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.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
"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.
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.
Friday, February 24, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
"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.
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.
Friday, February 17, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I HAD A BAD DAY
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - Leviticus 25; Psalm 25,26; Acts 22
S - Psalm 25:5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
O - David, in his troubles, looks to the Lord as his hope.
A - I chat with God a lot, and I mean a LOT. He is the only One who can get me through a bad day at work. He gives me solutions where there seem to be none. He makes me laugh when I feel that I'll never laugh again. He is patient with me when I lose all patience. And He loves me, regardless of how unlovely I feel.
P - Lord, thank You for being with me during all my "bad days." I ask that I always feel Your presence, Lord. Keep me, sustain me, love me, in Jesus' name I pray.
S - Psalm 25:5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
O - David, in his troubles, looks to the Lord as his hope.
A - I chat with God a lot, and I mean a LOT. He is the only One who can get me through a bad day at work. He gives me solutions where there seem to be none. He makes me laugh when I feel that I'll never laugh again. He is patient with me when I lose all patience. And He loves me, regardless of how unlovely I feel.
P - Lord, thank You for being with me during all my "bad days." I ask that I always feel Your presence, Lord. Keep me, sustain me, love me, in Jesus' name I pray.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Are You a God-Quester?
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 2/14/12 Leviticus 23,24; Psalm 24; Acts 21
S - Psalm 24:5-6 Message, God is at their side, with God's help they make it. This, Jacob, is what happens to God-seekers, God-questers.
O - "Pursue, seek, go after" are some synonyms for a quester. God is calling us lately - is anyone else hearing this?
A- I keep running across a similar message - go after God. I used to be quite the worshiper, sitting at my piano alone at home, me and Jesus. I keep saying I want to regain this, but I haven't made much progress, I admit. In order to go after something new, often other things need to be put aside to make room for the new thing. And if we do some new action successfully for 21 days, it becomes more of a habit to do it on Day 22, 23, etc.
P - Lord, help me seek You. May this become a normal part of my life again. Amen.
Tuesday 2/14/12 Leviticus 23,24; Psalm 24; Acts 21
S - Psalm 24:5-6 Message, God is at their side, with God's help they make it. This, Jacob, is what happens to God-seekers, God-questers.
O - "Pursue, seek, go after" are some synonyms for a quester. God is calling us lately - is anyone else hearing this?
A- I keep running across a similar message - go after God. I used to be quite the worshiper, sitting at my piano alone at home, me and Jesus. I keep saying I want to regain this, but I haven't made much progress, I admit. In order to go after something new, often other things need to be put aside to make room for the new thing. And if we do some new action successfully for 21 days, it becomes more of a habit to do it on Day 22, 23, etc.
P - Lord, help me seek You. May this become a normal part of my life again. Amen.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
True Transparency
February 12th – Leviticus 18, 19; Psalm 13 & Acts 19
S: Acts 19:18 (Amp). Many also of those who were new believers came making full confession and thoroughly exposing their former and deceptive and evil practices.
O: Paul preaches the gospel in Ephesus & God did many miracles through Paul and many new believers came confessing their sins and former ways.
A: These new believers were unwilling to have anything (even their past, their pride, their failures) get in the way of their new relationship with their Savior. They humbled themselves and freely confessed it all in front of the church. I wonder how many of us would be willing to put our pride aside and make ourselves this vulnerable and transparent? How many of us would be willing to open ourselves up to the rejection they could have faced? Some of the most amazing sights I have witnessed lately have been when God uses one broken person to reach another. Something tells me these new believers were onto something – called Freedom.
P: Father God forgive me for my pride & my ego that gets in the way of finding the kind of freedom that these new believers found through laying it all down for you & confessing all their sins before you and others. Create in me a humble heart Lord. Then use me to lead others to true freedom. Amen.
S: Acts 19:18 (Amp). Many also of those who were new believers came making full confession and thoroughly exposing their former and deceptive and evil practices.
O: Paul preaches the gospel in Ephesus & God did many miracles through Paul and many new believers came confessing their sins and former ways.
A: These new believers were unwilling to have anything (even their past, their pride, their failures) get in the way of their new relationship with their Savior. They humbled themselves and freely confessed it all in front of the church. I wonder how many of us would be willing to put our pride aside and make ourselves this vulnerable and transparent? How many of us would be willing to open ourselves up to the rejection they could have faced? Some of the most amazing sights I have witnessed lately have been when God uses one broken person to reach another. Something tells me these new believers were onto something – called Freedom.
P: Father God forgive me for my pride & my ego that gets in the way of finding the kind of freedom that these new believers found through laying it all down for you & confessing all their sins before you and others. Create in me a humble heart Lord. Then use me to lead others to true freedom. Amen.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Compelled By The Spirit
Saturday, 2- 10, 2012 – Lev. 15,17; Acts 18
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Compelled By The Spirit”
S - Acts 18:5 “When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.”
O - Paul is encouraged and strengthened in heart and spirit by the return of Silas and Timothy’s return to Macedonia and compelled by the Spirit to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ, their Messiah.
A – There is something to be said about the spiritual encouragement you receive when you are around those who love the Lord as much as you do. They bring out a certain strength and rejuvenation to help you to move forward for the cause of Christ. Just like Silas and Timothy did for Paul. This is not to say that Paul lost his vision, but the return of his friends brought about a divine compulsion. He was compelled by the Spirit to evangelize the hearts of the Jews to Jesus. Applying this to our own lives, we need one another so that we can encourage each other in the faith and to pray for one another. We also need to take time each and every day to be with the Lord in prayer so that we can be strengthened, encouraged and filled up by the Holy Spirit. Only then when we meet someone in the grocery store, at the gas station or at work will be “compelled by the Spirit” to minister the love of Christ, to encourage those who feel forlorn, to brighten up the day of those who feel that life has passed them by…..and maybe win some to the saving knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Savior, Friend, Redeemer who loves them and died for them alone.
P – Father, I ask that each day you will fill me to overflowing so that I would do the work of an evangelist. To reach out and show your love to a lost and dying world that I may win some to the saving knowledge of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Compelled By The Spirit”
S - Acts 18:5 “When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.”
O - Paul is encouraged and strengthened in heart and spirit by the return of Silas and Timothy’s return to Macedonia and compelled by the Spirit to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ, their Messiah.
A – There is something to be said about the spiritual encouragement you receive when you are around those who love the Lord as much as you do. They bring out a certain strength and rejuvenation to help you to move forward for the cause of Christ. Just like Silas and Timothy did for Paul. This is not to say that Paul lost his vision, but the return of his friends brought about a divine compulsion. He was compelled by the Spirit to evangelize the hearts of the Jews to Jesus. Applying this to our own lives, we need one another so that we can encourage each other in the faith and to pray for one another. We also need to take time each and every day to be with the Lord in prayer so that we can be strengthened, encouraged and filled up by the Holy Spirit. Only then when we meet someone in the grocery store, at the gas station or at work will be “compelled by the Spirit” to minister the love of Christ, to encourage those who feel forlorn, to brighten up the day of those who feel that life has passed them by…..and maybe win some to the saving knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Savior, Friend, Redeemer who loves them and died for them alone.
P – Father, I ask that each day you will fill me to overflowing so that I would do the work of an evangelist. To reach out and show your love to a lost and dying world that I may win some to the saving knowledge of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, February 10, 2012
YOU ARE ALL I NEED
Leviticus 13,14; Acts 17
YOU ARE ALL I NEED
S=Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer
S-Acts 17:28 “For n Him we live and move and have our being.”
O-Paul is telling the people that the God he serves was not built by the hands of man…but his God created all.
A-We are God’s offspring…in Him we have all we need to be complete (whole). Sometimes we need to remind our selves that it is God who gives us strength, wisdom, and all we need to live. I want to celebrate Him by reminding myself that without Him I would be nothing…but in Him I can do all things.
P- Thank you Father for loving me and for keeping me. I am truly blessed, a child of the Most High God.
YOU ARE ALL I NEED
S=Scriptures, O=Observation, A=Application, P=Prayer
S-Acts 17:28 “For n Him we live and move and have our being.”
O-Paul is telling the people that the God he serves was not built by the hands of man…but his God created all.
A-We are God’s offspring…in Him we have all we need to be complete (whole). Sometimes we need to remind our selves that it is God who gives us strength, wisdom, and all we need to live. I want to celebrate Him by reminding myself that without Him I would be nothing…but in Him I can do all things.
P- Thank you Father for loving me and for keeping me. I am truly blessed, a child of the Most High God.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Rules, rules, rules
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 - Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15
S - Acts 15:19 "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."
O - James is speaking to the apostles and elders about how the Gentiles were being taught after they got saved (some were still teaching that circumcision was necessary.)
A - Jesus Himself said that the commandments from God could be summed up with "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39) And the apostles decided that post salvation instruction should be simple. I think we still tend to complicate things after we get people saved and forget the most important things - to love God and to love others.
P - Lord, help me to get back to the basics with people I teach in Your name. Show them Your eyes of love, Lord, so that they fall so much in love with You that they would never want to do anything that dishonors the love You have for them.
S - Acts 15:19 "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."
O - James is speaking to the apostles and elders about how the Gentiles were being taught after they got saved (some were still teaching that circumcision was necessary.)
A - Jesus Himself said that the commandments from God could be summed up with "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39) And the apostles decided that post salvation instruction should be simple. I think we still tend to complicate things after we get people saved and forget the most important things - to love God and to love others.
P - Lord, help me to get back to the basics with people I teach in Your name. Show them Your eyes of love, Lord, so that they fall so much in love with You that they would never want to do anything that dishonors the love You have for them.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
God Brings the Evidence!
by Cathy Weymouth
Tuesday 2/7/12 Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14 - God Brings the Evidence!
S= Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - Acts 14:3 MSG, The two apostles were there a long time, speaking freely, openly, and confidently as they presented the clear evidence of God's gifts, God corroborating their work with miracles and wonders.
O - Paul and Barnabas were traveling on their first missionary journey, where they preached in synagogues and prayed for people as they traveled.
Tuesday 2/7/12 Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14 - God Brings the Evidence!
S= Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer
S - Acts 14:3 MSG, The two apostles were there a long time, speaking freely, openly, and confidently as they presented the clear evidence of God's gifts, God corroborating their work with miracles and wonders.
O - Paul and Barnabas were traveling on their first missionary journey, where they preached in synagogues and prayed for people as they traveled.
A - In their travels, they were speaking boldly for the Lord and God was confirming the message. I love this application of the anointing of the Spirit. We speak and God confirms by doing things that are humanly impossible! The word corroborate means to make more certain by supporting with evidence or authority.
P - Lord, I ask You to come and give evidence to Your Kingdom while we speak of you, the gifts you have given us, and Your Presence in our lives. How much more powerful our testimony and words are when you bring the proof! We ask to see the fruit in our lives so that others may see it as well! Amen.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
PASSION ARISE
Sunday, February 5, 2011: Exodus39-40, Psalm 15, Acts 12
S: Acts 12: 5 (AMP) – So Peter was kept in prison but fervent prayer for him was persistently made to God by the church.
O: Peter had been arrested and thrown in jail but the church continued to join together and pray for him.
A: Fervent prayer was offered. The definition of fervent is: having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm; hot; burning; glowing. The church did not passively pray for Peter – they prayed with great passion and they prayed persistently without giving up. Are my prayers full of passion? Do I pray persistently or do I give up? Peter was set free by an angel. What miracle in my life am I missing if I don’t allow my passion into my prayer life and if I don’t continue to ask God for my miracle?
P: Father God forgive me for the lukewarm prayer life I have slipped into at times. Father God renew the fire in me. Fill my prayers with passion. Let our time together each day be pleasing to you as it renews my passion for you. You alone are the source of my passion. Transform me into the person you have called me to be. I am clay in your hands.
S: Acts 12: 5 (AMP) – So Peter was kept in prison but fervent prayer for him was persistently made to God by the church.
O: Peter had been arrested and thrown in jail but the church continued to join together and pray for him.
A: Fervent prayer was offered. The definition of fervent is: having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm; hot; burning; glowing. The church did not passively pray for Peter – they prayed with great passion and they prayed persistently without giving up. Are my prayers full of passion? Do I pray persistently or do I give up? Peter was set free by an angel. What miracle in my life am I missing if I don’t allow my passion into my prayer life and if I don’t continue to ask God for my miracle?
P: Father God forgive me for the lukewarm prayer life I have slipped into at times. Father God renew the fire in me. Fill my prayers with passion. Let our time together each day be pleasing to you as it renews my passion for you. You alone are the source of my passion. Transform me into the person you have called me to be. I am clay in your hands.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
"Let The Words Of My Mouth"
Saturday, 2- 4, 2012 – Ex 37,38; Ps. 19; Acts 11
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Let the Words Of My Mouth”
S – Psalms; 19:3-4 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight O Lord. My strength and my Redeemer.
O- Let my words and thoughts be acceptable to the Lord each and every day.
A – I was watching TD Jakes last night and not only was he delivering a powerful message, but he was speaking powerful words and thought provoking statements over himself and over his congregate. “Let the words of my mouth”. Gossip, slander, false accusation, lies, half truths, cursing, have no place in the mouth of the upright. Do you notice when you speak them how your spirit inside begins to grieve and feel low? But, when I speak and meditate on the Word of Life (His banner over me is love!) when I speak truth, and words of edification, and encouragement, my spirit feels alive I feel rejuvenated, like I could conquer anything! How pleasing they are to the Father when I acknowledge the great things that He has done over my life and over your life. And that’s when it struck me about this verse, “acceptable in Your sight.” We tend to forget that the Father is watching and listening to our words at all times. That He is aware of what we are thinking and saying. Maybe if we were a little more aware of the fact that He is always aware, it might just motivate us enough to speak of and meditate on words that will only please Him.
P – Father, may the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. Amen.
S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer
“Let the Words Of My Mouth”
S – Psalms; 19:3-4 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight O Lord. My strength and my Redeemer.
O- Let my words and thoughts be acceptable to the Lord each and every day.
A – I was watching TD Jakes last night and not only was he delivering a powerful message, but he was speaking powerful words and thought provoking statements over himself and over his congregate. “Let the words of my mouth”. Gossip, slander, false accusation, lies, half truths, cursing, have no place in the mouth of the upright. Do you notice when you speak them how your spirit inside begins to grieve and feel low? But, when I speak and meditate on the Word of Life (His banner over me is love!) when I speak truth, and words of edification, and encouragement, my spirit feels alive I feel rejuvenated, like I could conquer anything! How pleasing they are to the Father when I acknowledge the great things that He has done over my life and over your life. And that’s when it struck me about this verse, “acceptable in Your sight.” We tend to forget that the Father is watching and listening to our words at all times. That He is aware of what we are thinking and saying. Maybe if we were a little more aware of the fact that He is always aware, it might just motivate us enough to speak of and meditate on words that will only please Him.
P – Father, may the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. Amen.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
IS MY HEART RIGHT?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - Exodus 30-32; Acts 8
S - Acts 8:21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
O - Peter is admonishing Simon for trying to buy something from the apostles which can only be gifted by God.
A - We desire great things, don't we? Power, prestige, honor - if we wear the right clothes, drive the right car, have the right position, THEN we will be truly happy. But where are our hearts with God? Simon did not desire to be able to bestow the Holy Spirit because he wanted to bless others. He wanted that ability for himself to satisfy his own selfish desires and that is wrong before God.
P - Lord, I want to be right before You. Search my heart and reveal to me when it is not right. Make me worthy to minister Your word and healing to others, to bring freedom to them through You, in Jesus' name I pray.
S - Acts 8:21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
O - Peter is admonishing Simon for trying to buy something from the apostles which can only be gifted by God.
A - We desire great things, don't we? Power, prestige, honor - if we wear the right clothes, drive the right car, have the right position, THEN we will be truly happy. But where are our hearts with God? Simon did not desire to be able to bestow the Holy Spirit because he wanted to bless others. He wanted that ability for himself to satisfy his own selfish desires and that is wrong before God.
P - Lord, I want to be right before You. Search my heart and reveal to me when it is not right. Make me worthy to minister Your word and healing to others, to bring freedom to them through You, in Jesus' name I pray.
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