The Anointing is Fun!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 1/31/12 Exodus 28-29; Acts 7 - The Anointing is Fun!

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

S - Exodus 297, "Take the anointing oil, and anoint him by pouring it on his head."

O - Aaron, Moses brother, was called as a Levite to be the first high priest.  Many preparations were made to adorn him with specific clothes; he was anointed with oil and consecrated for the position.

A - I love the anointing of the Holy Spirit!  I had the opportunity to play on the worship team two Sundays ago while Pastor Diana was preaching.  My favorite part of the whole service was when I was playing the piano accompanying her ministry time prayer.  I could sense a very strong anointing; it felt like I had hopped on a canoe and ridden downstream effortlessly enjoying the wonderful scenery!! I just went along for the ride - and it was a blast!  I think I dovetailed on Pastor Diana's anointing!  It was so fun playing, ebbing and flowing with the Spirit.  It's the best!

P - Father, anoint us with Your Spirit.  It is your gift bestowed upon us.  May we be sponges soaking up your Presence in our lives, that it may overflow onto others as we minister to the world.  Thank you for your anointing.  Amen.

"Speak No Evil"

Saturday, 28, 2012 – Ex 21,22; Ps. 12; Acts 4

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

“Speak No Evil”

S – Psalms; 12:3-4 “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things. Who have said, “with our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is Lord over us?”

O- David is angry with those who speak without regard and their self willed attitude. That they do not need to be accountable to anyone for their words or actions.

A - I’ll do what I want to do, say what I want to say and whose going to stop me? That pretty much represents the spirit of self will and a turning from godliness. When we choose to speak without considering how this may affect others, or the consequences of our words or actions, sadly this kind of attitude can lead to the oppression and hurt of others. It is so easy to get caught up in gossip and half truths. Once words are spoken they cannot be taken back. The damage has been done. Hopefully before we speak of someone it will be examined in the light and context of His Holy Word. Will what I am about to say lift up my brother or sister? If the answer it no, then we must be silent and only speak words of affirmation and that which will bring edification. In that way we not only touch the ears and the hearts of the listener with godliness but He also restores our souls and leads us in paths of righteousness.

P – Father, may the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. Amen.

POWER

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - Exodus 12,13; Psalm 21; Acts 1

S - Acts 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

O - Jesus said we receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes on us.  And when that power comes, we can witness as to what He has done in our lives.

A - I was afraid up until I was 29 years old.  I couldn't talk to strangers or advocate for myself or others.  I was afraid of everything and everybody.  And then Jesus saved me and I was radically changed forever.  I can even speak in public which is statistically most people's greatest fear.  Jesus wasn't kidding. I got the power to witness.

P - Lord, thank you for sending Holy Spirit to give me the boldness to witness.  I ask for more Lord and the opportunities to use it.

Let My People Go!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 1/24/12 Exodus 9-11; Luke 24  Let My People Go!

S - Exodus 9:1, Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, 'This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, so that they may worship me."

O - The Hebrews had lived in captivity in Egypt for 400 years.  They had been crying out to the Lord for deliverance and He sent Moses to convince Pharaoh to let them go so that they could head out into freedom where worship and service would be unto the Lord instead of unto Pharaoh.

A - I love this application - when we are in bondage to something or someone, the Lord is calling us back to Him, to worship Him.  The Hebrew word for worship here is abad, which also means to be in bondage to and to serve.  Unfortunately, when we are bound to something else, our freedom to worship and our service to the Lord and others is limited or confined, we are distracted and our energy is sapped.  He wants us to be tight with Him and free to worship Him. He sent Jesus to enable this.

P - Father, thank you for our Savior - who saved us from captivity. He whom the sons sets free is free indeed!  May we grab a hold of that which you grabbed for us - abundant life and freedom.  And may we worship You in new ways and depths.  Amen.

Epic Failure or Epic Success?

Sunday, 1/22/12 – Exodus 3-5; Luke 22

S: Luke 22:32 – But I have prayed especially for you [Peter] that your own faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again; strengthen and establish your brethren.
O: Jesus is about to be betrayed and he is urging his disciples to pray for the strength to resist the temptation that was coming at them.
A: The story of Peter denying Jesus is familiar. Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter failed. Or did he? Peter was absolutely destroyed when Jesus’ prediction was fulfilled. He wept bitterly. He had failed his Messiah, his friend. Yet Peter’s faith in Jesus and what he stood for did not waver. He struggled his way through a dark place and came out the other side refined. It was Peter’s words that a few days later would put in motion a revolution that would change the world. Thousands were saved that day and Jesus’ followers were strengthened and established and they went out into the word to establish a new way of life. Those words “and when you have turned again; strengthen and establish your brethren” speak to me. It is often in those times when I feel like I have failed and I have nothing to offer ….those dark times that God is actually preparing me for what he has for me to do. The next thing. With God nothing is wasted – even our failures. God will use it all if we are willing to be used. Peter chose wisely.
P: Father God I came to you a failure and you loved me anyway. Today Lord I give you my all and pray that you can use it in some way to bring glory to you and your kingdom. Let it not be about me but ALL about you. Amen.

“Being put to the Test”

Saturday, 21, 2012 – Ex 1,2; Ps. 88; Luke 21

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

“Being put to the test”

S - Exodus 1:17 “But the midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive.”

O- The Egyptian king put out a command to the Hebrew midwives that they were to execute all the male children being birthed by the Hebrew woman.

A - There will be times when our faith and beliefs put forth by God will be put to the test. The world will command us to forsake the straight and narrow path and try to cause us to fear and out of that fear forsake God’s ways. It’s at those times we need to make the choice to stand strong in our faith no matter what the circumstances may hold for us. The Word tells us that the Lord will deliver us out of all of our troubles. Their fear of God more than the king of Egypt helped them to stay on the path of righteousness. Hopefully we too will have such great fear and faith that we will continue to walk in righteousness to be used to save many.

P – Lord, may our reverence towards you remain strong. Help us to be more like these midwives whose faith and fear in You was greater than the fear of man can do. May our fear (reverence) towards you be great because our love for you is greater. Amen

WHAT IS MAN?

S=Scripture O=Objective A=Application P=Prayer
WHAT IS MAN?

S-Psalm 8:3-4 “When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars…What is man that thou are mindful of him?”

O-David is comparing God’s wonderful handiwork …heaven, moon, and stars to man.

A-Compared to the stars and moon which light up the heavens and all that God has created…what is man that God cares so much about us? We are often spiritually blind, sinners (saved by God’s grace). The knowledge that He loves us so much is overwhelming to David and very humbling to me. I know that God truly knows everything about me…and He is concerned about the things that concern me…this is humbling. When He gives me the desires of my heart…I am humbled. When I fail Him and He forgives me…I am humbled. When He says He takes delight in His children (me)…I am humbled.

P-Oh god thank you for loving, forgiving and redeeming me. As David said in Psa. 8:9 “O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth.”

NO QUITTING!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - Genesis 44-46; Luke 18

S- Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

O - Jesus taught that we shouldn't give up praying for what we want, especially justice.

A - There's a reason so many of our bibles have "red letters."  These are the actual words Jesus spoke.  Red letters mean, "Listen up!" as far as I'm concerned.  And so I will not give up praying for what is right.  And what is right is for everybody I know to be snatched away from the devil's grasp and walk in the light of salvation.

P - Lord, save them - everybody I've ever prayed for - especially my adult children - in Jesus' name I pray.

I am Surrounded with Favor!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 1/17/12  Genesis 42,43; Psalm 5; Luke 17 - I am Surrounded with Favor!

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

S - Psalm 5:11-12 HCSB, But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. 
May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You.  For You, LORD, bless the righteous one; You surround him with favor like a shield.

O - The Lord gives us favor because we are His righteous ones! Period.  It is His gift.  In the New Covenant, we are righteous because of the work of Jesus, not because of our own works.  We then become  the recipients of God's gift of favor.

A - I have often seen favor on the lives of other Christians.  I have one family member that seems to drip with favor!  One time a person prayed over me and said the same to me - that I was swimming in God's favor in a certain situation.  This Hebrew word means delight, goodwill, kindness.  The English word is defined as having an advantage.  Bestowing favor on someone was a King's prerogative, if he chose to do so.  Well, our Savior did it all and now we receive the favor of God simply because we are His kids and He chooses to pour it out! We are surrounded with favor, kindness, advantage, and goodwill like a shield.  Maybe we need to begin proclaiming it and believing it - and we will begin to see it!

P - Father, thank you that I am righteous in Christ, not because of my own doing but because of Jesus.  And thank you that you surround me with favor like a shield.  I take that word today and I choose to run with it, believing that my life is a powerful one that can make a difference in this world - because of YOUR FAVOR.  I like that!  Amen.

How Big Is Heaven?

Saturday, 14, 2012 – Gen. 34 - 36; Luke 14

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

“How Big Is Heaven?”

S – Luke 14:22 “And the servant said, “Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room”.

O- In this parable God sent out an invitation inviting His people Israel to the party. They rejected His invitation because of their unbelief that Jesus was the Messiah and so His invitation of grace went out to the Gentiles.

A - Did you ever stop to think about how big heaven really is? I would think about how big heaven is in terms of how many of us will be there starting from Adam and Eve up through the ages and centuries of time and like Buzz Light Year would say, “ To infinity and beyond”! At one time I have to admit I really began to get concerned. I know the Bible says, that in His house are many rooms and He goes to prepare a place for us, but I needed a little more assurance. Our minds are so finite when it comes to some of the things of God that I don’t believe He minds when we ask Him questions that are beyond our way of thinking. I’m so glad I asked Him this one because it set my heart and spirit to rest and gave me peace. One day He showed me something that gave me a sense that there will be “more than enough” room in heaven. He pointed me to the stars in heaven. On a dark night out in the countryside away from city lights you can see the thousands upon thousands of stars. Now from our point of view on earth they look as though they are right on top of one another and even touching, but because of the science of space we now know that the stars are hundreds of light years away from one another. Then you put that factor in to the vastness of the universe itself and you begin to understand how big heaven really is. Now, aren’t you glad I asked? And still there is room!

P – Father I love that you are approachable and that you don’t mind when we come to you and ask questions that are beyond us. Thank you for the love of Your Son Jesus, that through Him and His abiding grace can we make heaven our home where you are preparing a place for each of us who believe on His name. Amen!

THIS STINKS!

Genesis 31-33: Luke 13
S=Scripture O=Objective A=Application P=Prayer

S- Luke 13:8,9 “Sir…leave it (fig tree) alone for one more year and I will dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year fine, if it does not than cut it down.

O-Jesus is telling the parable of the fig tree.

A-Sometimes as Christians we become complacent. We know god loves us, however, because of our complacency , we are not useful to God or the Kingdom. We are just taking up space like the fig tree which doesn’t bear fruit.

The Gardener wanted to spare the fig tree so he dug around it…broke up the old soil and fertilized it. Sometimes I feel that God is loosening the old soil around my roots (old stuff that keeps me stuck) and throws in fresh fertilizer and mixes it in. Fertilizer stinks. At times when God is working in my life, I stink and am off balance until the soil settles and my roots go down deep. The process of pruning and freshening is not fun, but often necessary to help us be fruitful.

P-God help me to be alive to You and aware of what You are doing in my life. Help me to cooperate with You as you prune me. Thank You for loving me so much that You keep on working with me and don’t give up.

JUST ASK

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - Genesis 27-28; Psalm 4; Luke 11

S - Luke 11:9  So I say to you:  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

O - Jesus is telling us how to approach the Father in prayer.

A - God speaks to us all the time.  He loves us and wants us to know things.  He wants us to grow and mature.  Don't you want that for your children?  Don't you want them to grow and prosper and be wise?  If you want to know what God is saying - just ask.  If you want something good, just ask.  He's your Daddy.  He wants to bless you.

P - Lord, make the desires of my heart line up with Your will for my life and then I ask that You give me the desires of my heart.  I love you, God.

It's a God-Thing!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 1/10/12, Genesis 25,26; Psalm 6; Luke 10 - It's a God-Thing!

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

S- Gen 26:12, Isaac planted crops in that land and in the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.

O - There was another famine in the land, but the Lord instructed Isaac to stay put, not to go down to Egypt.  And in the midst of the famine, the Lord blessed Isaac with a hundred times as much as he had planted.

A - Now, that's quite a blessing in the midst of a famine!  What a great word for me right now.  I am reading about vineyards and the parallel applications to the Kingdom of God.  I am hearing the word FRUITFULNESS, which is encouraging because it feels like much opportunity for helping people with Tune the Temple has dried up; yes, I can relate to the famine in the land.  I love that Isaac did not run away in the hardship, in the famine, but did his part to plant the seed, and then God did the rest!  God blessed.  And Isaac became a very wealthy man!

 P - Father, we thank you for your promises that encourage us.  We thank you that as a part of your Kingdom, we do what you ask us to and then You take over. You produce the fruit. Isaac received one hundred times more crop than seeds planted.  That's a God-Thing.  We look for the God-Things in our lives.  Thank you!  Amen.

"the least is greater"

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

January 9, 2012

Gen. 23, 24 Luke 9
"The least is Greater"

S-Luke 9:48 The He said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who set me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest.

O- Jesus sent out 12 disciples to preach what they had been taught and what they had received from being with Jesus. They must go and bring nothing with them but their clothes on their back and what was in their hearts. The disciples ran across many different situations for healing, deliverance, rejection, yet truth and love come together and the message is rejected, it leaves no excuse. Jesus said to become as innocent and blameless like a little child and you will be the greatest in the kingdom.

A- The innocence of a child is so pure. They believe and trust in everything we say as adults and as parents, until they start getting hurt. When Jesus said if you want to be great in the kingdom you must be like a little child, he really is saying "don't doubt, don't judge, don't question.....just believe." Children have a wonderful sense of trust in their parents. They come in the world with nothing, and they trust in everything....to be fed, bathed, nurtured and loved. God provides all of that for those who trust and love him.

P- Father, gives us hearts like little children. The kind of heart that trusts, and wants to please you, and love you and be close to you. Bring us back to those days of being like a little child in the way we trust, and not get wrapped up in the questions, and denial, and deceitfulness of the world. Amen

Tell it

Sunday, January 8, 2012. Genesis 20-22; Luke 8

S: Luke 8:39 – Return to your house and tell what good things God has done for you.
O: Jesus had cast out many demons from a man and he begged to go with Jesus. Instead Jesus told him to return home and tell people what God had done for him; how God had set him free.
A: Your testimony has the power to set others free. Hearing someone’s testimony of what God has done for them quickens my spirit and causes hope to spring forth. It may not be for you to quit your job, leave your home and follow Jesus to the ends of the earth; but it for each one of us to share our testimony and plant the very seeds that may one day cause faith to arise in someone who does not believe.
P: Father God I surrender my fear and pride to you. Give me boldness Lord to proclaim my testimony to all who need hope today. Amen.

"In Times Of Trouble"

Saturday, 1, 7 2012 – Gen. 18,19; Ps. 3; Luke 7

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

“In Times Of Trouble”

S – Psalm 3:3 “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

O- David is leaving Jerusalem and running from his son Absalom and his followers who have come against David and are out to destroy him.

A - I love the verses in this Psalm. I can’t begin to tell you how many times tears have flowed from my eyes as I was singing this verse at the top of my lungs whenever I was walking through difficulties. Many of you could sing it, “But You, O Lord are a shield for me. My glory and the lifter of my head!” David is running from his son Absalom to escape from being destroyed. I cannot imagine being chased down by one of my family members for my destruction, in my mind it is just inconceivable although I can say there is one who is out to destroy us. The Word tells us the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Let’s face it, satan is our adversary, but God is our salvation. David gives glory to God by crying out to Him and speaking out what is true, my shield, (protector) my glory,(provider) the lifter of head(my savior) and like David I know that in Him I can have faith, knowing He will help me in times of trouble and distress and despair because like David when we cry out to Him with our voice He will hear us from His holy hill.

P – Lord how thankful I am to have you as my Shield. There is no one who can help me like you can. Thank you for hearing me when I call on your name and for giving me peace in times when I am troubled and in trouble. Thank you for being the lifter of my head when I am shamed and for wiping away the tears and replacing them with joy. Amen.

A WOMAN'S INFLUENCE or GOD'S TIMING...NOT OURS

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

S- Gen. 16:2 “…so she said to Abram, “the Lord has kept me from having children. Go sleep with my maidservant, perhaps I can build a family through her. Abram agreed with what Sarai said.”

O-God had promised Sarai and Abram a child - but years passed and Sarai did not become pregnant…so she took matters into her own hands.

A- Two thoughts (at least) come to my mind with this scripture.
1, Wives can have a great influence over their husbands…they can either influence them to do good …or to do what is wrong.
2. God’s time is not always our time. He is not on our schedule. We need to believe Him and then wait upon Him. If He says He will do something then He will.
P- Lord, help me to trust Your timing in all things and not to run ahead of You. Also, Father help me to be a positive influence in the lives of people around me. I want them to see You in my words and actions.

IT IS WRITTEN

Wednesday, January 4, 2012, Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

S - Luke 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'People do not live on bread alone.'"

O - Jesus was being tempted by the devil and He fought the temptation with the Word of God.

A - Jesus showed us by His example how to fight against the devil.  Each time, the devil brought something that was tempting to Him, He quoted scripture.  He could have done many other things to make the devil go away and yet He used the Word of God.  Scripture is a powerful weapon.  It is so powerful that even the devil knows it and tries to use it to his advantage by taking it out of context.

P - Lord, help me to commit more scripture to memory so that I have a strong arsenal with which to fight the enemy of our souls.

The Crooked is Made Straight

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 1/3/12  Genesis 6-8; Luke 3 - The Crooked is Made Straight

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

S - Luke 3:5-6, Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill brought low; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

O - John the Baptist was the voice calling out, preparing the way of Jesus, prophesying the fruit of the Messiah.

A -  The wording, "the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways made smooth" reminded me of a line from Isaiah 42:16, "I will turn ... rough places into level ground."  Areas that we find bumpy in our lives are smoothed out for us - either in actuality or in our emotions regarding them.  If you are feeling stuck in a crooked scenario, seek the Lord for guidance as to how to move forward and seek Him for healing from the damage already done.  I have found that sometimes the Lord guides me to set boundaries and limits in my life to prevent future damage; this then helps to smooth out the crooked places.

P - Lord, thank you for this promise of straightening the crooked places in our lives and for making rough ways smooth.  You always have an answer for us.  Thank you for your faithfulness.  Amen.

Made for Intimacy

S: Genesis 2:7 (Amp). Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life and man became a living being.
O: It was with God's own breath that man received the spirit of life.
A: From the very beginning we were designed for intimacy with our creator. God breathed his own spirit into man. Think of the intimacy involved. Man being held close enough to hear the beat of God's own heart. He breathed his own breath into a lifeless form and there was life. God wants intimacy with us still. He wants to hold us close and breathe the breath of life into each one of us. As we step into a brand new year what better resolution to make than to get close enough to hear the very beat of God's own heart.
P: Father God forgive me for my sin. Reveal to me anything in my life that interferes with true intimacy with you. All I want in the year to come is to be close enough to hear the very beat of your heart; to seek your face and your will. Amen.