The Potter's Hands

Sunday, July 31, 2011. Reading: Isaiah 63, 64; Psalm 107; John 2


S: Isaiah 64:8 – But now O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay and you our potter; And all we are the work of your hand.
O: We are like clay in the potter’s hand.
A: This verse fills me with such awe. Have you ever watched a potter at work? It’s messy work. The potter’s wheel spins, sometimes fast and sometimes slow but it’s not the wheel that does the work. It’s the hands. Those hands are carefully wrapped around a lump of clay and with a little pressure here, a little pressure there something begins to take shape. There is no formula. What is being created is born out of the heart and vision of the potter. The potter’s hands are sure and steady gently creating something only the potter can see. Just like God’s work in us - A little pressure here; A gentle nudge there. Creating something out of a messy lump that only He can see; sometimes realizing something isn’t quite right and bringing us back to the form of the “lump” and starting over. All we need to do is stay pliable in the hands of the potter – by realizing the clay has no power of it’s own. All power comes from the hands and all we have to do is surrender ourselves to the process. A little pressure here; a little trim there. I can’t wait to see what this lump is going to turn out to be!
P: Father God – Thank you for being in control. Thank you for your love and vision that are over my life – molding, shaping and forming me into the person you would have me be. This lump of clay is often marred with imperfections but you see only the vision you have for the vessel I will be one day. I surrender my heart, my soul, my life, my “imperfections” to you today. Amen.

The Power of Sons!

by Cathy Weymouth

Saturday 7/30/11 Isaiah 60-62; John 1 - The Power of Sons!

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

S - John 1:11-12 JBP, He (Jesus) came into his own world, and his own people would not accept him.  Yet wherever men did accept him he gave them the power to become sons of God.  These were the men who truly believed in him ...

O - John is describing Jesus creating the world and them coming to the world he created.  When people accept or receive Jesus by believing in him, not only do they become God's children, but with that position comes power!  Being God's child includes gaining the power of a son.

A - I love reading a different translation because things pop out that I didn't see in the one I have used for years.  My version doesn't use the word power, so it stood right out to me! (JB Phillips New Testament has been a joy to read this year!).  In the Greek, this word power includes authority, liberty, power, right and strength.  These are the features we gain as God's sons.  We have the right to be God's sons!  We have authority and liberty and power. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming and we forget who we are in Jesus.

P - Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus.  Thank you that you gave me the opportunity to accept Him and thus gain all this power.  May we all rise up in that authority and not limp along in life. Amen.

“BUILD UP BUILD UP”

Isaiah 57-59; Psalm 103; 2Peter 3

S=Scripture=Objective. A=Application, P=Prayer

S--Isa. 57;14 “…Build up, build up, prepare the road. Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”

O--The people declare they were followers of God….yet they continued to worship idols. They felt hopeless in the ability to change.

A--I think about the Christian church today and believe that God is calling us to BUILD UP not tear down, to remove the roadblocks and not set them up…to stop judging and start reaching out in love to His people. We should be people of compassion, “re“-presenting Christ through love, compassion, mercy and grace. It doesn’t matter how a person dresses, talks or where they come from…they need God’s mercy. God loves them. We need to help to build up…and not tear down, that is how they will see God in us.

P--Oh God…help me to see with your eyes of love, mercy and compassion, and help me to reach out to others without judgment.

WE WIN!

Thursday, July 28, 2011 - Isaiah 53-56; 2 Peter 2

S - Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord.

O - God is speaking to His people (us) through the prophet Isaiah.  Serve the Lord and be victorious against your enemies.  Woot!

A - You will refute every tongue that accuses you.  How's that for building your confidence?  If you serve the Lord, you will prevail over your enemies.  Period.  You win!  So, where is your fear?  It should be far from you because God said it.  He didn't say "some" of the tongues, He said "every."  Be confident, even when people accuse you.

P - Thank You, Lord, that I have seen this played out in my life.  Help me to prosper, Lord, that You may be glorified.

SING FOR JOY

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - Isaiah 50-52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1

S - Psalm 92:4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.

O - When we focus on what the Lord has done, we can have joy.

A - Jesus healed my husband after he had suffered for 22 years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  My expectation was that he would hit the ground running and I wouldn't be able to keep up with him.  My reality is that I am still quite capable of running circles around him and more often than not, I am waiting for him to catch up to me.  When I focus on what my husband is NOT doing, I get discouraged and down - trust me, it's not good.  But, God consistently reminds me that He healed my husband, who suffered with pain, brain fog and constant fatigue every day for the first nine years of our marriage.  He has none of this now.  :-)  When I focus on THIS, I have joy!

P - Lord, help me to remember all that You have done, and give me hope for all that You will do.  Thank You for the joy, Jesus!

I am His Personal Concern!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 7/26/11 - Isaiah 46-49; 1 Peter 5 - I am His Personal Concern!

S - 1 Peter 5:7 JBP, You can throw the whole weight of your anxiety upon him, for you are his personal concern.

O - In the context of talking about humility and how God gives grace to the humble, Peter mentions that since God so intimately cares for us, we can totally dump our anxiety on Him!  I love the wording, "You are his personal concern!"  This describes and reveals an intimate God.  In the HCSB versions, it says, "Casting all your care on Him because He cares about you."  In the Message it is worded, "Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."

A - Casting, throwing the weight, of anxiety on someone else who is in control sure sounds better than carrying it ourselves! Let's dump it right on Him.  Give it right back!  I have been struggling lately and sometimes I'm overcome with anxiety, fear, and tears.  But I let the tears flow and I come back around to realizing I'm not trusting again. So today I throw the whole weight of my concern on my God who cares about me, for me, and is personally concerned.

P - Lord, forgive our unbelief and our human tendencies toward anxiety and worry.  I want to live the carefree life.  If I could remember that you are most careful with me, you have every hair numbered and every detail under control, then maybe I wouldn't walk so in fear.  Thank you so much for caring this deeply.  Love and hugs, Cathy!

Be Present to the Moment

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 7/25/11 – Isaiah 43-45; 1 Peter 4 – “Be Present to the Moment”

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

S– Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

O – The prophet had been talking about the deliverance from Egypt and passage through the Red Sea; and now promises something even greater. He calls them to forget the past and know that God will do a new work. He is saying that God’s intervention on their behalf will be so much greater than what they have known; and they shall know His provision and care like never before.

A – We look back to see the past faithfulness of God, but we must be present to the moment to see His guidance and provision. We can miss the hand of God when we are focused only on the past, even when it is good. The past should serve as a foundation for new expectation of God’s providence in our lives. Check out the Message version of these verses: Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.”

P – Lord, alert us to Your movement in our lives! Cause us to see all that You are doing so that we don’t miss a thing! Show us the roads You make through our deserts, and the rivers You forge through our dry places. We don’t want to miss any of Your works!

Stand Firm

7/24/11

Isaiah 40-42; 1 Peter 3

S: Isaiah 40:8 (MSG). True the grass withers and the wildflowers fade; but our God’s Word stands firm forever.
O: God’s word endures forever.
A: What comfort there is in knowing that God’s word doesn’t change like the latest fad but stands firm forever. This is why I am able to trust in God’s word. I don’t have to wonder if he’s changed his mind or if I have fallen out of favor. God’s word is His word. If His Word tells me I am created in his image, was beautifully and wondrously made and that I cannot be separated from that love then I can trust in that. I belong to Him. Period.
P: Father God thank you that your word stands firm and endures forever. Thank you for being the one thing in my life that will not change. Amen.

WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION

S=Scripture=Objective. A=Application, P=Prayer

S--2Kings 3 ‘Remember O Lord how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in Your eyes.”

O--This is the prayer that Hezekiah prayed when told he was going to die.

A--Do I walk with wholehearted devotion to my God? Am I walking the talk… or just talking? Am I doing what is good in God’s eyes? Today is the first day of the rest of my life and from this point on I want to walk the talk.

P--Oh God, forgive me for the times that I was less than wholehearted about my relationship with you. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You.

Thursday July 21, 2011 S=Scripture, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer 2 Kings 18, 19; 2 Chron. 32 James "Don't Grumble & Judge"

Thursday July 21, 2011
S=Scripture, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

2 Kings 18, 19; 2 Chron. 32 James
"Don't Grumble & Judge"

S- James 5:9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The judge is standing at the door!

O- James is writing about how we must conduct ourselves as christians. In this passage he is saying "don't grumble and judge each other." Don't talk about each other, and judge the way someone else is or is not. For if you do, you will also be judge by the God of the universe in the same way.

A- Wooo hooo woo hooooo....Wow, Easier said, than DONE! Well, unless you are confident in who you are and know how God sees and thinks of you. Then how others are doesn't really matter, because you know that their walk is not yours. The easiest way to turn off a non-believer is by judging what they do......"well, if you want to be a christian, you have to quit_______(fill in the blank). Or better yet, they are a christian, because they gave their life to the Lord, but they still struggle with __________(fill in the blank). We all struggle with something, so who are we to judge.

P-Lord help us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and love one another for who we are, not who we want people to be. Let us see the gold that you see in everyone. Before we are quit to judge, remind us that there is gold and treasure in every life, because every life is your creation, and each is unique and has purpose in the body of Christ. Thank you for your GRACE & your Love. Amen!!!!

AND SO HE PROSPERED

Wednesday, July 20, 2011 - 2 Chronicles 29-31; James 4

S - 2 Chronicles 31:21 In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly.  And so he prospered.

O - King Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and he was prosperous.

A - "And so he prospered."  Hezekiah prospered BECAUSE he sought God and worked wholeheartedly.  Colossians 3:23 tells us that whatever we do, we should work at it with our whole heart, as working for the Lord.  Seek God and work hard.  You're working for His glory.  Make Him proud.

P - Lord, give me the wisdom to prioritize my tasks and the strength to accomplish them.  Help me to work well so that You may be glorified.

Fearless at the Cliff-Edge of Doom!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 7/19/11 - 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3 - Fearless at the Cliff-Edge of Doom

S - Psalm 46:1-2 MSG, God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.  We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom...

O - When we know God and His Faithfulness, we become fearless, even when things look hopeless or overwhelming.

A - I need to remember God's Faithfulness when I am approaching the cliff-edge of doom!  I sometimes become overwhelmed with anxiety when I sense things changing in the future.  I imagine what is happening is that I fear the worst rather than expect the best.  Where is my faith in these times?  I really believe that our Christian experience is simply a walk in faith.  Period.  And sometimes mine waivers...

P - Lord, when I am standing at the cliff edge, help me to remember that you have been there for me in the past so you will be there for me in the future.  I feel like I run ahead of myself at times.  May I instead step back right into your Presence and open arms.  You are my Refuge, my Hiding Place.  I need not fear. Amen!

Becoming a Friend of God

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 7/18/11 – Isaiah 32-35; James 2 – “Becoming a Friend of God”

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

S– James 2:23 – “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"e and he was called God's friend.” NIV

O – When Abraham was still childless, he believed God’s promise that he would have children more numerous than the sand of the sea and the stars of the heavens. There must have been many times when this faith in God’s promise was tested. Willingness to offer Isaac was the greatest evidence of this faith. It was not only an act of obedience, but of faith that God could raise his son from the dead if the sacrifice was required. When Abraham was willing to offer up the only means by which the promise could be realized, the Scripture was fulfilled that he believed God. Abraham’s faith endeared him to the heart of God; and he was called the friend of God.

O – God promised Abraham a child and then asked for Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing that same child. Abraham’s obedience to God was evidence of his faith in God. His faith was brought to maturity through his act of obedience. God’s promises and faithfulness are first. Our obedience is second. As we follow in obedience, we grow in trust as He takes us to new levels in our relationship (friendship) with God. It is our responsibility not to question God’s commands, but to trust and obey, and see the hand of the Lord.

P – Father, teach us to trust You regardless of whether we understand what You may require of us. May each act of our obedience demonstrate a growing faith that will reveal more Truth of Your ways, Your will, and Your love; and draw us toward deeper friendship with You.

Listen Closely.

Sunday, July 17, 2011. Isaiah 29-31; James 1

S: James 1:22 (MSG) Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!
O: Don’t just hear the Word of God; Act on it.
A: The Word of God is meant to change us from the inside out. If we are not truly listening we will miss the message that God has just for us. There have been times when I have left church, a conference or just a conversation with one of the accountability people in my life knowing that God has just spoken directly to me. There have also been times when I’ve sat in these same places thinking about other things with a closed heart and rolled up ears. The result was that I left in the same condition I arrived in. I have a choice today – to listen or not; to act on the truth I have just heard or not. The truth is sometimes I hear things I don’t want to hear that lead me to a place where I come face to face with me and realize I have changes in my life to make. What I have learned though is that as uncomfortable as I may be for a moment God brings these things before me because he has something better for me. Drink deeply of the Word of God. Listen to what God has for you today and then take an action.
P: Father God I thank you that you have given me ears to hear. Open my ears today that I may hear you and give me courage to not simply be a hearer of your Word but a doer. Teach me to Listen to and Act on every word you have for me. Change me from the inside out Lord. Amen.

A Relentless Pursuit

S - Isaiah 26:8b-9 "The desire of our soul is for Your name, and for the remembrance of You. With my soul, I have desired You in the night. Yes, by my spirit within me, I will seek you early; For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness."

O - In this passage, we glimpse the reletless pursuit of the prophet for God and for his kingdom to come. He pursues God day and night. He is not pursuing "goose bump" personal experiences and this is way more thatn a morning "quiet time" with God. He is passionate that God will be remembered and glorified. He is pursuing international revival where "the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness".
I often pursue God for my personal needs or the needs of family and friends. I could feel bad about this, or I could look at this, as simply a "road post" that tells me that there is more ahead for me, a deeper, greater call of God, an expansion that that God wants to do in my heart.

A - I need to pursue God and his kingdom not just my personal or family needs.

P - Lord, forgive me when my vision is limited and my pursuit of You so small. Give me a heart like Isaiah had. Let him be a divine mentor to me, showing me that there is much more for me than what I am currently experiencing. Expand my heart, fire up my desire for you and for your kingdom and glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

“GO MARY GO…YOU CAN DO IT!”

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

S--Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every thing that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

O--The writer of Hebrews likens the Christian walk to a race. The cloud of witnesses are the heroes of the faith who have come before us.

A--”Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” According to this scripture my race has been especially marked out for me…not for Tom,
or Dick…but for me, Mary. I have been appointed cheerleaders to encourage me along the way! Now this is exciting! People who have already run their race, who know, not only the pitfalls and discouragements…but understand the challenge and elation of finishing the race! I also have my family and church family whose lives encourage me. The parents who tragically experienced the death of their teenage child…yet were able to forgive and go on to encourage others experience the same kind of loss; the young girl who was abandoned by her mom, yet went on to forgive and also encourage others; the very humble and lovely woman who was humiliated and broken by her husband who left her for a younger woman, she too forgave and then ministered to other women experience like pain. The heroes of the faith both past and present call out to me “GO MARY GO…YOU CAN DO IT!”

P--Thank you Father for those heroes past and present who encourage me daily, Help me, O Lord, to finish my race well and to encourage others to persevere in their race.

Is. 19-21 Heb. 11 "Because God says so"

Thursday July 14, 2011
S-scripture O-observation A-application P-prayer
Is. 19-21 Heb. 11
"Because God says so"
S-Heb. 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

O-This is a letter to the hebrews giving many examples of believer's who believed in their faith in God, and exercised it. Even though they could not see what was being asked of them, they believed in God and had faith in what he was asking them to do. Faith is the mark of God's servants. You cannot please God without faith.

A- Sometimes God will ask me to do some pretty crazy stuff. How about you? Have you ever just looked up and said "really Lord....you want me to what?" I have, and it's so awesome when you do it, and then you see the why, and you know it is God. When I say crazy in the way, that it doesn't make sense as to why a person would do some of the things he asks. Why would anyone reach into their wallet and send money to someone they don't even know? Well, because God puts it on your heart, and my faith says, if God puts it on my heart, the details of the who?, why?, and how come?, do not matter. The answer when you have faith is, because God said so. Faith is not a coincidence.

P-Father, thank you for faith. We can't see it, we just need to believe in it. Thank you that with it we are pleasing to you. Strengthen me in my faith when I am lacking, and to trust in you with all my heart. I love seeing examples of people trusting in the faith in you.......I am thankful! Thank you! Amen

SPUR ONE ANOTHER

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - Isaiah 15-18; Hebrews 10

S - Hebrews 10:24  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...

O - We are being told not to give up on each other, our fellow Christians, but to spur each other on, encourage each other.

A - Kick 'em to the curb.  Oh, Lord, how often do I feel like giving up on some who seem to never change?  They keep being mean and judgmental and keep on sinning even though they profess a faith in Jesus Christ.  And yet, I am called to consider how, to figure out a way, to convince these same people to go in the other direction, that they may love and do good things - to not give up on them.

P - Oh, Lord, teach me to love even more, that I may encourage others on to love.

New Covenant Began at Jesus' Death

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 7/12/11 Isaiah 11-14; Hebrews 9 - New Covenant Began at Jesus' Death

S – Hebrews 9:16-17 MSG, Like a will that takes effect when someone dies, the new covenant was put into action at Jesus' death. His death marked the transition from the old plan to the new one, canceling the old obligations and accompanying sins, and summoning the heirs to receive the eternal inheritance that was promised them. He brought together God and his people in this new way.

O – The author is discussing in this chapter how Jesus became our perfect high priest, shed his blood for the remission of our sins, and launched a New Covenant. It is very important to note that the New Covenant began at his death, not during His earthly ministry.

A – While Jesus was walking on the earth, He was continuing to point out the fruitlessness of trying to live by the Law and drawing people towards Grace. The law still existed then; the Old Covenant was still in effect. Therefore, be sure to observe who Jesus is speaking to – to determine if His words apply to Believers today or for the Jews trying to live under the law. The words of Paul, however, are all New Covenant words – because they were written after Jesus' death which set up the New Covenant. (When I first heard this concept from Grace teachers, I thought it was blasphemy; now I believe it to be true. What do you think?)

P – Father, help us to discern wisely which words in the Gospels are for us. May we be clear to reject any words or concepts that have to do with the Law and the Old Covenant – especially since Jesus paid such a high price that we live in the New Covenant. May we not waste His gift. Amen.

A Better Covenant

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 7/11/11 – Isaiah 8-10; Hebrews 8 – “A Better Covenant”

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

S– Hebrews 8:6 – “The ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.” NIV

O – The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus came with a superior ministry of a superior covenant. The promises of the New Covenant were superior not because they were more reliable (because they both came from God), but because the goals they were designed to accomplish were superior to the objectives set up for the Old Law.

A – The theme here is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God’s grace. There can be no turning back to the Old Law; it has been superseded by the unique priesthood of Christ. We, as God’s people must look only to Him, whose atoning death, resurrection and ascension have opened the way into God’s presence.

P – Father we thank You for the power of the New Covenant of grace that you have provided for us through Your Son. May we learn to live from it, walk in it, and be carriers of love and grace as a result of it...

The Power of Goal Setting for Good or Evil

S - Micah 2:1 - 2a - "Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds!At morning light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. they covet fields and take them by violence..."

O - This is goal setting run amok. This scripture tells of people having an evil goal, planning it, and following through and acting on that goal. Over and over in the news lately, I have read the sad story of trusted employees who stole from their company or town. They did this crime for years and years. They did it for years and years because there were no checks and balances in the system and because people trusted them. They did it because they could. It was "in their power". Now their sin has been exposed, and their judgement has come, and the are experiencing disgrace, a ruined life, and jail time.

A - What we think,imagine, and plan, may turn into action, so we must be careful that what we think and dream about are good godly thoughts that we would not be ashamed to have others know about.

P - Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you. Amen.

GIVE ME MILK or WHERE’S THE BEEF?

S=SCRIPTURE - O=OBJECTIVE - A=APPLICATION - P=PRAYER

S-Heb. 5; 14 “But solid food is for the mature who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

O-The writer of Hebrews is warning against falling away from God. He is complaining that people, who should be teaching, are still on a diet of milk like infants and are not acquainted with the truths of God. He encourages them to turn to solid food.

A-This scripture states that by the constant use of the Word they have trained themselves. How do I grow in the knowledge of God and His Word…by being consistent in seeking Him, spending time with Him and reading and studying His Word. A child who grows up without training and education, grows up to be an adult but does not reach his potential, so we, as Christians, receiving our only training in church on Sundays will never mature and become strong men and women of God, able to re-present Christ to a hurting world. I want to know God and His ways. I want to be used by God. I want to be able to hand down God’s great love, mercy, and faithfulness to the next generation.

P- Father help me to be serious about my walk with you. Teach me Your ways and help me to walk in them.

Thursday July 7, 2011 S=Scripture O=Observation A+Application P=Prayer Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4 "Disqualified"

Thursday July 7, 2011

S=Scripture O=Observation A+Application P=Prayer
Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
"Disqualified"
S-Hebrews 4:1 (the Message bible) For as long, then, as that promise of resting in Him pulls us on to God's goal for us, we need to be careful we're not disqualified.

O- God has prepared a place of rest for all those who believe. It's a place called peace, the peace of God and the assurance and belief that what the word says is, and God can take care of all of our needs, and not to worry, and to share that peace with others. Some don't believe it, and don't rest, and get disqualified because their faith and their relationship with God, is not strong.

A- The word "disqualified" caught my attention. When an olympian or someone famous in sports is found to be disqualified, the news gets major attention, because it's a big deal. It means that everything that you believed in and worked hard for, is done......disqualified. You can't finish your race, you've done a "no no" or you got injured. Ouch, I never want to be "disqualified" in anything. Exercise your faith, and continue to run your race, and finish well.

P- The you Lord that you warn us to be careful, and not just disqualify us for lack of faith. Help us to learn how to trust and rest in you. I give you all my cares and issues of this day, and even just saying that, I can feel a peace, because you are the best supplier of all my needs. Thank you Lord for allowing me to run my race, and not be disqualified. Amen!

ENCOURAGE

Wednesday - 7/6/2011 - Hosea 6-9; Hebrews 3

S - Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

O - We are to encourage each other every day to prevent sin from taking up residence in our hearts.

A - I was discouraged the other day while on a missions trip with a group of teens.  They were all exhausted and annoyed with each other (and I'm sure with me.)  I was exhausted and annoyed with them.  But, I cried out to God to show me how to encourage them to continue.  I asked Him to show me how to love and encourage them so they could in turn love and encourage the broken people whom we had come to help. And He gave me words to help get them through another day, to help them finish strong.  Thank You, Lord.

P - Jesus, help me to always encourage others to continue their race, to reach for You, to finish strong.

Bringing Many Sons to Glory!

Tuesday 7/5/11 Hosea 2-5; Hebrews 2 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory

S - Hebrews 21:10, It was right and proper that in bringing many sons to glory, God (from whom and by whom everything exists) should make the leader of their salvation perfect through his sufferings.

O - God is bringing many sons (and daughters) to glory!  We are glorious sons in His Kingdom, adopted in by the suffering of Jesus. We get to go along for the ride, totally embraced, welcomed, gifted - all because of the work of Jesus, not because of our work!

A - I recently heard an audio teaching message by John Sheasby about this very topic.  I listened to several tracks numerous times, renewing my mind and saturating my spirit with the concept of self-respect and dignity.  We are God's children - worthy of being treated with respect by others because of the price Jesus has paid for our lives. We are glorious sons! If you struggle with self-care and self-respect, take a listen here to the September 2010 teaching, Glorious Sons.

P - Father, Jesus suffered so that we would be joint heirs with Him.  Thank you for your glorious plan which is bringing many sons to glory!  May we grasp what this really means. Amen.

"God Friends"

Sunday July 3, 2011
Is. 6 & 7, 2 Chron. 26 & 27, Philem.

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
"God Friends"
S-Philemon 1:7 NIV Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

O- Paul is writing to the Philemon's with much joy for the love and Grace that they extend to the Lord, all his people. Paul calls the Philemon's FRIENDS, and says he prays and thinks of them often with much a joy in his heart for they carry the favor & goodness of God. As a friend, Paul asks a favor, to welcome home his friend Onesimus, and to cancel his debts, if any owed.

A- In my application of this scripture, it inspires me to be one that knows God and His will & love for His people, to be a carrier of His grace and Favor. To love and to accept those, and to not hold a debt of repayment over anyone's head. God does not hold me to pay back anything for the things that I have done wrong, therefore nor should I do that to anyone......not just believer's but non-believers as well. His grace is sufficient for me, and for everyone else too. I also love that Paul says when he thinks & prays about the Philemons, he feels much joy and peace. Those are the best kind of friend to have, because they are the ones that you can ask a favor of in a time of need, and they will be there. I consider them GOD friends:)

P- Lord I thank your for all my God friends. The ones that when I think of them not only do they bring joy to my heart, but also to yours. I ask that you bless each one of them for the servant in them and for the heart that you created in them.....to be ambassadors for you, and to love and accept not only me but others unconditionally. Thank you for
God friends.
Amen

Blessing from God for You and Me

S - Ps. 115:13 - May you be blessed by the Lord who made heaven and earth.

O - Psam 115 is a call to trust. We are told to trust our creator to be our help and shield. Ps 115 also calls us to stir up our expectation of God's blessing. Four times, this Psalm says "He will bless..." Who does God bless. He will bless his people, those who fear him." I don't earn His blessing, I receive it because of who He is.

A - I will trust God and look to Him for his blessing.

P - Lord, I call upon you to be my help at my point of need today. I boldly ask for your blessing on my life and on my family today and everyday. In Jesus' name, and because I am a daughter of God, I pray, Amen.

DOING WHAT IS RIGHT

S-Titus 3:9 “Avoid foolish controversies and quarrels about the law because these are unprofitable and useless.”

O- Paul is writing to Titus instructing him on how to live a productive life.

A-How much time do we waste arguing and debating issues just to prove what…that we are knowledgeable; that we are right? Everyone wants to be right…but we often put too much stock in being right…it feeds our pride, and can create an atmosphere of hostility. Paul says it is unprofitable and useless. We should look for the things that we agree on…creating an atmosphere of peace and openness which encourages a positive dialogue.

P- Father help me to have a loving and agreeable spirit.