by Diana Kriesel
Monday, 5/10/10 – 2 Samuel 18; Psalm 56; Matthew 27– “CHOOSE TO TRUST”
S – Psalm 56:11 – “In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Amplified Bible)
O – In this psalm David voices his frustration over his treatment by his enemies. He was facing malicious plots of crafty men, producing fear. However his trust in God overcomes all fear. David declares complete trust in God and proclaims that he will not be afraid of what any human being could do to him if God was his friend.
A – David wasn’t making up reasons to be fearful. People really were plotting to kill him, yet he made a choice to trust in God. His example to us helps us boldly declare that we do not need to be afraid of what man can do to us; for we are friends of God.
P – Lord, thank You for so many examples in Scripture of the real trials faced by men and women, and honest feelings that they experienced. May we learn from those who have gone before us that You are faithful and we can place our trust in You.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Entering into Joy
S- Mathew 25:21b - "Enter into the joy of your Lord"
O - We are invited to "enter into the joy" of our Lord and Savior based not on whether we are the best or the most talented, but simply on whether we are faithful and do our best with the resources that God has given us. To walk into joy, we need to stop comparing ourselves with others who may have different gifts, abilities and circumstances than us. I don't have to be the best at work, I only need to do my best faithfully,offer that to the Lord, and walk in his joy and approval. Ps 1 tells us that we are blessed (happy) when we walk in God's ways. Ps 32 tells us we are also blessed (happy) when we confess our sins and are forgiven, and Matthew 25 tells us that we can enter into God's joy and approval, when we are faithful with his resources.
A - I will avoid comparing myself with others which only leads to either feelings of inferiority or feelings of superiority, neither of which will help me "enter" into joy. I will enter and enjoy God's joy and approval as I walk in His ways, receive much needed forgiveness, and stay faithful to Him.
P - Lord, I thank you that you look at our hearts and our faithfulness. Free us from the bondage of comparing ourselves with others. Free us from looking to people for approval. Give us a glimpse of your joy and pleasure. Free us from false expectations. Help us to live our lives to your glory with the resources that you have given us.
O - We are invited to "enter into the joy" of our Lord and Savior based not on whether we are the best or the most talented, but simply on whether we are faithful and do our best with the resources that God has given us. To walk into joy, we need to stop comparing ourselves with others who may have different gifts, abilities and circumstances than us. I don't have to be the best at work, I only need to do my best faithfully,offer that to the Lord, and walk in his joy and approval. Ps 1 tells us that we are blessed (happy) when we walk in God's ways. Ps 32 tells us we are also blessed (happy) when we confess our sins and are forgiven, and Matthew 25 tells us that we can enter into God's joy and approval, when we are faithful with his resources.
A - I will avoid comparing myself with others which only leads to either feelings of inferiority or feelings of superiority, neither of which will help me "enter" into joy. I will enter and enjoy God's joy and approval as I walk in His ways, receive much needed forgiveness, and stay faithful to Him.
P - Lord, I thank you that you look at our hearts and our faithfulness. Free us from the bondage of comparing ourselves with others. Free us from looking to people for approval. Give us a glimpse of your joy and pleasure. Free us from false expectations. Help us to live our lives to your glory with the resources that you have given us.
Friday, May 7, 2010
"UNDER THE INFLUENCE"
Friday, 5/7/10 – 2 Samuel 13,14; Matthew 24 – “UNDER THE INFLUENCE”
S – Matt 24:45-46 - "Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job.”
O – The church is the household of faith and we must take care of God’s house, and God’s family. This passage exhorts us to serve Christ faithfully, in whatever He calls us to do and always be looking for His return, because it is that readiness that keeps us prepared in heart, thought and action.
A – No one knows when the Lord will return for His Church, but we should live our lives like we expect Him any moment.
P – Lord help us to live “under the influence” of a constant expectation of Your return, so that our hearts stay clean, motives pure, actions godly, walk uprightly… Help us to live “under the influence” of Your Love.
S – Matt 24:45-46 - "Who here qualifies for the job of overseeing the kitchen? A person the Master can depend on to feed the workers on time each day. Someone the Master can drop in on unannounced and always find him doing his job.”
O – The church is the household of faith and we must take care of God’s house, and God’s family. This passage exhorts us to serve Christ faithfully, in whatever He calls us to do and always be looking for His return, because it is that readiness that keeps us prepared in heart, thought and action.
A – No one knows when the Lord will return for His Church, but we should live our lives like we expect Him any moment.
P – Lord help us to live “under the influence” of a constant expectation of Your return, so that our hearts stay clean, motives pure, actions godly, walk uprightly… Help us to live “under the influence” of Your Love.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
DON'T LEAVE ME!
Thursday - 5/6/2010 - 2 Samuel 11,12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23
S - Psalms 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
S - Psalms 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
O - David knew the depth of his sin and that he deserved to be cast out, but his love for God is so strong that he pleads for God to not leave him and to make him clean.
A - There is no sin so great that God cannot cleanse us and restore us. He is able and willing to renew us. We just have to want it.
P - Father God, restore unto me the joy of my salvation and renew a right spirit within me, in Jesus' name I pray.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
TRUSTING IN THE NAME
by Vivian Bills
Wednesday- 5/5/2010 - 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22
S - Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
O - David was saying that when going into battle some people trust in their vehicles to help them be victorious, but we trust in God.
A - It is good to go into battle with strong weapons and vehicles, but we always need to be seeking the Lord to ensure victory for Him. We are set apart, different than the rest. David felled Goliath with a stone, not the fancy weaponry of Saul that was offered to him. So, he knew
first hand the power of the Lord.
P - Lord, I trust in You. Jesus, help. Go before me into battle, Lord, and clear a path. The
victory is Yours.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
DEFEATING THE ENEMY & SHOWING KINDNESS
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday May 4, 2010 - 2 Sam 8,9; 1 Chr 18,19; Mt 21 DEFEATING THE ENEMY & SHOWING KINDNESS
S - 2 Sam 8:1 In the course of time, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. 2 Sam 9:1 One day David asked, "Is there anyone left of Saul's family? If so, I'd like to show him some kindness in honor of Jonathan."
O- Within two chapters we see David treating people quite differently. He was ruthless with his enemies; he gave them no ground, but defeated them with perseverance and dedication, taking back the land the Lord had promised the nation of Israel. But at the same time he was very kind to Mephibosheth, Jonathon's son who was the remaining relative of Saul. He restored to him all the land of his inheritance and invited him to dine at the King's table with the royal family.
A - I love David's heart of compassion. He was obviously a sensitive soul - if we look at the words of his psalms and his treatment of Saul and his family. He showed such kindness. But at the same time, he had no tolerance for the enemies of God. As the king, he led battle after battle taking back the land for his people and his God. "In the course of time" reveals that the defeat of the enemies took some time. May we be like David and persevere, press on, not give up against the enemies that rob us of the inheritance God has ordained for us.
P - Father, may we be like David. May we have a heart after You, a compassionate and kind side in the treatment of others, and a ruthless energy to defeat the enemies in our lives.
Tuesday May 4, 2010 - 2 Sam 8,9; 1 Chr 18,19; Mt 21 DEFEATING THE ENEMY & SHOWING KINDNESS
S - 2 Sam 8:1 In the course of time, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. 2 Sam 9:1 One day David asked, "Is there anyone left of Saul's family? If so, I'd like to show him some kindness in honor of Jonathan."
O- Within two chapters we see David treating people quite differently. He was ruthless with his enemies; he gave them no ground, but defeated them with perseverance and dedication, taking back the land the Lord had promised the nation of Israel. But at the same time he was very kind to Mephibosheth, Jonathon's son who was the remaining relative of Saul. He restored to him all the land of his inheritance and invited him to dine at the King's table with the royal family.
A - I love David's heart of compassion. He was obviously a sensitive soul - if we look at the words of his psalms and his treatment of Saul and his family. He showed such kindness. But at the same time, he had no tolerance for the enemies of God. As the king, he led battle after battle taking back the land for his people and his God. "In the course of time" reveals that the defeat of the enemies took some time. May we be like David and persevere, press on, not give up against the enemies that rob us of the inheritance God has ordained for us.
P - Father, may we be like David. May we have a heart after You, a compassionate and kind side in the treatment of others, and a ruthless energy to defeat the enemies in our lives.
Monday, May 3, 2010
"ASK!!"
by Diana Kriesel
Monday, 5/3/10 – 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20 – “ASK!!”
S – Psalm 2:8 – “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
O – I love the way the Message Bible puts it: “What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a prize?” (Ps.2:8) God is telling Christ that He will receive the nations, at His desire for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. The promise is that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A – In a similar manner, as His children, we can ask of God for the nations! We can ask of God for the inheritance of our friends, family, loved ones to come into the Kingdom! The Father is pleased with the Son and His finished work. His finished work made the way for the nations to become His inheritance; and we can ASK, ASK, ASK… petition the Lord for the hearts and lives of our loved ones to know Him. That is OUR inheritance as children of God!
P – Lord, we are ASKING!!! for our loved ones, friends, neighbors…we are asking for the generations now, and the generations that follow to come to know Your love and saving grace. Make us vessels of honor that you might use us for the Kingdom!
Monday, 5/3/10 – 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20 – “ASK!!”
S – Psalm 2:8 – “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
O – I love the way the Message Bible puts it: “What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a prize?” (Ps.2:8) God is telling Christ that He will receive the nations, at His desire for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. The promise is that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A – In a similar manner, as His children, we can ask of God for the nations! We can ask of God for the inheritance of our friends, family, loved ones to come into the Kingdom! The Father is pleased with the Son and His finished work. His finished work made the way for the nations to become His inheritance; and we can ASK, ASK, ASK… petition the Lord for the hearts and lives of our loved ones to know Him. That is OUR inheritance as children of God!
P – Lord, we are ASKING!!! for our loved ones, friends, neighbors…we are asking for the generations now, and the generations that follow to come to know Your love and saving grace. Make us vessels of honor that you might use us for the Kingdom!
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