THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - October 13, 2010 - Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2

S - Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

O - The people were convicted of their sins and wanted to know what they could do. This was Peter's reply.

A - It sounds so formulaic, doesn't it? Repent, get baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And yet, I know people who struggle with whether or not they've received the Holy Spirit, possibly because many doctrines state that the evidence of that gift is speaking in tongues. Just because there may not be evidence does not mean something is not true. The Word says if you repent and get baptized, you WILL (not MIGHT) receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Stand on this truth.

P - Lord, I thank you that I do speak in tongues. "But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue." (1 Cor 14:19) Pour out Your Spirit even more, Lord!

GOD PUT IT INTO MY HEART!

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 10/12/10 Nehemiah 7.8; Acts 1 GOD PUT IT INTO MY HEART!

S - Nehemiah 7:4,5  Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt.  So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families.

O - Nehemiah was a man tuned into God.  He was originally distressed when he discovered that Jerusalem was in ruins, so he set about to rebuild the wall the and the gates. Certainly this was God's assignment placed into his heart.  He pressed through all the opposition by praying, seeking, following the Lord's leading.  Now he was motivated by God to register all the people who were in the land. He is sensitive to God's leading AND a man of action, carrying out the assignments regardless of the cost.

A - May we all be like Nehemiah!  May we be sensitive people, tuned into our spirits, sensing the gently leading of the Lord within.  May we join God in these leadings and follow through with the action necessary.  May we turn to God for strength when the going gets tough.  May we follow through AND finish what God leads us to do!

P - Lord, thank you for leading me.  May I become even more sensitive to Your Spirit within me.  May I be aware of those things you put on my heart, take action, follow through, and finish.  I thank you that you lead me like this in building Tune the Temple - adding to it each season. You put these things into my heart and I know You are leading me. Thanks!

STRENGTHEN MY HANDS By Mary White

S--Neh. 6:9 “But I prayed, now strengthen my hands.”

O--The Jews were rebuilding the wall. They had much opposition and dealt with intimidation. Their enemies were hoping that the Jews' hands would get too weak to complete the work.

A--There was an important task to be done…they were tired and under much stress, however, they would not give up. Nehemiah prayed “strengthen my hands.” Sometimes when I am faced with difficulty, opposition, and intimidation I just want to run, hide, escape and hope someone else will accomplish the task. My prayers can be “whining and complaining.” I want to be like Nehemiah, who trusted God and prayed for strength to keep on working.

P-- Oh God, please forgive me for the times that I have turned and ran away…help me to trust You and to call out for Your help and strength. I want to, not only run the race, but I want to cross over the finish line.

Rebuilding Our Lives

S- Nehemiah 1:3 - "They said to me "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."

O - The people had returned to the land, but they were really struggling. Their lives were a mess. This makes me think of a person who receives salvation, but is really struggling. Their life is very troubled, and they are not enjoying abundant life.

Walls are boundaries that keep the bad out and gates are openings to let the good in. Some people, especially if they come from a background of abuse, have had their boundaries trampled. They tend to let the bad, in and in shame or fear, hold their gates shut against good.

A- We need to rebuild our boundaries in order to protect our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. We also need to know how to open up to the good blessings that God has for us.

P - Father, teach your people to rebuild their walls. Lord, we don't want to be just saved. We ask for the abundant life, the safety, and the blessings that you promise in your word as our Inheritance. In the name of the God of Heaven, who desires to bless his people, we pray. Amen!

THE WIDOW’S OFFERING

by Mary White
S-- Luke 21: 3 & 4 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.”

O--Jesus saw people giving their gift and observed the rich giving as well as the poor.

A--I’ve been financially well off, and financially poor …it was easy for me to be generous when I had plenty of money. However, now that my finances are meager, I find it exciting to give and watch God provide my every need, and so much more. I cannot out give God. I believe that God is looking for a people who are willing to give it all. Give till it hurts is a truism to many faithful people who diligently pay their tithes, give to the poor and help support worthwhile causes. He looks at the attitude of our hearts.

P-- Oh God I want to be like the widow who gave all she had, because she loved and trusted You to meet her every need.

Thursday October 7, 2010 Ezra: 7,8 Luke 20 "Pay up"

Thursday October 7, 2010

Ezra: 7,8 Luke 20

"Pay up"

S- Luke 20:25 (NIV) "Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "The give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.

O-The scribes sent spies who were pretending to be righteous, and were trying to trick Jesus by asking Him questions about taxes and money. Even though they say, they know

He is honest, and speak and teach correctly. They still ask Him about paying taxes, and the answer Jesus gives is not only about paying taxes to Caesar, what is due, but also

to give God what is due....."pay up."

A-The government takes from us what is due, or we get a lien on our property or go to jail for not paying our taxes. With God, He doesn't take anything that is due to Him.

He gives us the freedom to give it back to Him with free will. Even though, God's word says to pay your tithe's (Mal. 3:10) and He will pour out blessings upon us. It is

true, when you "pay up" what is due, God has blessing and great reward, all for being obedient to His word, and understanding God's principles. Works in my life:)

P- Lord, bless those who give back to you a special outpouring of your blessings today, for their obedience. Forgive those who steal from you, and hold back their tithes and offerings, for they are robbing from themselves too, and they opportunity to receive your blessings. Teach us how to give and "pay up" with the purest heart and joyful spirit, and learn to give even more. Amen

THE STONES WILL CRY OUT

by Vivian Bills

Wednesday - October 6, 2010 - Esther 9,10; Luke 19

S - Luke 19:40 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

O - Jesus is responding to the Pharisees, who want Him to make His disciples shut up.

A - The Word says "Quench not the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with the awesomeness, goodness, everything-ness of God that I just want to SHOUT out to all the world how glorious He is. It's kind of like a pressure cooker concept. There's that little release valve on top to let out some steam so the whole thing doesn't blow up. So if I don't let it out, it's got to come out somewhere, right? And so, the rocks will be the release valve. But, from my perspective, why give them the pleasure? :-)

P - Thank You for a mouth that can praise You, ears that can hear Your praise and for the knowledge of Your greatness, Lord! Praise the Lord! May the whole world know of Your greatness!