Saturday, 12-31, 2011 – Rev 19-22
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“All Things Made New”
S – Rev. 21:1-2 “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I John saw the holy city New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
O – Someday there will be a new heaven and a new earth where the Saints of God, the Bride of Christ will dwell with Him.
A – As I reflect on these passages of scripture, I realize that we are coming into a new year and I’m always hopeful that the new year will bring about good changes. For instance, I went to my exercise class this morning in hopes of obtaining a new healthier, fit, more defined body. (lol) As I was having so much fun with all the girls it hit me that someday I will have a new body. Some are looking toward the end in 2012 according to Mayan prophecies, but I look for the coming of my Lord and Savior. I live in light of His coming every day. We as the church, are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God and we will dwell with our Heavenly Father who has prepared a new heaven and a new earth. We will have new bodies and be adorned as a bride for her husband and dwell with our God forever and ever. Happy New Year!
P – Lord we look for the day of your coming and for the day when we will forever dwell with You. Where you will reign forever and ever. Where there will be no more tears, for you will wipe away all our tears. Where we will be your people and You our God. Amen!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
I'M SORRY
Scripture O=Objective A=Application P=Prayer
S- Rev. 16:11 “…men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven…but still they refused to repent of what they had done.”
O-During the plagues the people agonized in pain …yet they refused to repent.
A-“I am so sorry, please for give me, I will never do that to you again.” These are not always easy words to say…but repentance leads to forgiveness, mercy and salvation (new life). It is easier to say I am sorry then to say I am wrong…that is an admission we often hate to make…because we are often filled with pride and hate to admit that we are “human…sinners saved by His grace.” God’s Word tells us over and over again to repent (which means to turn away) from evil and turn to God. The lack of repentance in our lives leads to death…spiritual death, relational death and death to our hope in God.
P- Oh God, let me see with Your eyes…and feel with Your heart and compassion. When I am wrong help me to repent (turn away) from my actions and ask for forgiveness. Thank You for Your mercy and grace towards Your people.
S- Rev. 16:11 “…men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven…but still they refused to repent of what they had done.”
O-During the plagues the people agonized in pain …yet they refused to repent.
A-“I am so sorry, please for give me, I will never do that to you again.” These are not always easy words to say…but repentance leads to forgiveness, mercy and salvation (new life). It is easier to say I am sorry then to say I am wrong…that is an admission we often hate to make…because we are often filled with pride and hate to admit that we are “human…sinners saved by His grace.” God’s Word tells us over and over again to repent (which means to turn away) from evil and turn to God. The lack of repentance in our lives leads to death…spiritual death, relational death and death to our hope in God.
P- Oh God, let me see with Your eyes…and feel with Your heart and compassion. When I am wrong help me to repent (turn away) from my actions and ask for forgiveness. Thank You for Your mercy and grace towards Your people.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
HE IS WORTHY
Wednesday - December 28, 2011 - Revelation 5-9
S - Revelation 5:12 In a loud voice they were saying: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
O - The angels were proclaiming Jesus worthy to receive.
A - He IS worthy! He is always worthy. Why would we ever be ashamed to proclaim our faith in Jesus? Jesus is worthy to receive honor and glory and praise. I may not always feel worthy to be the bearer of this message, but I know He is worthy to BE the message.
P - Lord, I give You these lips, this mouth, this voice to proclaim Your worthiness with the angels for all eternity. Use me, Lord.
S - Revelation 5:12 In a loud voice they were saying: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
O - The angels were proclaiming Jesus worthy to receive.
A - He IS worthy! He is always worthy. Why would we ever be ashamed to proclaim our faith in Jesus? Jesus is worthy to receive honor and glory and praise. I may not always feel worthy to be the bearer of this message, but I know He is worthy to BE the message.
P - Lord, I give You these lips, this mouth, this voice to proclaim Your worthiness with the angels for all eternity. Use me, Lord.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
We are in Training!
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/28/11 Revelation 5-9 - We are in Training!
S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
Tuesday 12/28/11 Revelation 5-9 - We are in Training!
S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - Rev 7:14 Phillips - The Lamb who is in the centre of the throne will be their shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
O - Jesus, you are our Shepherd, leading and guiding us. You provide springs of refreshment midst the hardships and pain. Father will wipe away every tear.
A - Sometimes it is difficult to remember that this life isn't our final destination. We reside in eternity already as Believers, but temporarily in this earthly place. This life may be more of a preparation for our eternal home. I joke sometimes that when we personally go through difficulty here, we are being trained for some fantastic assignment in Heaven that we wouldn't be ready for apart from this difficulty. So, it's worth the pain!
P - Father, you have our destiny in mind. You call us, shepherd us, prepare us and finally deliver us to our heavenly dwelling. May we keep our final destination in mind during this preparation season. Amen.
A - Sometimes it is difficult to remember that this life isn't our final destination. We reside in eternity already as Believers, but temporarily in this earthly place. This life may be more of a preparation for our eternal home. I joke sometimes that when we personally go through difficulty here, we are being trained for some fantastic assignment in Heaven that we wouldn't be ready for apart from this difficulty. So, it's worth the pain!
P - Father, you have our destiny in mind. You call us, shepherd us, prepare us and finally deliver us to our heavenly dwelling. May we keep our final destination in mind during this preparation season. Amen.
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Model
Monday December 26, 2011
Ps. 117, 119, 81-176 2John-3John
S-Scripture O-Observation A-Application P-Prayer
"The Model"
S-2 John 6: And this is Love: That we walk in obedience to the commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
O-John writes and compliments a matron Christian for her example of her expression of love, grace and mercy to people, and how her children are following her example. We should also lead our children in this model of following the example of their parents and to love one another.
A- As a parent we may not get it all right all the time. But when we see our children follow in the things that are right, and to follow in our footsteps in the ways of the Lord, that is not only pleasing to God but to us as parents. People are drawn to God's goodness and love, and when they see that in us, they are attracted by a light that is warm and accepting and they want to be near it for comfort and to feel loved. Even when they don't know why they are drawn to you, if you are living the life of a christian (and no that doesn't mean perfect) it means loving people, as Christ loves. He loves the sinner, and he loves the one you may not like........He just LOVES! That's what we are to model.
P- Thank you Lord that you love me, and that your love is in me to extend to others, even when I do not know it's being extended. Lord, continue your work in my heart that it may love unconditionally those that I may not like, but you have put them in my path, for a reason. Help me to be the best model for my children, that they may follow those things that are the good in me. Thank you for your love that covers the multitude of sin. Amen
Ps. 117, 119, 81-176 2John-3John
S-Scripture O-Observation A-Application P-Prayer
"The Model"
S-2 John 6: And this is Love: That we walk in obedience to the commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
O-John writes and compliments a matron Christian for her example of her expression of love, grace and mercy to people, and how her children are following her example. We should also lead our children in this model of following the example of their parents and to love one another.
A- As a parent we may not get it all right all the time. But when we see our children follow in the things that are right, and to follow in our footsteps in the ways of the Lord, that is not only pleasing to God but to us as parents. People are drawn to God's goodness and love, and when they see that in us, they are attracted by a light that is warm and accepting and they want to be near it for comfort and to feel loved. Even when they don't know why they are drawn to you, if you are living the life of a christian (and no that doesn't mean perfect) it means loving people, as Christ loves. He loves the sinner, and he loves the one you may not like........He just LOVES! That's what we are to model.
P- Thank you Lord that you love me, and that your love is in me to extend to others, even when I do not know it's being extended. Lord, continue your work in my heart that it may love unconditionally those that I may not like, but you have put them in my path, for a reason. Help me to be the best model for my children, that they may follow those things that are the good in me. Thank you for your love that covers the multitude of sin. Amen
Saturday, December 24, 2011
“That You May Believe”
Saturday, 12-24, 2011 – John 20:31
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“That You May Believe”
S – John 20:31 ”but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
O – John is sharing by the written Word the many miracles that Jesus preformed while He walked the earth and that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and if we would believe we will have life in His name.”
A – BELIEVE…This is a famous word at this time of year. It is also famous for, “what do you believe or who do you believe or what or who do you believe in? John wrote, “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.” I guess it all comes down to choice, and in believing in the inspired Word of God. For me…..I choose to “believe” as we celebrate His birth on Christmas day that Jesus was born of a virgin, Emmanuel, who made blind men see and the lame to walk, sacrificed Himself and died on Calvary’s cross because of His great love towards us and rose again so that if we “believe” we too will have eternal life and live with Him in eternity.
P- Father thank you for Your most precious gift of love. May our focus be on the reason why we celebrate Christmas and choose to….BELIEVE. Merry Christmas!
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“That You May Believe”
S – John 20:31 ”but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
O – John is sharing by the written Word the many miracles that Jesus preformed while He walked the earth and that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and if we would believe we will have life in His name.”
A – BELIEVE…This is a famous word at this time of year. It is also famous for, “what do you believe or who do you believe or what or who do you believe in? John wrote, “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.” I guess it all comes down to choice, and in believing in the inspired Word of God. For me…..I choose to “believe” as we celebrate His birth on Christmas day that Jesus was born of a virgin, Emmanuel, who made blind men see and the lame to walk, sacrificed Himself and died on Calvary’s cross because of His great love towards us and rose again so that if we “believe” we too will have eternal life and live with Him in eternity.
P- Father thank you for Your most precious gift of love. May our focus be on the reason why we celebrate Christmas and choose to….BELIEVE. Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 23, 2011
STAY DESPERATE
S=Scripture O=Objective A=Application P=Prayer
S- Luke 18:39 “Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David have mercy on me!”
O- A blind beggar calls out to Jesus for mercy…the leaders of the group following Jesus told him to be quiet.
A-When the blind man heard that Jesus was passing by he called out “Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me!” People tried to shut him up…but the blind man was desperate…he wanted to be healed…here was his opportunity…he would not be quiet.
Like the blind man, when we are really desperate we don’t care who sees or hears us…we just want to be touched by God. Now that we have been saved and healed, have we forgotten what it is like to be desperate? Do we rebuke those who don’t “do it properly?”
P-Lord let me be a person who remembers where I came from and what You have delivered me from. Help me not to judge others, but to encourage them to come to the Father just as they are. Thank You for accepting me just as I am.
S- Luke 18:39 “Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David have mercy on me!”
O- A blind beggar calls out to Jesus for mercy…the leaders of the group following Jesus told him to be quiet.
A-When the blind man heard that Jesus was passing by he called out “Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me!” People tried to shut him up…but the blind man was desperate…he wanted to be healed…here was his opportunity…he would not be quiet.
Like the blind man, when we are really desperate we don’t care who sees or hears us…we just want to be touched by God. Now that we have been saved and healed, have we forgotten what it is like to be desperate? Do we rebuke those who don’t “do it properly?”
P-Lord let me be a person who remembers where I came from and what You have delivered me from. Help me not to judge others, but to encourage them to come to the Father just as they are. Thank You for accepting me just as I am.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
IT'S OKAY TO CRY
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - John 9-11
S - John 11:35 Jesus wept.
O - Even though Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, He cried the those crying.
A - It's okay for me to cry. It does not mean that I lack faith that God is going to come through - it means that I feel pain, or sorrow, or distress. Jesus wept - it is okay for me to cry, too.
P - Lord, thank You for the ability to feel and to cry. Help me, Lord, to not be ashamed of my emotions - You were not ashamed of Yours.
S - John 11:35 Jesus wept.
O - Even though Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, He cried the those crying.
A - It's okay for me to cry. It does not mean that I lack faith that God is going to come through - it means that I feel pain, or sorrow, or distress. Jesus wept - it is okay for me to cry, too.
P - Lord, thank You for the ability to feel and to cry. Help me, Lord, to not be ashamed of my emotions - You were not ashamed of Yours.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
As Jesus Walked Along
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/20/11 John 9-11 - As Jesus Walked Along
S= Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - John 9:1,13-15 JB Phillips, Later, as Jesus walked along he saw a man who had been blind from birth... So they brought the man who had once been blind before the Pharisees. (It should be noted that Jesus made the clay and restored his sight on a Sabbath day.) The Pharisees asked the question all over again as to how he had become able to see. “He put clay on my eyes; I washed it off; now I can see—that’s all,” he replied.
O -Jesus happened upon this blind man as He was walking along and He responded right then and there! Yes, it was the Sabbath, but that didn't stop Jesus from healing him. I wondered even if it was intentional that the Father brought this man into Jesus' life on the Sabbath - to stir up the Pharisees! (The man at the pool of Bethesda in John 7 had been healed on the Sabbath as well). God was up to something!
A- Sometimes we just happen upon an opportunity to minister God's love, healing and grace. I believe that these are indeed set-ups from God the Father - opportunities to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Maybe God is making a point or maybe He is just sending His love to others through us. It doesn't really matter. What matters is that we are aware of these opportunities and follow through with reaching out when they come.
P - Father, you use your children to minister to others, just as you used Jesus. This life is all about love and relationships. Use us today to reach out to those we "happen upon" as we walk along. Amen.
Tuesday 12/20/11 John 9-11 - As Jesus Walked Along
S= Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - John 9:1,13-15 JB Phillips, Later, as Jesus walked along he saw a man who had been blind from birth... So they brought the man who had once been blind before the Pharisees. (It should be noted that Jesus made the clay and restored his sight on a Sabbath day.) The Pharisees asked the question all over again as to how he had become able to see. “He put clay on my eyes; I washed it off; now I can see—that’s all,” he replied.
O -Jesus happened upon this blind man as He was walking along and He responded right then and there! Yes, it was the Sabbath, but that didn't stop Jesus from healing him. I wondered even if it was intentional that the Father brought this man into Jesus' life on the Sabbath - to stir up the Pharisees! (The man at the pool of Bethesda in John 7 had been healed on the Sabbath as well). God was up to something!
A- Sometimes we just happen upon an opportunity to minister God's love, healing and grace. I believe that these are indeed set-ups from God the Father - opportunities to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Maybe God is making a point or maybe He is just sending His love to others through us. It doesn't really matter. What matters is that we are aware of these opportunities and follow through with reaching out when they come.
P - Father, you use your children to minister to others, just as you used Jesus. This life is all about love and relationships. Use us today to reach out to those we "happen upon" as we walk along. Amen.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Less of me. More of YOU.
Sunday, December 18, 2011- John 2-4
S: John 3:30 – He must increase but I must decrease.
O: John the Baptist recognized that Jesus was the Messiah but some of his followers were concerned that people would follow Jesus instead of John. John had kingdom perspective and recognized that Jesus had to increase and that John must decrease.
A: John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. When Jesus arrived on the scene John knew it was time to give the “spotlight” over to the Messiah. How different is this attitude from what we see in the world today? Everywhere we look we see people vying for attention, affection, power, control. Yet this is not the way of the Kingdom. If we want to live from a Kingdom perspective we must learn to set aside our motives, our selfish desires and let Jesus take center stage. Just as John knew that he must decrease and Jesus must increase the same holds true for me. I must learn to decrease so that Jesus can become the center of my life; so that when people view my life from the outside they don’t see Lori but they see what Jesus has done in and through me.
P: Father God I lay down before you today the selfish desires of my heart and any selfish motives I entertain. I want Jesus to be the main attraction in my life today. Lord let me decrease so that your one and only son who took on the sins of the world for me may increase.
S: John 3:30 – He must increase but I must decrease.
O: John the Baptist recognized that Jesus was the Messiah but some of his followers were concerned that people would follow Jesus instead of John. John had kingdom perspective and recognized that Jesus had to increase and that John must decrease.
A: John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. When Jesus arrived on the scene John knew it was time to give the “spotlight” over to the Messiah. How different is this attitude from what we see in the world today? Everywhere we look we see people vying for attention, affection, power, control. Yet this is not the way of the Kingdom. If we want to live from a Kingdom perspective we must learn to set aside our motives, our selfish desires and let Jesus take center stage. Just as John knew that he must decrease and Jesus must increase the same holds true for me. I must learn to decrease so that Jesus can become the center of my life; so that when people view my life from the outside they don’t see Lori but they see what Jesus has done in and through me.
P: Father God I lay down before you today the selfish desires of my heart and any selfish motives I entertain. I want Jesus to be the main attraction in my life today. Lord let me decrease so that your one and only son who took on the sins of the world for me may increase.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Ask For Wisdom
Saturday, 12-15, 2011 – James 1-5
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Ask For Wisdom”
S - James 1:5 ”If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
O - James shares with Christian believers the knowledge that if we lack wisdom all we need to do is ask God for wisdom and he will give it to us.
A - Sometimes wisdom is there for me and other times it eludes me totally. James tells me that when I “lack” wisdom all I need do is ask my Heavenly Father for it. The kind of wisdom I look for isn’t the deep and profound wisdom that make men sit up in awe, but the everyday spiritual decision making kind. The kind of wisdom that brings spiritual understanding in my faith walk with the Lord. The kind that tells me to stop and pray and hear and listen before I jump to conclusions, say things that I can’t take back, or interfere where I don’t belong. More often than not, I find that I learn lessons the hard way because I lacked wisdom. Like any parent whose child has made a wrong choice, I can hear my Heavenly Father say, “child why didn’t you ask me first?”. Maybe I need to do just that….ask Him for the wisdom I lack. This not only bring peace and harmony to my life, it will glorify my Heavenly Father.
P - Father, quite often I lack and fail to come to you and ask for the very thing you tell us you will liberally give me….wisdom! How much easier would the trials and tests of life be if only I would come and ask You first. Continue to remind me when I am lacking in wisdom that you have the answer…all I need do is simply ask. Amen.
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Ask For Wisdom”
S - James 1:5 ”If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
O - James shares with Christian believers the knowledge that if we lack wisdom all we need to do is ask God for wisdom and he will give it to us.
A - Sometimes wisdom is there for me and other times it eludes me totally. James tells me that when I “lack” wisdom all I need do is ask my Heavenly Father for it. The kind of wisdom I look for isn’t the deep and profound wisdom that make men sit up in awe, but the everyday spiritual decision making kind. The kind of wisdom that brings spiritual understanding in my faith walk with the Lord. The kind that tells me to stop and pray and hear and listen before I jump to conclusions, say things that I can’t take back, or interfere where I don’t belong. More often than not, I find that I learn lessons the hard way because I lacked wisdom. Like any parent whose child has made a wrong choice, I can hear my Heavenly Father say, “child why didn’t you ask me first?”. Maybe I need to do just that….ask Him for the wisdom I lack. This not only bring peace and harmony to my life, it will glorify my Heavenly Father.
P - Father, quite often I lack and fail to come to you and ask for the very thing you tell us you will liberally give me….wisdom! How much easier would the trials and tests of life be if only I would come and ask You first. Continue to remind me when I am lacking in wisdom that you have the answer…all I need do is simply ask. Amen.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
DISCIPLINE
Wednesday - December 14, 2011 - Hebrews 12-13; Jude
S - Hebrews 12:8 (KJV) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
O - If you don't get disciplined, you must not be a true child of the Father.
A - As parents, it our job to discipline our children. It is not up to the neighbor to hand out consequences to our children when they misbehave, it is up to us. They live with us and therefore we have the blessings that we can bestow or withhold, as we see fit, in order to encourage our children to eventually choose on their own to do the right thing.
I am so grateful to be a member of the family of God. And therefore, I am grateful for correction when it comes. If I was not a member of my church, my pastor would not even bother to correct me. But, because I am a member, and because I am not perfect, I am in need of correction (from time to time ;-) and that is why I receive it when it comes. It makes me feel loved and I spent the first 29 years of my life feeling as if I wasn't worthy of being loved.
P - Father, I thank You that I am your daughter and therefore You love me enough so as to not let me do whatever my sinful flesh desires. Don't ever stop speaking to me and showing Your love to me, Lord. I am Yours.
S - Hebrews 12:8 (KJV) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
O - If you don't get disciplined, you must not be a true child of the Father.
A - As parents, it our job to discipline our children. It is not up to the neighbor to hand out consequences to our children when they misbehave, it is up to us. They live with us and therefore we have the blessings that we can bestow or withhold, as we see fit, in order to encourage our children to eventually choose on their own to do the right thing.
I am so grateful to be a member of the family of God. And therefore, I am grateful for correction when it comes. If I was not a member of my church, my pastor would not even bother to correct me. But, because I am a member, and because I am not perfect, I am in need of correction (from time to time ;-) and that is why I receive it when it comes. It makes me feel loved and I spent the first 29 years of my life feeling as if I wasn't worthy of being loved.
P - Father, I thank You that I am your daughter and therefore You love me enough so as to not let me do whatever my sinful flesh desires. Don't ever stop speaking to me and showing Your love to me, Lord. I am Yours.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Faith in the Journey
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/13/11 Hebrews 9-11 - Faith in the Journey
S= Scripture O= Observation A= Application P= Prayer
S - Hebrews 11:8-10 JB Phillips, It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the summons to go out to a place which he would eventually possess, and he set out in complete ignorance of his destination. It was faith that kept him journeying like a foreigner through the land of promise, with no more home than the tents which he shared with Isaac and Jacob, co-heirs with him of the promise. For Abraham's eyes were looking forward to that city with solid foundations of which God himself is both architect and builder.
O - In this faith chapter, the author of Hebrews is using Abraham as an example of one who walked by faith. Picture what this was like for Abraham, journeying with family and tents, day by day being led by the Lord, choosing to get up again the next day, to journey again - to an unknown foreign destination. I'd say that this experience would indeed require faith!
A - Likewise, often the Lord takes us on journeys to unknown places. I have several friends who are in this season now of daily choosing to believe that the difficult experiences they are walking through today is important for a better destination eventually. As Christians, we grow and evolve, becoming more Christ-like, on these journeys we submit to - with faith in God's leading. Unfortunately, it's often very difficult in the present day by day choice of faith (packing up tents and moving would get old after a while for me!). But look back - isn't it better in the end and worth the daily sacrifices?
P - Father, we thank you for your leading to unknown places; You have our best in mind. Our eyes must be on You and the prize waiting at the end of our faith and obedience. Give us strength to do the daily work and fortitude to hang in for the long haul. We embrace faith - full confidence in the things we cannot see. We trust you are up to something really good! Amen.
Tuesday 12/13/11 Hebrews 9-11 - Faith in the Journey
S= Scripture O= Observation A= Application P= Prayer
S - Hebrews 11:8-10 JB Phillips, It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the summons to go out to a place which he would eventually possess, and he set out in complete ignorance of his destination. It was faith that kept him journeying like a foreigner through the land of promise, with no more home than the tents which he shared with Isaac and Jacob, co-heirs with him of the promise. For Abraham's eyes were looking forward to that city with solid foundations of which God himself is both architect and builder.
O - In this faith chapter, the author of Hebrews is using Abraham as an example of one who walked by faith. Picture what this was like for Abraham, journeying with family and tents, day by day being led by the Lord, choosing to get up again the next day, to journey again - to an unknown foreign destination. I'd say that this experience would indeed require faith!
A - Likewise, often the Lord takes us on journeys to unknown places. I have several friends who are in this season now of daily choosing to believe that the difficult experiences they are walking through today is important for a better destination eventually. As Christians, we grow and evolve, becoming more Christ-like, on these journeys we submit to - with faith in God's leading. Unfortunately, it's often very difficult in the present day by day choice of faith (packing up tents and moving would get old after a while for me!). But look back - isn't it better in the end and worth the daily sacrifices?
P - Father, we thank you for your leading to unknown places; You have our best in mind. Our eyes must be on You and the prize waiting at the end of our faith and obedience. Give us strength to do the daily work and fortitude to hang in for the long haul. We embrace faith - full confidence in the things we cannot see. We trust you are up to something really good! Amen.
Strength
Monday Dec. 12. 2011
S-Scripture O-Observation A- Application P-Prayer
Hebrews 5-8
S-Hebrews 5:8 (NLT) Even though he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
O- Jesus was calling out to his father with 3 prayers, and also asked the disciples to be praying for him, because he was feeling unrest and troubled in his spirit. His father answered his prayers by strengthening him. None of us has ever felt the shame of pain of sin, as Jesus did.
A- We often want to run from God with our sin, the crisis, or the troubled times that we go through. Yet, it is in this place, where when we are obedient to him and ask for His will to be done, and trust him, he strengthens us to make it through the other side, because he walks through it with us. The best example I can think of is watching a family member or friend (someone close to your heart) or even ourselves, make really bad choices and hurt you, and offend you, and that relationship get fractured over those choices. It is the blood of Jesus, that give us the strength to go after that relationship, deal with the hurt, and forgive the ones we love.
P- Father, thank you for your example of obedience and truth. Please guide us to obedience, and walk through the things that may seem like they are the most difficult thing to deal with, and yet you give us the strength and often carry us through, when we say “not my will but yours”. Refresh us each day with the knowledge of endurance and love. Amen
Sorry.....I missed my turn yesterday:( A little busy....I forgot!
S-Scripture O-Observation A- Application P-Prayer
Hebrews 5-8
S-Hebrews 5:8 (NLT) Even though he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
O- Jesus was calling out to his father with 3 prayers, and also asked the disciples to be praying for him, because he was feeling unrest and troubled in his spirit. His father answered his prayers by strengthening him. None of us has ever felt the shame of pain of sin, as Jesus did.
A- We often want to run from God with our sin, the crisis, or the troubled times that we go through. Yet, it is in this place, where when we are obedient to him and ask for His will to be done, and trust him, he strengthens us to make it through the other side, because he walks through it with us. The best example I can think of is watching a family member or friend (someone close to your heart) or even ourselves, make really bad choices and hurt you, and offend you, and that relationship get fractured over those choices. It is the blood of Jesus, that give us the strength to go after that relationship, deal with the hurt, and forgive the ones we love.
P- Father, thank you for your example of obedience and truth. Please guide us to obedience, and walk through the things that may seem like they are the most difficult thing to deal with, and yet you give us the strength and often carry us through, when we say “not my will but yours”. Refresh us each day with the knowledge of endurance and love. Amen
Sorry.....I missed my turn yesterday:( A little busy....I forgot!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Constant Vigilance
December 11, 2011 – Philemon; Hebrews 1-4
S: Hebrews 2:1 – Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
O: Pay attention to the things we have heard (the Word) or we may drift away.
A: One of the most dangerous places for me is not when I am deep in the darkest valley or high on the mountaintop but that “in between” place where everything is fine. No drama. No spiritual attack. Just okay. This is where complacency can set in and tell me that I don’t need to be in the Word today or I can miss church today or this ministry has plenty of people to do that – they don’t really need me. Complacency can be a powerful weapon in the hands of the Enemy. People just slowly slip away and they are gone before we even recognize what is going on. In my former life I struggled with addiction. The day I had been clean and sober for one year this older man who had been sober forever walked up to me and gave me two words that I will never forget. His words of advice to me were “constant vigilance”. I have learned that these words apply whether in the struggle of an addict to become free from the bondage of their addiction or in my daily walk with Jesus. Whether I talk about my sobriety or my salvation Jesus has given me precious gifts that I must protect at all costs. Constant vigilance is the key for me.
P: Father God thank you for your Word. Thank you for the freedom that is available through your Word. Lord let me never grow weary of hearing your Word, of reading your Word, of being a student of YOU. Let me remain forever vigilant against complacency. I want to be with you forever Lord. Don’t let me slip away. Amen.
S: Hebrews 2:1 – Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
O: Pay attention to the things we have heard (the Word) or we may drift away.
A: One of the most dangerous places for me is not when I am deep in the darkest valley or high on the mountaintop but that “in between” place where everything is fine. No drama. No spiritual attack. Just okay. This is where complacency can set in and tell me that I don’t need to be in the Word today or I can miss church today or this ministry has plenty of people to do that – they don’t really need me. Complacency can be a powerful weapon in the hands of the Enemy. People just slowly slip away and they are gone before we even recognize what is going on. In my former life I struggled with addiction. The day I had been clean and sober for one year this older man who had been sober forever walked up to me and gave me two words that I will never forget. His words of advice to me were “constant vigilance”. I have learned that these words apply whether in the struggle of an addict to become free from the bondage of their addiction or in my daily walk with Jesus. Whether I talk about my sobriety or my salvation Jesus has given me precious gifts that I must protect at all costs. Constant vigilance is the key for me.
P: Father God thank you for your Word. Thank you for the freedom that is available through your Word. Lord let me never grow weary of hearing your Word, of reading your Word, of being a student of YOU. Let me remain forever vigilant against complacency. I want to be with you forever Lord. Don’t let me slip away. Amen.
Friday, December 9, 2011
STRESSED OR BLESSED
I Timothy 5,6; Titus 1-3
S=Scripture O=Objective A=Application P=Prayer
S- I Tim. 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
O-Paul is reminding Timothy that we have “Brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it.” I Tim. 6:6
A-It’s Christmas time…this can be a time of great stress, or a time where we can greatly bless. We do not need to go into debt every Christmas so we can get the things we and our families want. But we can be blessed by giving gifts of our time, and own handiwork. Some of us have forgotten how to be content with what we have.
P-Thank you God that we have food, clothing and shelter…how blessed we are! Teach me to be content with what we have.
S=Scripture O=Objective A=Application P=Prayer
S- I Tim. 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
O-Paul is reminding Timothy that we have “Brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it.” I Tim. 6:6
A-It’s Christmas time…this can be a time of great stress, or a time where we can greatly bless. We do not need to go into debt every Christmas so we can get the things we and our families want. But we can be blessed by giving gifts of our time, and own handiwork. Some of us have forgotten how to be content with what we have.
P-Thank you God that we have food, clothing and shelter…how blessed we are! Teach me to be content with what we have.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
BEING HOLY
Wednesday - December 7, 2011, Colossians 1-4
S - Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
O - Paul is calling the church out for who God says we are and calling us to a higher level.
A - Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience - are we practicing these virtues continuously? For me, not all of these come naturally. My natural tendency is toward selfishness, pride, anger and impatience. But thanks be to Jesus, I do not define myself by my sinful nature. I am defined by God who created me and I call out the holiness that dwells within me with Christ.
P - Lord, all these good virtues come from You. Help me to live them and be them every day as I walk with You.
S - Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
O - Paul is calling the church out for who God says we are and calling us to a higher level.
A - Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience - are we practicing these virtues continuously? For me, not all of these come naturally. My natural tendency is toward selfishness, pride, anger and impatience. But thanks be to Jesus, I do not define myself by my sinful nature. I am defined by God who created me and I call out the holiness that dwells within me with Christ.
P - Lord, all these good virtues come from You. Help me to live them and be them every day as I walk with You.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
BE REASONABLE!
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/6/11 Philippians 1-4 BE REASONABLE!
S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - Phil 4:6 JB Phillips, Have a reputation for being reasonable. MSG, Make it as clear as you can to all you meet, that you are on their side, working with them and not against them. KJV, Let your moderation be known unto all men.
O - Paul is exhorting the believers in Philippi to stand fast in the Lord, to rejoice, to not worry and to be reasonable. This word REASONABLE really stood out to me today; the English word means to be sane, logical, moderate, sensible, just. The Greek word for reasonable (moderation) is epieikes meaning equitable, fair and gentle.
A - What prevents us from being reasonable? I can think of a few things: stress and pressures of life, expectations that are not meshed with reality, past wounding left unhealed, wanting our own way without consideration for another's desires or needs. One factor to consider is TIME... it takes time to heal, to let go of expectations, to embrace and accept reality.
P - Father, help us work through those things that cause us to be unreasonable. May we extend grace to ourselves and others as we give the gift of time to arrive in a reasonable place. We want others to know that we are working with them, not against them. May our gentleness eventually come through as we work out the frustrations in our lives. Amen.
Tuesday 12/6/11 Philippians 1-4 BE REASONABLE!
S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - Phil 4:6 JB Phillips, Have a reputation for being reasonable. MSG, Make it as clear as you can to all you meet, that you are on their side, working with them and not against them. KJV, Let your moderation be known unto all men.
O - Paul is exhorting the believers in Philippi to stand fast in the Lord, to rejoice, to not worry and to be reasonable. This word REASONABLE really stood out to me today; the English word means to be sane, logical, moderate, sensible, just. The Greek word for reasonable (moderation) is epieikes meaning equitable, fair and gentle.
A - What prevents us from being reasonable? I can think of a few things: stress and pressures of life, expectations that are not meshed with reality, past wounding left unhealed, wanting our own way without consideration for another's desires or needs. One factor to consider is TIME... it takes time to heal, to let go of expectations, to embrace and accept reality.
P - Father, help us work through those things that cause us to be unreasonable. May we extend grace to ourselves and others as we give the gift of time to arrive in a reasonable place. We want others to know that we are working with them, not against them. May our gentleness eventually come through as we work out the frustrations in our lives. Amen.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Soul mate
S-Scripture O-Observation A-Application P-Prayer
Monday Dec. 5, 2011
Eph. 5,6, Ps. 119 1-80
S- Eph. 5 25 (The Message bible) Husbands go all out in love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church---a love mark by giving, not getting.
O- Paul is writing to the husbands to be sacrificial with their love for their wives. To go all out, like Christ did......Christ gave. Sacrifice and understanding isn't just acts of kindness.
A-This is one of the biggest keys to a successful marriage....in my opinion. I liked the Message Bible because it says "to go all out in love". What does that mean. For me, it doesn't mean get the "honey do" list done. It doesn't mean shower me with gifts, and buy me whatever I want. It means to understand what my needs are. To listen to my heart and my hurts, and allow me to share my soul in a safe and non judgmental place. Then give me back your wisdom, your opinion and share your soul back with me. That's why we have should mates, one of the best treasures God could give us. I am blessed to have one of the best soul mates that goes all out in love for me. Last night, he said "babe, I just want to work hard for you to see what is important to you come true and bees a success". Love is marked by giving not getting.......
P-Thank you God for the opportunity to SOAP today, and to realize how blessed I am. I pray that every husband would come to the understanding of this scripture to bless their wives and go "all out in their love for their wives". Families would be transformed, and broken marriages healed. May every woman, respect and love and cherish the gift of their soul mate. Amen
Monday Dec. 5, 2011
Eph. 5,6, Ps. 119 1-80
S- Eph. 5 25 (The Message bible) Husbands go all out in love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church---a love mark by giving, not getting.
O- Paul is writing to the husbands to be sacrificial with their love for their wives. To go all out, like Christ did......Christ gave. Sacrifice and understanding isn't just acts of kindness.
A-This is one of the biggest keys to a successful marriage....in my opinion. I liked the Message Bible because it says "to go all out in love". What does that mean. For me, it doesn't mean get the "honey do" list done. It doesn't mean shower me with gifts, and buy me whatever I want. It means to understand what my needs are. To listen to my heart and my hurts, and allow me to share my soul in a safe and non judgmental place. Then give me back your wisdom, your opinion and share your soul back with me. That's why we have should mates, one of the best treasures God could give us. I am blessed to have one of the best soul mates that goes all out in love for me. Last night, he said "babe, I just want to work hard for you to see what is important to you come true and bees a success". Love is marked by giving not getting.......
P-Thank you God for the opportunity to SOAP today, and to realize how blessed I am. I pray that every husband would come to the understanding of this scripture to bless their wives and go "all out in their love for their wives". Families would be transformed, and broken marriages healed. May every woman, respect and love and cherish the gift of their soul mate. Amen
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Growing Pains
Sunday 12/4/11: Ephesians 1-4.
S: 4:1-3 – I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness and longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
O: Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus and encouraging the believers there to walk in unity.
A: Jesus came to teach us a radical love. An unconditional love. To walk “worthy of the calling with which you were called”. To love as Jesus loved requires us as believers to grow up. To love others before ourselves requires maturity. It requires us to sometimes take the focus off of ourselves and our feelings and put our eyes back on Jesus. When I get hurt or offended it is because I am focusing on myself. On how I feel. But when my eyes are on Jesus I can love the person in front of me in spite of myself. I can forgive quickly and easily. I can be right where God has placed me. I can be right with the world around me. I can walk worthy of the calling Jesus has placed on my life. Don’t get me wrong. I blow it. A lot. My selfishness and self-centeredness try to take center stage but today that stage is reserved for the one whose blood was sped for me. His name is Jesus. His love is enough. His grace is endless. His mercy endures forever.
P: Father God forgive me for my selfishness and for all the times my focus shifts from you to me. Lord I am nothing without you. Let my walk not be a hindrance to you but a welcome sign to your kingdom. It’s time for me to grow up Lord that I may sow seeds of unity on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
S: 4:1-3 – I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness and longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
O: Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus and encouraging the believers there to walk in unity.
A: Jesus came to teach us a radical love. An unconditional love. To walk “worthy of the calling with which you were called”. To love as Jesus loved requires us as believers to grow up. To love others before ourselves requires maturity. It requires us to sometimes take the focus off of ourselves and our feelings and put our eyes back on Jesus. When I get hurt or offended it is because I am focusing on myself. On how I feel. But when my eyes are on Jesus I can love the person in front of me in spite of myself. I can forgive quickly and easily. I can be right where God has placed me. I can be right with the world around me. I can walk worthy of the calling Jesus has placed on my life. Don’t get me wrong. I blow it. A lot. My selfishness and self-centeredness try to take center stage but today that stage is reserved for the one whose blood was sped for me. His name is Jesus. His love is enough. His grace is endless. His mercy endures forever.
P: Father God forgive me for my selfishness and for all the times my focus shifts from you to me. Lord I am nothing without you. Let my walk not be a hindrance to you but a welcome sign to your kingdom. It’s time for me to grow up Lord that I may sow seeds of unity on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
“That you may abound in hope”
Saturday, 12-03, 2011 – Romans: 13 - 16
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“That you may abound in hope”
S - Romans 15:13 ”Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
O - The Holy Spirit imparts to the believer, joy and peace and hope.
A - Whenever I am going through a difficult time in my life, and things just seem hopeless, even to the point where it seems to be out of God’s reach. I come across a scripture like Romans 15:13 and it magnifies the power and glory of God over my life bringing me into alignment to the truth. Paul is praying, “that you may abound in hope”. He can deliver you from that place of despair and hopelessness into a place of peace, joy and yes, hope! As we pray for one another may we be mindful to pray the Word of God over our lives.
P - “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.
Friday, December 2, 2011
MY HEART'S DESIRE
MY HEARTS DESIRE
O- Paul is preaching about the importance of leading the Israelites to Christ.
A-If anyone asked me what my heart’s desire is…how would I answer? Sometimes we get so busy in everyday life that we don’t always think about our neighbors and friend’s spiritual life. I would hate to know that my friend died without ever hearing the salvation message, and having an opportunity to give their life to God.
P-Open my eyes oh God that I may see others as you see them…lost and in need of a Savior. Give me your love for them and the boldness to GO AND TELL.
S=Scripture, O=Objective, A=Application, P=Prayer
S-Romans 10:1 ”Brothers my heart’s desire and prayer to God …is that they may be saved.”O- Paul is preaching about the importance of leading the Israelites to Christ.
A-If anyone asked me what my heart’s desire is…how would I answer? Sometimes we get so busy in everyday life that we don’t always think about our neighbors and friend’s spiritual life. I would hate to know that my friend died without ever hearing the salvation message, and having an opportunity to give their life to God.
P-Open my eyes oh God that I may see others as you see them…lost and in need of a Savior. Give me your love for them and the boldness to GO AND TELL.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
MORE THAN CONQUERORS!
Thursday, December 1, 2011- Romans 5-8
S - Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
O - Paul says we not only defeat the enemy - we reign victorious!
A - We are so much more than someone who wins. We live in that freedom. It's not just that we win battles - we get to live in freedom because of what Jesus Christ did for us.
P - Lord, use me to get the message out and help me to live righteously, only for You, Jesus!
S - Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
O - Paul says we not only defeat the enemy - we reign victorious!
A - We are so much more than someone who wins. We live in that freedom. It's not just that we win battles - we get to live in freedom because of what Jesus Christ did for us.
P - Lord, use me to get the message out and help me to live righteously, only for You, Jesus!
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