Thursday Oct. 28 JOB 19 Mark 1,2 "Ready, ready!"

Thursday Oct. 28

JOB 19 Mark 1,2

"Ready, ready!"

S-Mark 1:15 NIV "The time has come," he said, "The kingdom of God is near, Repent and believe the good news."

MSG- "Time's up! God's kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message

O- John the Baptist had come to preach a message of repentance. Lives were being transformed and the people were being baptized

in water. John says that he will baptize in water, but soon one will come, that is much greater than John, who will baptize in the holy spirit.

A spirit came upon John to be anointed to preach a conviction message to the people. He also baptized Jesus in water, and the heaven's opened up

a voice from heaven said "You are my son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life (MSG).

A- The power of the holy spirit can bring such a change in our lives. There is a treasure in repentance. To be walking in a path of destruction

and to have a spirit of repentance and conviction come upon you, is life changing.....it changes the course, and the directly from where your are

to where you can go. Know the truth and the truth shall set you free.......that's the most freeing scripture I know. Jesus is the truth the way and the light, so be Ready, ready to

be sensitive to His grace and merciful spirit, and be "ready, ready" at all times.

P-Father, send your spirit to our hearts, and let us welcome him everyday and every moment. Let our hearts be so sensitive to your spirit, and in the ways

that are pleasing to you. Let us be ready at any moment to change our course of destruction, to be totally full of living waters with you, Lord. "Ready, Ready!"

HAVE FAITH

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - October 27, 2010 - Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27-28

S - Acts 27:25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

O - Paul was speaking to the sailors and soldiers on the boat with him who believed they would perish in the storm they were in.

A - I have seen lots of people proclaim the word of the Lord, believe it for a short time (or a long time) and then stop believing. When I ask them why, they usually have decided that what they thought was the voice of God was really only their own selfish hopes and dreams. I believe that in most instances, when they lose faith, the enemy has just stepped in to steal their promise. God does not go back on His word. If you are His sheep, then you know His voice. Don't doubt when you hear Him speak. Ask Him for confirmation and then hold on to your faith with everything you have. Don't let the enemy of your soul steal your promise and your hope.

P - Lord, I stand before You believing what You have promised. Increase my faith, Lord.

REPENTANCE PROVES ITSELF

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 10/26/10  Job17; Acts 24-26 - REPENTANCE PROVES ITSELF

S - Acts 26:15;17-18 MSG "I am Jesus... I have a job for you. I've handpicked you ... I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God.  I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me." Acts 26:20 NIV "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds."

O - Saul's life was interrupted by Jesus on the road to Damascus.  He was given a heavenly assignment from Jesus to open the eyes of the lost through his preaching.  His name and calling in life took a radical 180 degree change in direction as he obeyed the Lord's assignment. No longer did he kill Christians; now he brought people to Christ.  A radical change of repentance and lasting fruit.

A - Repentance proves itself by deeds. When we repent, there is fruit consistent with the repentance.  We begin "real living" when we repent and walk in a new direction.  Sometimes, the new life is radical, such as a miracle of deliverance from an addiction.  Other times the new life is embraced sacrificially one day at a time, moment by moment, through our choices.  But thankfully, not through our own willpower.  As we lean heavily on the Lord, we are empowered to prove our repentance through deeds through the power of the Holy Spirit.

P - Lord, may our repentance prove itself with our deeds.  May there be lasting fruit for all the world to see - of how Your Presence in our lives makes a radical difference.  May we be light to the world!

A GOOD FRIEND

By Mary White

S--Job 16:5 “But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

O--Job had lost everything; his family, his home, his land & now his health. He was very discouraged and was in much pain and discomfort. His good friends came to him and instead of bringing him encouragement they lectured and judged him.

A--When a friend finds themselves in a bad situation, financially, physically, and or spiritually, even if they have brought it on by their own bad choices, or not, as a true friend it is my duty and privilege to encourage them, and show them God’s love. Sometimes this is not easy, especially if they have done this repeatedly. It is not my place to judge but to extend God’s love and mercy to them. When our lives seem to be falling apart, we need our friends to rally around us and encourage us in the Lord.

P-- Oh Lord, help me to be a good friend, in good and bad times. Help me to remember your Word which says in Matt. 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful; for they will be shown mercy.”

Not Crippled by Over-responsibility

S - Acts 17:32 - "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said "We want to hear you again on this subject."

0 - Paul was a man with a mission. He traveled to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Antioch, and Ephesus. He met with success and failure, acceptance and rejection wherever he went. He didn't base his confidence on his results which were mixed. He based his confidence on his call. He seemed to know that he was responsibe to speak and that he was not responsible for how others responded. What others did with his words was their responibility. He was not weighed down by over-responsibility, frustration with others, or a sense of failure because some rejected him and his message. . His call was to preach Christ crucified and risen and he successfully did what he was supposed to do.

A - I need to do my part. What others do with it, is not my responsibility.

P - Lord, help me to clearly know what my responsibility is, and help me to faithfully do my part. Help me to focus on the doing, not the results. Set me free from "over-responsiblity" for the responses of others. Help me to remember the examples of Jesus and Paul who did what the Father told them to do, and who faced mixed results, yet pleased God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Job 11 & 12; Acts 15 & 16 GO AND TELL

S--Acts 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…”

O--Paul and Silas had been thrown in prison for preaching. They had been stripped and badly beaten.

A--I wonder if I had been beaten and thrown in prison for preaching the Gospel, would I be found singing and praising God or complaining and praying for help? Paul and Silas had a mission to “go and tell”. They were confident in Whom they were serving. They were compelled and driven to share the message of salvation through Christ.

P-- Oh God, make me like Paul and Silas. Give me boldness to “go and tell” others about You. Help me to overlook temporary discomfort…so I might bring “perfect comfort” to a hurting world.

Thursday October 21 Job 9 & 10, Acts 13 & 14 "He knows All" S- Job 9:4 His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.

"He knows All"

S- Job 9:4 His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.

O- Job acknowledges that he could not be righteous before God. He must have done something wrong to receive such afflictions on his life. He is confident that he did not sin greatly, and did not deserve such sufferings. Yet, his faith arises and is persistent in calling on God. The worst part for Job, was the times of silence.

A- In some of the worst of circumstances God can become silent. Sometimes God will allow us to go through the dark hours in silence. We misinterpret that to be that He is not listening, and He isn't there. When it's just the opposite. It is true that He will not give us a circumstance that we cannot handle, and at times we take tests of life over and over again, and it may seem to be the worst times of our lives, BUT GOD. It is those dark and silent times that God will work in and through your heart and develop your character and strengthen your faithfulness towards Him. He knows our end from our beginning and everything in between, and He never will leave us or forsake us. If you are feeling the silence, it is then that we become even more persistence and seek His face, and trust in Him with all our hearts.

P- Father of heaven and earth, thank you for everything. There is no better place to be, than in your presence and in the palm of your hand. Thank you for life, and every test and trial and the opportunity to glorify you through each one. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am greatly for all things. Amen.Thursday October 21

Job 9 & 10, Acts 13 & 14

"He knows All"

S- Job 9:4 His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.

SUDDENLY

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - October 20, 2010 - Job 6-8; Acts 12

S - Acts 12:7 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 of Peter's wrists.

O - The church had been praying for Peter as he was in jail. An angel came and helped him escape.

A - When you pray, don't forget to be ready to do something in order for the prayer to be answered. Of course, we could just lie back and wait for deliverance to come, wait to be carried to safety. But, look how Peter was delivered. Whack! Get up, get dressed and MOVE! The angel had appeared "suddenly" and it was time for Peter to move. We should always be ready to participate in the answer to our prayers.

P - Lord Jesus, help me to be ready for the "suddenlies" that You send my way. I want to move when You tell me to move and to participate in whatever it is that You would have me to do.

WHAT HAPPENED TO PHILIP?!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 10/18/10  Job 3,4; Acts 8,9  WHAT HAPPENED TO PHILIP?!

S - Acts 8:5,6,35  Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.  When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.... Then Philip began that very passage of Scripture and told him (the Ethiopian eunuch) the good news about Jesus.

O - Oh my!  What happened to Philip?  He was selected as one of the seven to "wait on tables" in chapter 6 when the Hebraic Jews were complaining that their widows were being overlooking in the distribution of food. Now in Chapter 8 he is performing miracles, being sent by the Spirit for a divine appointment with the Ethiopian eunich, bringing others to faith (even Simon the Sorcerer) and baptizing them in water.  He is a powerful influence in the Kingdom of God!! He becomes known as Philip the Evangelist in Acts 21:8.

A - Philip was originally selected to feed the widows because he was "known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom," Acts 6:3.  I find that interesting... he was recognized for his strong faith but selected to wait on tables!  We may start small, but as we are faithful in faith, developing our relationship with the Lord, He promotes us!!  Let's be faithful to the small things so that our influence will grow and magnify!

P - Father, thank you for our small beginnings.  Thank you for growing us up and sending us out as we seek You and be diligent in the things you call us to today.  May we be Philips in this age!

Monday Oct. 18, 2010 Job 3 & 4 Acts 8 & 9

S- "Tests" Job 3:3 "May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, "A boy is born!"

O- After 7 days of Satan testing Job, and taking everything except for his love and faithfulness to the Lord, get's pushed to his breaking point. Not only was his family taken, his riches, his land, and even being afflicted with welts to his body.

Job get's to the point where he curses the day he was born, but he does not curse God, or speak badly of Him..... His heart was truly one that just wanted God's will for his life, even in the worst of testings he was faithful. Later through this scripture

he his faith starts shining through and recognizing and knowing the truth about the promises and purpose for his life.

A-Honestly, there are times that I have wished I were never born, BUT....I know, .there are no accidents from God, and there is purpose for every life, and no one is an exclusion. In the tests and the trials, my hope and prayer would be

to have the mind and heart of Job, and his long suffering.....because in the end of the testing and the trials, God prevails and gets al the glory, and restores back 10 fold what the locusts have stolen. As long as I am in God's will.....there is

no place than I would rather be.

P-Father of Heaven and Earth, thank you for the tests and trials that increase our trust and faith in you, and help us to become all we can be for you Lord. Give us strength through every trial and test that comes our way. Draw us close to you Lord, and

never let us go. Give us a longing and a desire to follow you in all of our days, and through all your ways! I love you Lord....thank you for the blessed times and the tough times.

A Life-time Commitment

S - Ps. 148:1 - "Praise the Lord, O my soul, I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

O - The Psalmist makes a life-time commitment to a life-style of praise. He worships the God who is his hope and help, his maker and re-maker. He thinks about the faithful character of God and how his character is expressed in actions. He worships the God who goes in dark prisons to set the prisoners free, the God who lifts up those who are bowed down, who watches lovingly over the needy.

A - When I praise and worship God, I am lifted up to a higher place, and I am strengthened.

P - Lord of Love, I worship and praise you, my Maker and Re-maker, my help and my hope.

BOLDNESS by Mary White

S-- Acts 4:31 “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.”

O--Peter and John had been thrown in jail because of their preaching. They were warned to stop preaching in the name of Jesus.

A--Instead of heeding the warning they all gathered together with other believers and prayed for Boldness and God answered their prayers. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. I need to take their example and when I feel threatened or afraid, I should ask God to fill me a new with His Holy Spirit. Then I would have the boldness and the power to speak His Word and the joy of seeing people come to the saving knowledge of Christ.

P--Oh God, please fill your church a new with the Holy Spirit…shake us up and give us Holy Spirit boldness, that will draw men and women to you.

Thursday October 14, 2010 Neh. 11& 12 Ps. 1; Acts. 3 "Blessed"

Thursday October 14, 2010

Neh. 11& 12 Ps. 1; Acts. 3

"Blessed"

S-Psalm 1:1 NIV "Blessed is the man"

MSG: How well God must Like You-------

O- The first psalm and it's first word is "Blessed" is the man who does not follow after the world, but chastens after God. Those that separate themselves from the things of the world will be blessed. They will be like a tree, which stands strong and the source of water will come be a direct flow from the Lord, and will bearer much fruit. God will direct the path of those who choose to follow Him, and they will be Blessed.

A- Following the Lord's path is so much more peaceful, than following the path of destruction of the world. Even as a Christian, just being in a place where my heart is critical and judgmental, and everything around me seems to be not going right, because of my choices and my thinking are worldly and not God's way of thinking, it's not fun.....it's a really bad place to be. It's polluted waters running through my thinking, and it can leak out in every area. Worst part, you do't even know it,sometimes. Life is so much easier and peaceful, when I am in tune and connected with my Father's ways of thinking. That's when my life is truly blessed. Blessings are not about things or money, it's a about peace and happiness.

P-Lord, each day let's start it with praising you and thank you for all of your blessings in my life. Please help me to keep my mid focused on the way you think and the way your see, and my ears to what you hear, and what you would want from me. Control my tongue to speak encouragement and to not be critical or sharp. Guide my direction Lord.......Jesus take the wheel. Amen......I love God's presence....no place I'd rather be, and I don't like visiting any where else but His place:)

THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - October 13, 2010 - Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2

S - Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

O - The people were convicted of their sins and wanted to know what they could do. This was Peter's reply.

A - It sounds so formulaic, doesn't it? Repent, get baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And yet, I know people who struggle with whether or not they've received the Holy Spirit, possibly because many doctrines state that the evidence of that gift is speaking in tongues. Just because there may not be evidence does not mean something is not true. The Word says if you repent and get baptized, you WILL (not MIGHT) receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Stand on this truth.

P - Lord, I thank you that I do speak in tongues. "But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." (1 Cor 14:19) Pour out Your Spirit even more, Lord!

GOD PUT IT INTO MY HEART!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 10/12/10 Nehemiah 7.8; Acts 1 GOD PUT IT INTO MY HEART!

S - Nehemiah 7:4,5  Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt.  So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families.

O - Nehemiah was a man tuned into God.  He was originally distressed when he discovered that Jerusalem was in ruins, so he set about to rebuild the wall the and the gates. Certainly this was God's assignment placed into his heart.  He pressed through all the opposition by praying, seeking, following the Lord's leading.  Now he was motivated by God to register all the people who were in the land. He is sensitive to God's leading AND a man of action, carrying out the assignments regardless of the cost.

A - May we all be like Nehemiah!  May we be sensitive people, tuned into our spirits, sensing the gently leading of the Lord within.  May we join God in these leadings and follow through with the action necessary.  May we turn to God for strength when the going gets tough.  May we follow through AND finish what God leads us to do!

P - Lord, thank you for leading me.  May I become even more sensitive to Your Spirit within me.  May I be aware of those things you put on my heart, take action, follow through, and finish.  I thank you that you lead me like this in building Tune the Temple - adding to it each season. You put these things into my heart and I know You are leading me. Thanks!

STRENGTHEN MY HANDS By Mary White

S--Neh. 6:9 “But I prayed, now strengthen my hands.”

O--The Jews were rebuilding the wall. They had much opposition and dealt with intimidation. Their enemies were hoping that the Jews' hands would get too weak to complete the work.

A--There was an important task to be done…they were tired and under much stress, however, they would not give up. Nehemiah prayed “strengthen my hands.” Sometimes when I am faced with difficulty, opposition, and intimidation I just want to run, hide, escape and hope someone else will accomplish the task. My prayers can be “whining and complaining.” I want to be like Nehemiah, who trusted God and prayed for strength to keep on working.

P-- Oh God, please forgive me for the times that I have turned and ran away…help me to trust You and to call out for Your help and strength. I want to, not only run the race, but I want to cross over the finish line.

Rebuilding Our Lives

S- Nehemiah 1:3 - "They said to me "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."

O - The people had returned to the land, but they were really struggling. Their lives were a mess. This makes me think of a person who receives salvation, but is really struggling. Their life is very troubled, and they are not enjoying abundant life.

Walls are boundaries that keep the bad out and gates are openings to let the good in. Some people, especially if they come from a background of abuse, have had their boundaries trampled. They tend to let the bad, in and in shame or fear, hold their gates shut against good.

A- We need to rebuild our boundaries in order to protect our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. We also need to know how to open up to the good blessings that God has for us.

P - Father, teach your people to rebuild their walls. Lord, we don't want to be just saved. We ask for the abundant life, the safety, and the blessings that you promise in your word as our Inheritance. In the name of the God of Heaven, who desires to bless his people, we pray. Amen!

THE WIDOW’S OFFERING

by Mary White
S-- Luke 21: 3 & 4 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.”

O--Jesus saw people giving their gift and observed the rich giving as well as the poor.

A--I’ve been financially well off, and financially poor …it was easy for me to be generous when I had plenty of money. However, now that my finances are meager, I find it exciting to give and watch God provide my every need, and so much more. I cannot out give God. I believe that God is looking for a people who are willing to give it all. Give till it hurts is a truism to many faithful people who diligently pay their tithes, give to the poor and help support worthwhile causes. He looks at the attitude of our hearts.

P-- Oh God I want to be like the widow who gave all she had, because she loved and trusted You to meet her every need.

Thursday October 7, 2010 Ezra: 7,8 Luke 20 "Pay up"

Thursday October 7, 2010

Ezra: 7,8 Luke 20

"Pay up"

S- Luke 20:25 (NIV) "Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "The give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.

O-The scribes sent spies who were pretending to be righteous, and were trying to trick Jesus by asking Him questions about taxes and money. Even though they say, they know

He is honest, and speak and teach correctly. They still ask Him about paying taxes, and the answer Jesus gives is not only about paying taxes to Caesar, what is due, but also

to give God what is due....."pay up."

A-The government takes from us what is due, or we get a lien on our property or go to jail for not paying our taxes. With God, He doesn't take anything that is due to Him.

He gives us the freedom to give it back to Him with free will. Even though, God's word says to pay your tithe's (Mal. 3:10) and He will pour out blessings upon us. It is

true, when you "pay up" what is due, God has blessing and great reward, all for being obedient to His word, and understanding God's principles. Works in my life:)

P- Lord, bless those who give back to you a special outpouring of your blessings today, for their obedience. Forgive those who steal from you, and hold back their tithes and offerings, for they are robbing from themselves too, and they opportunity to receive your blessings. Teach us how to give and "pay up" with the purest heart and joyful spirit, and learn to give even more. Amen

THE STONES WILL CRY OUT

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - October 6, 2010 - Esther 9,10; Luke 19

S - Luke 19:40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

O - Jesus is responding to the Pharisees, who want Him to make His disciples shut up.

A - The Word says "Quench not the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with the awesomeness, goodness, everything-ness of God that I just want to SHOUT out to all the world how glorious He is. It's kind of like a pressure cooker concept. There's that little release valve on top to let out some steam so the whole thing doesn't blow up. So if I don't let it out, it's got to come out somewhere, right? And so, the rocks will be the release valve. But, from my perspective, why give them the pleasure? :-)

P - Thank You for a mouth that can praise You, ears that can hear Your praise and for the knowledge of Your greatness, Lord! Praise the Lord! May the whole world know of Your greatness!

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 10/5/10 Esther 3-8; Luke 18 - FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!

S - Esther 4:14 "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

O - Esther had found favor with King, was appointed to the position of Queen, and then was in the opportune spot to save her fellow Jews from destruction. She was placed in a position of great influence for the advancement of the Kingdom. She recognized her position as one of influence and humbly set about to approach the King for the salvation of her race.

A - I LOVE this scripture!!  As Christians, we too are now royalty.  We have come to the Kingdom because of the love of the King.  He loves us and finds favor with us.  We are seated in Heavenly Places with Christ - to be loved and to love, to advance the Kingdom in our unique special way through our unique backgrounds, personalities and gifts.  God uses us just as we are for the good of others and His Kingdom.  Let's embrace our call!


P - Father, forgive us of wishing we were different, like someone else, or in a different position.  You have placed us here and now, just as we are, to love up on us and to flow through us as Your Vessels, Your Temples!  Let's rejoice in that and move forward in confidence knowing that we are in a royal position for such a time as this!!

Will You Be That ONE?

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 10/4/10 – Esther 1,2; Psalm 150; Luke 17 - “WILL YOU BE THAT ONE?”

S – Luke 17:15-16 - Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. NASB

O – Jesus had just met ten men who were lepers. They traveled together because they were rejected by society. When they saw Jesus, they begged Him for mercy and He commanded them to go see the priest and when they obeyed, they were all healed. They were to go to the priest to be declared clean and released from their confinement.
Only one of the ten men was so overcome by the mercy of God that his gratefulness caused him to return first to Jesus and thank Him for His gift of healing. More amazing was that the man was a Samaritan: a Samaritan was giving thanks to a Jew! But because he did, this man received an even greater gift; he was saved from his sins. The beautiful thing is that before he did anything else, this man expressed his thanks to the Lord. The fruit of a heart truly touched by God is thanksgiving. He was so grateful for the mercy that cleansed him, he glorified God with a loud voice.

A – The ten men were desperate and impatient to be healed, but once they received it, nine went on their way, with only one expressing gratitude to the Lord. When we are restored from danger, sickness, tragedy, or any of life’s difficulties, do we make it our foremost priority to run to Him and glorify Him and give Him thanks? The one man chose the ultimate posture of worship—he turned back, glorified God with a loud voice and fell on his face giving thanks to Him—and Jesus looked upon him with pleasure and not only was the man healed, he was saved! Sometimes I think we are so excited about the blessing, we forget the sacrifice of worship; of turning back to Him and giving Him glory. I wonder what we are missing when we neglect the sacrifice of praise after we have received a blessing from the Lord.

P – Lord let the spirit of gratitude and worship collide within us so that we are ever aware and ever ready to run to You with a thankful heart, bowing in worship and glorifying You…not just for what You do for us, but for who You are! Let us be that ONE who turns to You and glorifies You!

Freedom to Choose

S- Luke 15:5 - "A certain man had two sons ..."

O - Luke 15 is the parable of the Prodigal Son. What I noticed today is that the father allowed his son to make a bad decision and allowed him to face some tough consequences. He didn't try to force him to stay.

Like this father, God gives us free will. He even allows us to make a mess of our lives. So why do we try to force others to do what we want? Why do we use intimidation,anger, or shame to try to control others?

A - I will respect the freewill of others and not try to control them.

P - Lord, thank you for the gift and the responsibility of free will. Help us, and those we love, to make wise decisions. When we make poor decisions, help us to learn from them. Lord we pray for every prodigal that we know. Help them to see their need for You and to freely choose to return to your warm embrace. In Jesus name, Amen!

COUNT THE COST By Mary White

S -- Luke 14:27 “And anyone that does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my Disciple.”

O-- Jesus was preaching about the cost of being His Disciple

A--Jesus was serious about the work the disciples needed to do…He wanted them to count the cost. Sometimes we get so excited about ministry that we do not truly count the cost…instead we glamorize the call. Serving God, leading others to Christ, building His Church, teaching, and caring for His people is a big undertaking. It requires much sacrifice. We need to seriously count the cost before we jump in… less we tire, become disillusioned, and quit.

P--I always want to say “Yes Lord”. Help me to have Godly insight on where and what You would have me do, my heart is to please the Father.