Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thursday March 31, 2011 Judges 9, 10, Ps. 49, 1 Cor. 16 "Holy Kiss"

S- ! Corin. 16: 20 (NIV) All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(Msg). All the friends here say Hello. Pass the greetings around with holy embraces.

O- Apostle Paul is telling us to greet one another with a Holy Kiss. That means, to embrace without anything between you. To show affection of touch with out any offenses, or hurts, or unforgiveness. A pure
act of embrace, between Christian brother's and sisters.

A- I know when my heart is pure and when there is nothing between myself and another, just by a hug or an embrace. There is a feeling that happens an awkwardness that I have felt, when there is something there.
I believe this is the true test of forgiveness, is an embrace. If you can honestly hug someone and not feel any tension, or awkwardness, or weirdness, then your love for them is pure. That's my own perception,
because it happens to me all the time. There has been an offense or hurt, and I think I am over it, until a physical embrace happens, and there is an awkwardness to it.....that's when I know I need to go back to
the Lord, and search my heart and deal with it, or go to that person and work it out together. In these days, it's not a Kiss, but the meaning is the same as an embrace or hug, or touch on the shoulder.

P- Thank you Lord for your word, and for the example of a "holy kiss." For when you touch us Lord, it is totally pure. Forgive us for the times it is awkward because we are trying to hide something, or not wanting to give something that is not of you, up. Embrace us Lord.....draw us close to you, and never let us go. With one another, send your spirit to teach us about the "holy kiss" and how to be pure in our embrace to one
another. Amen.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

REMEMBER

by Vivian Bills


Wednesday - March 30, 2011 - Judges 8; Psalm 42;1 Corinthians 15


S - 1 Corinthians 15:1 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.

O - Paul felt he needed to remind the people of the gospel - as if they had somehow forgotten it.

A - Sometimes the passion wanes. I remember when I first believed in Jesus as my savior. I was passionate. I was excited. I was SO grateful. I loved EVERYBODY because Christ loved me so much that He died to take the punishment for all my wretched sins for which I alone deserved to be punished. And then came days when I found myself not liking others, being bitter about their sins, wishing they would get out of my presence - not very holy. But, if I make it a point to remember, on a daily basis, that I'm a sinner, saved by grace, then my attitude is what it should be.

P - May I never forget what You did for me, Jesus. I am so grateful that You saved me from an eternity in hell.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Flourishing Olive Tree

by Cathy Weymouth


Tuesday 3/29/11 Judges 6,7; Psalm 52; 1 Cor 14 - A Flourishing Olive Tree


S - Psalm 52:8-9 NASB, But as for me, I am like a green olive tree [flourishing] in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.


O - In his discourse about the ways of an evil man, David proclaims his own trust in the Lord.  David's Psalms seem to often have this format... he begins with distress over a situation or a person who is doing evil and then he proclaims, "But God!" - ending with his trust in God.


A - I am personally going through a difficult time right now. But I know the Lord is calling me away to be refreshed and renewed.  I want the water of His Spirit to make me green again.  I trust in Him to refresh me.  He is my loving, kind Father who has refreshed me in the past and will do it again.  


P - Lord, I wait on Your name while away.  Speak to me, I pray. Refresh me. And I pray for others who are depleted and have lost their bounce.  Breathe your Spirit into their weary souls, I pray.  Restore them as green olive trees that bear much fruit - flourishing in Your Kingdom.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Monday March 28, 2011 Judges 4,5; Ps. 39-41 1 Corin. 13 "Bankrupt without Love"

Judges 4,5; Ps. 39-41 1 Corin. 13

"Bankrupt without Love"

S-1 Cor. 13: 3 (NIV) If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
(MSG) I am bankrupt without love.

O- The apostle Paul is teaching us, that without love we have nothing. No matter how rich you are, no matter how smart you are, no matter how successful you are, without Love you have and are nothing.
Love is what we are to be made of. Love will get us through the toughest times. Love will never fail us. You cannot lose if you Love first.

A- This sounds so easy, yet at times it can be our biggest challenge. Forgiveness is a huge part of love. It is easy to love those that love you back, and it is easy to give to those who appreciate you. The true test comes
when an offense or hurt is put aside and Love overcomes through forgiveness. Some of my biggest healing's have been, when I chose forgiveness and to love over an offense and hurts. At times, it may not seem
possible, because our emotions and our hurt feelings can hold us back from real forgiveness.....BUT God can walk us across the bridge of some of the toughest circumstance from unforgiveness to Love.

P- Father, thank you that you Loved us so much that you sent your Son to die for our sins, the ultimate example of sacrifice to model your love for us. Teach us Lord how we can do the same for each other.
Help us to not judge, or be critical, but to see as you see, and hear as you hear, and to do as you do. You love is never ending for us, teach us how to model that love for others:) We are bankrupt without Love......teach us YOUR Agape Love.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Bridging the Gap

S: Judges 2:10 – When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord or the work he had done for Israel.
O: As one generation died a new generation arose to take their place but this new generation did not know the Lord or the miracles he had done to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt or through the wilderness or how he delivered the promised land into their hands.
A: We absolutely have to pour into the generations around us. We desperately need the wisdom of the generation before us. They have life experience to share with us. Instead of ignoring them we should be sitting at their feet and soaking up the wisdom and love they have to share with us. Just as desperately we need to be pouring into the generation coming behind us. Later on in this scripture it says this: 17: They turned quickly from the ways in which their fathers walked in obeying the commandments of the Lord; they did not do so. This passage may have been written eons ago but it is just as relevant today – if we do not pour into our teens, our youth and our children we will lose them. Likewise if we become too busy or think that we are too important in what God has given us to do to listen to our elders we may end up having to re-learn lessons already taught. Each generation is a gift from God. A gift that we all too often take for granted. We as Christians need to learn to lead the way.
I know that in this season of my life I have been called to work with youth. I love them with a passion I have never known before. It is also sometimes one of the loneliest, heart wrenching things I have ever done – because our youth are the battleground and all too often we lose one to the world. I believe with all my heart that if we pour into our children they won’t all leave the church for the world and even those who do will return.
P: Father God I thank you for what you are doing in the generations around me. Father God I want to be part of the bridge between the generations. Use me Lord. Give me eyes to see what the generation before me can teach me. Help me to slow down and take the time to listen and reap what this generation has sown for me. Let me point every single child you send me to you. Remove from me anything that could cause one of these precious ones to stumble Lord and use my life as a billboard for you. Fill me up with more and more and more of you and pour me out all over those around me. AMEN/

Friday, March 25, 2011

Joshua 21,22; Psalm 47; 1Corinthians 10

STAND FIRM
S--Corinthians 10:12 “So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.”
O--Paul is teaching about being tempted and how God will always make a way to escape.

A--When I read this verse, I am reminded of the times I thought I was “all that and a bag of chips.” When I am doing well and am really blessed I can get puffed up and say…”Wow I’m awesome”. When I take credit for what God is doing in my life…that is when I fall. When we fall…God is so near, waiting for us to reach out to Him and allow Him to pick us up and draw us close to Him once more.

P--God forgive me for the times I have been prideful, and thank You for being their to pick me up, dust me off and set me back on the right path…You are awesome Lord. Thank You for Your mercy and grace in my life.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Thursday March 24, 2011 Josh 18-20; 1 Cor. 9 "Spiritual Athlete"

Thursday March 24, 2011
Josh 18-20; 1 Cor. 9

"Spiritual Athlete"

S-1 Corin 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

O- Paul is referring to running a race to win a gold medal, in the same way we should run our race to win a soul to the Lord. Do it with excellence, know HIS stuff. Lead a life that is an example and has been in training
to model after the life of Jesus, so those who see you will know what you are about just by watching you. When you see an athlete, you know they are an athlete that has been in training by the way they walk, and h
how they look, and mostly their performance will determine how they have been trained. That's what Paul is saying to us, to be trained up spiritually so that the prize of a soul will be won, by how you model.

A- An athlete is focused on discipline, training and winning. There life is determined for one thing, and one thing only. Those that win the olympic games, devote their lives to that one moment of glory, to
stand on the box, and receive their gold medal. Many years of training, and very hard work.....they have a goal. Even in bootcamp many of us have goals. Goals do not come easy, but when they are accomplished
there is such a feeling of satisfaction and success. Same with our spiritual lives. Training our selves to be disciplined to read and eat the word, and then exercise our faith by using it, and walking the destiny
in which God has called us to. Our prize is not only modeling and walking a good christian life, so others will follow and come to know the Lord through you, but to walk out your calling.....that's the prize.

P- Father, help me to run my race.....not to be in competition with others, but to keep my focus in my lane, and my eyes, on the prize that you have for me. Keep the distractions of something or someone cutting
in on me, and teach me discipline, healthy eating of the word, and to exercise my faith in all I do. I want to finish well. Train me to be an athlete for Christ. Amen

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

WORK FOR IT

by Vivian Bills


Wednesday - March 23, 2011 - Joshua 15-17; 1 Corinthians 8 

S - Joshua 17:18b "...though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out."

O - Joshua was responding to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh when they asked for a greater allotment amongst the Israelites because of their numbers. They wanted more and then when they received more they complained because they'd have to work to get it.

A - These people already admitted that they had been blessed abundantly by the Lord (Joshua 17:14) and they still wanted more. I think it's kind of funny. They must have gotten used to their blessings and started taking them for granted. They wanted more, but they didn't want to work for it. Joshua sounds like a good parent here. "Sure you can have it, but you're going to have to work a little to get it. You can do it!" I think sometimes God wants us to work a little for what we want from Him. We want good health? We might have to do our part by eating right and exercising. We want money? We might have to work a little harder and be wise about our spending.

P - Thank You, Lord, for ALL Your blessings I have received. Teach me and enable me to do my part when You tell me to, in order to receive more.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

STAY STRONG PHYSICALLY!

by Cathy Weymouth


Tuesday 3/22/2011  Joshua 12-14; 1 Corinthians 7 - STAY STRONG PHYSICALLY!


S - Joshua 14:10-12  “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country... !"


O - Caleb speaks of the time he spied out the land years ago; Moses, seeing his wholehearted devotion and faith, declared the land would be his inheritance one day.  Caleb is just as ready now to take the land because he has remained in good, strong physical health.


A - What assignments does the Lord have for us in the future?  Will we be like Caleb, still believing, still trusting, still strong physically and emotionally to "take the land?"  This requires dedication now to our health.  This means we must "keep moving" our bodies and eating well to remain strong.  Our health efforts today may very well influence our future ability to carry out our call.


P - Father, thank you for these incredible bodies that you have given us.  May we take seriously the call to stay strong.  May we think about the future when we live out our days today; may we be like Caleb, just as strong at 85 as he was at 40!  Wow!

Monday, March 21, 2011

HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODIES

by Vivian Bills


Monday, March 21, 2011 - Joshua 9-11; 1 Corinthians 6


S - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor god with your bodies.

O - Paul is telling us to flee from sexual immorality because it is sinning against our bodies.

A -- After years of cycling through abusing my body and then trying futilely to get it back in shape, I finally made a commitment about a year ago to honor God by taking care of my body. I used to make a choice of doing morning devotions INSTEAD of exercising. Somehow I didn't think I could manage both and spiritual health is better, right? But I have found that by getting daily physical exercise and watching what I eat, I am also able to manage to up the intensity on the devotional side. I feel I am physically ABLE to do all that the Lord calls me to do, whereas before it would just exhaust me to think about serving Him sometimes. Now, I just get pumped!

P - Lord, I want to honor You with everything I am. Enable me, Lord to take care of my body - so that I may serve You with excellence.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The Battle

S: Joshua 7:13 - There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you.

O: The Israelites were claiming their inheritance – claiming the land the Lord had promised them. In their first battle they claimed victory. But the second time they went to battle they were beaten badly. What was the difference? Sin.

A: I personally might not be marching into battle. I may not even think I have enemies. But don’t we all as Christians face off with an Enemy every day? An Enemy that seeks to destroy us, to see us fail in our mission? Just as the Israelites lost the battle because they had sin & disobedience in their hearts. So will I fail if I entertain sin or disobedience inside of me. It’s easy to justify – after all “everybody” else is doing it. We think we get away with it because “no one will know”. The Enemy I face every day doesn’t march at me with sword drawn so that I can see him coming – instead he comes at me with “justified anger” “offense”, “hurt feelings” – the list goes on and on. If I’m not careful I’m trapped before I know it and then the sword comes out. The only way I know to face off with this Enemy is through prayer, repentance, accountability, transparency….. If we obey the voice of God, seek the face of God and humble ourselves before God we will always win the battle.

P: Father God I pray you strengthen me for the spiritual battle I am engaged in every day. It is only through you that I will taste victory. Position me Lord so that I can help those around me who are fighting their own battles. Help me to encourage them, pray for them and wade right into battle with them. Examine my heart Lord and root out anything that is not pleasing to you. Let my victory in battle be a testimony to all who see it to the power of your love. Amen.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

At Flood Stage

S - Joshua 3: 15 - Now the Jordan is at flood stage..."

O - There are times in life when we, or our loved ones, are at flood stage. Generally, we can handle the little inconveniences, small problems, and even serious situations that we encounter. But when a perfect storm of multiple problems whips up and we find ourselves in an overwhelming confluence of problems such as job, health and relationship problems, we can feel like we can't keep our head above water.
I believe that there are times in our life, when we can't handle it alone. We need God and his people. In Joshua 3, they were able to cross the flooded Jordan because the priests, who were carrying the ark, "stood firm on dry land in the middle of the Jordan." They stood firm till every last one got across. I believe that we need to find people who carry God's presence, and who are willing to stand firm in intercession for us as we cross our Jordans. I also believe that we need to be the kind of people who will stand with others during their time of crisis.

A - Are you in relationship with people who can stand firm and pray? Who ar you praying for today?

P - Thank you God that you are with us in every circumstance. Thank you, that you are raising up a church community where people can intercede and stand firm in faith for one another. Thank you for the humility to ask for prayer and the love that will stand with us in prayer, so that we can move forward in your will for your glory. Amen.

Friday, March 18, 2011

TRUST, COMMIT, DELIGHT

S--”Psalm 37:6 “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn. The justice of your cause, like the noonday sun.”
O--The Psalmist is telling us about the goodness and faithfulness of God.

A--The conditions for our prosperity depends on:
Our willingness to trust God.
Our willingness to commit our ways to the Lord; and
Our willingness to delight ourselves in God.

To trust means to have confidence in the integrity, ability, character and truth of (God). To commit means to bind or to pledge. To delight means to take great pleasure in.

P-- Oh God I want to trust You in all things, to commit myself wholeheartedly to You, and to delight in You. You are my Creator, my God, my Salvation, my help in times of need and my Friend.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

GOD'S POWER

by Vivian Bills


Thursday - March 17, 2011 - Deuteronomy 32-34; 1 Corinthians 2 


S - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.

O - Paul was a man of many wise words, but he knew it was not his words that convinced people to follow Jesus - it was the demonstration of God's power.

A - I spend a lot of time searching for the right words that will convince my wayward son to come back to the Lord. He is one who puts a lot of stock in intelligence and so many times I think I can convince him, with words, that God is who He says He is. But this scripture reminds me that it is not up to me. My son needs to put his faith in God and His power, not in the wisdom of men.

P - God, come in power! Demonstrate who You are to my son and everyone else in my sphere of influence. Use me Lord, to reveal Holy Spirit's power to them that they might come to the saving knowledge of who You are and what You did for us when You sent Your beloved Son Jesus to die for our sins.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

FOOLISHNESS

by Vivian Bills


Wednesday - March 16, 2011 - Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1


S - 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

O - Paul sums up what the unsaved think of those of us who believe in Jesus. 

A - I remember not getting it. I remember relying on my intelligence to get me through. And I remember being on the brink of insanity when I realized that I really was powerless over my life and the things that were killing me. I got to the point where I knew I didn't want to live anymore, which was crazy because I had a young son who needed me. And then I realized that if I was crazy enough to kill myself, then it was really okay to try the craziness of believing in Jesus. I really did just "try" Jesus as a last ditch effort to survive. And He came through for me. I willingly put my reliance on my own intelligence aside and discovered that relying on the One who knows everything makes ALL the difference in the world.

P - Thank You, Jesus, for saving me from myself. I love You so much! I will follow You anywhere. Lead me on the path of righteousness. Guide my steps. Use me to show others the way to You.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A HARVEST IS COMING!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday March 15, 2011 Deut 28.29; Galatians 6 - A HARVEST IS COMING!

S- Galatians 6:9, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

O - In the context of the fact that we reap what we sow, God's law is in effect.  But sometimes we get a bit discouraged "in the wait."

A - I love this scripture; it is one of my favorite!  Paul encourages that we will indeed reap - and not just a small amount, but an entire harvest, in the proper time.  But we can't give up!  It takes time for the seeds to germinate and grow into fruit-producing plants.

P - Father, please help me in the wait. Help me not to get discouraged or give up before the fulfillment of the proper time.  You promise me that there will be a harvest if I do not give up.  Thank you for that promise; I pray it keeps me going when the going gets rough.








Monday, March 14, 2011

WHO CUT IN ON YOU?

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 3/14/11 – Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5 – “Who Cut in on You?”

S – Galatians 5:7- “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”

O – The Christian life is often compared to a race, and Paul is telling the Galatians that though they began the race well, and with zeal, something/someone had hindered them. The translation is strong—it means that while we are running the race, someone actually moves in on them and causes them to trip and be thrown off course. Paul’s comment implies that in spite of this blockage, we should have been able to get back on course and run the race.

A – There are so many times and so many ways we can be distracted and tripped up as we run our race for Christ. Crisis, life’s circumstances, loss, health problems. But also things like relationship problems, offense, accusations, and hurts. Any of these and more can cause us to take our eyes off course, and moved from obeying the truth. It is our responsibility to run, and do whatever we can to stay the course. I’m not saying it is easy, but God’s Word never promised us easy. He promised us that He would be our Strength and our Guide; and that He would give us the grace we need to run and run well!

P – Lord, I thank You for not only showing us the way, but for BEING the Way, the Truth and the Life. Help us to trust in You alone when times get tough, and help us to keep our feet steadfast and our eyes fixed so that we are able to keep You as our central focus…it is in our DNA to be ‘runners’, not slackers! I choose to RUN!!!!!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Daddy God

S: Galatians 4:6-7: And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out “Abba Father”. Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
O: God has placed the spirit of sonship inside of us.
A: God longs to hear us call out to him “Daddy”. He wants the intimacy that a father has with his child. That we will freely approach him with everything in our lives – the big stuff and the little stuff. We must choose freedom. We are faced every day with people, places and things that will lead us back to a life of bondage. If the path ahead of you leads to bondage it is not of God. God wants each one of us to come to the realization of who we are – his sons and daughters and begin to live our lives from that place. To live our lives as sons and daughters of the most high king – knowing that our inheritance is intact and waiting for us, whether or not we make a few mistakes along the way. God’s love for us is real and will lead to approach his throne with abandon and throw ourselves into the lap of our “Daddy God” where he will love us, correct us, teach us and guide us into a life of freedom, peace and joy.
P: Thank you Daddy God for the Spirit of your son which is inside of me. I cry out to you Daddy God to invade my heart, my spirit, my mind. Set me free of anything in my life that holds me back from walking your freedom. Use me to bring your freedom to those around me. I love you Daddy God.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Got Faith?

S - Gal 3: 2b "Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?"

O - By faith, we receive salvation. By faith, we receive the promise of the Holy Spirit, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and other gifts that the Holy Spirit chooses to give. When we have faith, God credits righteousness to our personal account. By faith we are justified in God's eyes. We are clothed with Christ and become heirs of Abraham and of Christ.

A - I have faith when I choose to believe God's word. Faith is the key that unlocks the manifold blessing of God.

P - By faith today, I declare that God is my salvation. By faith, I receive afresh the baptisms and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. By faith, I know and declare that I am righteous in God's eyes and that his blessing, favor and righteousness are mine. By faith, I will walk, clothed in Christ, a child and an heir of God's great inheritance. Amen!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians

JUSTIFIED BY FAITH
by Mary White

S--Galatians 2:15b “…a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
O--Three times in Gal 2 it says that no one is justified by observing the law…but by putting our faith in Jesus Christ.

A--The definition on justified is: to declare free of blame and guilt; absolve of grievous sin. We can follow all the rules and still not be justified. The law cannot justify… only faith in Jesus Christ and the acceptance of His free gift of atonement can justify. Following the law is a good thing to do and pleases God. Putting our trust in Jesus and what He has done for us is what declares us free and blameless .

P--Thank you Jesus for dying on the Christ to pay the penalty for my sins and giving me freedom.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011 Duet. 13-15 Gal. 1 "God Pleasers"

Thursday, March 10, 2011
Duet. 13-15 Gal. 1

"God Pleasers"

S- Gal. 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of man, or of God? Ot am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of God.

O- Paul is writing about his life of being chosen by God in his mother's womb, to be a god pleaser and to preach the word and the truth about God, and not to change the truth about God, just because someone doesn't agree with it, to please that person. By doing this, and living his life this way, he is a servant to God....totally sold out, for Him alone, and no other can sway him otherwise. He's a God pleaser.

A- I like how Paul uses the word "now," in the present, because he didn't used to be like that. Before his conversion to be sold out to Christ, he was a people pleaser, and very successful at it. It's easy to be a people pleaser, and sway back and forth from what you believe to not wanting to upset anyone with a difference of opinion that could be different from how they think, to the truth of what you know. Being a God Pleaser is returned to you, by god by walking in God's favor. Being a people pleaser, you are always searching for Favor of man, and if you find it, it is short lived. God looks deep into the hearts of His chosen servants, and is the judge of the heart.

P- Father, thank you for Paul's heart and for his example of a God Pleaser. I want my heart to be totally sold out to you, and to be a servant to you and your people that are called by your name. Thank you, that I have been chosen to be a carrier of your truth, and let me not waver on that truth, but to share it for what it is, because to know the truth is the path to freedom. Thank you for your the gift of Favor for those who you know the true heart of.a God pleasers I'm a work in progress, thank you for your Grace. Amen.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

SNAKES & POISON

by Vivian Bills


Wednesday - March 9, 2011 - Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 16


S - Mark 16:17-18 "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

O - Jesus was speaking to the disciples after He came back to life.

A - Picking up snakes (ew) and drinking deadly poison - um - these things I'd rather not do. But, if you go beyond the literal and into the figurative, what Jesus is saying is that we will do what people normally won't do. We can face fears (snakes) and when people try to poison us with their words or actions, we will not be harmed. I am one who believes and these signs accompany me. I do all these things because Jesus said I would.

P - Thank You, Jesus, for these signs. Use me, Lord, to show people the way to You and to prove that what You said is true.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

What to do with Jesus?

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 3/8/11  Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15 - What to do with Jesus?

S- Mark 15:12, "Then what am I to do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?"

O - Jesus had been handed over to Pilate who tried to make an assessment of the charges brought against him by the chief priests. He offered to release Jesus, but the Jewish people were not interested.  He was struggling what to do with him, so he asked the crowd.

A - I think this is a great question.  What am I to do with this man Jesus?  What am I going to do today with Jesus?  As a Christian, one desire today is to allow the life of Christ within me to be expressed to those I meet.  Another is to connect with Jesus alone and express my love and gratitude for all He has done for me.

P - Lord, thank you!  You have given me Your life.  I take you with me where ever I go. I pray that You spill out onto those I run across today.  Thank you for the sacrifice - so that I could be a vessel of Your Presence. May people see You in me.

Monday, March 7, 2011

HEART, SOUL, STRENGTH

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 3/7/11 – Deuteronomy 5,6; Psalm 43; Mark 14 – “Heart, Soul Strength”

S – Deuteronomy 6:5 – “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

O – This was a command given in the Law of Moses: that loving God was to be wholehearted (with all your heart) and was to pervade every aspect of an Israelite’s being and life (soul and strength). To Him alone were the people of Israel to submit, and him alone were they to serve with their entire being.

A – Jesus preached these same words in Matthew 22:37, calling this the greatest commandment of all. To love the Lord comes from a desire for intimacy with Him as we continually grow into a deeper relationship with Him – a consuming passion and desire to be overwhelmed with Him in such a way that it invades our heart, our mind, our strength; and He becomes our all in all. This is the beginning of pursuit toward a pure heart. So many things come against us to try to invade this most intimate relationship, even good things; and we must protect our heart so that it is not polluted. He deserves our unreserved love, and that it be at the foundation of all we are and do.

P – Lord, draw us deeper into Love with You; so that all we do and all that we are is an outflow of who You are. You ARE Love… Teach us to love You in ways that You deserve, and teach us to live our lives as a reflection of Your great Love.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

A Call to Unity

S: Mark 13:13 – And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
O: Jesus is speaking of the end times and of the persecution of Christians. He is encouraging us to endure to the end because no matter what we go through the Kingdom of God awaits us.
A: This verse spoke to my heart this morning. Why? Because I believe it is a call to unity. Every where you look you see lost, hurt and broken people. And I’m not talking about just outside the church. There are people I look at every day who are hurting and yet I choose to not see their hurt. Not because I don’t care but because I am focused on my needs or the needs of my ministry and I make a choice to not see, to not slow down, to not speak an encouraging word or touch them in some way. I see people who have hurt deeply by the words or actions of their “church family”. I see people leaving their churches in droves because of hurts and offenses that have not been addressed. And you know what? If I can see them so can non-believers. So can visitors to our churches. This verse tells me Christians will be persecuted and times will be tough for all believers before Jesus returns. I can’t do this alone. I have tried time and time again and failed miserably. I need fellow believers to walk this journey with. The early church was united and withstood great persecution. Will we? We need to look past ourselves and needs and desires and dreams and get a look at the big picture – God’s picture. We need to put aside our hurts and our need for control and start coming together as God’s army. We are battling not only for our own lives but for the very life of the church.
P: Father God forgive me. I can be so selfish sometimes. I see only my needs and the needs of my ministry and I don’t take the time to see how what I do or say might impact someone else or another ministry. Father God I have spent enough time of my life hurting myself and others. I want to unify. I want to glorify you. Help me to take my eyes of myself and my needs and desires and focus on YOU. Only then do I have a chance of enduring to the end so that I may see you face to face.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

The First Enemy to Conquer

S - Deut. 1:21 - "See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your fathers told you. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged."

O - In Deut 1:6, it says "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance." Horeb or Mount Sinai was a very special place. It was the place of covenant, the place of revelation, the place that was called holy ground. It was the place where miracles happened as when Moses struck the rock and water poured forth. It was the place where they saw the awesome glory of God. Yet God told them to move from that place that was familiar - to move to the unfamiliar, unsafe place where they would have to meet the enemy. Before they could conquer new enemies, they had to face the inward enemy of fear and discouragement.

A - How often do I let fear, discouragement or my comfort zone, keep me from advancing God's kingdom? Where is God directing me to now?

P - Lord, I thank you for past revelation, past breakthroughs, but Lord help me to not stay in the past. Like the mother eagle, push me out of my comfort zone. Send me forth and teach me to fly! Amen.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Numbers 34-36 Mark 11

WALK IN FORGIVENESS

S-- Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

O--Jesus was teaching people how to pray, and what their attitude should be when they stand praying.

A--We come to God time after time asking Him to forgive us. and our expectation is that He will. Jesus is pointing out here that we should be quick to forgive others.…just as God is quick to forgive us. If we expect God to forgive us we must be ready to forgive those who have wronged us. Sometimes this is very difficult…especially when we have been hurt, maligned or betrayed. There have been times that I have forgiven…then the pain of one’s betrayal will fill me with sorrow and anger. At that point I have a choice…to hold on to my pain by embracing unforgiveness…or release my pain to God by forgiving. I can tell you I have done both…but healing comes in releasing my pain and forgiving those who have wronged me. Walking in forgiveness means that we need to forgive, forgive and then forgive again. The reward for this is that we too will receive forgiveness and we will walk in peace and harmony.

P--Oh Lord, thank You for forgiving me time after time. Help me to walk in readiness to forgive, and to forgive quickly.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Thursday March 3, 2011 Num. 32, 33; Mark 10 "Let the little one come"

Num. 32, 33; Mark 10
"Let the little one come"

S- Mark 10:15 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

O- Mom's & dads were trying to get their little kids to Jesus for healing, and for anointing. The parents wanted their kids to be apart of what was going on and to see and experience Jesus. Jesus's disciples didn't go for that. They tried to hold back the children from Jesus. Jesus was not happy about that....He said "Let the little children come to me........and do not hinder them."

A-That just shows you how important the little kids are to Jesus. Why is that? It's because they are truly pure in heart. They know Him just as He is, trust worthy, dependable, loving, caring, nurturing.....and much more. They are filled with such joy, and freedom to dance and just be kids. Jesus values the children, He even say "Do not hinder them. That's huge, that means do not tell them that they are not allowed to be free to dance in the spirit, or that they cannot sing because their voice isn't perfect, or you are not behaving so you can't go into Superkidz or the church........open the doors! It means help them, welcome them, do not judge them, but also we as adults need to learn from their faith and their innocence how to be free and to love unconditionally.

P-Heavenly Father, let the little children come, and to be free to love and to worship you. Use them over us with their childlike faith, that we may remember where we once came from, when our faith and love was childlike.....no whining and complaining! just happy to be in your presence and to sit at your feet. not concerned about the ways of the world or the wrongs done to us, but that all we need is you to satisfy all our needs and desires. Keep our hearts close to yours, and bring in the children, many of them so we can learn from them, your desire for our lives.....to have childlike faith and love. Amen!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

TO THE LATTER RAIN NAYSAYERS

by Vivian Bills



Wednesday - March 2, 2011 - Numbers 30-31; Mark 9


S - Mark 9:39-40 "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. 



O - The disciples thought they knew better and tried to stop someone who was casting out demons in Jesus' name because he hadn't gone through all the proper training as they had.


A - There are many holy people, believers, who condemn the recent moves of the Holy Spirit as not coming from God. They bring up peoples' sins and shortcomings as proof that these same people cannot be being used by God to perform miracles. However, Jesus himself said whoever is not against us is for us. Are they not setting captives free? They are certainly not against us for they do everything in Jesus' name. It's scriptural. Do not stop them.


P - Father, I thank You for the miracles You still perform every day. I ask that You open the eyes of the naysayers, that they may recognize that You are indeed moving in this day and age in all Your glory!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The Touch of Jesus

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 3/1/11 Numbers 28,29; Mark 8 - The Touch of Jesus

S - So they arrived at Bethseida where a blind man was brought to him (Jesus), with the earnest request that he should touch him.

O - Jesus responded with the very request - He moistened his hands with saliva and touched the man's eyes. When his sight was only partially recovered, Jesus again put his hands on the man's eyes. With two touches by Jesus, the blind man's vision was fully restored

A - Maybe sometimes it as simple as this - we need Jesus to touch us.  I just read an account of the healing that Heidi Baker received when she traveled to Toronto, sick, weak and discouraged years ago. For one week she basked in the Lord's presence, totally overcome. She was touched.  She was healed and recharged with God's power and strength like never before.  It was a turning point for her life personally as well as Iris Ministries.

P - Lord, would you touch me today please?  Would you touch those who need your presence today?  Please recharge us, energize us, launch us out with your power and presence - able to change the world.