Wednesday, November 30, 2011
NOT ASHAMED
S- Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
O - Paul was not ashamed to tell people about Jesus because they got saved from eternal damnation when they believed it.
A - I am not ashamed to believe in the God who created me. I don't harbor resentment against those who say I am misguided, brainwashed, and just plain stupid. I was once the same as my accusers and so I know that even THEY can be saved. I like me (and actually, so do they!) But, let me tell you, I couldn't stand myself before I believed in Jesus.
P - Lord, save all those people in my life who are blind to You. Use me. They need You, Lord!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Called to be Cheerleaders!
Tuesday 11/29/11 1 Thess 4,5; 2 Thess 1-3 - Called to be Cheerleaders!
S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - 1 Thess 5:11, So go on CHEERING AND ENCOURAGING each other, as I have no doubt you are doing. JB Phillips
O - Paul is exhorting the Thessalonian church to stay alert while waiting for the Lord's return. And to be an encouragement to one another in the meantime.
A - In the message Bible, it is worded, "So speak encouraging words to one another. BUILD UP HOPE so you'll all be together in this..." If we want to make an impact into people's lives, how we speak to each other can make a huge difference. I love the word "cheering" in this verse. When I was a teen, I was a cheerleader; I think I still am! I love to encourage and build up. I think it's a great way to foster hope and movement in the right direction. As a friend said to me yesterday, loving and validating and seeing the gifts and strengths in another works better at motivating than a hard approach does.
P - Father, may we all be cheerleaders, building up hope in one another. May we foster movement in the right direction through positive words rather than negative ones. And help us to remember we are not responsible for other people, their lives and the outcome, we are just responsible to love and encourage them. Amen
Monday, November 28, 2011
Doubt
S: Matt 28: 17 “When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.”
O: Jesus has been crucified and now He has risen. He has appeared to the women and now he appears to the disciples. He was right before their eyes – right there – but still there were some who doubted what they were seeing.
A: Why is it something can be staring you right in the face but still there is doubt? It’s not easily understood, but it appears to be just part of one’s nature sometimes – to doubt – like “doubting Thomas.” God can clearly speak to us, but the enemy constantly says, it’s for someone else, even for everyone else, but it’s not meant for you. That little bit of doubt gets in the way and our enemy gladly snowballs it into major interference.
P: Jesus please help us to erase our skepticism. You offer everything and our misgivings nothing. Have mercy on us so that we can be hopeful to see you when you’re right there in front of us!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
An Alabaster Flask
S: Matthew 26:7 – a woman came to him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrance and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.
O: The woman was anointing Jesus for burial. The disciples criticized her saying she could have sold the oil and given the money to the poor.
A: The disciples were acting under the influence of the world. They thought they saw waste and extravagance in the woman with the oil. Jesus recognized that she was preparing his body for burial. Jesus recognized her sacrificial act. How many times when we look at what “other people” are doing do we look with eyes of the world and miss what is truly going on. Why? Because we focus on the actions of a single person and don’t look deeper to the heart. We see with blind eyes. Perhaps not physically blind; but spiritually blind. We are called to love not to judge. It is not our job to change another person; just to love them and usher them into the presence of Jesus. HE is the change that we all desperately need.
P: Father God thank you for the woman with the alabaster flask. Thank you that she stayed true to what you had for her to do and didn’t worry about what other people might think. Change my heart Lord. Let me love everyone in my path today….as you would love them. Let my walk with you be my alabaster flask and its fragrance pleasing to you. Amen.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
“No One Knows the Day or Hour”
Saturday, 11-26, 2011 – Matthew 23, 25
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“No One Knows the Day or Hour”
S – Matthew 24:42 “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”
O – Jesus is responding to the disciples question, “Tell us, when will these things be?”
A – I love surprises, but I don’t like to be surprised. Now, that may sound contradictory, but there are surprises that you can expect, and then there are the unexpected surprises. Jesus spoke in parables and this seems to be turning out to be one right here! Someday we can expect our Lord and Savior to return. He has promised it! Men have tried to predict it and have failed in their attempts. If the Father didn’t make His son aware of the day or hour why would any man even attempt to predict the return of our Lord and Savior. Jesus gave us indicators and by the looks of things around us it could be soon. For those of us who are waiting for His return hopefully we will be in that watchful place of, “I knew you were coming Lord and it’s such a pleasant surprise! And not Lord, you surprised me I didn’t think you were coming so soon. That’s just it, we don’t know when He will return for His children. We see signs all around us. Hopefully we won’t be taken by “surprise” unawares, but be taken up to meet Him in the air. SURPRISE!
P- Father only You know the day, the time and the hour, of Your Son’s return. May we all be in a place of readiness, a place of watching, a place of waiting….in You. May we not be taken unawares, but be taken up at your return to join in the “surprise” that you have prepared for us.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
ARISE
S: Matthew 17:7 “But Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’”
O: The three disciples with Jesus on the mountain became terrified when they heard God’s voice speaking. They had just seen Jesus transfigured, along with the appearance of Moses and Elijah. This was just a bit too much for them. Jesus’ simple touch and calm voice gently commanded them to rise up and have no fear.
A: What a great verse to keep in one’s heart. When the terrors of daily life strike, we can simply repeat the words of Jesus to arise and have no fear, don’t be afraid. Jesus is reminding us that we can really do that which strikes fear in our hearts. I’ve learned over the years those matters that I didn’t think I’d ever be able to face or get though that simply by arising and putting one foot in front of the other, I did it – I survived. I will admit I was afraid and plain angry that I had to go through those trials, but I am here to say that a little voice in my heart kept me going. I cannot take credit because I wanted to crumple up and hibernate until it was over. How much stronger are we when we arise, listen to Jesus and while we may really be afraid, we do it anyway, because He tells us to have no fear? I’m still here along with many others simply because we heard that gentle voice.
P: Dear Jesus, where I am hesitant, afraid, unwilling, defiant, please allow me to hear You whisper to me “do not be afraid” and to rise to the challenge. If I focus on You and not the fear, I may amaze myself with what I can do instead of turning tail and running. I am thankful!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
WALKING ON WATER
S - Matthew 14:29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
O - When Peter was focusing on Jesus, he was able to walk on water, just like Jesus did.
A - When we focus on Jesus we can do things that seem impossible. When we read the next verse, we find that when Peter turned his attention to the storm, he started to sink. When we look at the dire circumstances around us, that's when we "sink." Jesus wants us to have faith and focus on Him. When we do that the impossible becomes possible.
P - Lord, help me to always see You in the storm. I don't ever want to focus more on my circumstances than on You. Tell me to walk on water, Jesus.
If You Say Go
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Jesus Enjoyed Life!
By Cathy Weymouth Tuesday 11/22/11
S - Matt 11:18-19 For John came in the strictest austerity and people say, 'He's crazy!' Then the Son of Man came, enjoying life, and people say, 'Look, a drunkard and a glutton - the bosom-friend of the tax-collector and the sinner.'
O - Jesus speaks of the Jews complaining about John and Jesus, although their lifestyle was so different.
A - I love that Jesus was so fun! I can just picture him enjoying life hanging out in meals. I don't want a stuffy life. John's life would have been a lonely one for me.
P - Thank you Father that Jesus was real, down to earth, and hung out with the worst of the crowd. He is our example of fun and fellowship!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Facing Fear
S: Matthew 10:30-31 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
O: Jesus is giving instructions to the disciples for their mission to preach the Word. He is talking about fear – what to be really fearful of – damnation. He reminds them that a tiny sparrow is provided for by God. Since God knows exactly how many strands of hair each of us has on our heads, how much more then God will provide for His disciples as they spread the Word.
A: This is a very good thing to remember in life – that God is in control, to listen and to let go and let God. We need not be afraid because God “has our back.”
P: God, I try to be strong and brave, but I find it hard most of the time. Please help me to remember God will provide and through Christ, I can do anything.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The No Judgment Zone
S: Matthew 7:3 – And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but do not consider the plank in your own?
O: Jesus is asking why we judge and criticize others over some small, petty matter yet do nothing to identify the sin in our own lives.
A: It is our sinful nature that desires to be a little bit better than the next person and if we spend our time focused on the sin in other people’s lives than we don’t have to look at the sin in our own lives. After all focusing on sin in other people is far less painful that that look in the mirror can be. But it is my heart that Jesus wants to change and truth be told if I truly focused all my energy on getting my own heart right……I would have no time to focus on anyone else. I would much rather be a person that calls out the gold in those around me than one who calls out the dross.
P: Father God forgive me for judging others. I am far from perfect. Purify my heart Lord that I may better serve those around me; that you may find my walk a pleasing offering. Amen.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
Saturday, 11-19, 2011 – Matthew 1-4
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
S – Matthew 4:17 ”From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
O – Jesus is beginning His ministry at Capernaum located on the western shore of Galilee along the border of the two ancient tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.”
A – When I read about Jesus entering into the beginning of His ministry, I get excited! It’s like watching an action movie unfold. The powers of darkness are about to be invaded by the Light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. People are going to be set free from darkness and come into the glorious light. The sin that bound them like chains are going to be removed and they are going to walk in freedom. Yeah God! It’s the, “Never Ending Story” but, instead of the nothing (darkness) which attempts to destroy everything, it’s Jesus (our hero) the Light of the world who comes to save those who are lost and dying. He is the, “Greatest story ever told” and for those of us who have seen, and tasted, and are filled with this Great Light need to tell others the story, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”
P- Lord, You are the Light and you have overcome the powers of darkness. You are our hero and there is no one else like you. As I tell others of Your great love for the them, help them to believe and receive the message of repentance and forgiveness so that they will be set free from the powers of darkness and come into Your glorious light and be part of the never ending story of your great love. Amen!
Friday, November 18, 2011
"LATER"
“Later”
S=Scripture, O=Objective, A=Application, P=Prayer
Amplified Bible
S-4:19 “And He (Jesus) said to them, Come after Me (as disciples-letting Me be your Guide), follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men!
O- Jesus is calling forth Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew fishermen to be His disciples.
A- What if Peter and Andrew had said…”Later God, I must do this and that, I am just a fisherman what could You want with me.” I wonder if they thought…I am not a learned person, I don’t speak with eloquence and I smell like fish? When God calls us to follow Him do we drop everything like Peter and Andrew and follow Him? Or do we say…I’m too young…too old…I don’t know the Bible well enough…I’ve been divorced…I still smoke…I still drink? When God calls we need to remember He is God and He knows EVERYTHING about us…yet in spite of that (or maybe because of that) He still calls. We need to respond like those rough and unschooled men Peter and Andrew. verse 20 “At once they left their nets and ….followed Him.”
P-Thank You God that You are no respecter of persons…You have forgiven me of all my sins and You remember them against me NO more. You have a plan for my life…I want to hear Your voice and be obedient. Teach me to say Yes God.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
VISION
S: 2 Cor 10:7(k): Do you look at things according to the outward appearance?
O: This scripture goes on to discuss belonging to Christ. If we belong to Him, we are His – inside and out – we are His servants and disciples.
A: Yes, I do look at things according to outward appearance, unfortunately, more than I should. I, as well as many others, make up our minds about things and people just by looking on the outside. Thank goodness God doesn’t! He looks at things from the inside – our hearts, our minds, our souls. He doesn’t care if my clothes are the latest style or from the past; He doesn’t care if I am a former anything, only that I care about Him, am willing to serve and be His disciple, growing and learning His ways. I look at things according to my authority – which is zero, but I still do it. The reality is I’m wrong in doing so – I need to look through the heart of Christ’s love.
P: Father, forgive me. I am human and weak and judgmental. May I share your love and acceptance with others, regardless of what reality I think I see.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
FREEDOM
S - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
O - Paul was just speaking of our ability to see and know God and of veils being lifted so we CAN see Him. And Paul goes on the say this - if you see and know God, you can be free.
A - It is in knowing who God is and what He did for us that we are set free from everything that troubles us. We bring this message to the lost and broken, but we must also live it every day. Do you believe? Do you truly believe that Christ has set you free? Then live in the knowledge of that freedom. Show the world.
P - Father God, help me to remember to walk in the knowledge of my freedom every day and to show others the door to their own freedom - YOU!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Carriers of the Scent of Christ
Tuesday 11/15/11 Job 41,42; 2 Cor 1,2 - Carriers of the Scent of Christ
S = Scripture; O = Observation; A = Application; P = Prayer
S - 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 JBP, Thanks be to God who leads us, wherever we are, on Christ's triumphant way and makes our knowledge of him spread throughout the world like a lovely perfume! We Christians have the unmistakable "scent" of Christ, discernible alike to those who are being saved and to those who are heading for death.
O - Paul shares with the Corinthian Believers that he and his companions were led in their travels by the Spirit of God. And that where ever they went, they brought the presence of Christ with them.
A - I love what Jason Cooper said during the Sunday AM service 11/13/11, "Where ever we go, we take the Kingdom of God with us." The Kingdom of God shows up - whenever we do! Can you imagine the difference we make in the world as Believers of Jesus and Carriers of His Spirit? Let's grasp this reality with excitement and expectation today. We are spreading the knowledge of Jesus like a lovely perfume. We carry the unmistakable "scent" of Christ. Wow!
P - Lord, use us today to carry Your scent into the world. Thank you for our jobs and encounters where we faithfully bring the Kingdom - because we show up! May our attitudes reflect our excitement in this reality. May we get a new attitude if we need one - and be grateful for the places and assignments you send us to. We are proud carriers of your Perfuming Presence. Amen!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Watch-Stand-Love
Psalm 149, 1 Corinthians 15, 16
S: 1 Cor 16:13-14 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
O: Paul has been trying to help the Corinthians to understand that the gospel he preaches is the only one, the true one. It is the word of God Paul preached that the Corinthians accepted. Others have been trying to sidetrack them with different teachings, causing dissension within the people and some turning away from the teachings of Christ taught by Paul. Paul’s letter warns them of false prophets, to stand firm in their faith, to be brave and strong and to do all in love.
A: We could use these scriptures as a daily mantra. We need to be watchful of what others preach to us; we need to stand firm as a follower of Christ. It will take courage too for we’ll most likely have to step out of our comfort zone to be strong enough to follow through. All that we do on a day-to-day basis – do it with love. Show the love of Christ in our steps, our words, our actions.
P: Lord, this is just what I need to hear. Help me to do it all for the kingdom’s glory and never for mine.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Love Never Fails
S: 1 Corinthians 13:8 – Love never fails.
O: All other gifts of the spirit will fall silent; but love will never fail.
A: Love has the power to change the world; to change a life; to heal a wound; to set people free. A heart filled with love can move mountains. Love doesn’t give up on anyone – ever. Love fills a heart with hope again and again and again. Am I a carrier of love? Of His Love? It was love that compelled an innocent man to freely give himself up to be tortured and put to death when he had done no wrong. That is love. We are called to be carriers of His love. It has to start with us. Is love our motivator? If we examine our hearts will we find love to be our primary motivator? Or are there other things that lurk beneath the surface – like selfishness, a desire for position or power, unforgivness, jealousy or lust? Ouch, right? We cannot sew seeds of love until we deal with our own heart condition. Are we truly willing to put others first – always? No matter how far we have come there is still work to be done. If we focused less on how to get our needs met and more on how to love those God has put right in front of us we could be the change the world so desperately needs. I have had the opportunity to watch people operate out of love and the miracles in lives that followed. I love my Elevate students – every one of them. No matter what I do I will not change their lives. It will be the love for Jesus that they see in me and that will captures them & change them. If my heart is clean the love of Jesus can shine through me. That’s my part. Keeping my heart clean so I can be used. There is no greater love than the love of Christ. That love will never fail.
P: Father God thank you for your love; for a love so immense you willingly sacrificed your son for me. I want to shine with that love; with your love; to all you put in front of me. Purify my heart Lord. Refine me so I can shine for you. Amen.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Members of the Body
Saturday, 11-12, 2011 – Job 37, 38: I Cor. 12
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Members of the Body”
S – I Cor. 12:23 “And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty.”
O – Paul explains to the Corinthians that each member of our body although they may appear weaker are necessary. Each has its place of importance for the whole body to function in unity.
A – We can convince ourselves that the things we do and our participation in the church body is insignificant and unimportant. Paul is telling us nothing can be further from the truth where each member of the Body is concerned. Whatever part I may play or you may play, in the Body of Christ each of us are important, significant, necessary one to the other. For those of us whose thoughts may turn to what I do is so small, Paul tells us great honor is bestowed. I believe in the end, our faithfulness in what He has called us to will count and will be rewarded.
P- Lord help me to remember that as a member of the body of Christ, whatever I am called to do is useful and purposeful for the unity of the body. Whether I am called to teach a Sunday school class, lead a Bible study or asked to assist in the minor details of an event each of us are needed and important to the other. Amen
Friday, November 11, 2011
“THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT”
S=Scripture, O=Objective, A=Application, P=Prayer
S-I Corinthians 10:13b “But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
O-Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to say no to sin.
A-Temptation is not sin. The devil cannot make us sin. Jesus was tempted but He resisted and He fought the enemy using the Word of God. This is the best example for us, that’s why it is so important to KNOW the Word of God. Knowing the Word helps us to not only overcome sin, but teaches us how to live a life that pleases God.
P-Oh God, thank you for always making a way for us to escape from temptation. Thank You for Your Word.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
EXAMINATION
S: Job 35:13 “Surely God will not listen to empty talk; nor will the Almighty regard it.”
O: Elihu is giving Job a talking to as he feels Job is being self-righteous. Elihu reminds him that all Job’s good acts, thoughts and deeds are wasted if they are but performances rather than from a heart of faith.
A: Some days I just get so upset and bewildered as I ask myself how come those who go ahead and act wrongly seem to get everything they want, are never lonely, have all the fun, and well, frankly, they seem to have anything they want. I sometimes ask God why do I bother to be good, why behave, why serve others? What’s my return? That’s when I need to ask myself if I am doing for the sake of just doing something or am I working from a heart of faith? Are my words of prayer to our wise and powerful God filled with a desire to seek Him, a humble attitude and a readiness to live in His will? Are my words, thoughts and desires like eating empty calories? Where is my heart in all of this?
P: Father, some days I am empty and feel like I’m on auto pilot. I ask for the passion of faith, less of me and more of you. I need You for all of my being, for only then I shall be able to stand and serve as Your daughter.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
SIN IS SIN
S - 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins people commit are outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.
O - Paul is telling us to run from sexual immorality. The world tells us to indulge in it.
A - This message goes against what is screamed at us from our televisions, from movies, songs, magazines...from our friends. The world tells us that sex outside of marriage is fun - not immoral. And the world says it is not immoral because everyone is doing it. But, sin is sin, not matter how you color it or how many excuses you make. When you stand before God to account for your life, there is no way around it. What He says in His Word is plain and true.
P - Father God, help me to get the message out. Your Word is true.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
God Never Gives up on You
Tuesday 11/8/11 Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1-3 - God Never Gives up on You
S - 1 Cor 1:8-9 MSG, And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of this Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.
O - Paul is writing to the church at Corinth whom he pastored for over a year. He is encouraging them to remember they are not alone in this spiritual journey. They are never alone.
A - Sometimes we may think that God has turned His back on us because we still struggle in an area. But my Bible says that Jesus took it all, paid for it on my behalf and because Jesus did this for me, God will never leave me, walk away from me or give up on me. His Spirit is always with me. I still think we are clueless as to what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross.
P - Jesus, thank you! You have done so much for me. I believe that your Spirit is always with me, no matter where I go or how much I struggle. And I thank you for providing the Spirit to me and reconnecting me with my Father. You did it! You rescued me from separation from God. I am grateful.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Distress
DISTRESS!
S – Psalms 120 “In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He
heard me.”
O – Psalms 120 is A song of Ascents and is a Plea for Relief
from Bitter Foes.
A - I am one who likes to look up the full meaning of
a word. I think I know what the word means, only to
find that it can encompass much more than I imagined. Take the word “distress” for instance which has an extensive and I might also add
a more inclusive definition. It means;
great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction;
trouble; A state of extreme necessity or misfortune, that which causes pain,
suffering, trouble, danger; liability or exposure to pain, danger….oh, and this
last one a damsel in distress!
The writer of Psalms 120 writes, “In my distress I cried, to the Lord and He heard me.” How do we know that the Lord heard him? He doesn’t expound on it any further, but
this I know, when my children or my grandchildren are in any type of distress
and they cry out to me, I do not turn a deaf ear to them, I respond! Now, if
I hear the cries of my children and grandchildren, how much more does our
Heavenly Father hear us? He hears the
faintest of cries. I will take it a step
further, we don’t even need to cry out loud,
He hears our hearts cry! My thoughts… I believe the one who scribed
the words “and He heard me,” could because
the Lord answered. The Lord’s ear is in tune with His children. He hears us when we call to Him. I can take comfort
in knowing that when I cry out as a “damsel
in distress”, not only will He hear,
He will answer.
P – Father I think of the many times I have been
sorrowful, anxious, troubled, afflicted, in great pain; and I can say that Your
ear was always turned towards my cry.
You never fail. You are Abba
Father, Daddy God the One who not only hears the cries of His children but who
also answers their cries. Thank you
Father for being my answer. Amen
Untangled
S: Galatians 5:1 Stand fast, therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of burden.
O: Paul is striving to convince the Galatian people that by following Christ and living under God’s grace, there they will find true freedom from bondage, all paid for by Christ’s sacrifice.
A: Laws guides us with legal problems. Sports and games are played according to rules. How-to-books exist from A to Z. Government regulations guide banks, utilities and corporations as they do business. Religions have rules too – the do’s and don’ts to lead a good and righteous life in order to earn a just reward. The thing is – this is the one area I don’t need to worry about because that yoke came off when Christ went up on the cross. His sacrifice freed me and gave me the liberty to be in and have God’s grace. I don’t have to earn it – in fact, I can’t. It doesn’t give me free reign though to do as I please – then I would become a slave to the rules and regulations of the enemy.
P: Father God thank you for my freedom. Jesus thank you for your sacrifice that earned my freedom. I don’t have to be worthy of it – I just have to be yours. Amen.
Friday, November 4, 2011
RESURRECTION POWER
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Your Will
S: “And He said, ‘Abba Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not what I will but what You Will.’”
O: Jesus is fervently praying to His Father. Jesus knows His Father can change the hardship and trauma of what is to happen. He asks if it is possible, that His Father do so. But, ever obedient and faithful, Jesus submits to His Father’s will.
A: Ever throw a tantrum? I know I’ve stomped my feet and howled on more than one occasion because I did not get my way. Obviously, my way was not what was right for me at the time. And oh yeah – when I really really really knew the decisions and choices I was making were right – yep, I was wrong. Did I ask God for what I wanted? Absolutely. Did I tell Him it was His will and not mine – nope! Am I learning? YES!! I asked for my will, my yearnings, my way. I can still do that, BUT, I’ve wised up and now I know, leave it to God regardless if I like the answer of His yes or no.
P: Father God, I am not as obedient as your son Jesus, but I am learning! Thank you for providing Your will – whether I was deserving or ready. I ask that my life be according to Your will. Amen!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
BEARING FRUIT
S - Mark 11:13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.
O - The time of year was before the fig fruiting season, but Jesus still expected something from the tree.
A - Jesus expected to see evidence that the tree would bear fruit. Fig trees that will bear fruit later in the season develop a crop of small edible knobs (taqsh) that will later drop off. Obviously, there were no taqsh on this tree. Jesus cursed the tree because it wasn't even working toward bearing fruit. Folks, even if there is no outward manifestation of godly fruit in our lives, Jesus expects us to be working toward bearing fruit.
P - Lord, help me to always be preparing to bear fruit for You, in Jesus' name I pray.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
He Walks Right By My Side!!
Tuesday 11/1/11 Psalm 121; Mark 9,10 - He Walks Right By My Side!!
S = Scripture O = Observation A = Application P = Prayer
S - Psalm 121:5 MSG, "God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you."
O - Sometimes we may feel alone and troubled, anxious about life and details, feeling exposed and weighed down by the cares of this world. But God! He is my Guardian who promises to shield me, protect me, and guard my very life.
A - I left Barbados Sunday, after performing in a Gospel Concert there this weekend, with a phrase from one song going around and around in my head! This phrase flew home with me on the plane and then I woke up with it still singing in my head the next morning,
"He walks right by my side. He promised to be my guide. I never have to worry, I never have to fret... He is good, He is good, He is good!"
Then I read this verse above from Psalm 121 this morning! Yes, God has a message for me! I love how He continues to speak His messages to us so that it goes deep into our spirit. He is my Guardian, right at my side, shielding and protecting me. I never have to worry, never have to fret -
P - Father, you are a Good God! You encourage us through scripture and song. You send us out with messages of your Presence continually with us. I pray today for anyone who is anxious - that they will fall back into Your trusting arms and relax. You are good and your are walking right by their side! Amen. Want to be encouragaed? Take a listen to this catchy song called Oh Taste and See. Here is a short clip from the concert in Barbados. I love Learie's demonstration of God walking by my side!!
And here is the full version (worth listening to) sung by the original performing choir. It may just encourage you today!