Live at Peace

By Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 5/31/11 Proverbs 16-18; Romans 12 - Live at Peace

S – Romans 12:18, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you (on your part), live at peace with everyone. NIV (HCSB)

O – Paul is giving us a tall order here in this scripture. Peace is a state of tranquility or quiet. It is also freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions and a state of harmony in personal relations. (from the Nook dictionary).

A – I have found that when there are disturbing situations going on, it is hard to live at this level of peace. However, as I pursued healing through counseling and prayer, some of the negative emotions that were stirring in my soul began to calm down and it was easier to find this natural peace. It appears that sometimes “taking your peace” may involve some deeper work and self care, with Jesus' healing touch, before it is possible to manifest in our lives.

P – Father, thank you for the healing journey you have me on. I thank you that the inner turmoil is lessening and peace is increasing. Come and do a work inside us to free us from the effects of frustration and anger so that peace may reign. Bring us to self-care that frees us to be all that you destined us to be. Amen.

Go Figure...oh Wait! We Can't!!

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 5/30/11 – Proverbs 13-15; Romans 11 – “Go Figure... oh Wait! We Can't!”

S– Romans 11:33 – “Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.” [the Message Bible]

O –Man had no power to save himself. This chapter talks about the Jews and Gentiles in different ways seeking to justify themselves, and both had failed. God introduced His plan of divine wisdom to save mankind. His plan, mercy and love are a display of His unspeakable glory.

A – God’s ways cannot be traced or figured out! His riches and generosity are beyond vast and beyond words. The pardon of our sin, the atonement, the promise of heaven, the peace of the gospel, all portray His amazing grace and rich mercy. And since it is all beyond language to describe, what we can do is stand in amazement, praise, adoration and be forever grateful.

P – Father, what is there to say today except that we adore You, honor You, thank You and love You for Your amazing grace extended toward us. May we live every day from a heart of gratitude, eager to display Your love to the world.

Listen to What?

Sunday, May 27, 2011: Proverbs 10-12; Romans 10

LISTEN TO WHAT?

S: Romans 10:18 – (MSG) The point is – Before you trust (in God) you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached there’s nothing to listen to.
O: Paul is reminding us that faith comes from hearing the word of God but if there is noone preaching the Word there is nothing to hear.
A: God hears the voices of all those who call out for help. But if someone has never heard about God – they have nowhere to turn. When trouble comes I can take comfort in knowing that God already has a solution to my problem. But what about those around me who don’t know God, haven’t even been introduced? It’s so tempting to think that those places where the Gospel has not been preached are on foreign soil and far away. In reality those places are in our own workplace, our schools, our neighborhoods. The people who are supposed to “preach” the Word are not foreign missionaries but us. There are opportunities all around us if we simply open our eyes and then open our mouths. It’s just a conversation with life giving consequences.
P: Father God open my eyes to all the people around me who don’t know you and give me courage to open my mouth. Give me words to share about you and Jesus. Let the way I live my life today be a testimony to those who don’t know you about how awesome you are and create in them a desire to know you too. Amen.

A Call to Action

S - Prov. 7:1 - "My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live: guard my teachings ... and you will live. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablets of your heart."

O - As I read these words, I immediately notice the strong verbs: keep, store, guard bind, write. To profit from God's word, we need to actively engage with it. We need to read it, write it, speak it, pray it, eat it ,breathe it, and live it. God's word should be our lens, our world view, and our daily bread that nourishes us and makes us strong.

A - I need to read God's word with a faith-filled heart, and fight to keep the revelation and the breakthroughs that He gives me.

P - Holy Spirit, inspire us today to action. Inspire us to hold on to the truth and not let go. In Jesus name, Amen.

I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR

S--Romans 8-37 & 39 “…in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons…nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God”

O--Paul is building the faith of believers.

A--Life presents us with times of many blessings, but also times of loss, sorrow, and hardships. When we face these terrible times it is important to remember who we are in Christ. The Word says NOTHING can separate us from God’s love, that with Him we can be conquerors and overcome ALL things…not only overcome but we are MORE than conquerors. So we can live a full and prosperous life, no matter what our circumstances are today. God will sustain us in times of trials and hardship. We need to look to Him, trust that He will be faithful, and wait and see that our God is good!

P--Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. I do believe that nothing can separate your love from me, and for that I am forever grateful.

Thursday May 26, 2011 Prov. 1-3; Rom 7

Thursday May 26, 2011
Prov. 1-3; Rom 7

S- Prov. 8 & 9 (The Message) Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother's knee. Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair, like rings on your fingers.

O- Proverbs are the wise sayings of Solomon. Wisdom to follow while here on earth. Even if we did not have the smartest parents, they still have walked through stuff and hard times and have wisdom to pass on to their children. God commands us to respect and honor them, and here He is to learn from their wisdom......watch closely.

A- My mom didn't go to high school, but she sure did have a lot of wisdom from many difficult times that she walked through. When I was young (little girl) I listened to everything she said, and I totally trusted what she guided me to do. As I got older (teens to mid-20's) I didn't think she was always right, and didn't trust the ways she was instructing me to go. As I grew with my family, and had kids of my own, I realized that some of my moms ways were actually the right way to go. When I didn't listen to her, I often found myself into some trouble. Funny, she was big on keeping a clean tongue and not using foul language. IN the neighborhood I lived in, lost of kids said lots of bad words......and so did their parents. My mom would say, "don't be a trash mouth, because nice girls don't swear." She was right, she kept me separated by those simple word of advice. I can say that I felt like I had something special growing up without a trash mouth:)

P- Lord, thank you for our God chosen parents. Even when it hasn't been easy, Lord you have given us the forgiver to be inside of us, and the wisdom to give honor and respect to our parents. Thank you that in everyone there are treasures that we can learn from, and when we do it's like wearing a precious diamond:) Amen.

INSTRUMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 1 Kings 10,11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6

S - Romans 6:13  Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

O - Paul is telling us to devote ourselves to righteousness now, just as we may have devoted ourselves to wickedness in the past.

A - Sometimes we take advantage of grace.  Because of grace, we know that if and when we sin, we will be forgiven.  And the sad thing is, sometimes we use this knowledge as a "Get Out of Jail Free" card and allow ourselves to sin because we already know about God's grace and mercy.  But, this is wrong.  This is only our way of not giving it all to God.  We need instead to be totally devoted to being His completely.

P - Show me, Lord, if there is any part of me that I'm holding back from You.  Make me into Your instrument of righteousness.

Believing Rather Than Achieving!

By Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 5/24/11 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5 – Believing Rather Than Achieving!

S – Romans 5:17, For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

O – Paul has been describing the fruitlessness of trying to achieve victory, success, peace, God's blessing, etc, through obeying the law. Finally, in this chapter, he reveals the true secret to reigning in this life as a Christian – it is by Receiving; by Believing rather than Achieving!

A – This particular verse has been a breakthrough verse for several Grace-Teachers I have been following. This is the verse that set them free to see the true difference of the New Covenant and helped them to break out from under the strain of “works mentality”. I sit under their teachings to find liberty myself from performance and rigid expectations of my own life. The secret to reigning in this life is in the RECEIVING of Grace and Righteousness! Receiving, not achieving! I am to be a sponge of what Jesus has already done for me! I don't have to do it myself; I just need to receive it.

P – Father, oh help us!! We so need this message of Grace. We have received the life of Jesus within us – and that is the ultimate Grace. I don't have to achieve what Jesus has already achieved for me. Phew! Help me to TRUST and RECEIVE instead of trying so hard to ACHIEVE. Amen.

Don't Tiptoe Around God's Promises!

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 5/23/11 – 2 Chronicles 6,7; Psalm 135; Romans 4 – “Don’t Tiptoe Around God’s Promises!

S– Romans 4:20-21 – “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

O – In spite of the humanly impossible situation, Abraham was full of confidence that the truth of God carried promise for his life. He was not moved, or agitated, he steadily and firmly believed that God was able to perform that which He promised. God responded to Abraham’s faith, and empowered him and Sarah to physically have the child of promise.

A – What confidence in God, our forefather Abraham possessed! He was not weak in faith despite the odds, and he was not divided in his thinking by unbelief. He was fully persuaded that Go had the ability to do what He had said. Abraham teaches us to not only believe that God is faithful, but that He is able to perform what He has promised. Last night at church our guest speaker, Jason Cooper called the people to a higher level of belief; and urged us not to put a question mark where God has placed a period. This just settles the issue. God said it. We believe it. Period. End of discussion. The Message Bible puts it this way: “Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.”

P – Lord, teach us not to tiptoe around Your promises, but rather to stand firm, with both feet fully positioned to believe and receive all that You have for us! We refuse to put a question mark where You have placed a period. Amen… Period!

A Glorious Life

S: Romans 3:24-26: Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. (MSG)
O: God did for us what we were unable to do for ourselves and he did it by sending Jesus to die on the cross for us. There is no greater gift.
A: We can take no credit for what has been done for us. Jesus gave it all for us. This story is still true today and the story is not about us it’s about Jesus. No matter what we face in our lives today JESUS is the only way out. God has devised an escape plan just for us – a way out of our lives of sin. A path to freedom. All we have to do is call on his name: Jesus Jesus Jesus.
P: Father God thank you for what you did for me. I deserved nothing. I was surrounded by my sin when Jesus reached down and restored me to life. I give myself completely to you. All of me. Forgive me of my sins and set me on the path you have marked out for me. Use me to reach others for you. Let my life be a giant street sign pointing the way to Christ. Amen.

Joyful Focus

S- Ps 98:1 - "Oh sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things:"

O - This is a psalm that focuses on God. The God of creation has done a marvelous thing. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the judge recognizes that the penalty for our sin has been paid. God has forever demonstrated his love to us and He will be forever faithful. What God has done for us is enough! Let's join with the rivers and hills and the seas to rejoice in his goodness.

A - When I focus on God's love and the completed work of Christ, my response is joy.

P - Lord, we don't want to focus on our shortcomings or the shortcomings of others which brings discouragement and anger. Help us to focus on what you have done for us and focus on your sufficiency in our lives. We ask that you do marvelous things in our lives by your mighty power. Amen!

DON'T BE IDLE

Thursday - May 19, 2011 - 1 Kings 4,5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

S - 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 

O - Paul is speaking about people who are idle and expect others to take care of them.

A - There is a difference between those who are unable, physically, to work and those who are unwilling to work. Expecting others to take care of your needs while you do nothing except devise new ways to get more hand-outs is wrong in God's eyes. Idle people get bored and bored people get in trouble. God did not create us to sit around in a garden and have the animals serve us. He created us to tend the garden and have a relationship with Him. Most everybody can do something to contribute to their own livelihood.

P - Lord, help me to teach others how to live a life worthy of You. Teach me to give them hand-ups, not hand-outs.

STAND FIRM

Wednesday - May 18, 2011 - 1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2

S - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

O - Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to keep doing the work of the Lord.

A - Even though I am saved by Jesus' death on the cross, the trials still come. That part of my life is not different. The difference is that I have more strength to make it through the hard times than I did before I knew the truth. It's difficult to stand firm when you are not sure of the outcome, but I know the ending of the story: God wins! And sometimes this is all I know. 

P - Thank You for this strength to stand firm that only comes from You. Increase the glory of Your presence in my life, Lord, that I may be further encouraged to continue to stand firm for You.

UNDER HIS WINGS

Monday - May 16, 2011- 1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5

S - Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

O - God is the one to whom we can run when things get overwhelming, when we feel we need protection and safety from the onslaught of the enemy.

A - Sometimes, as a grown adult, I feel the need to just run and hide from the world and all its nastiness. I want to be sheltered and protected and defended. But the reality of my life is that that does not happen in the natural. In the natural, there is no one to do that for me. I am all grown up and I am the one who shelters, protects, and defends others. So where can I turn but to God?

P - Oh, Lord, hide me under your feathers. I feel the need to hear your heartbeat and know that I am protected and cherished by you.

Got faith? Got love?

S - 1 Thes. 3:5 - "For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith."

O - Paul had only 3 weeks to preach Christ crucified and risen to the Thesalonians before he had to leave, and the result was an on-fire church that was making an impact in a world that was opposing them. Paul was concerned so he prayed for them constantly and then sent Timothy to find out how they were doing. Paul was conforted by Timothy's report of their faith and love.

A - Paul invested his time, energry, and his heart in this church. The big question he had to ask was not about their circumstances but about their faith. It is not that circumstances don't matter, but it is faith that will help you get through your tough times. It is faith that is the key to God's heart and the key to confident living.

P - Lord, help us to be people who invest in the people that you give us - in our families, at work, in our neighborhoods and at church. Help our faith to be sure and growing and our love to be strong. In Jesus name, Amen.

Delightful

S: 2 Samuel 22:20 - He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. O: Despite the circumstances in his life King David was able to see that God brought him through all of the “circumstances” past and present not because of any debt or any great act of service but God saw David through because God delighted in him.
A: He delivered me because he delighted in me. I have probably spoken similar words to other people a hundred times - God delights in you; God loves you; God calls you HIS. Yet today this verse made me cry. I woke up this morning to a sick dog and after spending my first moments of my day cleaning up the results of his illness I sat down and opened my Bible. These words touched me to the core. He delights in me even sitting in a living room that smells horrible, in my pajamas with no make-up on, my hair a mess and dirty dishes in my sink. HE delights in ME. He delivered me because HE delighted in ME. In the middle of the muck and mire of my life HE delights in me. It’s not about what I do or what I say. He sees the darkest parts of me and yet HE delights in me. Then it struck me - I spend a lot of my prayer life asking God to give me HIS eyes to see - HIS eyes to see into the life of someone he has placed in front of me but I have never, not once asked him to give me HIS eyes to see myself. Have you? If not, it’s time. God reduced me to tears with the power of his love and mercy this morning and HE wants to do the same with you. He wants us not to be full of good works, good intentions and holy words - he wants us to be full of HIM. Hungry? Then ask for something to eat. Thirsty? Ask him for a drink. I’ve lived far too long like one invited to a banquet but instead of walking in and taking my place at the table I stand outside looking in the window dreaming of the day I will be good enough to sit at the table. He delivered me because he delighted in me - my place at the table has been there all along. I am an invited guest and so are you.
P: Father God I love you so. Give me your eyes today Lord not to see the world but to see me - just as you see me. With eyes of love and compassion and mercy. I long to be the object of your delight today. Amen.

CAST YOUR CARES

Wednesday - May 11, 2011 - 2 Samuel 19-20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28

S - Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

O - David is speaking from experience here. To cast your cares means to throw them at Him. When you throw something, you no longer have it.

A - Sometimes it seems like I just show my cares to the Lord. "See what I'm carrying, Lord?" And I don't actually throw them at Him. If it feels as if God is not sustaining you right now, consider this - are you still holding onto your cares?

P - Once more, I dump them at your feet, Lord. I don't want them back. I don't need to worry about things, even for planning purposes. If I'm in tune to you, you'll tell me what to do. Thank You for sustaining me, Jesus.

NO NEED TO DEFEND MYSELF

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 5/10/11 2 Sam 18; Ps 56; Mt 27 - NO NEED TO DEFEND MYSELF

S -Matthew 27:12-14 JBP, But while the chief priests and elders were making their accusations, he made no reply at all. So Pilate said to him, "Can you not hear the accusations they're bringing against you?" To the governors amazement, Jesus did not answer a single one of their accusations.

O - The chief priests and elders met to discuss how to handle this Jesus.  They brought him before Pilate the Governor and proceeded to bring false accusations against him.  Jesus, however, did not defend himself.  Why didn't he? I believe it might be because he knew His Father's will concerning his destination of the cross. He had already worked through the struggle of submitting his will to his Father in the Garden of Gesthemane; now he was on the destination of fulfilling that.  Why bother defending himself then?  The course was already in progress; the verdict already predicted.

A - How easy it is to get defensive; to state my case.  People have said that I could have become a lawyer!  This isn't necessarily always a good trait, however.  I could learn from David in Psalm 56: 3,4, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me?" God knows my journey, my destination, and if I'd trust more in that, I could relax and not need to defend myself.

P - Lord, this life is really about trusting You.  How easy it is to slip off the trusting trail.  Give us courage today and faith to trust that you are in control.  Help us to be less defensive and more trusting, ready to walk the journey you have marked out for us. Amen.

POST SIGNS MARKING GOD'S RIGHT-OF-WAY!

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 5/9/11 – 2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26 – “Post Signs Marking God’s Right-of-Way!” [the Message Bible]

S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer

S– Psalm 71:16 – “I come in the power of the Lord God, I post signs marking His right-of-way.”

O – David is in a posture of praise and joy, arising from his faith and hope in God. His fears about his enemies have been silenced, his hopes raised and his prayers turned to thanksgiving and proclamation. David declares that he will continually record and celebrate God’s countless acts of goodness and mercy.

A – It is our responsibilities as followers of the Lord to not sit down in despair, but stir ourselves up and go forth, not in our strength, but in God’s strength, depending only on Him. From that posture, we arise and become a carrier, posting signs marking His right-of-way along the path for others to see and also become faith-filled on their journeys. David declares that he leans only on the power of God and not on his own strength.

P – Lord, thank You for Your amazing faithfulness! Bring to our remembrance how You have been with us throughout our lives; and how often You have stepped in and delivered us, restored us, protected us. We want to post signs along the way of all Your goodness, glory and faithfulness for others to see and glorify You.

Teach me to Love

S: Matthew 25:35-40: for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink: I was a stranger and you took me in. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer Him saying “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you drink? ”When did we see you a stranger and take you in or naked and clothe you? Or when did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?” And the king will answer and say to them “Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to Me”.
O: Jesus is talking to his disciples about his return when he will take his place upon the judgment seat to judge all of the nations. Jesus is teaching that as we do for those right in front of us – we do for him.
A: Jesus instructed us to love others as we love ourselves. Love will allow us to see beyond what the world sees and see the needs of those standing right in front of us. Those that are hungry, thirsty, naked or strangers; those that are sick or in prison. Those in our churches, our workplaces, our schools who are lonely, sick and in bondage. Love requires more of us than opening our wallets. It requires us to feed and clothe and visit. To wade right into the lives of those in front of us who are suffering. Love may require that we be inconvenienced, that we sacrifice and that we get dirty on occasion. There is no sacrifice I can make that will equal the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for me. That is love.
P: Thank you Jesus for loving me at a time in my life when I was not very loveable in the eyes of the world. There is nothing I need in my life today that you have not provided and taken care of. Forgive me for my shortsightedness – those times when my vision doesn’t extend beyond me and my life. Lord give me your eyes to see those all around me who are hungry and suffering – those in need of your love. Give me one person to share your love with today. Teach me to love those here in front of me as you have loved me. Amen.

A BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART

S--Psalm. 57:16a-17 “You do not delight in sacrifice or I would bring it.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart…”

O--David lusted and then slept with a married woman, then had her husband killed. David was filled with remorse, he had a broken and contrite heart because he had so badly sinned against God and man.

A--David failed his God, his army, and his country men. We, like David, fail often and we can’t buy our way out of sin by gifts or sacrifices. What God is looking for is a truly repented spirit. God knows our heart and will forgive us when we repent. He is a good, loving and forgiving God.

P-- Oh God, thank you for your grace, mercy and forgiveness.

Thursday May 5, 2011 2 Sam, 10; 1 Chron. 18 & 19, Matt. 21 "The Royal Welcome"

Thursday May 5, 2011
2 Sam, 10; 1 Chron. 18 & 19, Matt. 21
"The Royal Welcome"

S-A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

O- Jesus was making a triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. Thousands of people came shouting "hosanna" and taking off their clothes and laying them at His feet. The King was about to ride by on a donkey.

A-This reminds me of the Royal Wedding that just took place a week ago. All the people in the streets waving their flags and hands just for a glimpse of the royalty. People waited for hours, for that moment....In Honor of the passing by of the royalty. I think about taking off my clothes and throwing them down for the King, and although in reality, I wouldn't take of my shirt and throw it down....spiritually I would give Him everything and lay it at His feet, and for the invitation to Him, we get the front row seat.

P-Lord their is a triumphal entrance of your presence every time a sole is saved, every time one turns and asks you for forgiveness, every time, our hearts are filled with praise, and every time we ask you for your presence in our lives. Thank you that just by the asking we get that front row seat and the glimpse of your royal presence in our lives, and it not just for that moment......it's for invitation, and your RSVP is always "yes."

WORKERS IN THE KINGDOM

Wednesday - May 4, 2011 - 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18-19; Matthew 21

S - Matthew 21:43 Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

O - Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees. He had compared them to the son who said he would work, but didn't and also to the tenants of the vineyard who mistreated the owner's servants and killed his son. 

A - What are we doing to advance the kingdom of God? Are we sitting here in our cushy churches with our fancy titles of position snubbing the commoners and not doing the work that Jesus set before us? I do not want to stand on the sidelines and not participate in the harvest. Harvest time is a joyous time - a time to celebrate and to WORK.

P - Lord, enable me and strengthen me to work for You. Don't take Your kingdom from me. I want to produce fruit for You!

Serving Brings Fruit

by Cathy Weymouth


Tuesday 5/3/2011 - 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20 - Serving Brings Fruit

S - Matthew 20:26-28 JBP- Whoever among you wants to be great must become the servant of you all, and if he wants to be first among you he must be your slave - just as the Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life to set many others free."

O - The mother of two of the disciples asked Jesus if her sons could sit next to him when he became King.  This spurred upset among the other ten as well as an opportunity for Jesus to share the true walk of a Christian, which is to serve others.  Jesus used his own life as a demonstration - the Son of God come to become the King of the world but living the life of a servant rather than expecting to be served, as would be customary with a King.

A - Sometimes we lay down our lives to serve others - giving our life to set others free.  We watch and hunger to see the fruits of our labors.  Lately, I've been wondering about the fruit of my ministry; seems as though the enemy is out to discourage me.  But, now as I develop a new aspect of Tune the Temple that I pray and hope will bring increasing levels of freedom to Temple Tuners, I feet the Lord impressing me to continue pressing on - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Gals 6:9).

P - Lord, You laid down your life to serve and set us free.  We follow in your footsteps.  I pray that our diligent work will indeed reap a harvest. I pray that if anyone is discouraged, that you will inspire them today - to continue on in their serving.  We need Your energy, inspiration, and longevity.  May we press on in serving and may there be abundant fruit from it, I pray, Amen.

Monday May 2, 2011 1Chr. 16; Psalm 106; Matt. 19 "It'a Free!"

Monday May 2, 2011

1Chr. 16; Psalm 106; Matt. 19
"It'a Free!"
S- Matt. 19: 16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life."

O- Jesus was walking through the city and people were stopping Him and asking Him questions. He would stop to answer, usually with a question. The question to this question was "why do you ask me about what is good?" Then explaining there is only ONE who is good, and to obey His commandments.

A- We often try to DO to feel what we think is the acceptance of God. Really, He isn't asking us to DO anything, He just wants us to BE what He has created us to BE and that is more like Him, and to obey His word. If we love Him we will follow Him. It doesn't take doing everything you can in serving, for Him to accept us. It's takes everything in our hearts to be totally sold out to Him and to follow His commandments to have eternal life with Him, and what else is there. Works will get us know where, especially if our hearts are cold and bitter. It's FREE! Love in Jesus, and loving Him and following His commandments, and having Joy in all things is what He is looking for.

P-Thank you Lord that you are not a works oriented God. That we cannot earn our way to Heaven, because the ONE has already done that for us, on the cross. That should be sufficient for all, and the grace and the mercy that you extend to each of us, is just that.....for each of us, excluding no one. Your Grace covers the wicked hearts, with just a change of heart and for the asking.....thank you, for your Love for each of us. Amen

Loyalty

S: 1 Chronicles 14:15 – And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.
O: David is seeking direction from God as to whether or not to go into battle against the Phillistines.
A: David was loyal. As we learn more about David one of the things that strikes me is that David didn’t move without seeking God. He didn’t go into battle without consulting God first. He didn’t rely on his own strength and wisdom but submitted all of his decisions to God. He had right relationship with God. David understood from whom all wisdom and strength and power comes from and he was plugged into his power source. When I find myself discouraged or exhausted I am learning to stop and ask myself these simple questions: 1) Did I go to God in prayer about this before I embarked on this adventure? and 2) Am I wading into battle on my own strength or am I plugged into God’s? Loyalty is a discipline that can be learned. It’s lonely when you get into the midst of a battle and you find out you’ve entered the battlefield alone because you ran way out ahead of God. We can become loyal followers of God just like David by following his example – bring everything we face to God in prayer and then wait for him to say “Go”. This time of waiting is often times the very place that God will prepare us and sharpen us for the battle ahead of us.
P: Father God I thank you for your word. It is my desire Lord to be your loyal follower. To follow where YOU lead. To walk in all YOUR ways. To submit every area of my life to you. I love you Lord. Grant me strength and power to fight the battles that YOU lead me to & may the victory be yours and yours alone. Amen.