By Mary White
S--Rev. 21:3 …”Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. There will be no more death or mourning or crying, or pain. For the old order of things has passed away. Rev. 22;17 “Let the Spirit of the Lord say “COME!”
O--this is the recording of the last chapters of the revelation that John had about the “last days.”
A--As Christians we have so much to look forward to…the coming of Christ! These were very exciting chapters to read and I had difficulty choosing just one…so I chose three.
I have been sick a lot this last year and that has been very discouraging. I am looking forward to a time where there is “no more crying and pain”. However, the responsibility to share the Gospel of Christ is even greater… I feel compelled to go and tell others about the Redemptive power of Christ. I want to see many people give their lives to Him during this next year, 2011. Not only give their lives to Christ but to be equipped to live a good life and experiencing His love daily.
I want to be an overcomer Rev. 21:7 “He who overcomes will inherit all this and I will be his God and he will me my son (daughter).
P--Help me Lord to be an overcomer. Help me to reach the Loss. Help me to teach new “babes” in Christ how to live for You. And thank You Lord for yet another day to serve You. I want to serve you well…I want to hear you say to me one day…”Well done!”
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
December 30, 2010 Revelation 15-18 Be "Ready Ready"
Revelation 15-18
"Ready Ready"
S-Rev. 15:15 "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed."
O- This scripture is very much like the parable of the 10 virgins in Matt. 25:1. Be ready, ready for the day when Jesus is to return and not be sleeping, or we will miss Him. Don't be sleeping in your spirit.....have your hearts, minds and souls properly clothed in His armor and alert for the day and the hour.
A- We don't know the day or the hour of Jesus's return, I want to be ready, ready at all times. It can be so easy to slip and follow the ways of the world, when you don't know the Lord. When your relationship
is not strong with the Lord, it is very easy to go your own way and be naked before Him, because He see's and knows all. God wants us to be ready, and stay clothed in His armor.
P- Father, please help me to stay clothed in your breast plate of righteousness, belt of truth, with keeping on my helmet of salvation, shield of Faith, and the sword of the spirit, and keep my feet fitted for readiness for when the arrows of evil come against me.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
TAKE CARE OF OUR EARTH
by Vivian Bills
Wednesday - December 29, 2010 - Revelation 10-14
S - Revelation 11:18b "The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small - and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
O - The twenty-four elders were proclaiming the day of God's judgment in John's Revelation.
A - God is going to destroy "those who destroy the earth." These words have never stood out for me before, but they blared at me today. Sometimes us Christians despise environmentalist vigilantes because they worship the earth, it seems, as opposed to God. And they might, but that does not mean that taking care of our planet is a bad thing. That was the first vocation (and probably avocation) for Adam - taking care of the garden. Just because we know God will give us a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1), this does not give us free reign to trash our planet. And look - God is going to destroy those who destroy it.
P - Lord, help me to be a good steward of the land You have given us to live on. Thank You for its beauty, Lord.
O - The twenty-four elders were proclaiming the day of God's judgment in John's Revelation.
A - God is going to destroy "those who destroy the earth." These words have never stood out for me before, but they blared at me today. Sometimes us Christians despise environmentalist vigilantes because they worship the earth, it seems, as opposed to God. And they might, but that does not mean that taking care of our planet is a bad thing. That was the first vocation (and probably avocation) for Adam - taking care of the garden. Just because we know God will give us a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1), this does not give us free reign to trash our planet. And look - God is going to destroy those who destroy it.
P - Lord, help me to be a good steward of the land You have given us to live on. Thank You for its beauty, Lord.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
SING A NEW SONG!
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/28/10 Revelation 5-9 - SING A NEW SONG!
S - Rev 5:8-10 NLT, And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb... And they sang a new song with these words, "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a kingdom of priests for our God.
O - John had wept bitterly because no one was worthy to open the scroll. But then Jesus, in the form of a Lamb, stepped forward. They sang a new song to Him. According to my NIV Study Bible, "In the OT a new song celebrated a new act of divine deliverance or blessing."
A - Gosh, wouldn't it be awesome if we sang a new song to Jesus after every new act of divine deliverance or evidence of His blessing in our lives? We could gather our songs together and create a whole new repertoire of worship choruses!! That might help us remember all of the Lord's favor, blessings, interventions, etc. What new song are you singing today??
P - Jesus, you have done so much for us! May we never forget each blessing, each divine happenstance in our lives. Thank you for loving us so much that You were willing to be slaughtered as a Lamb in order to purchase people from every tribe, language, people, nation - including me/us!
Tuesday 12/28/10 Revelation 5-9 - SING A NEW SONG!
S - Rev 5:8-10 NLT, And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb... And they sang a new song with these words, "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a kingdom of priests for our God.
O - John had wept bitterly because no one was worthy to open the scroll. But then Jesus, in the form of a Lamb, stepped forward. They sang a new song to Him. According to my NIV Study Bible, "In the OT a new song celebrated a new act of divine deliverance or blessing."
A - Gosh, wouldn't it be awesome if we sang a new song to Jesus after every new act of divine deliverance or evidence of His blessing in our lives? We could gather our songs together and create a whole new repertoire of worship choruses!! That might help us remember all of the Lord's favor, blessings, interventions, etc. What new song are you singing today??
P - Jesus, you have done so much for us! May we never forget each blessing, each divine happenstance in our lives. Thank you for loving us so much that You were willing to be slaughtered as a Lamb in order to purchase people from every tribe, language, people, nation - including me/us!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday Dec. 27, 2010 "Omnipotent One" Rev. 1-4
Monday Dec. 27, 2010
"Omnipotent One"
Rev. 1-4
S-Rev. 1:8 " I am the Alpha and Omega says the Lord God. who is, and who was, and is to come the Almighty."
O- God has existed from the very beginning and is eternal, forever and ever. He is the Omnipotent one, the one
who is yet to come.
A-He is the only one, and the ruler of my life. Omnipotent means; one having unlimited authority, universal power
or force. All of that said, He is the ruler of my life, and that gives me much peace and joy, knowing He is full
of mercy & grace for me, and He even has time for me. He is Everything.
P- Almighty Father, creator of Heaven and Earth, the one who is and yet to come. Thank you, that you have chosen me and I have chosen You, so I need not do things on my own, but rather I have the master of the universe overseeing my life, and you have given me the gift of eternity with you. I am blessed, and I am forever grateful. Thank you, Amen.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Love and Obedience
S: 2 John 6: And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning his command is that you walk in love.
O: We can show our love to Christ by our obedience to his teachings; by being imitators of the one who taught us how to live.
A: As I have grown in love for Christ my heart has undergone a transformation. I no longer see his commands as a burden that I have to carry but a way to demonstrate my love for the one who gave it all for me. How can I help but long to please the King who traded in his crown and throne for a cross and a crown of thorns so that I could live?
P: Father God I desire to grown in obedience; not because I am forced to but because I love you and my heart's desire is to please you. Show me the path of obedience in every interaction I have. Keep my feet planed firmly in your word that I may not stray. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
O: We can show our love to Christ by our obedience to his teachings; by being imitators of the one who taught us how to live.
A: As I have grown in love for Christ my heart has undergone a transformation. I no longer see his commands as a burden that I have to carry but a way to demonstrate my love for the one who gave it all for me. How can I help but long to please the King who traded in his crown and throne for a cross and a crown of thorns so that I could live?
P: Father God I desire to grown in obedience; not because I am forced to but because I love you and my heart's desire is to please you. Show me the path of obedience in every interaction I have. Keep my feet planed firmly in your word that I may not stray. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday Dec. 23, 2010 John 15-18 "I am a Friend"
Thursday Dec. 23, 2010
John 15-18
"I am a Friend"
S- John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
O- Jesus is telling His disciples, that He no longer calls them slaves but because He has shared intimately with them everything He knows about His Father and He knows their hearts. He considers them a friend. The word for friend is also referred to as Love. The Message Bible He says, "But remember the root command is: Love one another.
A- When we abide in Him, He abides in us, and love one another, that is how we show His love not only to each other, but our love for God, because we obey His commandment. That makes us His friend......even as unworthy as I can be, He still calls me friend. Friendships are gifts from God.
P- Father, I thank you for the gift of friendship. I thank you that you call us friends. The more intimate we are with you the closer our friendship and the deeper our relationship grows in love. I love that name "friend." Thank you!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
POURING IT OUT
by Vivian Bills
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 - John 12-14
S - John 12:7b It was intended that she should save this for the day of my burial.
O - The perfume that Mary anointed Jesus with was costly. Jesus said anointing Him was better than using it for the poor.
A - We need to get our priorities right. Jesus is everything. If we choose to give to God first, He certainly has the ability to provide abundantly so that we can also give to the poor. Pour out Your everything for God and He will enable you to give even more.
P - Lord, I pour my everything out for You. It is a costly perfume, and the the aroma is so very sweet.
O - The perfume that Mary anointed Jesus with was costly. Jesus said anointing Him was better than using it for the poor.
A - We need to get our priorities right. Jesus is everything. If we choose to give to God first, He certainly has the ability to provide abundantly so that we can also give to the poor. Pour out Your everything for God and He will enable you to give even more.
P - Lord, I pour my everything out for You. It is a costly perfume, and the the aroma is so very sweet.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Now I See!!
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/21/10 John 9-11, "Now I See!!"
S - John 9:25 GNB, "I do no know if he is a sinner or not, " the man replied. "one thing I do know; I was blind, and now I see."
O - Jesus set the blind man free when He mixed mud with spit and put it on the man's eyes. He performed this miracle on the Sabbath, so some the Pharisees were convinced He was a sinner - as He did not obey the Sabbath law. They were blind in their own way from seeing that Jesus was the Savior.
A - No one can argue with your testimony!! "I was blind and now I see," is irrefutable! I was once a hopeless Compulsive Eater, bound in despair and self-hatred. I was traumatized with this condition for 30 years. But God! I once was a Food Addict, but now I am free! I once hated myself, but now I enjoy who God made me to be. I once was overweight and unhappy, but now I have peace in this area of my life!
P - Lord, thank You for Your miracle touches in our lives! May we walk with our heads held high - free - because of Your faithfulness. And may others come to know who You truly are - because of our testimonies!
Tuesday 12/21/10 John 9-11, "Now I See!!"
S - John 9:25 GNB, "I do no know if he is a sinner or not, " the man replied. "one thing I do know; I was blind, and now I see."
O - Jesus set the blind man free when He mixed mud with spit and put it on the man's eyes. He performed this miracle on the Sabbath, so some the Pharisees were convinced He was a sinner - as He did not obey the Sabbath law. They were blind in their own way from seeing that Jesus was the Savior.
A - No one can argue with your testimony!! "I was blind and now I see," is irrefutable! I was once a hopeless Compulsive Eater, bound in despair and self-hatred. I was traumatized with this condition for 30 years. But God! I once was a Food Addict, but now I am free! I once hated myself, but now I enjoy who God made me to be. I once was overweight and unhappy, but now I have peace in this area of my life!
P - Lord, thank You for Your miracle touches in our lives! May we walk with our heads held high - free - because of Your faithfulness. And may others come to know who You truly are - because of our testimonies!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Know Truth as a Person
Diana Kriesel
12/20/10 – John 7,8 – “Know Truth as a Person”
S – John 8:32 – “Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
O – Jesus is telling us that we, as His disciples, can have a constant experiential knowledge of the power of Truth. However, there is a condition that many people leave out. Often only “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” is quoted. But that’s not the entirety of what Jesus said. He said, “If you hold to My teaching…you are really My disciples…THEN you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” The mistake often made is in thinking that if we just grab some biblical truth, we will be made free. NOT!!! God is looking for relationship, commitment, intimacy and obedience. He wants us to HOLD to His teaching, not just blab it and grab it. To cling to it, to walk in it, to embrace it as His disciples, and it is from that clinging, that relationship that true freedom is found.
A – Freedom is not found in the ACT of speaking the truth. Freedom is found in relationship with the Person who IS TRUTH. And from that relationship we can find the Source of Life from which comes our freedom, our ability to overcome, transformation, and true peace and joy. It is as we fall in love with the Lord, and learn from Him and His life-changing word that true freedom will come.
P – Lord, take us to the place where we can know You more, love You more, obey You more, and grow into the true freedom that You purchased for us on the Cross.
12/20/10 – John 7,8 – “Know Truth as a Person”
S – John 8:32 – “Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
O – Jesus is telling us that we, as His disciples, can have a constant experiential knowledge of the power of Truth. However, there is a condition that many people leave out. Often only “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” is quoted. But that’s not the entirety of what Jesus said. He said, “If you hold to My teaching…you are really My disciples…THEN you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” The mistake often made is in thinking that if we just grab some biblical truth, we will be made free. NOT!!! God is looking for relationship, commitment, intimacy and obedience. He wants us to HOLD to His teaching, not just blab it and grab it. To cling to it, to walk in it, to embrace it as His disciples, and it is from that clinging, that relationship that true freedom is found.
A – Freedom is not found in the ACT of speaking the truth. Freedom is found in relationship with the Person who IS TRUTH. And from that relationship we can find the Source of Life from which comes our freedom, our ability to overcome, transformation, and true peace and joy. It is as we fall in love with the Lord, and learn from Him and His life-changing word that true freedom will come.
P – Lord, take us to the place where we can know You more, love You more, obey You more, and grow into the true freedom that You purchased for us on the Cross.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Living Surrender
S: John 6:38. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but the will of him who sent me.
O: Jesus knew that he would be betrayed and crucified and yet he came not to assert his own will but to carry out the will of God.
A: As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus I can’t help but think of the destiny that awaited the Christ child. Yet Jesus lived completely surrendered to the will of the Father. He took on our sins and carried them for us. He hurt, he cried, he was every bit like one of us, experiencing life. It is easy for me to be completely surrendered during the storms of my life but what about when the storm passes and the waters return to calm? It can be tempting during these calm times to turn to God and say “I got this” or decide that we aren’t sure we like the course God has us on so we will be “masters of our own destiny”. Jesus’ entire life shows us how we are supposed to live – completely surrendered to the Father. He wants access to ALL the areas of our life all the time. If we keep him out or use God like a pinch hitter we are limiting what he can do in us and through us.
P: Father God forgive me for all the times that I have denied you complete access. Father my desire is to live as Jesus did, completely surrendered to your will. I have lived the life of doing things my way and I do not want to go back there. I want to live each day according to your will, your plans. Set me free from selfishness and pride. I surrender to you and you alone. Fill me with more of you and use me to bring light in the darkness. Amen.
O: Jesus knew that he would be betrayed and crucified and yet he came not to assert his own will but to carry out the will of God.
A: As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus I can’t help but think of the destiny that awaited the Christ child. Yet Jesus lived completely surrendered to the will of the Father. He took on our sins and carried them for us. He hurt, he cried, he was every bit like one of us, experiencing life. It is easy for me to be completely surrendered during the storms of my life but what about when the storm passes and the waters return to calm? It can be tempting during these calm times to turn to God and say “I got this” or decide that we aren’t sure we like the course God has us on so we will be “masters of our own destiny”. Jesus’ entire life shows us how we are supposed to live – completely surrendered to the Father. He wants access to ALL the areas of our life all the time. If we keep him out or use God like a pinch hitter we are limiting what he can do in us and through us.
P: Father God forgive me for all the times that I have denied you complete access. Father my desire is to live as Jesus did, completely surrendered to your will. I have lived the life of doing things my way and I do not want to go back there. I want to live each day according to your will, your plans. Set me free from selfishness and pride. I surrender to you and you alone. Fill me with more of you and use me to bring light in the darkness. Amen.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 17,2010 - 2 Peter 1-3; John 1 WALK THE TALK
By Mary White
S--2 Peter 1:5-7 “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness and knowledge, and to knowledge, self control and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness and to godliness, brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness, love.”
O--Peter is strongly encouraging believers to strengthen themselves spiritually.
A--Peter goes on to say that if we posses these qualities then we will be productive and effective, then he says if we don’t possess these traits we are nearsighted and blind. I want to be effective and productive for the Kingdom and some of these qualities I struggle to attain and to live them. Love is the KEY. If we love God we will want to please Him and be useful to Him. We can only effectively be used if we “walk the talk“.
P--Forgive me Lord for wanting my way over Yours. Help me to “walk my talk” and live a godly life
S--2 Peter 1:5-7 “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness and knowledge, and to knowledge, self control and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness and to godliness, brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness, love.”
O--Peter is strongly encouraging believers to strengthen themselves spiritually.
A--Peter goes on to say that if we posses these qualities then we will be productive and effective, then he says if we don’t possess these traits we are nearsighted and blind. I want to be effective and productive for the Kingdom and some of these qualities I struggle to attain and to live them. Love is the KEY. If we love God we will want to please Him and be useful to Him. We can only effectively be used if we “walk the talk“.
P--Forgive me Lord for wanting my way over Yours. Help me to “walk my talk” and live a godly life
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday Dec. 16, 2010 1 Peter 1-5 "Beauty from the inside-out"
Thursday Dec. 16, 2010
1 Peter 1-5
"Beauty from the inside-out"
S-1Peter 3:4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
O-The scripture is telling us, that as women we are not to dress and adorn ourselves with jewels, and make up, rich clothing, to make ourselves JUST beautiful in appearance only. Rather, to take care of our hearts and minds and our inner disposition. That is what is pleasing to God.
A-This scripture is so true. I can look good on the outside, but what God wants to see is the treasures on the inside. When, my mind and my heart are thinking the purest of thoughts, I might as well be walking around with mud all over me. That's not a pretty picture, but neither is the picture of our insides to God, when we are ugly on the inside, and trying to look good on the outside.
P- Father, create in me a clean heart, and a clean mind. Let me meditate on your words in Phil. 4:8..true, pure, holy, noble, lovely
whatever is praise worthy, let me think on these things. Keep my heart pure, from the inside out. Amen.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
GET GOING!
by Vivian Bills
Wednesday - December 15, 2010 - James 1- 5
S - James 2:17 - In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
O - James is saying that your faith is pretty worthless if you don't do anything with it.
A - You can't earn your salvation, this is true. It's a free gift that God gives that is so precious we could never pay for it. However, once we are saved, it should just follow that we would want to demonstrate that faith. How do we follow the great commission of preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth if we don't also demonstrate that same gospel by being Jesus with skin on to those who would otherwise not believe? Getting saved isn't the end goal - being with Jesus in heaven is. So get up off your duff and do something! Demonstrate your faith by your works. Be a witness and tell people why you do what you do.
P - Lord, I ask for even more opportunities to do your work. Give me the ways and the means, Jesus.
O - James is saying that your faith is pretty worthless if you don't do anything with it.
A - You can't earn your salvation, this is true. It's a free gift that God gives that is so precious we could never pay for it. However, once we are saved, it should just follow that we would want to demonstrate that faith. How do we follow the great commission of preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth if we don't also demonstrate that same gospel by being Jesus with skin on to those who would otherwise not believe? Getting saved isn't the end goal - being with Jesus in heaven is. So get up off your duff and do something! Demonstrate your faith by your works. Be a witness and tell people why you do what you do.
P - Lord, I ask for even more opportunities to do your work. Give me the ways and the means, Jesus.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
JOY AWAITS!
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/14/10 Hebrews 12,13; Jude - JOY AWAITS!
S - Heb 12:1-2 GNB, So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.
O - Wow, Jesus knew what was waiting for him on the other side of the cross! It had been prophesied and He anticipated sitting at the right hand of his Father. He knew the joy that was waiting for Him!
A - I think maybe we could press on to finding breakthrough if we could imagine the joy that is waiting for us on the other side! That sure helped Jesus! We need the testimony of others expressing the freedom and joy they found - so that we can even imagine it. We need to get a picture of that future and what it will feel like. Then maybe we'd be willing to pay the incredible cost of self-denial in order to get there.
P - Father, please give us images, tastes, glimpses, of that future joy. Without that future glimpse, we may find ourselves giving up, hopeless - because of the cost. But with that future sense of joy, we may be able to press on to the end! Help us Lord! Joy is awaiting!
Tuesday 12/14/10 Hebrews 12,13; Jude - JOY AWAITS!
S - Heb 12:1-2 GNB, So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.
O - Wow, Jesus knew what was waiting for him on the other side of the cross! It had been prophesied and He anticipated sitting at the right hand of his Father. He knew the joy that was waiting for Him!
A - I think maybe we could press on to finding breakthrough if we could imagine the joy that is waiting for us on the other side! That sure helped Jesus! We need the testimony of others expressing the freedom and joy they found - so that we can even imagine it. We need to get a picture of that future and what it will feel like. Then maybe we'd be willing to pay the incredible cost of self-denial in order to get there.
P - Father, please give us images, tastes, glimpses, of that future joy. Without that future glimpse, we may find ourselves giving up, hopeless - because of the cost. But with that future sense of joy, we may be able to press on to the end! Help us Lord! Joy is awaiting!
Monday, December 13, 2010
"DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE!"
by Diana Kriesel
Monday, 12/13/10 – Hebrews 11:35,36 - “Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence! ”
S – Hebrews 10:35,36 -So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
O- This is a reference to giving up, as soldiers who drop their shields and run from battle. Our shield is our faith in Christ which gives us knowledge of salvation, so the writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to keep our shield up and it will keep us. We must remain steady and faithful, regardless of our feelings. Our faith stands on our access to God, our right to approach His throne, our birthright and inheritance as His sons and daughters—all this is OURS and reason to hold on to our confidence.
A – Sometimes when life is tough our confident hope in God can be tested. We must persevere so that we do not cast away our hope, become timid, disheartened, or discouraged. God will give us strength to bear up under trials, and maintain a steadfast adherence to Him and His purposes, and we will come forth stronger. This carries the present reward of peace and joy, with God’s presence and power upon our lives, and we can look forward to what He has in store for us hereafter.
P – Lord, teach us holy perseverance. Teach us to embrace those times when our confident hope is being strengthened through tests and trials. Cause us to bear up with a tenacity that pleases You and transforms our lives.
Monday, 12/13/10 – Hebrews 11:35,36 - “Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence! ”
S – Hebrews 10:35,36 -So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
O- This is a reference to giving up, as soldiers who drop their shields and run from battle. Our shield is our faith in Christ which gives us knowledge of salvation, so the writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to keep our shield up and it will keep us. We must remain steady and faithful, regardless of our feelings. Our faith stands on our access to God, our right to approach His throne, our birthright and inheritance as His sons and daughters—all this is OURS and reason to hold on to our confidence.
A – Sometimes when life is tough our confident hope in God can be tested. We must persevere so that we do not cast away our hope, become timid, disheartened, or discouraged. God will give us strength to bear up under trials, and maintain a steadfast adherence to Him and His purposes, and we will come forth stronger. This carries the present reward of peace and joy, with God’s presence and power upon our lives, and we can look forward to what He has in store for us hereafter.
P – Lord, teach us holy perseverance. Teach us to embrace those times when our confident hope is being strengthened through tests and trials. Cause us to bear up with a tenacity that pleases You and transforms our lives.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A Web of Relationships
S- Philemon 1:1-2 - "To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to
Apphia our sister, to Archippas our fellow soldier..."
O - In the book of Philemon, we see a web of relationships. Paul and the people he writes to see themselves as dear friends, fellow workers, soldiers together for the gospel. They have common purpose and deep feelings of connection on many levels. In past generations, Pentecostals addressed each other as "Sister ___" and "Brother ___". In our church, we had Sister Alice, who was known to all by that name.
I am reminded today that we need to see ourselves, both locally and in the church universal, as beloved brothers and sisters, as members of one family. Even if at times, we as siblings quarrel or disappoint each other, we need to hold fast to the truth that we are family.
A - This Sunday as I look out at individuals in the congregation, I will think to myself "This is my brother." and "This is my sister."
P - Holy Spirit, so move among us that the love of God is manifest. Fill us with a spirit of love and a deep sense of family and belonging. In Jesus name, Amen.
Apphia our sister, to Archippas our fellow soldier..."
O - In the book of Philemon, we see a web of relationships. Paul and the people he writes to see themselves as dear friends, fellow workers, soldiers together for the gospel. They have common purpose and deep feelings of connection on many levels. In past generations, Pentecostals addressed each other as "Sister ___" and "Brother ___". In our church, we had Sister Alice, who was known to all by that name.
I am reminded today that we need to see ourselves, both locally and in the church universal, as beloved brothers and sisters, as members of one family. Even if at times, we as siblings quarrel or disappoint each other, we need to hold fast to the truth that we are family.
A - This Sunday as I look out at individuals in the congregation, I will think to myself "This is my brother." and "This is my sister."
P - Holy Spirit, so move among us that the love of God is manifest. Fill us with a spirit of love and a deep sense of family and belonging. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday Dec. 9, 2010 1 Tim. 5,6; Titus 1-3
Thursday Dec. 9, 2010
1 Tim. 5,6; Titus 1-3
S-1 Tim 5:3 NIV: Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.
MSG: Take care of widows who destitute.
O- Paul is on special assignment and letting us all know, under God's command that we are to take care of our widows and honor & respect our elders. We are to treat older women as if they are our mothers, and younger as if they are our daughters, and like wise for the men. Not only to treat them with respect but to treat them as if they are our own.......family.
A- In the message the word "destitute." that word means: (social welfare) lacking; deprived or bereft......abandoned or deserted. I know many widows......there faith is truly reliant on God. Some have very very little, but they trust in the Lord and He never fails them. Their testimonies of God's provision for them is admirable. God calls us to take care of the widows......find one, especially during the holiday season and bless them today. Show God's love in obedience to His word or taking care of those who are lacking, and deprived......wow, that speaks to me.
P- Lord, touch our hearts with someone who is a widow in need, and give us the right means to bless them. Father may we be your vessels that will reach the widows who have no one to hold them, and to sleep next to them. Father give us a heart of compassion & mercy for your saints. Bless them through us Lord, and bless them over and over so they lack nothing. Amen
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
THE WORST OF SINNERS
by Vivian Bills
Wednesday - December 8, 2010 - 1 Timothy 1-4
S - 1 Timothy 1:16 But for that reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
O - Paul is talking of Christ's purpose of saving sinners. If Christ could save a wretch like Paul, He can certainly save you.
A - And at times I feel like the chief of sinners, as Paul did. I am really grateful that I cannot forget from whence I came. I left the dark path of destruction and despair and walked onto the light filled path of hope and glory. If Christ can save me, He can certainly save you. I mess up still! And he still loves me. I repent and He forgives me. Life with Christ is awesome! Follow me as I follow Christ.
P - Lord, thank you for your infinite patience with me and help me to offer that same patience to those around me.
O - Paul is talking of Christ's purpose of saving sinners. If Christ could save a wretch like Paul, He can certainly save you.
A - And at times I feel like the chief of sinners, as Paul did. I am really grateful that I cannot forget from whence I came. I left the dark path of destruction and despair and walked onto the light filled path of hope and glory. If Christ can save me, He can certainly save you. I mess up still! And he still loves me. I repent and He forgives me. Life with Christ is awesome! Follow me as I follow Christ.
P - Lord, thank you for your infinite patience with me and help me to offer that same patience to those around me.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
THE GARMENT OF LOVE!
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 12/7/10 Colossians 1-4 - THE GARMENT OF LOVE!
S - Cols 3:12,14 MSG, So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline... And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. I'ts your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
O - Paul was encouraging the Colossian church to wear their new garments, given to them by their new life in Christ. And love is the basic garment.
A - Sometimes it's hard to wear love - real things interfere that make it difficult. For me, frustration was a huge interference. Frustration comes out of expectations that aren't met or realized. So I had to step back and take a look at what I could do - to come out of that place of frustration. The circumstances weren't about to change, so my outlook needed to. A HUGE difference came when I learned to embrace reality instead of fighting it. I needed to learn how to work with what I had instead of wishing it were different. When frustration took a back seat, love was able to move to the front seat.
P - Father, may we be brave enough to look at the things that are holding love back. Help us realign our belief systems so that Love can come forth. We want to express Your love where ever we go... set us free, to love!
Tuesday 12/7/10 Colossians 1-4 - THE GARMENT OF LOVE!
S - Cols 3:12,14 MSG, So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline... And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. I'ts your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
O - Paul was encouraging the Colossian church to wear their new garments, given to them by their new life in Christ. And love is the basic garment.
A - Sometimes it's hard to wear love - real things interfere that make it difficult. For me, frustration was a huge interference. Frustration comes out of expectations that aren't met or realized. So I had to step back and take a look at what I could do - to come out of that place of frustration. The circumstances weren't about to change, so my outlook needed to. A HUGE difference came when I learned to embrace reality instead of fighting it. I needed to learn how to work with what I had instead of wishing it were different. When frustration took a back seat, love was able to move to the front seat.
P - Father, may we be brave enough to look at the things that are holding love back. Help us realign our belief systems so that Love can come forth. We want to express Your love where ever we go... set us free, to love!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday Dec. 6, 2010 Phil: 1-4 Don't worry!
Monday Dec. 6, 2010
Phil: 1-4 Don't worry!
S-Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
O-Paul writes to all believer's in Philippi with much joy, thanks and appreciation. He tells us to Ask, but to not be anxious for anything. That we should live our days in stability knowing that the Lord is near, and confident that His spirit will guide us, in all things.
A- To worry is to lack in trust of the Lord. The word says for us to "Cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. (Peter 5: 6-7). Yet, when we worry, are we doing that. When we worry, we do not have Joy & Peace. Worry is just as much a sin, as stealing, lying or any of the others.......do we confess it as that? He cares and takes care of every need for the birds, He will certainly be faithful and take care of what is right for us. When we worry, aren't we saying to our Lord "hurry up daddy, do it my way?"
P- Father in heaven I ask you to give us days without worry, and for us to not be anxious about anything, but rather give us Peace that passes all understanding. Teach us to give our worries to you, so that we may live in Peace and Joy, and not be heavy with burdens, but rather light in the goodness of you, so we may glorify you with joy on our faces....not worries the of the world on our minds. Amen
Saturday, December 4, 2010
An Unshakeable Place in God's Heart
S - Ephesians 1:4 - "For He chose us..."
O - Have you ever felt rejected? Overlooked? Maybe it was in grade school, when the kids picked teams at recess and you were picked last? Or maybe you feel uneasy at social gatherings at church or at a work holiday party? Maybe you aren't sure who to talk to or who would want to talk to you.
Today's good news is that you are chosen by God. You are loved. There is One who chose to lavish his love on you, who wants to hear your joys and sorrows. Eph. 4:3 says "And you also were included in Christ."
A - I am chosen, I am included, and I can choose to include others.
P - Thank you God for including me in your heart, your plan, and your purpose. Help me to open wide my heart to you and to others. I want to be like Jesus whose big heart reached out to so many. Lord, I pray today for the rejected and neglected, for the lonely and the insecure. I pray that they would receive a new revelation of what it means to be chosen and loved by God. I pray that they would truly know that they have purpose and worth, and that they have an unshakeable place in your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
O - Have you ever felt rejected? Overlooked? Maybe it was in grade school, when the kids picked teams at recess and you were picked last? Or maybe you feel uneasy at social gatherings at church or at a work holiday party? Maybe you aren't sure who to talk to or who would want to talk to you.
Today's good news is that you are chosen by God. You are loved. There is One who chose to lavish his love on you, who wants to hear your joys and sorrows. Eph. 4:3 says "And you also were included in Christ."
A - I am chosen, I am included, and I can choose to include others.
P - Thank you God for including me in your heart, your plan, and your purpose. Help me to open wide my heart to you and to others. I want to be like Jesus whose big heart reached out to so many. Lord, I pray today for the rejected and neglected, for the lonely and the insecure. I pray that they would receive a new revelation of what it means to be chosen and loved by God. I pray that they would truly know that they have purpose and worth, and that they have an unshakeable place in your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday Dec. 2, 2010 Romans: 9-12 Being Consistent
S- Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer
your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship.
O-Paul is addressing the need for us to offer our bodies and our every day living as a sacrifice to God. He challenges us to a life of service, to live Godly christian lives.
A- In everything we take God with us.....Embracing everything that He has in store for us. Do we act differently at work, or school, or even home then we do at church? That's what God wants us to be steadfast in....to be consistent. In the message bible it says, in doing so "God brings the best out of us."
P- Father, it is my prayer to be consistent. To have an even walk in my life. Send your holy spirit of conviction in areas where I am not consistent, and re presenting you in a way that is not pleasing to you. Thank you for my life, help me to perfect it in you, Amen.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
THAT SIN
by Vivian Bills
12/1/2010 - Romans 5-8
S - Romans 7:19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep doing.
O - Paul was speaking about his own struggle with sin.
A - This is one of my favorite lines in the bible. When I hear it, I usually chuckle because it can sound like such a tongue twister depending on which version you read. And then I can SO relate to this. I don't WANT to sin - ever. And yet time and time again I find myself saying or thinking something that I shouldn't and it is extremely frustrating. HOWEVER, I do not stay in that place. I keep throwing sin aside and pressing on because Christ gives me the strength to do so.
P - Thank You, Jesus, that You rescued me from my sin and that You keep me from it as long as I keep my eyes on You.
O - Paul was speaking about his own struggle with sin.
A - This is one of my favorite lines in the bible. When I hear it, I usually chuckle because it can sound like such a tongue twister depending on which version you read. And then I can SO relate to this. I don't WANT to sin - ever. And yet time and time again I find myself saying or thinking something that I shouldn't and it is extremely frustrating. HOWEVER, I do not stay in that place. I keep throwing sin aside and pressing on because Christ gives me the strength to do so.
P - Thank You, Jesus, that You rescued me from my sin and that You keep me from it as long as I keep my eyes on You.
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