HE RESCUES

Wednesday, August 8, 2012 - Jeremiah 1,2; John 10

S - Jeremiah 1:19  "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.

O - God says through Jeremiah that the enemy will indeed attack, but they will not win.

A - So many times I feel attacked.  Stuff happens all around me and to me that I have to battle against.  God says to stand and fight.  He is with me and will rescue me.

P - Lord, help me to remember that You want me to hold my ground.  I am not to retreat when I feel attacked. I believe that You will rescue me.

CHILL

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Isaiah 65-66; Psalm 62; John 3

S - Psalm 62:5  Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

O - David is reminding himself to chill.

A - Nobody can calm me down like God.  My husband, in the past, has tried by raising his voice at me and telling me to "Calm down!"  But, truthfully, that command from him has the exact opposite effect.  In contrast, my God somehow wraps me up in Him and just tells me He is with me.  And that's enough.

P - Lord, I thank You for rest and peace and hope.  More, Lord.

God be praised

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 - Isaiah 43-45; 1 Peter 4

S - 1 Peter 4:11b If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

O - We should do our serving on God's strength, not our own.

A - If a person is praised for their ability to serve or for how much they serve, that person is receiving praise, not God.  God is the one who is to receive all praise and all glory.  So, if someone doesn't serve because they don't have the energy, or the time, or the fortitude, that is maybe when they should just show up to see God work through them.

P - I give You all praise, glory and honor, Lord.  Use me.

FAVORITISM

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - Isaiah 32-35; James 2

S - James 2:1  My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.

O - James is telling us not to prefer the rich, pretty people over the poor filthy ones.

A - Jesus dies for us all - even the best of us, even the worst of us.  So, what makes us think we can exclude people because of their social status or the clothes they wear or even because of the way they smell?  I think this directive applies mostly to those of us who favor pretty people, but also, brace yourself, for those of us who favor the poor and destitute.  What?  Think about it.  Favoring one means lowering the status of another.  Jesus died even for those who don't think they have a need for Him.

P - Lord, help me to scorn no one, to just love the one You put before me, regardless of their status in life or their attitude or their belief system.  Amen.

"By Faith!"

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Is. 19-21; Heb. 11

"By Faith!"

S-Heb 11:8  ”By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

O- Abraham heard the voice of God and was called out of the land of Ur not knowing where he was going.   

A – God is going to call on us.  He is going to call us out.  He is going to call us out of our seats, out of what is familiar to us, out of our comfort zones.  He is going to ask us to walk by faith and not by sight, not what is familiar.  He wants us to see, to know, to learn, and to experience new things in Him.  In doing this we learn more about our God.  We learn that we can trust Him. That He has our best interests at heart in whatever He calls us out to do.  Step out, step out and experience the journey that the Lord has set forth for you.

P-Lord as you call me out, I pray that my faith will increase all the more as I step out in obedience to your call. Amen!

Fear God

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - Isaiah 8-10, Hebrews 8


S - Isaiah 8:13 The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. 


O - The previous verse told us not to fear what most people fear.  We are to fear God alone. 


A - This does not mean we are to be AFRAID of God.  Fearing Him means to be in reverential AWE of Him, not to be in dread of His presence.  If we are in right relationship with God, there is no need to be in dread of Him.  


P - Lord, help me to walk in Your ways always.  I thank You for the absence of fear and the full knowledge of Your great love and protection.

JESUS

Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - 2 Kings 15-16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1

S - Hebrews 1:3a The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.


O - Looking at Jesus shows us who God is.


A -  When I think of God's awesomeness and being, I get overwhelmed.  It is more than my finite mind can handle.  But, when I think about Jesus, THAT I can handle.  God came down to earth in a form I could wrap my little mind around, so that I could understand the depth of His love for me.


P - Lord, for all those I pray for, I ask that they would be able to see You  and understand how much You truly do love them.  And use me, Lord, to do my part in helping them to see.

Bless the Lord, O my soul

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Amos7-9; Ps. 104; Titus 2

Bless The Lord, O My Soul

S-Ps. 104-1 “Bless the Lord, O My Soul!”

O- The psalmist is giving praise to God and all the credit as the Creator of all things.

A –Giving God credit where credit is due should be at the top of our hearts.  He not only is the Creator of the universe, but He is the creator of all things good.  We should practice exercising our praise muscles daily, thereby blessing our Heavenly Father and bringing Him joy.  He delights in our praise and our recognition of who He is. Teachings from the time of the Egyptians to present try to convey if not convince us that the universe was put together by accident of by some other false god, but our trust is  in our God and all truth written within the teachings of His Word.  Bless the Lord, O my Soul….and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.

P-Instead of a prayer Father, my soul desires to praise You.  You are the Creator of the heavens and earth and all that is good.  You deserve praise just because…..You are good.  Praise the Lord O my soul!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Amos7-9; Ps. 104; Titus 2

Bless The Lord, O My Soul

S-Ps. 104-1 “Bless the Lord, O My Soul!”

O- The psalmist is giving praise to God and all the credit as the Creator of all things.

A –Giving God credit where credit is due should be at the top of our hearts.  He not only is the Creator of the universe, but He is the creator of all things good.  We should practice exercising our praise muscles daily, thereby blessing our Heavenly Father and bringing Him joy.  He delights in our praise and our recognition of who He is. Teachings from the time of the Egyptians to present try to convey if not convince us that the universe was put together by accident of by some other false god, but our trust is  in our God and all truth written within the teachings of His Word.  Bless the Lord, O my Soul….and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.

P-Instead of a prayer Father, my soul desires to praise You.  You are the Creator of the heavens and earth and all that is good.  You deserve praise just because…..You are good.  Praise the Lord O my soul!

WORDS OF WISDOM

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 - 2 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3

S - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

O - Paul is charging Timothy to continue on in his faith and to stay in the Word for wisdom.

A - Whenever I feel ill-equipped, inadequate, at a loss for words, I must remember to return to the Word.  Seeking Godly counsel from others is good, but I need to be able to glean from the Word what is or isn't right.  All counsel must be able to be backed up by the Word.

P - Lord, help me to live my life by Your Word more and more every day.  Thank You that it is as unchanging, relevant, and wisdom-filled for me today as it was in Timothy's day.

Providing for our own

2 Ki 10; 2 Chr. 22,23; 1 Tim 5

S-1 Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than the unbeliever.

O- Paul instructs those in the faith that they are to provide for the members of their household who can no longer provide for themselves because of age, and further proclaims that if we do not purpose this, we have denied the faith and are worse than the unbeliever.

A -In today’s society it isn’t a popular subject on taking care of our elderly.   The argument would be made up of many reasons why they cannot, but Paul instructs those of us that are of the household of faith, that we have the responsibility of taking care of those who have become aged and can no longer work or have become both physically and mentally incapable of doing for themselves.  Our responsibility would be to see that every provision is in place for them and if at all possible to see that we ourselves each individually minister to their needs on every level, emotional, physical and spiritual.  If we take on the attitude that they are no longer useful to us, or serve no purpose we have lost God’s definition of the value and purpose of a life and how precious it is from beginning to end to Him.

P-Father help us to love and honor our elderly.  Help us to provide, comfort and minister to each of their needs in a way that would be pleasing to you.  Remind us that we are of the household of faith and that we are your hands and feet bringing and administering your love.  Help us to remember the commandment that we are to honor our mother and father all the way up to the time when you call them home. Amen.

SPITTING IN GOD'S FACE

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 – 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1

S - Romans 1:32 (The Message) SAnd it's not as if they don't know better. They know perfectly well they're spitting in God's face. And they don't care—worse, they hand out prizes to those who do the worst things best!

O – Paul is speaking of sinful humans.

 

A – I think about my family, my friends, people I just know in passing.  I know they don’t care.  I know they not only sin, but they champion those who do.  And I hope they didn’t learn this behavior from me.  I don’t think they have, but reading this scripture makes me pause and take a close look at myself.  Can anything I am doing be equated to spitting in God’s face? 

P - Oh, Lord, please, no.  I love You more than anything.  Jesus, stand before me always so that I can see You clearly and choose You and Your ways…every time.

LEARNING THE DIFFERENCE

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 – 1 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

S – 2 Chronicles 12:8 They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands.

O – The Lord spoke to the prophet Shemaiah and said Judah would become subject to Shishak, king of Egypt.

A – Sometimes I wonder why I have had to go through what I have in my life to get to where I am today.  It seems I spent the first 29 years of my life looking for and yearning for love personified.  I don’t recall ever having anybody tell me back then who Jesus was and what He did for me by dying on the cross.  I never knew how much He loved me and I believe I would have just jumped into His arms back then and never looked back if I had had the opportunity.

But, now I am crazy in love with Him.  I know what it is like to love and not have that love returned, to serve and not be appreciated, to follow, only to get stomped on.  I was chasing after the wrong lovers.  But maybe because of what I went through, I SO appreciate the love I experience now with Jesus.  I certainly don’t take it for granted and I know that He is the only One worthy of my utmost devotion.

P – Lord, I love You so much.  I don’t know how You could possible use me to show others the way to You and Your wonderfulness, but I ask that You do, so that others would truly know how great Your love is and follow You into Your kingdom to serve You forever!

GOOD WORKS

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2

S - Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

O - Paul had just finished saying we are saved by grace, not works, but now he says we were made to do good works.

A - I was created to do good works.  I am not serving as a way to somehow earn my spot in heaven.  I am doing good works because this is what I was created by God to do.

P - Lord, thank You for saving me by Your grace.  Jesus, strengthen me and enable me to do good works.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Proverbs 13-15; Romans 11 - BEYOND RECOVERY


S - Romans 11:11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.


O- Paul is speaking of God's chosen people who have rejected Him.


A - The Israelites are not beyond recovery.  And so then, neither am I.  I am not hopeless.  I see the freedom that lies in total devotion to God and I want it.  I want it enough to leave my old ways behind and to attain it for myself.


P - Lord Jesus, thank You that true freedom comes from You.  Teach me to walk in this freedom of recovery and provoke others to envy what You have given me so much that they want it for themselves.

Saturday, May 26, 2012 Prov. 1-3; Rom 7 S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer “The Law Cannot Save” S – Romans 7:6 “But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. O- Paul addresses the difference between the law and grace, the flesh and the spirit, and how the law cannot save us from death. A – We hear it all the time, “ I’m a good person, I don’t do this and I don’t do that.,” or “ I have a knowledge of what is written in the Ten Commandments and I pretty much follow them. “ and “I was raised up in Sunday School and know right from wrong.” These are all good things and we need to practice what we have learned from them every day, but the written word of the law although holy and good is not what saves us from the sins of the flesh. Its purpose is to reveal and make us consciously aware of the sin that is in our lives. It does not produce righteousness within us apart from the saving grace of Christ Jesus. By the law we walk in death, by grace we walk in newness of life. So, which will it be life with Christ or death without Him? I choose life! P – Father thank you for delivering us from the letter of the law through and by the saving grace of your Son who gave us newness of life to those who believe. Amen.

Friday June 25, 2012
1 King, 10-11;2 Chronicles 9
Romans 6

IT’S FREE
S-o 6:23  :For the wages of sin pays in death, but this bountiful free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.”

O-Paul is explaining that even though we are free from sin…that it no way gives us the permission to sin..

A- I love the word FREE…when I see a free sign on things I must check it out!  Well when I gave my life to Jesus He offered me the FREE gift of eternal life…how awesome is that?  This  does not give me permission to do my own thing…but should inspire me to do all I can for the Kingdom.

P-Thank  you God for the free gift of salvation, abundant life and eternal life.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 – 2 Chronicles 6,7; Psalm 135; Romans 4 

S – Romans 4:4-5 (The Message) If you're a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift.

O – Have faith that only God can make us holy. This is righteousness.

A – I know that apart from God I am nothing.  I can’t climb a mountain called “Holy” and reach this summit called “Kingdom of God.”  It is not by my efforts that I am saved from eternity in hell.  It is only because of God and who He is.  He loves me and He just wants to scoop me up in His big hand and transport me to His kingdom.  No climbing required.  Just faith that His hand is there.

P – Lord, I love You.  Thank You for Your gift.  I want to know You more.  Reveal more of Yourself to me, in Jesus’ name I pray.

Encouragement 101

Sunday May 20, 2012 – 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalms 97; Romans 1

S:  Romans 1:12 (Amp):  That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

O:  As believers when we share our faith and struggles with one another we are both encouraged and comforted.

A:  I love how that works.  Whether you are the one imparting encouragement or the one receiving it – when two believers get real and share their victories and struggles with one another both are encouraged and both of them are blessed with renewed faith.  We were created to be relational beings.  It was never God’s intent for us to live solitary lives but to live real and out loud – to share our hurts and disappointments; to share our struggles and our victories.  Not pretending allows other people around us to pray for and encourage us.  We ALL need to be encouraged.  Take a risk.  Get real.  Share with someone else what you are going through.  Seek out someone today who you think may need encouragement and be an encourager.   Take a risk.

P:  Father God I love that you made me to need other people.  I surrender myself completely to you.  I lay down anything like pride that tries to prevent me from letting anyone see my insides.  Lord let me be me today.  The real me.  No pretending.  Let me encourage those who come to me with their needs and Lord let me be open to receive the encouragement of others who you place in my path.    Amen.

ACKNOWLEDGE

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5

S - 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Now we ask of you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

O - This is how we Christians should treat each other.

A - Acknowledge people for what they do.  Criticism flies so easily.  If I find it easy to find wrong and hard to find right in a person or thing or happening, then God tells me to check MY attitude.  I'm so grateful God doesn't do that with me.  He looks at me and sees the gold.  I need to do likewise.

P - Father God, I thank You for Your son, Jesus.  You dwell within me.  Help me to look around and see all things good that You created.

MY WORST ENEMY

S-Psalm. 55:3 “…I am distracted at the noise of the enemy…”

O-The Psalmist is crying out to God as he fears his enemies.

A-The Amplified Bible says I am distracted.  When things are not going well we can easily become distracted. We feel the enemy is out to get us.  In fact, many times we are our own worst enemy.  We take our eyes off of God and become distracted by our perceptions of the situation and allow them to become fact.  I feel like I waste so much time and energy when I do this.  The good I could’ve done is trumped by acting on my perception of the situation…ugh.

P-O Lord, please be my filter…help me to see clearly and not be brought down or distracted. Psalm 55:23b says “…But I will trust in, lean on, and confidently rely on You.

WATCH AND PRAY

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - 2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26

S - Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

O - Jesus is speaking to Peter, James and John in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His betrayal.  He knew what was coming.

A - My spirit is willing to do the right thing, but if I rely solely on this knowledge, I may fall when temptation comes to do the wrong thing.  I know I want to follow all of God's commands, but I must be ever on my guard and pray for strength to resist the enemy or else I may fall asleep and be overcome.

P - Lord, strengthen me to resist the enemy of my soul.  My one desire is to follow You and do whatever it is You ask of me.  Enable me, Lord.

Practice What you Preach

Sunday, May 6, 2012:  2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51 & Matthew 23.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

S:  Matthew 23:3 – So observe and practice all they tell you; but do not do what they do, for they preach but they do not practice.

O:  Jesus is warning us to practice what we preach.

A:  In  Jesus’ day there were scribes and Pharisees who were the equivalent of our modern day church leaders.  They enjoyed positions of authority, the best seats in church, the ability to set the rules and regulations and programs of the church.  Jesus observed that rather than using their positions of authority to lead others into meaningful relationship with God; to encourage others in their service of the Lord or to help those in need they actually used their positions to make so many rules and regulations and programs that they actually ended up interfering with the ability of the people to enter into a meaningful relationship with God the Father.   These scribes and Pharisees spent a lot of time telling others how to live to please God but they did not expend any energy in their own lives trying to please God.  With any kind of leadership comes authority but also great responsibility – to practice what we preach; to not just talk the talk but to walk the walk.  First and foremost we are servants of the most high God.  Just as Jesus was.  This is what people should see when they look into our lives.  Not perfection; but a heart intent on serving God.   And as a follower I should watch and listen carefully before I decide to follow the lead of any other person – are they leading me closer to Jesus or away from Jesus? 

P:  Father God I thank you for the leadership of  all of the people that you have placed in my life.  Those who have led by wonderful example and those who have not.  Because I have learned lessons from both.    Father God my heart is only to serve you.  Forgive me if I have ever said or done anything that led another away from true relationship with you or interfered in their growth in you.  Use me Lord to lead people to you – not with fancy words but by loving you and doing my best to “walk the walk” all the days of my life.

Remembering The Name of The Lord Our God

Saturday, May 05, 2012, 2 Sam. 10; 1 Chr. 20;Ps. 20; Matt. 22 S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer “Remembering the Name of the Lord Our God” S – Psalms 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” O- David and the Israelites are about to do battle. Their weapons aren’t as sophisticated as some who have the use of horses and chariots. David is taking this time to remind his men that all trust should be placed in the Name of the Lord. A- It is so easy and even natural, to place our trust in things that may be placed before us. Such as our trust in doctors to help us when we are sick, our 401k’s, 403b’s and Sep Ira’s for our financial well being, even our Social Security when we are ready to retire. It is good to have all of these things. David had his men, his weapons, and his strategies, but even though he had all these things, his absolute, irrevocable, undeniable trust was in the Name of the Lord. Am I saying we shouldn’t have doctors or savings plans? No, it would be foolish not to make preparations for our well being. We have learned throughout God’s Word, people prepared and made ready, but in the end, if their absolute trust wasn’t in the Lord, it was all in vein. He is our protector and provider and therefore our absolute hearts trust needs to be in Him and Him alone. When all else fails, and it may, the stock market could crash, all the knowledge that doctors hold may not be enough, our God will never fail us. He may not answer in the way we imagine, but His response to our pleas will always be answered and it will be the best answer to any given situation due to His great love towards us. Even though we don’t use chariots and horses for warfare any longer. Our trust should always be in the Name of the Lord. P- Lord I am thankful for all the things that bring us to a place of well being. It would be easy to trust that these things could keep us in a place of safety, but all of our preparation could fall short or be swept away. It is in You alone we place our soul trust and we will remember You and call on Your Name in our hour of need. .

DEAD DOG


S-2Samuel 9,8 And the (crippled) bowed himself and said “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am?”

O-David had invited Jonathan’s son, who was lame, to take a place of honor at the King’s table with him to eat. This was an honor that David was bestowing on Mephibosheth because he was the son on Jonathan and grandson of Saul. Being crippled was a shameful thing in those days.  He responded by saying “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am?”

A-Sometimes we forget who we are in Christ and we wonder how God could forgive or love us.  But the Word of God says that we are the redeemed of the Lord, the apple of God’s eye, sons and daughters of the Most High God and His heirs. WOW!  When we look at ourselves as DEAD DOGS we are discounting the fact that Jesus paid the price for us to be heirs with Him.

P-Lord help me to remember who I am in You.  Help me to live like the daughter of the King, and help me to have a grateful and loving heart.

VYING FOR POSITION

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - 1 Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19

S - Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

O - Jesus is speaking about entering the kingdom of heaven.

A - By the world's standards, we should go after what we want in life.  If we want power, prestige, positions of importance we should knock others over to get there.  But, by Jesus' standards, those who want to be with Jesus in the highest place, need to go lower still.  It's about humility, it's about serving others first, not taking the biggest cookie.  It's about serving instead of being served.

P - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ixAbOO5qnE

Whose Driving?

Sunday April 29, 2012 – 2 Samuel 4-5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16

S:  Matthew 16:24-26 Msg:  Then Jesus went to work on his disciples, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.  You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.  Don’t run from suffering; embrace it.  Follow me and I’ll show you how.  Self-help is no help at all.  Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to find yourself, your true self.  What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself.  What could you ever trade your soul for?

O:  A life run on self-will will be lost.  But a life surrendered to Jesus; willing to be discipled by Him will find its true self.

A:  The world is full of the results of trying to run our own lives.  Everywhere you look you see broken, lost people.  People trying to live without direction and thinking to themselves, “there has to be more”.  Jesus is the More.    The world expends a ton of energy seeking fame, fortune and yet when they achieve it they find it was all an empty promise.  Jesus  invites us to follow him, surrender to his lead, give up our pursuit of empty promises and instead enter into a life of promises fulfilled where you will meet the you that your creator intended for you to be.

P:  Jesus my way didn’t work but yours does.  Remind me daily Lord to surrender the “driver’s seat” of my life to you so that I can truly follow you and become the person you designed me to be.  Amen.

SAY WHAT?

SAY WHAT?
Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

S-2 Samuel 2:1a “In the course of time David inquired of the Lord “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?”  He asked.’

O-David was being anointed as the King over Judah.

A-”…David inquired of the Lord…” David was a man of God.  He loved and trusted His God.  He wouldn’t think of doing anything before inquiring of the Lord.  His relationship with God was so close and personal that he expected an answer from God. 

Sadly I must admit that when I pray I don’t always wait for God’s response… I just move on.  I wonder how different my life would have been if I had waited on God until I heard from Him?

P-Oh Lord forgive me for often turning a deaf ear to you and help me to wait upon you with hearing ears and a believing heart.

MERCY

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 1 Samuel 30, 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

S - Matthew 12:7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent.

O - Jesus is admonishing those religious people who condemn others' seemingly sinful behavior (like breaking the Sabbath) and yet refuse to show love, which was God's greatest commandment.

A - God wants us to love one another.  Yes, we are to point others' sins out to them when appropriate, but we are always to make our love known to them.  This is what good discipline is - think of disciplining our children.  Those who do so with love gain their children's love and respect in return.  Let us always remember to be merciful with each other, as God has shown mercy to us.

P - Lord, infuse me with Your mercy.  May others never see condemnation coming from my eyes or hear it from my lips, but let Your love be always evident through me.

Saturday, April 21, 2012, Sam. 24; Ps. 57,58; 1 Chr. 8; Mt. 8 S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer “I will trust Him at all times” S– I Samuel 24:5 Now it happened that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. O- David secretly went into the cave where Saul was sleeping and cut off the corner of Saul’s robe, but later was troubled by his actions. A- It is so easy to return insult for insult, hurt for hurt, revenge to avenge and hate for hate when someone has hurt you. But, if your heart is to honor and serve the Lord, and you allow Him to deal with the places in your heart that need to change you will then be in a place to trust your life circumstances to Him and trust that in the end He will take care of all that pertains to you. P-I pray my spirit will be sensitive to the teaching of Your spirit and like David, may my spirit be troubled when my actions were not pleasing to You.

PRAISE ALWAYS

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 1 Samuel 20,21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

S - Psalm 34:1  I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

O - David was praising God for helping him to escape his enemies.

A - David gives praise to God when he is able to escape his enemies.  He doesn't praise himself for being cunning and crafty enough; he gives God all the glory.  In reading the many psalms written by the mighty King David, we never hear him bragging about himself; he praises God continually for where he is, whether he is in dire circumstances or in victory, he praises God.

P - Lord, let praise for You continually be on my lips, for You are worthy of all praise and mighty to save.

A Giant Faith

Sunday, April 15, 2012 – 1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2

S: 1 Samuel 17:37 – David said “The Lord who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.  And Saul said to David, Go, and the Lord be with you.

O:  David’s faith was in the Lord.  His confidence was  in the truth that God had delivered him from other attacks in the past  and would protect him from this one as well.

A:  David had a faith bigger than the giant, Goliath.  David’s faith was not in David but in God.  David was not going into battle alone.  He knew that alone he had no chance against this giant, skilled warrior.  But God!  Our faith in our battles needs to be in the same place – in God and not in ourselves.  God has already led each one of us through trials and battles of our own.  They may not involve a giant but let’s be honest – some of those circumstances seemed like giants at the time we faced them.  God overcame those “giants” in our lives.  He had a way out for us.  Why?  To grow our faith so like David we too can trust that Lord will deliver us out of the hands of the giants we face today.  Our trust belongs in God.  We will not taste victory if we try to fight our battles alone.

P:  Father God thank you for my past trials and battles.  I choose to trust today in you and your plan for my life.  Lord, equip me to be a giant killer like David.  Help my unbelief Lord God and give me a faith that will slay giants.  Not for my glory but for yours.  Let my victories bring glory and honor to your name.  Amen.

THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - 1 Samuel 11,12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11

S - 2 Corinthians 11:29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?  Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

O - Paul loved as Christ loves, because he loved Christ.  Jesus experienced every temptation we go through and Paul chose to do the same.

A - There is a folk song from the sixties with a chorus that says, "There but for fortune, go you or I.  When I am with the people I minister to in prison, I certainly don't feel all high and mighty and removed from all the crimes they've committed.  I am just humbled by the fact that I am not imprisoned with them because I have certainly experienced what they have experienced and felt what they have felt.  And so they listen to me because they know I know how they feel.

P - Lord, thank You for saving me and rescuing me on a daily basis.  Don't let me forget where I came from, so that I may always go back to show others the way to You.

"I am desperate for You"

Saturday, April 7,2012 – I Samuel 1,2; Ps. 66; 2 Cor. 7

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

“I am Desperate For You”

S – I Samuel 1:10 “.”And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.

O- Hannah is in the house of the Lord. She is heavily grieved in her spirit because she has not been able to bear a child. The heaviness of her heart from being barren (which was considered a curse in those days) and the constant humiliation she had to bear from those who provoked her brought her to a place of “desperation for God”.

A – Like Hannah I believe many of us have found ourselves, in that place that is “desperate for God”, desperate for Him to hear and move on our behalf or that of someone we love. So desperate that like Hannah whose lips were moving her words could not be heard because they were coming from the depths of her heart. It wasn’t important that others couldn’t hear her prayer, God heard, and gave her the desire of her heart… a son. Our prayers of desperation are heard by our heavenly Father too. The prayer for a loved one, or friend, to be healed from sickness and disease. The prayer for unsaved loved ones in our family and those who we don’t know that need to know the One who died for them, and yes that prayer for the miracle of birthing a child. Being “desperate for God” takes us to that place where no one else needs to hear our prayer, only God because He is the only One we need to believe in! It also takes us to a place of surrendering all no matter what the cost, just as Hannah willing surrendered Samuel. There is something else I believe. Just as the Lord heard and answered Hannah’s “desperate for God” prayer, He also hears and answers our prayers when we are in that place of being and saying with all of our hearts…” I am desperate for You.”

P – Thank you for that place Father where we can come when are desperate for You to move on our behalf or on the behalf of others. Thank you for not only hearing us when we cry out to You, but being faithful to answer. No matter how impossible the situation, You are God and nothing is impossible for You. Thank you for Your faithfulness and Your great love towards us. Amen.

LIGHT

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 – Judges 19-21; 2 Corinthians 4

S – 2 Corinthians 4:6  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

O – His light is shining in our hearts because we know Him and it lights up the darkness of this world.

A – I am feeling very humbled that God would use me, with all my imperfections (and there are many) to be His light in the darkness.  I have a picture in my mind of trying very hard to pretty myself for display only to stand in front of people with my skirt askew and my hair out of place, but beaming anyway.  I stand as if to say, “Look! If He wants to use me with all my faults, then don’t you think it’s all the more possible that he also wants to shine His light through you?”

P – Oh, Lord, make me worthy because I can’t do it on my own.  As long as I have breath, I want to shine for You.

The Spirit's Job

by Cathy Weymouth

4/3/12 Judges 17,18; Psalm 89; 2 Corinthians 3 - The Spirit's Job

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

S - 2 Cor 3:17-18 JB Phillips, For the Lord to whom they could turn is the Spirit, and whereever the Spirit of the Lord is, men's souls are set free.  But all of us who are Christians have no veils on our faces, but reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord.  We are transformed in ever-increasing splendour into his own image, and this is the work of the Lord who is the Spirit.

O - I was reading a chapter this morning in Frangipane's book, And I Will be Found by You, where he mentioned this scripture.  I was considering it and studying it in various versions before realizing it was included in the reading for today!  I love it when the Lord leads like this (it's fun!).

A - Many times we hunger for transformation; we are tired of being stuck.  We focus on the problem a lot (at least I do).  Then the Holy Spirit gently reminds us that He is the one responsible for the transformation.  Where His Spirit is - this is where souls are set free! Since it is the work of the Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus, maybe we should relax a bit?  Rest in the arms of the Lord and gaze upon Him, and trust the Spirit to do the rest.  So I say, relax and yield to the Spirit.  It's his job to transform.

P - Lord, I lift up my brothers and sisters who are frustrated in their stuckness.  I pray they gaze upon you today, Jesus, and rest in you, Holy Spirit, to do the changing.  I am reminded of little kids who trust their parents for everything.  May we trust you for this in a child-like way.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Stand Fast In The Faith

Saturday, March 31, 2012 – Judges 9,10; Ps. 49; I Cor 16.

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

“Stand Fast In The Faith”

S – I Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave and be strong.”

O- Paul is giving his final exhortation to the Corinthians warning them to stand fast in the faith and to remain strong.

A - I found myself in a position this past week where my faith and what I believe regarding the Bible was being challenged. Paul tells us to watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. There will be times when your faith and what you believe will be challenged, but if you watch (read, study and know what the Word of God teaches) stand fast (stand on His Word and do not waiver in your conviction of the truth) be brave (do not allow fear to overtake you) be strong (use the sword of the spirit, the Word of God) it is the source of your strength. The world is changing in many ways and we will find ourselves in a position to defend what and in Whom we believe in. Just as Paul spoke those words to the Corinthians many centuries ago, he is speaking those same words to us today. Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

P – Father I have to admit there are times when it would be easier to turn and run then to stand strong, be brave and remain stead fast. In those times Lord I can only rely on You to help me to stand fast in my convictions and what Your Word has spoken into my heart. Help me Father to be vigilant and to be found faithful in your sight. Amen.

STAND FIRM

Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

S-1 Corinthians 15-58 “….therefore, my brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.”

O- Paul is teaching on the Resurrection of Christ, encouraging the people to live by their beliefs, no matter what is going on around them.

A-Sometimes when life get’s tough, we begin to question our faith and all that we believe. Paul says, “stand firm and let nothing move you.” He doesn’t say do this; do that, but STAND FIRM and let nothing move you. Sometimes it is easier to DO something…anything…rather than just WAIT. Paul does not just say STAND, but STAND FIRM. We need to believe that…God is God and He is more than able to deliver us.

P-Lord please give me the strength to STAND FIRM.

IT'S JUST NOISE

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Judges 4-5; Psalm 39, 41; 1 Corinthians 13

S - 1 Corinthians 13:1  If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

O - Paul said it doesn't matter how much wisdom comes out of your mouth toward others, if they sense that you don't love them, it's all going to be just noise to them.

A - Look at the face of the person you're yapping at.  You can tell if they're listening or not.  You have to earn their ears to hear by loving them.  There are many of us who claim to correct our brothers and sisters in Christ "in love," meaning we claim to be speaking to them about their behavior because we love them.  But they can tell, you know.  They won't listen if they know you just want to hear yourself yap.

P - Lord, help me to get my love across, first and foremost, that I may earn the right to speak life into Your people and be heard.

God Placed Me!!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 3/26/12 Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 12 - God Placed Me!!

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

S - 1 Cor 12:18, But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

O - Paul is discussing various spiritual gifts and how each person has a place that is a piece of a greater body.

A - So many people feel inferior, insecure, lacking, in comparison to others.  If we could just simply grasp that we are each an original, unique expressions of the image of Jesus, and run with that expression, we'd feel so much better about ourselves than when we compare ourselves to others.  We can't be another.  No one has the package, personality, gifts, talents, experiences, training, struggles, injustices, etc that we have.  And God puts us in bodies (the church, family, work) to add to the other members to make a whole.  Let's get real and be okay with who God made us to be and enjoy our part of the whole.

P - Father, what a waste of time and energy to compare ourselves to others. Forgive us! We are each special.  You have placed us in the body as YOU want us to be.  Thank you for the unique expression we each are of you and your personality. Amen. 

A tale of two tables

Sunday March 25, 2012 - Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1 Cor 10

S: 1 Cor 10:21 - You cannot drink the Lord's cup and the demon's cup. You cannot partake of the Lord's table and the demon's table.
O: Paul is recounting the high price the Israelites paid when they fell into sin by worshiping idols and admonishing us that there is no sin that is beyond human resistance.
A: OUCH right? You can't serve God and sin at the same time. Paul tells us to flee any sort of idolatry or venerating anything more than God. God has extended an invitation to us like no other - an invitation to eternal life with Him. There is no temptation in our lives that can't be overcome. I get this picture of two tables set as if for a banquet. One is beautiful and loaded with mouth-watering food and drink. The other is dark and ugly and all the food on it is spoiled. Not exactly a tough choice. Turn from the "demon's" table and enjoy all the Lord has provided for you at his table. There is a seat reserved there just for you.
P: Father God give me the courage and strength to resist all temptation today; to live with purpose and choose your cup and your table always over that of the Enemy. Amen.

RUN LIKE YOU'VE GOT PLACES TO GO!

Saturday March 24, 2012 – Joshua 18-20; 1 Cor 9.

S:  1 Corinthians 9:24-26.  Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize?  So run your race that you may lay hold of the prize and make it yours.  Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things.  They do it to win a wreath that will wither but we do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness that cannot wither.  Therefore, I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim); I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary.

O:  Paul is comparing our walks of faith to a race and urging us to run as thought we want to win the race.

A:  We have a purpose.  We have a focus.  Those things we need to surrender or deny ourselves today will free us to run our race well.  The prize is eternity with Jesus.  There is nothing on this earth that compares to what our prize will be!  We need to run our race with purpose and focus.  I knew someone who was an amazing athlete.  He was always training, always restricting and honing what foods he ate and what he put into his body.  His body was like a fine-tuned piece of machinery but he never actually raced.  He was so lost in the training that he never actually ran the race.  I don’t want to be a spectator on the sidelines or the person who trains so much they never actually run the race.  God has called me to be in the race.  There are lessons to learn along the way and at times my race may look like a limp or a crawl rather than a sprint.  But God has called me to be IN THE RACE.  Not a spectator.  He has not called me to run perfectly.  I will learn things along the way.  I don’t need to learn them all before I join the race.  I must keep my eyes on my prize – JESUS.  If I take my eyes off my prize and focus on all the other runners my pace will slow and I will become distracted and off-course.  I must run with purpose. I must run like I’ve got somewhere to go.

P:  Father God forgive me for al the times I have taken my eyes off you – my prize.  Lord teach me to fasten my eyes on you each day and run toward you with everything I’ve got in me.  I will fall Lord but I know you will pick me up, dust me off and urge me to keep on running.  I’ve got places to go in you and with you.  Amen.

SMARTY PANTS

Joshua 15-17; I Corinthians 8
Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

S-I Cor. 8:1b “…knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

O-Paul was trying to bring some understanding to whether one should eat meat sacrificed to idols or not.

A-Nobody likes a “smarty pants,” a “know it all.” Is it important to us to always be right; to have the last word, to be perceived as superior in knowledge? If so then we need to go to God and ask His forgiveness. The Word of God says…I Cor. 8:1b “…knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” If we love (as God loves) than we will be building people up, encouraging them and helping them to learn. Nobody likes a know-it all…but everyone wants to be loved and treated respectfully.

P-Lord help us to encourage and love each other with Your love.

WE AREN'T WHAT WE WERE

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - Joshua 9-11; 1 Corinthians 6

S - 1 Corinthians 6:11b But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

O - Paul had just listed all the people who won't inherit the kingdom of God.  But, even if we can identify with those people and the sins they commit, Paul reminds us that we aren't the same people.

A - I am not who I was.  Sometimes the enemy tries to tell me that I am the same person.  He lies.  I am no longer who I was and I no longer need to identify with those things that kept me from God

P - Lord Jesus, I thank You that You took the punishment for my sins.  Thank You that I am truly a different person.  Help me to show others that they too, can be transformed by You.

Space for Healing

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 3/20/12  Joshua 7,8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5 - Space for Healing

S - Psalm 69:29-30 Message, "I'm hurt and in pain; Give me space for healing, and mountain air.  Let me shout God's name with a praising song, Let me tell his greatness in a prayer of thanks."

O - David is crying out in this psalm for the Lord's help and deliverance from specific enemies.  He begins his prayer admitting, "God, God save me! I'm in over my head, quicksand under me, swamp water over me; I'm going down ..."

A - I love how honest David is with God; he never holds back admitting and exposing his fears. He is vulnerable, honest and blunt. Obviously his relationship with the Lord is one that is safe for him and he doesn't just speak how things "should be" but how they actually are.  He knows he needs space for healing, and then, he always turns around praising God as he cries out.  I love that!  As Pastor Mike mentioned on Sunday, there is nothing better than putting in a worship CD and worshipping the Lord when times are tough. Worship connects us with Jesus in our spirits and provides that needed space.

P - Lord, help us when we feel we are sinking.  I pray that someone today will become more honest with you and then will turn their pain into praise.  It is in focusing on your goodness that we find the release.  Amen.

It's Not About Me

Sunday March 18, 2012 – Joshua 1-2; Psalm 37: 1 Corinthians 3

S: 1 Corinthians 3:9 (AMP). For we are fellow workmen (joint promotors, laborers together) with and for God: you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.
O: We are fellow workmen with God.
A: This is a “keep me right sized” scripture for sure. It’s not about me. It’s not about me. It’s not about me. Yes I am a co-laborer with God but the results of anything I may manage to plant are not due to me but due to God. GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY. It is God who rescued me from the gutter, set me on solid ground and prepared the soil of my heart to receive his seed. It is God who has equipped and prepared me so that when the moment is right God will give me a seed or two to plant in another. I don’t do it – God does. We are fellow workmen with and for God. He prepares us and gives us opportunity to be a part of what HE is doing. If we are not willing and available he will find another workman/woman. At verse 7 it states “So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters but only God who makes it grow and become greater.”
P: Father God I think you today for the opportunity to be used by you. Forgive me for all the times that my pride and my ego have said “look at what I have done” for I have done nothing. I can accomplish nothing without you. Help me to be present today Lord so that any opportunity you may present me to plan a seed in another or to water a seed someone else has planted will not be missed. Amen.

HELP

Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

HELP

S-Psalm 40:17b “You are my help and my deliverer.”

O-David is crying out to God and finishes his cry by acknowledging who God is …his Help and his Deliverer.

A- Often when we are in difficult times, we look all over for the answers or help. Then when that fails…we call out to God and He is there to answer and see us through. Life would be so much better if we would just call out to God first.

P-Help us Lord to remember that YOU ARE OUR HELP AND DELIVERER.

ACTS OF THE SINFUL NATURE

March 14, 2012 -Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5

S - Galatians 5:20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissension, factions 

O - Paul is listing some acts of the sinful nature.

A - We are sinners. We are "saved" and yet we still sin. We see examples of each of these things all around us and in us. Those that are sticking out for me right now are DISCORD, DISSENSION, and FACTIONS. It's in our church, people! It's in us!

P - Oh, God, forgive us! Lead us in Your ways, Lord! Develop in us all that You desire for us - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control, that we may live holy lives, pleasing to You and worthy to be called Yours.

Generations of Freedom

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 3/13/11  Deuteronomy 22-24; Galatians 4 - Generations of Freedom

S- Galatians 4:25 Message, It corresponds with what is now going on in Jerusalem - a slave life, producing slaves as offspring.

O - Paul is discussing the idea that Sarah and Hagar, and their offspring, represent two different covenants - the Covenants of Law and Grace.  "The two births represent two ways of being in relationship with God."

A - I love the wording here of a slave life producing slaves as offspring.  If there is one strong motivation for pressing in for deliverance from a stronghold, it is to prevent it being passed on to your children and grandchildren.  This was a HIGH motivation for me around my struggle with compulsive eating - I was at least the third generation with this problem and I desperately wanted our two kids to not have the same emotional pain that I had lived with for 30 years.  Thank you, Lord, that neither of them struggle with this!!  The line has been drawn in the sand.

P - Lord, set us free from our slavery so that generations to come will be free!!  Amen!

Increase

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

Monday March 12, 2012
Duet. 19-21 Gal. 3

S- Duet 19:8 & 9 (NIV) If the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he promised on oath to your forefathers, and gives you the whole land he promised them, 9 because you carefully follow all these laws I commanded today--to love the Lord your God and to walk in his ways--then you are to set aside three more cities.

O- Moses told the people to set aside 3 more cities, in addition to what they already had. It would be by faith and obedience of God's commandment they God would increase their territory.

A- This scripture reminds me of the song "No limits no boundaries, I see increase all around me." It's a great song, but do we know what we are asking for, when we ask for increase, and do we know of the command that comes along with God's blessing of increase. If I want an increase of my blessing in my finances, it means God I totally surrender my finances to you, and do what you want, and tell me where to give where you want me to give. How does this scripture apply to whatever we are asking for increase in....marriage, relationship, healing, prosperity, it's Love the Lord God and walk in all His ways, it is THEN that he will increase my territory.

P- Oh God, thank you that when you trust in the little things your increase our territory, to trust us in bigger things. Increase in anything in our lives is not something you have to do, but you do it because you love us so much, and we thank you for that. Obedience and Love is what I long for, the blessings are a bonus. Amen

Accountability 101

Sunday March 11, 2012: Deuteronomy 16-18; Galatians 2

S: Galatians 2:2: …I went because it was specially and divinely revealed to me that I should go and I put before them Gospel [declaring to them that] which I preach among the Gentiles. However, [I presented the matter] privately before those of repute [for I wanted to make certain by thus at first confining my communication to this private conference] that I was not running or had not run in vain [guarding against being discredited either in what I was planning to do or had already done].
O: Paul went to Jerusalem and submitted himself to the wisdom of the church leaders to confirm that his interpretation of his vision and ministry was, in fact, correct.
A: Paul sought out people he considered to be full of righteousness and wisdom and sought their counsel because he wanted to make sure he was on the right track and was not running in vain. Paul sought accountability. I am blessed to have accountability people in my life. These are people that I love and respect and that I have given permission to speak into my life. They know me (sometimes better than I know myself) and they encourage me and correct me and protect me. This means, of course, that sometimes I hear things from them that I don’t want to hear. But because I know that behind their words is love I can receive the sometimes harsh truth from them. It is the truth that keeps me on the narrow path to Jesus and not getting lost in the crowd that travels the wider path to nowhere.
P: Thank you Father for those people you have put into my life to instruct me, to correct me and to teach me. Forgive me for the times I have rebelled against their teachings and help me to create an atmosphere of willingness to be corrected and guided on this path to you. Amen.

Walk With Him

Saturday, March 10, 2012 – Duet. 13-15; Gal. 1

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

“Walk With Him”

S – Dueteronomy 13:4 “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him .”

O – Moses was teaching, commanding, and warning the children of Israel that they are to walk with God, obey His voice, serve Him and hold fast to Him.

A - It is easy to be fooled by the many religions and voices crying out to us to follow them, but there is only One True God, only One Way, only One Voice that we must know and hear and follow. We are to know Him intimately so that we won’t be fooled by the other religions and voices in the world today. Not only must we communion with Him on a daily basis, but we must walk so closely to Him that even a whisper can’t entice us to look any other way.

P – Father help us to walk closer to you and to stay in constant communion with You. May our ears always be in tune to Your voice and our spirits always willing to obey. May our love for You grow so deeply out of our fellowship with you that our servitude to You will be our greatest desire.

TEACH THEM

Deuteronomy 10-12;Mark 16
S=Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

S-Deut.11:19 “Teach them (God’s law (ways) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the road, When you lie down and when you get up.

O-Moses had just delivered God’s commandments (law) to the people.

A-Parents often put a lot of time, energy, and money into teaching their children the things they need to live successfully, yet some of these same parents do not teach their children about God. “They will choose when they grow up”, is what they say. But the Word of God instructs us to be vigilant in teaching our children. How wonderful it is to grow up in a household where you learn to know, love, trust, and hear from God at an early age.

P-Lord thank you for giving us Your Word.

HOPE

March 7, 2012 -Deuteronomy 5,6; Psalm 43; Mark 14
S - Psalm 43:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
O - The psalmist is depressed and telling himself how to get out of that dark place.
A - When we put our hope in God and we praise Him, we take the focus off of ourselves. When we're depressed, all we are doing is looking at ourselves and our sad situations. How can we find hope in that? But, when we focus on God, and all that He has done and can do, all other things pale by comparison.
P - Father God, help me to keep my focus on You, especially when times get rough. Lift my head, Lord, to gaze upon Your majesty.

"Relationships"

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

Monday March 5, 2012

Duet 1,2 & Mark 12

"Relationships"

S-Mark 12:31 The second commandment is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. there is no commandment greater than these.

O- One of the scribe asks Jesus (teacher) "what is the most important commandment of all?" Teacher (Jesus) answered with the scripture Mark 12:30 & 31. To love is more important than any burnt offerings or sacrifices.

A-. There is no commandment more important than to "love." The reason is the bible is all about relationships. Our relationship with God, His relationship with us, our relationship with others, our relationship with the trinity, Father, son and holy spirit, to keep unity and peace. Without love we have nothing. That is why to love is the most important . Relationships are a gift from God. He asks us to cherish His gifts.

P- Thank you Lord that you have given us the tools in your word to teach us to love. Help us to love unconditionally, and to forgive quickly. Help us to know hold on to bitterness and offense but rather to love and extend grace and mercy, so that we may free to love. Amen

Forgive Until You Forget

Sunday, March 4, 2012: Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

S: Mark 11:26 – But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.
O: If you wish to be forgiven you must forgive others.
A: BOOM! Forgive and be forgiven. Sounds easy right? But any of us who have needed to forgive someone knows that it’s not always easy to forgive. In the preceding paragraph (25) it actually tells that if we stand praying and have anything against someone else we should let it “drop” in order that our Father may also forgive us. I have had people in my life who have devastated me with words said in anger. I would pray for the willingness to forgive them and ask God to bless them with everything that I wished for in my life & just when I thought I had it – those ugly feelings would creep back in. So I would keep on praying to be willing to forgive them and I would pray blessings over them (whether I sincerely meant it or not because I have learned that if I take the right action the feelings will follow)…….and sure enough pretty soon I was sincerely praying blessings over them & as a result my relationship with those people has been restored. God is all about the condition of our hearts & if we give unforgiveness room in our hearts it will soon fester and become bitterness & bitterness will open doors to the Enemy. When I look at my past I have a long list of things for which I received mercy and forgiveness which means I need to use the same measure of mercy when dealing with those who hurt me. All my past “stuff” was thrown into the sea of forgetfulness. That’s a pretty big measure. Forgive until you forget.
P: Father God forgive me for harboring unforgiveness in my heart. I cannot walk in love if there is any form of bittnerness or unforgiveness in me. Deal with my heart Lord. Show me any areas where unforgiveness has taken root. You have called me to be your daughter. Let me represent you well Lord – full of love and mercy and forgiveness. Amen.

Entering In

Saturday, March 3, 2012 – Num. 32, 33; Ps. 29; Mark 10
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S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer

“Enter In”

S – Mark 10:23 “Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God.”

O- Jesus was letting his disciples know that it is hard for someone who has riches to enter the kingdom of God.

A – I saw this verse with different eyes today. All that we have, and all that we possess belong to God, but He gives us the choice to use what we posses, any way we choose. I believe His heart is that we will take what He has given us and use it towards those things that are eternal. Sometimes the things that we posses hold us back from “entering” into the work of the kingdom of God. He asked the rich man to sell all that he possessed to provide for the poor. By doing this he would have “entered into the kingdom” or putting it another way, the rich man would have “entered into the work of the Lord “by using what he possessed for the kingdom of God and in this case feeding the poor. I have found when I’ve purchased something that I have wanted, it only gave me joy and happiness for a season. On the other hand, when I take what I posses and use it for the kingdom of God I still feel the joy of that deed to this day. Jesus said, I see what my Father is doing and I join Him. Sometimes the things we own can blind our eyes and cover our hearts so we will not be able to see or feel the spiritual things of God. Entering in begins here, and here is where we build our treasurers in heaven by doing the work of the Father. The Lord hasn’t asked me to sell all that own and give it to the poor, but He has asked me to enter into His work with what He has given.

P – Help me Father not to hold onto or love the things I own so tightly that should you ask anything of me I won’t be afraid to open my hands and say all that I have is yours. Take what you need Father for I am yours and all that I have is yours.

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

S-Mark 9:23 "If you can? Said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes.

O-A man was asking Jesus to heal his son and he said "If you can do anything take pity on us."

A-When I read this passage it almost sounds like Jesus is surprised that the man is not sure if Jesus can heal the son. I must admit that in my mind I know God can always heal...but there have been times when I have wavered in my faith. Later the man says "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." When I waver I need to know that God is waiting to heal my unbelief. I need to be honest with God and myself and turn to God to help me rely totally on Him.

P-"Oh God help me overcome my unbelief."

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

S - John 13:35  "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

O - Christians, Jesus commanded us to love each other.

A - Do people know we're Christians?  Is is because we talk about church and our positions there and all that we do for Jesus?  Do we realize we can negate everything we claim to be by treating a fellow Christian like dirt?  I've seen us do it.  We claim to "speak the truth in love," but guess what.  The love we claim to have is not evident at all.  Sometimes it seems we hurt each other much more than we speak of our love for each other.

P - Father, forgive us for the times when our love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is not evident.  Enable us to keep Your command to love them, that all the world will know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are Your disciples.

The unlikely

Sunday, February 26, 2012 – Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28 & Mark 5

S: Mark 5:19 (Amp) – But Jesus refused to permit him but said to him, “Go home to your own family and relatives and friends and bring back word to them of how much the Lord has done for you and how He has had sympathy for you and mercy on you.
O: A man with many demons is healed by Jesus and set free. The townspeople are fearful of what Jesus has done and ask him to leave. The man that used to have demons begs to travel with Jesus but Jesus tells him to go home and tell all that was done for him by the Lord.
A: From demon-possessed to free to evangelist all in the blink of an eye. That’s our Jesus. This town would have missed out on what Jesus was bringing but for one man that Jesus sent home to tell his family and friends what the Lord had done for him. Jesus didn’t send the best, the brightest, the most “holy”. He chose a man who had lived among the tombs and had been possessed by many demons. Not exactly a likely candidate but the only candidate Jesus chose to spread the news of God’s love and mercy. He didn’t tell the man to do extraordinary things – he said “Go home to your family and relatives and friends and bring back word to them of how much the Lord has done for you”. In other words, share your testimony. We don’t need to “be” anything. We don’t need to achieve “super-spiritual” status before God can use us in our homes, our families, our friends. All we need is a heart that’s willing to answer that call of “who shall I send” with the words “send me send me”.
P: Thank you God for your willingness to overlook what the world sees and use the unlikely. Give me words Lord to share my testimony and my life with all those that you place around me. Let me learn to be your light. Amen.

"Peace Be Still"

Saturday, 25, 2012 – Num. 17,18; Ps. 29; Mark 4

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

“Peace Be Still”

S – Mark; 4:39 “Then He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace be still !” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”

O- Jesus is commanding the wind and the sea to be still.

A - Jesus did so many amazing things while He walked here on the earth, but to me this is one of the most incredible. Jesus rising up and rebuking the wind and the sea “Peace be still!” and then just calm. I probably would have reacted as the disciples did and asked the same question, “who can this be that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” We all have moments of howling winds and troubled seas but all it takes on our part is to go to the Father because He delights in bringing peace and calm to our stormy lives and His heart is for us to know Him and His know of His love for us…. He says, “be still and know that I am God.”

P – Father thank you allowing us to draw near to You and restoring peace whenever we are in turmoil. Amen.

SEEN OR NOT SEEN

Joshua 18-20; 1Corinthian 9
S=Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

S-1Corinthian 9:25b “…they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.”

O-When we run a race and win we receive a crown, a crown that will tarnish and can be broken. However, when we work for God our reward is often unseen it is incorruptible…it is a heavenly reward.

A-When we work, our boss usually compensates us for that work. Hopefully there is some positive recognition for the work that has been done. But when we work for God, things are often done that go unseen and unnoticed by those around us. There is often no pay or accolades. But God sees and notices all we do for Him and for the Kingdom. We can become discouraged if we’ve worked on a project/plan that outwardly seems to have failed. We need to realize that when we do what we believe God is calling us to do…then we have not wasted our time. God has a plan and we can be part of that plan.

P-Lord help me to continue to do what is right in your sight. Help me to work not for earthly glory…but to please You.

WAIT

February 22, 2012 -Numbers 10,11; Psalm 27; Mark 1 - WAIT
S - Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
O - King David is encouraging us to be patient when we are being attacked by the enemy and just wait for God to come through.
A - We live in a microwave/instant messaging time. We don't like to wait for anything. Any desire that comes upon us we can usually fulfill for a price. Patience is becoming extinct among us. Sometimes God gives us a promise, but most times He doesn't deliver on it immediately. How many of us strive to fulfill our own promises from God? Is this what He really wants from us? If we can fulfill our own promises, then we don't need Him. I would rather need Him.
P - Father God, increase my patience to be able to wait for You to fulfill the promises You have given me. Strengthen and encourage me today, Lord - I don't need fulfilled promises as much as I just need You.

Following the "Cloud" of the Spirit

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 2/21/12 Numbers 8,9; Acts 28 - Following the "Cloud" of the Spirit

S- Numbers 9:17-18 MSG, When the Cloud lifted above the Tent, the People of Israel marched out; and when the Cloud descended the people camped.  The People of Israel marched at God's command and they camped at his command.

O - The Lord led His people with this visual sign of cloud by day and fire by night.  The directions were very clear and they followed them well through the wilderness.

A - If only the leading of the Holy Spirit was always this obvious! Sometimes, it's a gentle thought or nudge; other times it's clear and loud.  But our situation is different - in that we have the Holy Spirit residing with us inside our spirits; we are joined with the Spirit.  So many of His leading's are from within.  This is more intimate and personal, but it requires developing our spiritual ears (heart) so that we can indeed hear where the Spirit is leading us.  Then it is our job to follow, something the Israelites were good at - they followed the cloud faithfully.

P - Father, may we become fine-tuned to hearing the quiet voice of the Spirit.  When an unusual positive thought comes, may we be bold and courageous enough to follow it.  May we become excellent hearers and faithful doers.  Amen.

Let Go & Let God

Sunday, February 19, 2012 – Numbers 5,6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

S: Acts 26:8 – Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
O: Paul was speaking before King Agrippa about the charges the Jews had raised against him.
A: Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? Is it possible that we limit what God can do in our lives by the tiny little box we try to put God into? God is so much bigger than anything we are able to quantify. God doesn’t fit in a box, even a big box. Yes! God CAN raise the dead! God CAN handle any circumstance you are facing today. All it takes on our part is total and complete surrender. We have to let God out of the tiny little box we try to stuff him into and let this amazing God of Miracles DO HIS THING in our lives. He doesn’t need my help. I don’t know better than him. You see HE created me. HE knows me better than I know my self. HE knows what is best for me. HE loves me more than I can comprehend. I just need to Let Go & Let God.
P: Thank you God that you don’t operate in the box I try to put you in. I give you all of me today – all my circumstances – all my problems. I surrender to you. Help to not only place all my cares in your mighty hands today Lord but to leave them there. Let me just rest in your love and your provision today I pray. Amen.

"God Hears Our Cries"

Saturday, 2- 4, 2012 – 1 Sam 20,21; Ps. 34; Matthew 5

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

“God Hears Our Cries”

S – Psalms; 34:6 “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

O- David who is in exile running from his son Absalom cries out to the Lord for help.

A – No matter what frightening, heart pounding, no escaping this situation we find ourselves faced off with we can know that we have a heavenly Father who sees and is aware when we are in trouble. He only waits for us to say, “Father I am helpless in this situation and I need You. Knowing that He cares and hears when we cry out to Him, why is it that we make Him our last resort instead of our first? “Oh what Needless Pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” An old hymn from the ages and still relevant today.

P – Father You are always faithful in meeting our needs, lifting our burdens and soothing our fears away. Forgive us when we don’t come to you first. You have the answer to all needs because you are the answer. Amen.

WHAT'S RIGHT IS RIGHT

S=Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer

S-Acts 24:27b “But because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”

O-Felix was being called to Rome to face charges by the Jews. The Jews did not want to let Paul go. So Felix, not wanting to incite more anger with the Jews, left Paul in jail, knowing he was wrong in doing so.

A-Do we do what is right…or what suits our purpose? Felix could not afford to make the Jews any angrier with him then they were. So he did what was most beneficial for himself. How many times do we have this very same opportunity? God wants us to be honest in ALL our dealings…not just the big ones. Sometimes it is inconvenient to be forthcoming…we might “lose face”…but better to “lose face” with man than with God.

P-Lord help me to do what is right.