Sunday February 28, 2010 Numbers 24-27 & 1 Corin. 13 S. 1 Corinthians 13:4 "Love never gives up"

S. 1 Corinthians 13:4 "Love never gives up"

NIV: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud.

MSG: Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't strut.

O- We can do many great things, and have many great gifts for the Kingdom.....but without love we have nothing.

It sounds so simple to just "love" but it is probably in some circumstances one of the most difficult, and most selfless

to follow. To love your enemy, or the one that hurt you, or offended you, takes the heart of Jesus. The Message bible

says "I'm bankrupt without love." Without love there is not Joy, there is no peace, there is no forgiveness.

A- this scripture is often used for weddings, the start of the unity of two hearts, two lives, two souls. God knowing that there will be good times and hard times, but through love, you can get through all things. His heart is that we never give up on our marriage. That is why it is the greatest commandment.... "to love" you have everything you need. Some of the hardest people to love are those that have hurt or offended us, yet we are to give up our right to be right, and just "love." It's not for the person who hurt or offended us....it's for us. When we love and forgive, we are free........

P- Lord let us start each day filling our love tank, so that we are not bankrupt of love. Please help us to never give up, and to press on to "love" even when it is in difficult times. Help us to see the people as you do, and you Love each one of them no matter what. Let us learn how to love with your heart, and help us to never give up on someone. Starting today, amen.

Shaking Off Rejection and Failure

S- Mark 6:11 - "And if anyplace will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave."

O - Though I can't say that I fully understand this passage, it seems to me that this passage is about handling rejection and failure. The disciples had a mandate to go and preach, and sometimes they were received and sometimes rejected. As we go through life, we will each encounter rejection and failure. To be successful, we can't let it cling to us, burden us, or weigh us down. We need to truly move on, though not in judgement as this verse implies. Often the rejection we experience is not a rejection of Christ, but just a rejection of us ... and that is ok. Not everyone needs to like us or approve of us.

A - I will shake off the dust of rejection and failure and trust God to continue His work of grace in my life and in the lives of others. I can not control others nor do I want to, nor do I need to be controlled by their choices or reactions to me.

P - Lord, I want to travel light, shaking off any dust of rejection and failure, any weight and sin that so easily tries to trip me up and slow me down. Help me to move foward, not carrying any rejection or regrets. Help me to simply take each day as it comes. Help me make the most of every opportunity to be your child and walk in your way. All I ask is that you never leave me nor forsake me and that you would work all things together for good, the sunlight and the shadows, the blessings and the challenges, my strengths and my weakenesses, my mountains and my valleys.

SHE THOUGHT TO HERSELF...

Diana Kriesel

Friday, 2/26/10 – Numbers 19,20; Psalm 28; Mark 5 – “SHE THOUGHT TO HERSELF”

S— Mark 5:28-29 – “For she thought to herself, "If I can just touch His clothing, I will be healed." And sure enough, as soon as she had touched Him, the bleeding stopped and she knew she was well!” (The Living Bible)

O – This woman had come to the end of her own resources, money, medical help for her bleeding condition of 12 years. She was so desperate that when Jesus passed through the area, she determined in her heart to get to Him, knowing that He was her last and only hope. The Bible says she talked to herself, “If I can just touch His clothing, I will be healed.” She pressed in and made her way through the crowd and found her way to Jesus, and was healed.

A – This story is well known, but one of my favorite parts of the passage is that the woman had to make some internal decisions in her mind. Had she not “talked to herself” and basically talked herself into pressing past all obstacles to Jesus, she may have become discouraged when the path was difficult. We need to take charge of our thought life when we face tough times so that we can, as David did in 1 Samuel 30, “encourage ourselves in the Lord.” As we think, so we go.

P—Lord, teach us to take control of our thoughts so that when we face the difficulties of life, we can strengthen ourselves and point ourselves toward Truth, toward Life, and toward the Lord Jesus Christ; our only Source for whatever our need is.

Inheritance

S: Numbers 18:20 (MSG). God said to Aaron, "You won't get any inheritance in land, not so much as a small plot of ground. I am your plot of ground. I am your inheritance.
O: What an amazing inheritance! Aaron was not to receive a piece of land on which to live and plant. Aaron received an invitation. An invitation to live and set down roots in the Lord. God himself was to be Aaron's inheritance.
A: Aaron's inheritance can be ours too. God is extending the same invitation to us today. Plant ourselves in the perfect, fertile soil which is the Lord. Stretch out our roots and let them grow deep and strong. The opportunities for growth are endless! And can you imagine the harvest? Wow!
P: Father God I accept your invitation today. I want you as my inheritance. Plant me in you Lord. Let my roots stretch deep and let me grow strong and true in you. Let my life produce a harvest for you Lord - a harvest worthy of my King. Amen.

NO NEED TO FEAR - GOD IS ON OUR SIDE

Wednesday 2/24/10 Num 14-16; Mark 3 NO NEED TO FEAR - GOD IS ON OUR SIDE

S- Num 13:31 MSG; 14:8-9 NIV/MSG "We can't attack those people; they're way stronger than we are." Joshua's reply, "Do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up.  Why, we'll have them for lunch!  They have no protection and God is on our side.  Don't be afraid of them."

O- The Lord had sent spies into the promised land to check it out.  Most of the spies brought back a bad report about the giants in the land, which stirred up fear in the people.  Joshua, however, had brought back a good report and tried to encourage the people in their fearful state that God was on their side; there was no need to fear, no matter the size of the enemy.

A- As I build the website for Tune the Temple's Online Class, I've encountered some pretty big problems.  Some of the resistance has made me anxious and nervous; I've run into some pretty strong enemies in the land.  I receive this word today for the ministry and myself.

P- Lord, you know I have been afraid.  Please forgive my fears and anxieties that have risen with the resistance.  Thank you for your encouraging word.  You are with me; you are directing me; you are in this project, I know.  You are on my side. I pray that many people are blessed as they enter the promised land of milk, honey, and most of all, freedom, through this ministry.

THE SABBATH IS FOR US

by Vivian Bills

Tuesday, 2/23/10 - Numbers 12, 13; Psalm 90; Mark 2

S - Mark 2:27 (NIV) The he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."

O - This was Jesus' response to the Pharisees when they were complaining about the disciples picking grain to feed themselves on the Sabbath. God mandated a day of rest because it is best for US. Jesus put things in perspective. God said to stop doing regular work, not to stop living, eating and breathing.

A - God mandated a day of rest for man - a day for man to stop his regular work - a day for man to reflect on the glory of God and his relationship with God. But, we are not to esteem the Sabbath more than the man. The Pharisees loved the LAW more than they loved their fellow man. People are important. Jesus died for US, not for the law.

P - Oh Lord, help me to remember to love PEOPLE, not what they do, but who they are. Thank You that You love ME, not because of what I do or don't do, but because of who I am.

ONE THING...

Diana Kriesel

Numbers 10,11; Psalm 27; Mark 1 – ONE THING…

S— Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I ask of the LORD , this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” NIV

O— The “one thing,” the ruling desire of David’s heart is to behold, to meditate on the beauty of the Lord; His beautiful grace, wisdom, and love. This passion symbolizes the union between God and His true worshipers—it indicates an intimacy of dwelling, being in the secret place of safety and sanctuary, abiding in and with the Lord. This speaks of a ‘rest’ that silences and stills the busy heart of the believer; a ‘rest’ that both comes from intimacy and draws into deeper intimacy.

A— David could have asked for many things of the Lord, but chose this “one thing.” I love the way the Message Bible puts this verse: “I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: to live with Him in His house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at His feet.” He reveals a longing which extends out of the past and into the future and encompasses his whole life. This is to say that the “one thing” to desire is a deep spiritual intimacy with God. So many things can climb to the top of our priority list…oh, to have the heart that the “one thing” we ask of the Lord, and that we seek, is to be close to Him all of our days, to gaze upon His beauty, and to seek Him.

P—Lord it is the desire of my heart to be a daughter who is forever centered on the “one thing”… that all other things I may desire would fade in comparison to the overwhelming desire to know You more, to love You more, to seek You more. For it is only in this “one thing” that I will find true satisfaction and strength and peace.

Sunday February 21 Num 8&9 Acts. 28 "Don't Jump to Conclusions by what you See"

S-Acts. 28:4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other "This many must be a murderer, for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.

O- When Paul had arrived in Malta he was greeted with a warm hospitality. While Paul was helping with the fire, he was bit, by a venomous snake. The islander's automatically "jumped to the occlusion" that he MUST be a murder, and was being punished for his sin. When Paul did not die then they "jumped to the conclusion" that he was a god.

A- I observe in this passage of scriptures that things may not always seem as you think or as it may appear. How often do we judge a situation and come up with a judgement about a situation, or better yet M.S.U (M-aking S-tuff U-p) in our heads, that is not the truth for the situation. I didn't read that anyone tried to help Paul from the bite, they just watched and expected him to die, because of their conclusion. When he didn't then they "jumped to the conclusion" again and thought he was a god.

P- Lord I ask that you allow us to see a situation with your perspective, and not just arrive to a conclusion but to take the time to give someone the benefit of the doubt, and grace.

Let us see with your eyes, listen with your ears, and be sensitive to your heart. Continue to teach us your ways, and not ours......take our mind Lord, and conform it....to Yours! Amen

Not in Control, But not Alone

S - Acts 27:10-11 - Paul advised them saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives. " Nevertheless, the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship that by the things spoken by Paul.

O - Paul perceives danger and gives advice but his advice is rejected. He is in a boat with others who are not listening to him and not making good decisions, decisions that effect his well-being. He is not in control of the others or of his circumstances, but God is in control. He was able to have peace and encourage others because in the midst of the storm, he heard God's voice and operated in two spiritual gifts: the word of knowledge and the word of wisdom. He was able to tell them that not one life would be lost and he was also able to give them wise timely advice because in the midst of the storm, he did not choose unbelief. He chose to believe the God who was with him.

A - When I am not in control of the behavior of others, when I am not listened to, when the storms of life come, ... I will trust you, Lord, and listen for your voice.

P - Lord, help me to draw near to you in ever-increasing faith, knowing that you are with me in every storm and trial. You are "the God to whom I belong". Help me to put my trust in You and to hear your voice and be a blessing to those around me.

FROM YOU COMES THE THEME OF MY PRAISE

Diana Kriesel

Friday, 2/19/10 – Numbers 5,6; Psalm 22; Acts 26– “FROM YOU COMES THE THEME OF MY PRAISE”

S— Ps 22:25- “From You comes the theme of my praise…” NIV

O— The psalmist cries out to God in this psalm, out of his need, his desperation, and his fear. At the same time, he vows to God that in the midst of it all, He will trust God to give him the “theme” of his praise. Of course we know, that God desires to fill us with trust in His faithfulness, kindness, love and mercy. And the psalmist declares that rather than dwelling on all the dangers, fears and threats toward his life, he chooses God’s ‘theme’ and makes it his praise. All of the praises that proceed from his lips are the fruit of his promise to trust in God.

A – This is such an encouragement to us when we go through difficulties and feel discouraged, that we allow the truth of who God is, and the truth of His promises to be the “theme” of our praise. It is so easy to allow our ‘theme’ to become the result of what we go through, rather than who we serve.

P – Lord, cause us to see You in and through all of our circumstances, and open our eyes to see that the “theme” of our praise can be so much more powerful as we focus on all You are, and all You have done!

Never Waiver

Lori Somerville
Thursday February 18, 2010
S: Acts 25:25 (MSG) I looked into it and decided that he had committed no crime.
O: The jews wanted Paul executed because he (through his faith in Jesus) threatened their belief system and way of life. Yet Paul was found blameless. Paul's reliance was on the Lord even when he was falsely accused. He spoke simply and plainly, honestly and humbly in his own defense.
A: Paul was a follower of Christ. He never waivered in his purpose but kept his eyes on the Kingdom and his feet on the path before him. Paul was aware that there was something far bigger at work in his life and that even his suffering had a purpose for the Kingdom. Those false accusations must have stung. Paul must have wanted to speak out forcefully in his own defense yet he yielded his natural desires to the desires of the Lord.
P: Lord, no matter what our circumstances might be today help us to keep our eyes on you and our feet on the path you have made for each one of us. Thank you for your bigger purpose and your bigger plan at work in each of our lives. Let us not be distracted by the "false accusations" and "details" of our day.

INTEGRITY

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - 2/17/2010 - Numbers 1,2; Acts 24

S - Acts 24:16 (NIV) So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

O - Paul was speaking to the governor, Felix, about his faith. What else could he do but be himself? The accusers were lying about him, so all he could do was present himself and say, "This is who I am."

A - A long time ago a friend repeated an accusation to me that one Christian had claimed about another. And without choosing sides, I asked my friend to tell me, of those two persons, the accused and the accuser, which one walked in forgiveness, which one demonstrated love, which one lived without anger and strove for peace? There was a clear distinction. The accuser did not walk as Christ did and the accused so obviously did. So which one was more likely to be telling the truth?

P - Lord, help me to live for You in such a way, with such truth and integrity, that false accusations would be seen as false because of who I am in You.

TAKE COURAGE!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 2/16/10 Leviticus 26,27; Acts23  TAKE COURAGE!

S- Acts 23:11 NIV/MSG The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage!  It's going to be all right.  Everything is going to turn out for the best."

O- Paul was experiencing great persecution.  He had been beaten, put in jail, placed before the Sanhedrin where they argued over him.  The Lord met with him and gave him a word of encouragment.  He also spoke direction to him, "You've been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem.  Now you're going to be my witness in Rome!" (v11 MSG).  

A- Before reading today's scriptures, I had a discussion with a friend this morning during which I realized I am going to need to step out and do something difficult.  I admitted to my friend I am totally afraid and that I need courage. I even said, "I need to head to Oz first before I can do this! I wonder if the lion will come with me as he needs courage too!" My friend replied that I need "heavenly courage!" Exactly! Then I read this verse above... the Lord is so amazing!  I knew He'd have something for me.  Wow, if we ever think He isn't attentive, maybe we aren't watching closely enough!!

P- Father, thank you for your word to me to take courage and that it will all work out for the best.  I needed that promise.  Hearing from you gives me the courage to move forward. Knowing that you are with me and attentive to what I am going through makes all the difference.  Thank You.

GOD-FRIENDSHIP IS FOR GOD-WORSHIPERS

by Diana Kriesel

Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22–
GOD-FRIENDSHIP IS FOR GOD-WORSHIPERS

S— Ps 25:14- “The LORD confides in those who fear him; He makes his covenant known to them.”[ NIV] The Message Bible says it this way: “God-friendship is for God-worshipers; they are the ones he confides in.”

O— The word ‘confides’ here is also translated ‘secret’. It speaks of the picture of a couch, or a setting where friends come together and share intimate conversation. There is the sense that those who fear the Lord enjoy intimate friendship with Him. This intimacy comes out of a reverent worship for God.

A—I love the Message translation that says that “God-friendship is for God-worshipers.” The deeper our love for God, the more we worship…the more we worship, the deeper our love and reverence grows; and we are drawn into even deeper intimacy with God. Result? We are closer to His heart; we hear Him more clearly and come to know His ways that…draw us back to worship. If only we would understand the power of true worship and not just DO worship but our lives BECOME worship.

P—Lord we want to know You more, love You more deeply, honor You in every way possible, and become vessels of worship that bring honor and glory to Your Name.

Catch and Release

S- Acts 20:32 - So now brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

O - Paul had caught the call of God to preach the gospel, to make disciples and to plant churches. He had run his race well and was nearing the end of his race. He shared final words and hugs, and released them into God's care. He knew the art of "catch and release" of catching God's call and running with it, and then of releasing that call to others and to God.

A - I receive your wonderful words of life and grace today. I will meditate on your word and speak that word to myself and to all that I come in contact with today.

P - Lord, let my words today be like your words, words of life and grace. Use me to encourage and equip your people to walk in their inheritance. Lord, if my words and thinking get negative, help me to recognize it quickly and turn the channel in my mind and change the flow that comes from my mouth. Holy Spirit, use me today to encourage someone. Teach me to catch and to release all to You.

THE TOUCH DID IT!

by Diana Kriesel

Leviticus 18-19; Psalm 13; Acts 19 – “THE TOUCH DID IT!”

S— Acts 19:11-12- “God did powerful things through Paul, things quite out of the ordinary. The word got around and people started taking pieces of clothing — handkerchiefs and scarves and the like — that had touched Paul's skin and then touching the sick with them. The touch did it — they were healed and whole.”[from the Message]

O— These stories of the miracles God worked through Paul parallel the miracles of Peter that we recently read in Acts5:15-16.God's hand of blessing and endorsement was on Paul. God used the handkerchiefs and scarves as tangible symbols of God's power through His apostle. These objects, applied to the bodies of the diseased, became the means, in the hand of God, of their restoration to health. And..."the touch did it"!! Wow!

A- I love the way the Message Bible says it: “The touch did it—they were healed and whole.” Each of us carries the healing power of the Holy Spirit within us, and God has entrusted us with “a touch” that can heal. I heard a song on the radio this week where the verses talked about “If we are His Body, why aren’t the arms reaching out; why aren’t the feet going to places that need Him; why aren’t the hands healing?” The book of Acts is a powerful declaration of all that God has given to His church, His body, to do in this earth…

P—Lord, how we want it said of our touch, “the touch did it—they were healed and whole.” How we desire to walk as You walked, touch lives as You touched lives, heal as You heal, and make a difference… Take us to new levels of the miraculous Lord!

GOD DOESN'T CHANGE

Levitius 16:29
s: In the presence of God you will be made clean of all your sins.
o: Even before Jesus came to free us from the bondage of our sin, God made a way.
a: What am amazing God we serve. All along his plan has been that ALL of us would be set free from our sin. The plan hasn't change. God's love for us hasn't changed. He still longs to set each one of free . I can rest in the assurance today that my whole world may be turned upside down but the grace, mercy and love of our God remains the same. I can choose today to work with God in furthering his plan. I can let his light shine through me to those still suffering, still in bondage.
p: Father God thank you for your crazy, amazing, passionate love that you have for each one of us. Thank you for your plan that none of us should perish in our sin but that each one of us has a life-long invitation to life with you and in you. Show me the way each day to extend your invitations to those around me. Amen.

CUSTOM

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday, 2/10/10 - Leviticus 13, 14; Acts 17

S - Acts 17:2 (NIV) As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the scriptures.

O - Paul was consistent and habitual. He'd preach in the synagogue in a new place for 3 Sabbaths and people would get saved.

A - What is your custom? What are your habits? Is there anything godly that is consistent in your life that would bring glory to God? We have good ideas that we may try once or twice when "the spirit moves us" but are we consistent whether we feel it or not? What would happen if we were? Would God move heaven and earth? Would many people come to know Christ?

P - Lord, even when speaking of You doesn't seem to get immediate results, I will continue to do so. I will do the work and trust You with the results. Save them, Lord.

BREAK FORTH INTO SINGING!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 2/9/10 - Lev 10-12; Acts 16 BREAK FORTH INTO SINGING!

S- Acts 16: 25-26 MSG/NIV Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God.  The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears.  Then, without warning, a huge earthquake!  The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose (their chains came loose! ).

O- Paul and Silas were in Philippi; the Holy Spirit had lead them to European regions. Unfortunately they weren't received well and were publicily beaten and put in jail, bound by chains in maximum security.  In their pain and bound state, they chose to sing!  It reminds me of the scripture in Is 54:1 MSG,  "Sing O barren woman, who has never had a baby.  Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth!  You're ending up with far more children than all those childbearing women." God says so!

A- Let us sing in our time of need.  Let us birth forth with song!  Not only did Paul and Silas get free, but the jailer, who had been tempted to kill himself, and his family were saved and baptized that very night! Sing over your checkbook, your body in need of healing, your children in the night, your marriage, your job, etc.  Let's worship the Lord!  Your chains just might come loose!

P- Thank you Lord for such amazing praise and worship music we have at our disposal; for mp3 players and stereo systems, cd's and downloadable music, christian radio stations and instruments to play on!  I choose to sing today!

LET US GO BACK...

Diana Kriesel

Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15 – “LET US GO BACK…”

S— Acts 15:36- Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."

O— This wasn’t as easy as it sounded, for it meant possibly going to Cyprus, Pamphylia, Psidia, Lycaonia, Salamis, Paphys, Perga, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Antioch in Pisidia, and elsewhere. Even though he faced conflict, Paul felt it necessary to water the seed he had planted; for these were new believers. Paul had a tender heart toward new converts, shown in his writings that he “prayed exceedingly to see their faces, and perfect that which was lacking in their faith.” His heart was not just to stop by and say a casual “hello”, but rather to invest again in the lives that he first made a deposit of the gospel.

A— I love Paul’s heart to return to see if their faith has grown; if they are walking in liberty and steadfastness; and whether they were in trouble or distress; to minister to them and to better know how to pray for them. This speaks of the importance of following up on the lives of people that God brings our way; to continue to provide guidance and support to help them grow in their faith.

P— Father, thank you for the privilege of touching lives and impacting people for Your Kingdom. Keep us mindful of our responsibility to nurture, lead, guide, and love, so that we may better pray for them and help them on their journey with You.

Sunday February 7, 2010 Acts 14 Lev. 4-6 Ministering to win the lost ...

Robin Danaher
S- Acts 14:22 (NIV) Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith, "We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God," they said. (MSG.)Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times."
O- Paul and Barnabas set out through the land to preach the good news about God. Some would listen and their hearts would be changed, until those that were unbeliever's whispered doubt and confusion and lies in their ears. Then their hearts would change back against God, and the good news that was being preached. Many people came against what they had to say. They were determined that the message they were bringing was far greater than the sacrifice and adversity to the point of possible death.
A- Going through life as a Christian, it can be very difficult to keep your walk with God straight and focused on God, because the enemy can use people to whisper in your ear to lead you astray. Ministering God's word to the lost and the hurting, at times comes with risk and cost. Have you ever had someone turn against you when all you were trying to do is show them the WAY & the Life? Paul picked himself up, even close to being dead brushed himself off, and went back to preaching the Good News of God's love, and to put down all the idles and sacrifices look to God. Paul could tell when the hearts were right, to receive God's love and God's healing he looked in the eyes and in the hearts of man, and with their FAITH, they were healed by God through HIS apostles.
P- Father help us to not count the cost and not to fear rejection when it comes to ministering to the lost & the hurting. Please help us to build confidence and boldness to be an apostle and ambassador for You, Lord Jesus. Teach us your ways and not our ways. Teach me to hold my tongue and listen with my ears and look for the hearts with our eyes. Let us see what you See. Amen

Proclaiming Forgiveness to Ourselves and Others

S- Acts 13:38 - Therefore my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

0 - The book of Leviticus is a book of purity, sanctification, and holiness. It teaches us that we are saved and sanctified not by human effort or ability, but by way of the blood. In the Old Testament, this was by way of a system of sacrifices that all pointed to Christ and his life and sacrifice on the cross.

A - I receive afresh the total radical forgiveness of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. I proclaim that freedom to all!

P - Lord, I come to you, not based on my efforts or holiness or good works. I come by the blood of the Perfect One who willingly lay down his life for me. So today, I dance into your presence with joy, confidence and boldness! (Eph. 3:12, Heb. 4:16, Heb. 10:9). I am so thankful that I am "accepted in the Beloved", that I am loved, that I am yours!

FREE...now FOLLOW!

by Diana Kriesel

Friday, 2/5/10 – Exodus 39, 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12 – “FREE…now FOLLOW!”

S— Acts 12:7-8 - Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so.

O— The angel delivered Peter from prison, but he did not do for Peter what Peter could do for himself. The angel released Peter from his chains and led him out of the prison, but gave Peter instruction to put on his own shoes, dress himself, and follow. Then when Peter was outside and safe, the angel left him. Peter was now on his own to walk out his own faith. We can expect God to do the impossible; we must obey and do what is possible for us to do.

A— So often we fall either to one extreme or the other: we either expect God to do everything, or we try to do everything on our own. When, in Kingdom reality, God moves, and often requires us to take an active part in exercising our faith and walk in obedience. Peter’s visitation by the angel and miraculous release from prison must have built his faith to go forth and walk in greater faith. Every time God takes us to a new level of FREEDOM, it is so that we can FOLLOW Him more closely.

P—Lord, bring us to a place of holy balance—where we are both totally expecting You to move in miraculous ways in our lives, yet positioned to walk and trust and obey. Cause the miraculous to collide with our faith, springing forth a holy desire to do exactly what You call us to do.

An Obedient Heart

Acts 11:18. S - ...God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to life.

O: Due to the obedience of a disciple who followed the urging of the Holy Spirit the gift of salvation was given to the nations. As a result, even people who were not Jewish were able to receive God's life-changing salvation.

A: How obedient am I? Am I listening for that still, small voice? Am I open to the urgings of the Holy Spirit in my life today? or am I too busy, too pre-occupied, to afraid that I might look like a fool if I react with obedience to what I am being asked to do? is God having to find someone else to do what he had set out for me to do? I don't want to miss a single opportunity to walk in the plan that God has for my life. I want that willingness to look foolish for God if that is what he requires of me today.

P: Oh Father God I thank you for your love and for second chances. Grant me the willingness to listen intently to your whisper and react with obedience no matter the situation. Strip me of my pride Lord God and grant me the humility to be willing to look foolish for you today.

CLEAN

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - 2/3/10 - Exodus 35,36; Acts 10

S - Acts 10:15 (NIV) The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

O - Peter had a vision in which the Lord told him to eat some things that He had previously told the Jews were unclean. When Peter protested, God gave him this directive.

A - God cleanses and purifies things and people and once He does, they are clean. I suppose this means that what God has cleansed, we are not to see as filthy. You know, like a sinner who is saved. If God has forgiven them, then so should we.

P - Lord, help me to remember that those whom you have forgiven and cleansed are truly holy in your sight and so they should be in mine.

CLOSER THAN A HEART BEAT

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 2/2/10 Exodus 33,34; Ps 16; Acts 9 CLOSER THAN A HEART BEAT

S- Ex 33:14,15 The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you , and I will give you rest."  Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."

O- The Lord was so upset with the Israelites for their rebellion in creating the golden calf that He told them to leave, go to the Promised land with an angel going before them, but that He wouldn't be going with them - because they were so hard-hearted and stiff-necked.  Fortunately, He changed his mind after Moses spoke passionately to Him!

A- Aren't you glad we live on the other side of the cross?  We carry His Presence with us.  He always goes with us whereever we go. It is part of our inheritance.  He promises to never leave us or forsake us.  May we always remember and respect who lives in us, continually. We are His temple.

P- Father, thank you for Jesus and the cross. Your Presence is not based on my performance but Jesus' death and resurrection. Thank you for the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thank you that You are always "closer than a heart beat away."

Monday, February 1, 2010 - WILL THE REAL MIRACLE WORKER PLEASE STAND UP?

Diana Kriesel

Monday, 2/1/10 – Exodus 30-32; Acts 8 – “WILL THE REAL MIRACLE WORKER PLEASE STAND UP?”

S— Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. [NKJV]

O— Simon the sorcerer had been wowing the people with his demonic powers of magic. But when Philip came to Samaria, he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. This means that he was preaching the message that believers would inherit the kingdom by faith in Jesus, the Messiah. Let’s look at the contrasts and comparisons between Simon and Philip. Both performed miracles, Simon by demonic power and Philip by divine power. Simon boasted of himself, Philip proclaimed Christ. People were amazed by Simon’s magic, but people were converted to Christ through Philip’s preaching. Philip’s words came with greater power than that of Simon; and his miracles stood the test in ways the works of Simon could not.

A—The enemy will always try to give a counterfeit to the works of God, and with the natural eye, we can be deceived. But the works and miracles and truth of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom are without dispute, and always draw people to God. Even though people had been amazed by the magic of Simon, when they heard and believed Philip as he preached the things of the Kingdom and the name of Jesus, they were saved and baptized! The power of Christ is authentic and carries transforming life.

P—Lord, show Your glory! Show Your miracle-working power in our midst that many may believe, be saved and baptized as we preach the things of the kingdom in Your Name!