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.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
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.
Friday, March 23, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, March 16, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
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!
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
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
Sunday, March 11, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, March 9, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, March 5, 2012
"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
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
Sunday, March 4, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
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.
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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.
Friday, March 2, 2012
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."
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."
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