.

O - The Lord is speaking of His flock, Israel.  But I believe we can take this as a personal word as well.

A - Jesus is our Shepherd.  He cares intimately for us.  He is interceding for us even now. We have One over us who even sends us God Hugs - intimate expressions of His care and love.  While traveling to Phoenix recently by car, we experienced 4 amazing sunsets... gifts to this Vermont girl who so loves nature and beauty in God's creation.

P - Lord, thank you that you are an intimate Shepherd.  I so love that you know all about me and you love me as I am. As your word promises, please rescue us in the storms of life; show us your Care and Concern.  Thank you for the amazing Shepherd that you are. Amen.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Constant Vigilance

Sunday, September 11, 2011 – Daniel 1, 2; Revelation 16

S: Revelation 16:15 – Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.
O: The Lord will return at a time we don’t expect it; blessed are those who live in expectation of his return and aren’t caught naked for the world to see their shame.
A: Constant Vigilance. It is so easy to be lulled into believing that “I’ve got time”. I can still play in my sin a little. “Other people are doing it so why can’t I”. This is dangerous ground. The Word is full of warnings to us as believers that we must be ready; that He will come as a thief in the night. I remember when I had made it through my first year clean and sober I was at a meeting one night and this older gentleman called me to his side to give me some “advice”. I was so excited thinking that he was about to give me some profound wisdom on how to stay free from my addiction. This is what he said “Constant Vigilance”. It is time to stop living our lives as though we’ve got time. It’s time to get real and ask for help when we need it. It’s time to face off with those things in our lives that are hindering our walk. It’s time to live as though every day could be our last. It’s time to look at ourselves and ask “what am I doing for the Kingdom of God today”. Am I a good witness? Am I spreading the Word or the sickness of the world?
P: Father God examine my heart Lord. Reveal to me those areas of my life where I fall short. Change me Lord into the person YOU would have me be. Let me be found ready when you return – ready to dance with the lover of my soul into eternity. In Jesus name, Amen.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Wait For Him

Saturday, 9-10, 2011 – Lam. 3-5; Rev. 15

S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer

Wait For Him

S – Lam. 3:25 “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.”

O – I am reminded that as I prayerfully look to the Lord for any of my needs or the needs of others, I can expect good things from Him and, I can expect a good outcome of any situation, as I wait on Him.

A – I think of that commercial of the people who sustained some sort of injury popping their heads out the window yelling out to all the world, “It’s my money and I want it now!” We live in the microwave generation, instant gratification. We seem to have lost the art of patiently waiting and travailing in prayer. Although the Lord can instantly deliver us from whatever situation we find ourselves He doesn’t always. There are given situations when answers cannot be instant when only over the course of time can the answers come. In these kinds of situations we can only wait it out and yes, travail in prayer, but in our travailing and in our waiting as we seek Him we can expect a good thing, a good result, a good response. It may take time, it may take a continual seeking after Him through the trial, through the situation, through the dilemma…but, wait for Him and while we wait we can expect a good response because the Lord is good to those who wait and to the soul who seeks after Him.

P – Heavenly Father for those of us who may be faced with problems so enormous there doesn’t seem to be a way out or an answer sufficient to help our cause or that will turn our situation around we turn to You and humbly ask for Your mercies. We wait and seek your face for our hope for a good thing is in You. Amen.

Friday, September 9, 2011

DO WHAT’S RIGHT

Lamentations 1,2; Obadiah; Rev. 14
DO WHAT’S RIGHT

S=Scripture=Objective. A=Application, P=Prayer

S-Obadiah 15b “…As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.”

O-Obadiah announces the destruction of Edom. The people felt safe for they lived in the mountain fortresses. They were proud full because they had many wise men among them.

A-When we see calamity, such as tropical storm Irene, and see and hear of the destruction to many families, neighbors and towns; how do we respond? Do we say…”well they were not very smart to build/buy homes so near the river.” Or do we reach out to them and help in any way we can, prayer, shelter, food, clean up? They are victims and do not need my judgment, but could benefit from my help. How would I want to be treated or looked after? Obadiah clearly says as I do, it will be done to me.

P-Father teach me to be kind and loving …to be quick to help my fellowman in times of need. Give me Your compassion, and love for this hurting world.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

GET YOUR PASSION ON!

Thursday, September 8, 2011 – Jeremiah 42-42; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

S: Revelation 13:10 (MSG). Meanwhile God’s holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.
O: During the last days God’s people will be tried and tested but they will stand their ground.
A: As I read this today two words jumped out at me – passionately and faithfully. These last days will require passion and faithfulness. We cannot afford to be lukewarm in our faith. Our God is worthy of our passion. The precious lamb (Jesus) is faithful to us to the end. As I spend more time in the presence of Jesus I have learned that Jesus is passionate about me. Jesus is faithful to me. As I fall more and more in love with Jesus my passion increases for the things of the Kingdom. If we allow ourselves to settle for lukewarm we will not have what it will take to stand up to the Beast and to stand our ground. The time for excuses is past. Passion is required. Faithfulness is required. How do we get our passion back? Fall in love with Jesus all over again. How? Invite him to be first in your life. Spend time in his presence. Cry out to him. Ask for “More”. Passion feeds passion. Find some passionate people and do what they do.
P: Father God you are my everything. My desire is to live for you today. Increase my passion Lord. Fill me up with more of you; your passion. Pour out your faithfulness that I may be found faithful. All for your glory and your honor. Amen.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

TESTIMONY

September 7, 2011 - 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40-41; Revelation 12

S- Revelation 12:11  They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

O - John foretold that Christians would be victorious over Satan by Jesus' sacrifice and by their own testimony.

A - There is power and victory in the telling of your testimony.  When you tell others why you believe and about the things Jesus has done for you, you win battles against Satan.  Thinking about all the things Jesus has done for me brings me out of dark places.  Reflecting on His goodness and telling others about Him can bring them out of their depression into places of hope.  Don't dwell on and in dark places.  Be in the light and tell your story to others to draw them toward that same light.

P - Lord, give me opportunities to tell my testimony and lead others to You and Your marvelous light.  I pray this in Your name.  Amen!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

My Life is a Witness

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 9/6/11 Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11 - My Life is a Witness

S - Rev 11:3 JBP, "And I will give authority to my two witnesses to proclaim the message, clothed in sackcloth for twelve hundred and sixty days."

O - These witnesses will proclaim the message, they will prophesy for the Lord because of the power and authority He will give them. 

A - I love how our lives are a testimony to the Presence of Jesus within.  I love how we can be ourselves, as God created us to be, and in that we proclaim the Message -- Jesus is Life!  Our lives were dead to the Spirit before we invited Him in, but now are lives are alive to God.  We too proclaim the message, here and now, because of His presence, power and authority.  How are we doing?

P - Lord, I want people to see Jesus when they see my life.  I want my life to be a testimony of Your goodness and Grace.  I thank you for saving me and empowering me to proclaim the message, through my life and through my words.  Amen.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Stand Up

Sunday September 4, 2011 – Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9

S: Ezekiel 22:30 – “I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defenses of this city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn’t have to destroy it. I couldn’t find anyone. Not one.
O: God appeared to Ezekiel and pointed out the sinful ways of the land. He searched for someone to stand in the gap; to protect the land and He couldn’t find anyone.
A: Will you be the one? Are you willing to stand in the gap for your land – your city, your town, your state, your country? As I read Ezekiel I find it difficult to tell the difference between the ancient lands Ezekiel talks about & the world that I live in today. Our nation today is becoming a godless nation too. Will our land be destroyed too? Not if we stand up and tell God “I will”. I will pray for my city, my town, my state, my country. I will show those around me how to live a life that makes a difference. During worship one day I heard God say that He was tired of the enemy being camped out in His City. Every City we live in is His. We can stand up for our City and make a difference. How? By praying. By reaching out to those in need in your City. By loving your neighbor as you love yourself and using every opportunity you have to tell someone about the love of Jesus and His plan for their lives. We don’t have to become a Godless nation. A mighty army exists to defend our cities, our nation. We are that army. We must choose to stand up – to stand in the gap for those that are lost.
P: Father God I will go. I will stand in the gap. Energize me Lord to win this battle for my City, my State, my Nation. It can be discouraging to look at what the world has become some days but Lord you have conquered the world; you have conquered death. Let’s declare our land YOURS today. In Jesus name, Amen.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

The Fear of The Lord Is the Beginning Of Wisdom

Saturday, 11-3, 2011 – Ezek. 15,16; Ps. 111; Rev. 8

S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer


S – Psalms 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.”

O – A life lived by following God’s commandments is wise.

A - Fear – Revere they go hand in hand. As a child I learned that my dad had rules. The first rule was that I was to obey my mother. Back then most mothers stayed at home. Now why is it that one doesn’t fear- revere their mother as much as their father? I would hear, “you wait till your father gets home!” Somewhere along the way I lacked wisdom! Now I loved my father and I knew my father loved me, but I feared the consequences of my disobedience and the disregard of His rules. Our Heavenly Father who loves us has also given us guidelines in His Holy Word that we as His children should obey. In so doing we will not suffer the consequences of our disobedience. The next part of the psalm reads, “A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” My earthly father set up rules that were not too hard for me and they were for my good and well being. How much more does my Heavenly Father care for me by giving me, His commandments to be followed for my spiritual good and well being? The rest of the psalm says, “His praise endures forever.” When I did what was right, it pleased from my earthy father. When I choose to follow my heavenly Father’s commandments it pleases Him and brings praise to His name.


P – Heavenly Father thank you for instructing me in your ways. Life can be difficult, but if I choose to live by your commandments then I know I have made a wise choice. As your child, continue to give me a good understanding of your commandments to enable me to live a life pleasing to You and one that will bring You praise. Amen.

Friday, September 2, 2011

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Friday, September 2, 2011
Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

S=Scripture=Objective. A=Application, P=Prayer
S-Ez. 18:19 “…why does the son not share the guilt of his father?”

O--Ezekiel is explaining the soul that sins will die.

A--Have you ever heard the expression “like father like son”? Maybe we have even used it…”it not my fault that’s how I was brought up.” Truly we may have strong tendencies because of our upbringing and environment, however, God has a plan for each of our lives and that is “not to harm us but to give us hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Ez. 18:20 says”…the son will not share the guilt of the father.” So we need to stop blaming our parents, family and environment and take responsibility for our lives. Ezekiel 18:12b says “Repent and live.“ We need to remember that we are sons and daughters of the Most High God and we can do all things in and with Him.

P--Thank you God for loving and redeeming me. Thank you for giving me a fresh start. Help me live like the daughter of the Most High God.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

FORGIVE US!

Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Ezekiel 15, 16; Psalm 70, Revelation 6

S - Ezekiel 15:8  I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the sovereign Lord.

O - God spoke through Ezekiel to His people living in Jerusalem.  The devastation to their land would come because they had been unfaithful to God.

A - This has been quite a year for our world.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, nuclear disasters, flooding have all devastated land around the world.  Our own state of Vermont has just seen massive ruin by a hurricane that was predicted by man to wreak havoc on the ocean's coast.  2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

P - Father, forgive us for standing by silently while ungodly people take over and say that things you have deemed sin are perfectly acceptable and even desirable.  Reveal yourself to those people, forgive them, Lord, and heal our land!