TOPIC: Christ-likeness
SCRIPTURE: "The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
OBSERVATION: In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus quoted these words. As he read to the people, he stopped in the middle of 61:2 after the words, "the time of the LORD'S favor has come." Rolling up the scroll, he said, "This scripture has come true today before your very eyes!" (Luke 4:21).
APPLICATION: Christian means to be Christ like.
Some questions for you:
#1.) Is the Spirit of the Lord upon you?
#2.) Has He anointed you?
If unsure, maybe these will help:
#1.) Are you bringing good new to the afflicted?
#2.) Are you binding up the brokenhearted?
#3.) Are you proclaiming liberty to the captives?
#4.) Are you declaring freedom to the prisoners?
#5.) Are you proclaiming the favorable year of the Lord?
All of these things were true of him and his ministry
Remember John the baptist while in prison sent his disciples to ask Jesus this question, "Are you the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?" (Matthew 11:2-3)
Look at Jesus' answer:
Go back to John & tell him about what you have seen & heard
#1.) The Blind See
#2.) The lame walk
#3.) The lepers are cured
#4.) The deaf hear
#5.) The dead are raised to life
#6.) The good news is being preached to the poor
All of these things were true of Him
Are they true of you?
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for revealing to me afresh and anew what my ministry is suppose to look like.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
You Ain't All That, BUT...
TOPIC: Discipleship
SCRIPTURE: "For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." (Ps. 103:14)
OBSERVATION: As I was reading today the phrase that caught my attention was, "we are but dust."
Dust = the small particles of dirt that settle on horizontal surfaces in buildings
APPLICATION: As I was reading today it caused me to think about a video I saw last year entitled Dust by Rob Bell. I felt like I was suppose to share it with you. If you would like to full version visit http://www.nooma.com/ click on NOOMA Dust 008.
"A disciple doesn't just want to know what the rabbi knows
A disciple wants to be like the rabbi and wants to learn to do what the rabbi does.
Would you consider yourself a disciple?
In thinking about Jesus' disciples, when he called them to follow him some were fishermen.
If they're fishermen and Jesus calls them to be his disciples, then they're not following another rabbi; and if they're not following another rabbi they were not the best of the best, in that culture. They didn't make the cut.
What message was Jesus sending us by NOT choosing the best of the best?
1 Cor. 1:26-29
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. [27] Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. [28] God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, [29] so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
It's like a movement of anybodies and he calls them - the JV, the B team, the 'not-good-enoughs.' He calls them to be his disciples and they change the course of human history.
What impact are you having on the course of human history?
Faith in Jesus is important, but what about Jesus' faith in us?
I mean he must have faith in us because he leaves it all in the hands of these disciples.
Do yo believe that God believes in you?
Jesus has faith that you can follow him and that you can be like him.
What does it mean to be like Jesus?
Can you do it?
Believing in God is important, but what about God believing in us? Believing that we can actually be the kind of people we were meant to be. People of love, compassion, peace, forgiveness, and hope. People who try to do the right thing all of the time. Who act on the endless opportunities around us every day for good, beauty, and truth. It’s easy for us to sometimes get down on ourselves. To feel “not good enough” or feel like we don’t have what it takes. But maybe if we had more insight into the culture that Jesus grew up in and some of the radical things he did, we’d understand the faith that God has in all of us.
May you believe in God. But may you come to see that God believes in you. may you have faith in Jesus. But may you come to see that Jesus has faith that you can be like him. A person of love and compassion and truth. A person of forgivness, and peace, and grace, and joy, and hope."
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for using this phrase to remind me of my frame, that I am not all that, and thank you for using Rob Bell to remind me that you trust me to fulfill your work. You're awesome!!!
SCRIPTURE: "For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." (Ps. 103:14)
OBSERVATION: As I was reading today the phrase that caught my attention was, "we are but dust."
Dust = the small particles of dirt that settle on horizontal surfaces in buildings
APPLICATION: As I was reading today it caused me to think about a video I saw last year entitled Dust by Rob Bell. I felt like I was suppose to share it with you. If you would like to full version visit http://www.nooma.com/ click on NOOMA Dust 008.
"A disciple doesn't just want to know what the rabbi knows
A disciple wants to be like the rabbi and wants to learn to do what the rabbi does.
Would you consider yourself a disciple?
In thinking about Jesus' disciples, when he called them to follow him some were fishermen.
If they're fishermen and Jesus calls them to be his disciples, then they're not following another rabbi; and if they're not following another rabbi they were not the best of the best, in that culture. They didn't make the cut.
What message was Jesus sending us by NOT choosing the best of the best?
1 Cor. 1:26-29
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. [27] Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. [28] God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, [29] so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
It's like a movement of anybodies and he calls them - the JV, the B team, the 'not-good-enoughs.' He calls them to be his disciples and they change the course of human history.
What impact are you having on the course of human history?
Faith in Jesus is important, but what about Jesus' faith in us?
I mean he must have faith in us because he leaves it all in the hands of these disciples.
Do yo believe that God believes in you?
Jesus has faith that you can follow him and that you can be like him.
What does it mean to be like Jesus?
Can you do it?
Believing in God is important, but what about God believing in us? Believing that we can actually be the kind of people we were meant to be. People of love, compassion, peace, forgiveness, and hope. People who try to do the right thing all of the time. Who act on the endless opportunities around us every day for good, beauty, and truth. It’s easy for us to sometimes get down on ourselves. To feel “not good enough” or feel like we don’t have what it takes. But maybe if we had more insight into the culture that Jesus grew up in and some of the radical things he did, we’d understand the faith that God has in all of us.
May you believe in God. But may you come to see that God believes in you. may you have faith in Jesus. But may you come to see that Jesus has faith that you can be like him. A person of love and compassion and truth. A person of forgivness, and peace, and grace, and joy, and hope."
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for using this phrase to remind me of my frame, that I am not all that, and thank you for using Rob Bell to remind me that you trust me to fulfill your work. You're awesome!!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Day of Rest
Hey Guys,
Sorry about yesterday. I got home from InsideOut and started listening to a sermon series and totally forgot about Blogging.
O well
I hope you've had a great day. I know I did
Hope to see ya tomorrow!
Joey
Sorry about yesterday. I got home from InsideOut and started listening to a sermon series and totally forgot about Blogging.
O well
I hope you've had a great day. I know I did
Hope to see ya tomorrow!
Joey
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What are you clothed in?
TOPIC: Humility
SCRIPTURE: "...and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, BUT gives grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5)
I love the way The Message puts it:
OBSERVATION: Humilty means that you have an unassuming nature, attitude, and behavior about you. Someone that is humble will show respect and deference toward other people without pretensions.
APPLICATION: As I was reading my Life Application Study Bible I came across these simple points about this verse.
"Both youg and old can benefit from Peters' instructions. Pride often keeps older people from trying to understand young people and keeps young people from listening to those who are older. Peter told both young and old to be humble and to serve each other. Young men should follow the leadership of older men, who should lead by example. Respect those who are older than you , listen to those younger than you, and be humble enough to admit that you can learn from others."
SO
RU
Clothed
N
Humility
?
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for being so clear and thank you for making it so simple to follow. Help me now to obey!
SCRIPTURE: "...and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, BUT gives grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5)
I love the way The Message puts it:
"But all of you leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for - God has had it with the proud,
BUT takes delight in just plain people."
OBSERVATION: Humilty means that you have an unassuming nature, attitude, and behavior about you. Someone that is humble will show respect and deference toward other people without pretensions.
APPLICATION: As I was reading my Life Application Study Bible I came across these simple points about this verse.
"Both youg and old can benefit from Peters' instructions. Pride often keeps older people from trying to understand young people and keeps young people from listening to those who are older. Peter told both young and old to be humble and to serve each other. Young men should follow the leadership of older men, who should lead by example. Respect those who are older than you , listen to those younger than you, and be humble enough to admit that you can learn from others."
SO
RU
Clothed
N
Humility
?
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for being so clear and thank you for making it so simple to follow. Help me now to obey!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Not Out Of BUT Through
TOPIC: Endurance
SCRIPTURE: "...when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water." (I Peter 3:20)
OBSERVATION: The thing that grabbed my attention as I read over this verse was the phrase, "they were brought safely through the water".
APPLICATION: In thinking through what that actually means for us a few things came to my mind.
1st
Yes they were protected
Primarily because Noah obeyed the Lord
continually for close to 100 years
2nd
That indicates to me
that God expects us
to partner with Him
In this case specifically
I believe without Noah partnering
with God by doing his share and building the ark
He nor his family would have been protected
when God 's wrath was poured out
3rd
Though protected
they still had to endure
the consequences
of others sins.
SIN
Affects
Each
&
Every one of us
NEGATIVELY
In this case they were in that ark
for over a year
What patience
We, like Noah,
must trust God to give us patience
as we go
THROUGH
difficult times
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I am constantly amazed, that in the same way a picture can speak a thousand words, you can use, like in this case, one word, to speak volumes to me.
SCRIPTURE: "...when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water." (I Peter 3:20)
OBSERVATION: The thing that grabbed my attention as I read over this verse was the phrase, "they were brought safely through the water".
APPLICATION: In thinking through what that actually means for us a few things came to my mind.
1st
Yes they were protected
Primarily because Noah obeyed the Lord
continually for close to 100 years
2nd
That indicates to me
that God expects us
to partner with Him
In this case specifically
I believe without Noah partnering
with God by doing his share and building the ark
He nor his family would have been protected
when God 's wrath was poured out
3rd
Though protected
they still had to endure
the consequences
of others sins.
SIN
Affects
Each
&
Every one of us
NEGATIVELY
In this case they were in that ark
for over a year
What patience
We, like Noah,
must trust God to give us patience
as we go
THROUGH
difficult times
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I am constantly amazed, that in the same way a picture can speak a thousand words, you can use, like in this case, one word, to speak volumes to me.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
BUT NOW
TOPIC: Life Change
SCRIPTURE: "for you once were NOT a people, BUT NOW you are the people of God; you had NOT received mercy, BUT NOW you have received mercy." (I Peter 2:10)
OBSERVATION: As I came across this phrase "BUT NOW" it caused me to think about Life Change, specifically about how my life has changed. Because of what Jesus did
We can enter into a relationship with our Creator.
We can declare with confidence,
I once was lost
"BUT NOW"
I am found!
Hallelujah
APPLICATION: As you look over your life ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Do you have a "BUT NOW" moment?
If you do
I encourage to start right now
PRAISING THE LORD
Thank Him for saving you!
STOP Right NOW
&
PRAISE THE LORD
Do it now!!! (Don't read another word)
Wasn't that AWESOME
Isn't He AWESOME
You once were
BLIND
BUT NOW
You can see
You once were
LOST
O BUT NOW
You are found
If you don't have a BUT NOW moment
or
If you are unsure in anyway
You may want to begin your relationship with Jesus right now.
Here's a sample prayer that you may want to use.
Lord Jesus,
I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life, and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life, and make me the kind of person You want me to be. AMEN
If you started your relationship with Jesus as a result of reading this blog please let me know.
or
At the very least tell someone
Preferably someone that is a Christian.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for changing my life so that I can truly say BUT NOW!
SCRIPTURE: "for you once were NOT a people, BUT NOW you are the people of God; you had NOT received mercy, BUT NOW you have received mercy." (I Peter 2:10)
OBSERVATION: As I came across this phrase "BUT NOW" it caused me to think about Life Change, specifically about how my life has changed. Because of what Jesus did
We can enter into a relationship with our Creator.
We can declare with confidence,
I once was lost
"BUT NOW"
I am found!
Hallelujah
APPLICATION: As you look over your life ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Do you have a "BUT NOW" moment?
If you do
I encourage to start right now
PRAISING THE LORD
Thank Him for saving you!
STOP Right NOW
&
PRAISE THE LORD
Do it now!!! (Don't read another word)
Wasn't that AWESOME
Isn't He AWESOME
You once were
BLIND
BUT NOW
You can see
You once were
LOST
O BUT NOW
You are found
If you don't have a BUT NOW moment
or
If you are unsure in anyway
You may want to begin your relationship with Jesus right now.
Here's a sample prayer that you may want to use.
Lord Jesus,
I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life, and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life, and make me the kind of person You want me to be. AMEN
If you started your relationship with Jesus as a result of reading this blog please let me know.
or
At the very least tell someone
Preferably someone that is a Christian.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for changing my life so that I can truly say BUT NOW!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Your Life Depends On It
TOPIC: Love
SCRIPTURE: "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart," (I Peter 1:22)
OBSERVATION: Sincere love involves the giving of yourself. When you do this it takes your eyes off yourself, and helps you to see and meet the needs of others.
APPLICATION: In this blog I am going to share with you several verses that relate to this topic. I know the Holy Spirit will use them to take you deeper.
John 13:34 Jesus says, "Let me give you a new command; Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognzie that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other."
Romans 12:9-10 says, 'Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them...Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
2 Peter 1:7 says, "Godliness lead to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow life this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Peter 4:8 says, "Above ALL, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins,"
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for unconditionally loving me. Help me to love others the way you love me.
SCRIPTURE: "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart," (I Peter 1:22)
OBSERVATION: Sincere love involves the giving of yourself. When you do this it takes your eyes off yourself, and helps you to see and meet the needs of others.
APPLICATION: In this blog I am going to share with you several verses that relate to this topic. I know the Holy Spirit will use them to take you deeper.
John 13:34 Jesus says, "Let me give you a new command; Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognzie that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other."
Romans 12:9-10 says, 'Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them...Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
2 Peter 1:7 says, "Godliness lead to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow life this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Peter 4:8 says, "Above ALL, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins,"
I Peter 1:22 I love the way The Message puts this verse.
"Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it"
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for unconditionally loving me. Help me to love others the way you love me.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Day of Rest
I hope ya'll enjoyed the song and the story behind the song.
Just as a reminder today is my day off.
In case you are new to my blog
I take every Monday off
Thus on Monday's I will not be blogging
Joey
Just as a reminder today is my day off.
In case you are new to my blog
I take every Monday off
Thus on Monday's I will not be blogging
Joey
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Story Behind The Song
I hope you enjoyed that song entitled Healer
If you thought the song was awesome
I think you love the story behind the song as well.
Joey
If you thought the song was awesome
I think you love the story behind the song as well.
Joey
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Song Entitled Healer
Sorry About Friday
I got caught up in throwing a surprise birthday for a friend of mine.
Although it doesn't have anything to do with the reading, I did come across this song entitled Healer by Hillsong that is simply AWESOME
Hope you enjoy it!
Joey
I got caught up in throwing a surprise birthday for a friend of mine.
Although it doesn't have anything to do with the reading, I did come across this song entitled Healer by Hillsong that is simply AWESOME
Hope you enjoy it!
Joey
Thursday, July 17, 2008
It Came From Within
TOPIC: Temptation
SCRIPTURE: "BUT each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. " (James 1:14-15)
I love the way the message puts it:
"The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame BUT the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust get pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer."
[The Message]
OBSERVATION: Temptation comes from within, not from God. It starts with a thought and becomes something more as we dwell on it. The longer we focus the greater the lure to action.
APPLICATION: We've all used excuses like these:
It's the other person's fault
I couldn't help it
Everybody's doing it
It was just a mistake
Nobody's perfect
The Devil made me do it
I was pressured into it
I didn't know it was wrong
God didn't stop me
We need to realize these are
Nothing
BUT
EXCUSES
We need to realize that this verse is
TRUE
That it really did
Come
From
WITHIN
Specifically
It Came From Within
Our
VERY
OWN
HEART
Mark 7:21 reads "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts...envy, slander, pride..."
The best time
The best time to
STOP
a
temptation
is BEFORE
it is too strong
&
moving
too fast to control it.
In light of the truth of this verse
We might ought to start paying attention
to not only what is flowing out of our hearts
BUT also
what is going into them
ABOVE ALL ELSE WATCH OVER YOUR HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE, FOR FROM IT FLOW THE ISSUES OF LIFE
(Proverbs 4:23)
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me that I need to clean out and continually guard my heart because out of it flows who I really am.
SCRIPTURE: "BUT each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. " (James 1:14-15)
I love the way the message puts it:
"The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame BUT the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust get pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer."
[The Message]
OBSERVATION: Temptation comes from within, not from God. It starts with a thought and becomes something more as we dwell on it. The longer we focus the greater the lure to action.
APPLICATION: We've all used excuses like these:
It's the other person's fault
I couldn't help it
Everybody's doing it
It was just a mistake
Nobody's perfect
The Devil made me do it
I was pressured into it
I didn't know it was wrong
God didn't stop me
We need to realize these are
Nothing
BUT
EXCUSES
We need to realize that this verse is
TRUE
That it really did
Come
From
WITHIN
Specifically
It Came From Within
Our
VERY
OWN
HEART
Mark 7:21 reads "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts...envy, slander, pride..."
The best time
The best time to
STOP
a
temptation
is BEFORE
it is too strong
&
moving
too fast to control it.
In light of the truth of this verse
We might ought to start paying attention
to not only what is flowing out of our hearts
BUT also
what is going into them
ABOVE ALL ELSE WATCH OVER YOUR HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE, FOR FROM IT FLOW THE ISSUES OF LIFE
(Proverbs 4:23)
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me that I need to clean out and continually guard my heart because out of it flows who I really am.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Is your table set?
TOPIC: Preparation
SCRIPTURE: "The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all people..." (Isaiah 25:6)
OBSERVATION: This verse clearly says that our Lord works ahead. The word prepared in scripture means to make ready, in addition to its normal use describing preparation for the events, the word is used of preparation for the Messiah, of blessings that God has ordained and of judgment.
The part that I will be focusing on in this blog is preparing for the blessings that God has ordained.
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this passage the words "will prepare" grabbed my attention. Specifically, the verses says, "The Lord of hosts will prepare". The fact that our Lord works ahead speaks volumes to me. As I think through what this means for us, I can't help but think that it is our responsibility to work ahead, so that we can help prepare a "lavish banquet" for the people that the Lord brings to our church. I believe our Lord has been, is and will continue to send spiritually hungry people to us. Thus, I feel that it is our responsibility to work ahead and prepare a "lavish banquet" for these people. I believe God wants to truly bless so many people through His ministry at New Life. In order to see those blessings come to pass we must be willing to partner with the Holy Spirit. That means we must prepare ahead of time for what He want to do in these peoples lives.
Are you working ahead?
God is ready to pour out blessings!
Is your table set?
PRAYER: Father God, help me to work ahead as much as I possibly can so that I can thoroughly pray through each and every detail.
SCRIPTURE: "The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all people..." (Isaiah 25:6)
OBSERVATION: This verse clearly says that our Lord works ahead. The word prepared in scripture means to make ready, in addition to its normal use describing preparation for the events, the word is used of preparation for the Messiah, of blessings that God has ordained and of judgment.
The part that I will be focusing on in this blog is preparing for the blessings that God has ordained.
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this passage the words "will prepare" grabbed my attention. Specifically, the verses says, "The Lord of hosts will prepare". The fact that our Lord works ahead speaks volumes to me. As I think through what this means for us, I can't help but think that it is our responsibility to work ahead, so that we can help prepare a "lavish banquet" for the people that the Lord brings to our church. I believe our Lord has been, is and will continue to send spiritually hungry people to us. Thus, I feel that it is our responsibility to work ahead and prepare a "lavish banquet" for these people. I believe God wants to truly bless so many people through His ministry at New Life. In order to see those blessings come to pass we must be willing to partner with the Holy Spirit. That means we must prepare ahead of time for what He want to do in these peoples lives.
Are you working ahead?
God is ready to pour out blessings!
Is your table set?
PRAYER: Father God, help me to work ahead as much as I possibly can so that I can thoroughly pray through each and every detail.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Embrace the Belt
TOPIC: Discipline
SCRIPTURE: "But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and NOT sons." (Hebrews 12:8)
OBSERVATION: I love the way The Message says it.
"Have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?
My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, BUT don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.
God is EDUCATING you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's TRAINING, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves...We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live?
...God is doing what is best for us, TRAINING us to live God's holy best.
...Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God."
APPLICATION: As I read through this chapter the thing that jumped out at me was that we needed to embrace God's discipline.
Remember
Correction,
IF received
w/ the right heart,
produces
right living.
Our Heavenly Father's
goal
is to bring
His children
That's U
That's Me
(IF of course you actually are one)
to maturity.
I am sooooooooooooooooooo glad
that I know that I know
that
He is my Father
&
I am his child
Thank you for that assurance!!!
If you are unsure in any way
PLEASE DON'T HESITATE
TO GET IN TOUCH
with me
or
with someone you know
that has a relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER: Father God, help me to always embrace your discipline knowing that it is because you love me that you discipline me.
SCRIPTURE: "But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and NOT sons." (Hebrews 12:8)
OBSERVATION: I love the way The Message says it.
"Have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?
My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, BUT don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.
God is EDUCATING you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's TRAINING, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves...We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live?
...God is doing what is best for us, TRAINING us to live God's holy best.
...Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God."
APPLICATION: As I read through this chapter the thing that jumped out at me was that we needed to embrace God's discipline.
Remember
Correction,
IF received
w/ the right heart,
produces
right living.
Our Heavenly Father's
goal
is to bring
His children
That's U
That's Me
(IF of course you actually are one)
to maturity.
I am sooooooooooooooooooo glad
that I know that I know
that
He is my Father
&
I am his child
Thank you for that assurance!!!
If you are unsure in any way
PLEASE DON'T HESITATE
TO GET IN TOUCH
with me
or
with someone you know
that has a relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER: Father God, help me to always embrace your discipline knowing that it is because you love me that you discipline me.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Percentages
TOPIC: Giving
SCRIPTURE: "...Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils..." (Hebrews 7:2)
OBSERVATION: A tenth is 10%
APPLICATION: This is short sweet and to the point
Are you giving a percentage of your time to the Lord?
Are you giving a percentage of your talent to the Lord?
Are you giving a percentage of your income to the Lord?
Remember
10%
is just
the
starting
point!
PRAYER: Father God, help me to continue to increase my percentages
SCRIPTURE: "...Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils..." (Hebrews 7:2)
OBSERVATION: A tenth is 10%
APPLICATION: This is short sweet and to the point
Are you giving a percentage of your time to the Lord?
Are you giving a percentage of your talent to the Lord?
Are you giving a percentage of your income to the Lord?
Remember
10%
is just
the
starting
point!
PRAYER: Father God, help me to continue to increase my percentages
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
How Long?
TOPIC: Waiting
SCRIPTURE: "And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise?" (Hebrews 6:15)
OBSERVATION: The he in this verse is the Abraham that we read about in the Old Testament. If you read in the book of Genesis (Genesis 12:7; 13:14-16; 15:4,5; 17:16) you'll discover that God promised him a son. The writer of Hebrews lets us know that Abraham waited patiently for his son, to be specific, he waited 25 YEARS.
APPLICATION: As I began to read through Abraham's story I was BLOWN AWAY at his patience. I don't know about you but I'm very much an action-oriented person, and waiting is one thing BUT patiently waiting can be all together different.
R U able to wait patiently?
Before you answer
Let's take a trip down Impatient Lane
While trying to pay a bill you are put on hold
Waiting in line at the DMV
While trying to make it to an appointment
you get caught in a traffic jam
Waiting for this and waiting for that
BUT
25 YEARS
That's ALL together different
That's Patiently Waiting
25 YEARS
Does anything else really need to be said?
I don't think so
Have a great day!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for this all important reminder. Please help me to never forget that this is the example of patience that I need to follow in my own life!!!
SCRIPTURE: "And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise?" (Hebrews 6:15)
OBSERVATION: The he in this verse is the Abraham that we read about in the Old Testament. If you read in the book of Genesis (Genesis 12:7; 13:14-16; 15:4,5; 17:16) you'll discover that God promised him a son. The writer of Hebrews lets us know that Abraham waited patiently for his son, to be specific, he waited 25 YEARS.
APPLICATION: As I began to read through Abraham's story I was BLOWN AWAY at his patience. I don't know about you but I'm very much an action-oriented person, and waiting is one thing BUT patiently waiting can be all together different.
R U able to wait patiently?
Before you answer
Let's take a trip down Impatient Lane
While trying to pay a bill you are put on hold
Waiting in line at the DMV
While trying to make it to an appointment
you get caught in a traffic jam
Waiting for this and waiting for that
BUT
25 YEARS
That's ALL together different
That's Patiently Waiting
25 YEARS
Does anything else really need to be said?
I don't think so
Have a great day!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for this all important reminder. Please help me to never forget that this is the example of patience that I need to follow in my own life!!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Going the distance
TOPIC: Obedience
SCRIPTURE: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety." (Hebrews 5:7)
OBSERVATION: Jesus was in great agony as he prepared to face death (see also Luke 22:41-42).
Although Jesus cried out to God,
asking to be delivered,
he was prepared to suffer,
separation from his Father,
& death in order to do God's will.
APPLICATION: Jesus' life was a life that he chose freely (John 10:17-18). It was a continuous process of making the will of His Father his own. Jesus chose to obey, even though obedience led to suffering and death, He chose to go the distance.
SCRIPTURE: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety." (Hebrews 5:7)
OBSERVATION: Jesus was in great agony as he prepared to face death (see also Luke 22:41-42).
Although Jesus cried out to God,
asking to be delivered,
he was prepared to suffer,
separation from his Father,
& death in order to do God's will.
APPLICATION: Jesus' life was a life that he chose freely (John 10:17-18). It was a continuous process of making the will of His Father his own. Jesus chose to obey, even though obedience led to suffering and death, He chose to go the distance.
I hope you will
simply let
these facts
sink N
That Jesus did all this
for
you
PRAYER: Father God, it absolutely amazes me that Jesus went the distance for me. Thank you Jesus for loving me that much!!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Day of Rest
TO whom it may concern,
Just as a reminder
Today is my day off
The reading was great
BUT
Because of it being my day off
I will not be blogging
Have a great day
Joey
Just as a reminder
Today is my day off
The reading was great
BUT
Because of it being my day off
I will not be blogging
Have a great day
Joey
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Not if, but when
TOPIC: Hearing the Voice of God
SCRIPTURE: Verse 7 reads, "Today if you hear His Voice, Do not harden your hearts..." Verse 15 reads, "Today if you hear His Voice, Do Not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:7,15)
OBSERVATION: When I read through this passage
the 1st thing I noticed was:
that this verse was repeated.
The 2nd thing I noticed was:
that these two things were combined.
Hearing The Voice of God
&
NOT Hardening Your Heart
The 3rd thing I noticed was:
that it is assumed that you will
eventually hear the voice of God
Nothing more
Nothing less
Simply Obey
and be blessed!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for speaking to me. I am always amazed when it's you. I hope I never get over that special feeling the occurs when I realize it's you. Thank you!!! Help me to obey, every single time.
SCRIPTURE: Verse 7 reads, "Today if you hear His Voice, Do not harden your hearts..." Verse 15 reads, "Today if you hear His Voice, Do Not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:7,15)
OBSERVATION: When I read through this passage
the 1st thing I noticed was:
that this verse was repeated.
The 2nd thing I noticed was:
that these two things were combined.
Hearing The Voice of God
&
NOT Hardening Your Heart
The 3rd thing I noticed was:
that it is assumed that you will
eventually hear the voice of God
APPLICATION: So, how do you apply this to your life? To begin with you need to realize that:
It is
NOT if,
but when
God speaks
&
When He speaks
you need, I need , we all need
To obey
Today & Everyday
SIMPLY OBEY HIS VOICENothing more
Nothing less
Simply Obey
and be blessed!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for speaking to me. I am always amazed when it's you. I hope I never get over that special feeling the occurs when I realize it's you. Thank you!!! Help me to obey, every single time.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Current
TOPIC: Falling Away
SCRIPTURE: "For this reason, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do NOT drift away..." (Hebrews 2:1)
OBSERVATION: We must fervently anchor ourselves to the truths we've been taught, or we are likely to drift away from our dock.
APPLICATION: As I read over this verse, I couldn't help but think about all the people that I know personally, that have slowly but surely drifted away from their relationship with the Lord Jesus.
I had the opportunity this year, to speak with 3 of them at length. Each of them shared with me how amazingly subtle the drifting away was. Much like being in the ocean and the current slowly moving you, my friends said that before they even knew it, they were miles off course.
Do you have an "anchor"?
Is it strong enough to hold you steady through the storms of life?
Do you have it with?
Has it been lowered into the proper position?
BECAUSE
If you answered
NO
To any of these questions
You are destined to drift away
Because the currents of this life
have a tendency
to be strong
&
change without warning.
So PLEASE
Make sure you are anchored down!!!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me through my friends how easy it is to drift away. Help me to stay anchored in your word and in your presence.
SCRIPTURE: "For this reason, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do NOT drift away..." (Hebrews 2:1)
OBSERVATION: We must fervently anchor ourselves to the truths we've been taught, or we are likely to drift away from our dock.
APPLICATION: As I read over this verse, I couldn't help but think about all the people that I know personally, that have slowly but surely drifted away from their relationship with the Lord Jesus.
I had the opportunity this year, to speak with 3 of them at length. Each of them shared with me how amazingly subtle the drifting away was. Much like being in the ocean and the current slowly moving you, my friends said that before they even knew it, they were miles off course.
Do you have an "anchor"?
Is it strong enough to hold you steady through the storms of life?
Do you have it with?
Has it been lowered into the proper position?
BECAUSE
If you answered
NO
To any of these questions
You are destined to drift away
Because the currents of this life
have a tendency
to be strong
&
change without warning.
So PLEASE
Make sure you are anchored down!!!
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me through my friends how easy it is to drift away. Help me to stay anchored in your word and in your presence.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Do WHAT?
TOPIC: Obedience
SCRIPTURE: "...the LORD said to Hosea, 'Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry;' " (Hosea 1:2)
OBSERVATION: Here we read, that the LORD, our LORD, tells his prophet Hosea to:
Go
&
take a wife
a wife of
HARLOTRY
&
HAVE CHILDREN WITH HER
DID YOU READ WHAT I JUST READ???????
APPLICATION: When I read this
My first thought was:
Do WHAT?
My second thought was:
Would I obey God if He told me to do that?
What about you?
Has God told you to do something that seems very hard from your perspective?
Did you responded with a
Do WHAT?
or
Did you obey?
or
Are you in the process of obeying?
Remember God knows what He's doing
&
Remember Our God
IS
A God of Exceptions
So don't miss out
by disobeying
PRAYER: Father God, you cannot be figured out. Yet you invite us into a personal daily relationship with You, thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you in that way.
SCRIPTURE: "...the LORD said to Hosea, 'Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry;' " (Hosea 1:2)
OBSERVATION: Here we read, that the LORD, our LORD, tells his prophet Hosea to:
Go
&
take a wife
a wife of
HARLOTRY
&
HAVE CHILDREN WITH HER
DID YOU READ WHAT I JUST READ???????
APPLICATION: When I read this
My first thought was:
Do WHAT?
My second thought was:
Would I obey God if He told me to do that?
What about you?
Has God told you to do something that seems very hard from your perspective?
Did you responded with a
Do WHAT?
or
Did you obey?
or
Are you in the process of obeying?
Remember God knows what He's doing
&
Remember Our God
IS
A God of Exceptions
So don't miss out
by disobeying
PRAYER: Father God, you cannot be figured out. Yet you invite us into a personal daily relationship with You, thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you in that way.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
On Your Mark
TOPIC: Being Ready
SCRIPTURE: "Uzziah had an army ready for battle...he prepared for all the army all the resources they would need." (2 Chronciles 26:11,14)
OBSERVATION: Uzziah King of Judah became a successful warrior and city builder. He was skillful in organizing things and delegating. We see in these verses that he was a man that thought through details and that resourced his people well.
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this account, what was most noticeable to me was that Uzziah had his army READY for battle.
#1.) Are you READY for what life might throw at you?
#2.) Do you have "your army" READY?
"Your army" = could be your spouse, your kids, and or the people in your organization.
Are they ready for what life might throw at them?
Remember
in order for them to be ready
that means
That you must also resource them
SO
R U?
If not
Start today
Because
when opportunity comes (be it good or bad) it is too late to prepare !!!
PRAYER: Father God, help me to do everything I can do #1 to be ready myself and then #2 to help my wife and 3 girls to be prepared for what life throws at them.
SCRIPTURE: "Uzziah had an army ready for battle...he prepared for all the army all the resources they would need." (2 Chronciles 26:11,14)
OBSERVATION: Uzziah King of Judah became a successful warrior and city builder. He was skillful in organizing things and delegating. We see in these verses that he was a man that thought through details and that resourced his people well.
APPLICATION: As I was reading through this account, what was most noticeable to me was that Uzziah had his army READY for battle.
#1.) Are you READY for what life might throw at you?
#2.) Do you have "your army" READY?
"Your army" = could be your spouse, your kids, and or the people in your organization.
Are they ready for what life might throw at them?
Remember
in order for them to be ready
that means
That you must also resource them
SO
R U?
If not
Start today
Because
when opportunity comes (be it good or bad) it is too late to prepare !!!
PRAYER: Father God, help me to do everything I can do #1 to be ready myself and then #2 to help my wife and 3 girls to be prepared for what life throws at them.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Staying In
TOPIC: Praying
SCRIPTURE: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit," (Jude 20)
OBSERVATION: Jude urgently warns these believers against false teachers. Here in verses 20-23 he exhorts them to persever. The solution to the danger and confusion of our enemy is the fullness of the Holy Spirit. "Praying in the the Holy Spirit" edifies the believer ( I Cor. 14:4). The ability to be sustained in the center of such spiritual attack comes only from the Holy Spirit
APPLICATION: As I did my reading the thing I noticed first was the phrase, "Praying in the Holy Spirit". As I thought through that, my thoughts went straight to "walking in the Spirit". The only way to pray in the Holy Spirit is to be walking in the Spirit.
In light of that
There are a few things I want to bring to your attention
regarding the Holy Spirit.
Remember Jesus said this about the Holy Spirit in John 16:13
"When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you into all truth.
He will not be presenting his own ideas;
he will be telling you what he has heard.
He will tell you about the future."
We see from this passage the Holy Spirit does nothing on his own initiative, but acts only as he hears from our Heavenly Father
Romans 8: 26-27 reads
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.
Question?
Do you think it would be a good thing to find out what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Father on your behalf?
I do too!
Because we know that The Holy Spirit is praying the perfect will of God.
Don't you want to do that?
I do too!
So
regarding that situation you find yourself in
that is difficult
Ask the Holy Spirit what he is saying to the Father on your behalf?
After you ask
take time to listen for the answer.
Then
start praying the same way
Because then you will be praying in accordance with God's will concerning your situation.
Staying in the Spirit
is the prerequiste to praying in the Holy Spirit
PRAYER: Father God, thank you so much that you make it so simple. Help me not to rush past you, but to simply ask you, "Hey, what's your perspective on this?" Help me to stay in the Spirit!
SCRIPTURE: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit," (Jude 20)
OBSERVATION: Jude urgently warns these believers against false teachers. Here in verses 20-23 he exhorts them to persever. The solution to the danger and confusion of our enemy is the fullness of the Holy Spirit. "Praying in the the Holy Spirit" edifies the believer ( I Cor. 14:4). The ability to be sustained in the center of such spiritual attack comes only from the Holy Spirit
APPLICATION: As I did my reading the thing I noticed first was the phrase, "Praying in the Holy Spirit". As I thought through that, my thoughts went straight to "walking in the Spirit". The only way to pray in the Holy Spirit is to be walking in the Spirit.
In light of that
There are a few things I want to bring to your attention
regarding the Holy Spirit.
Remember Jesus said this about the Holy Spirit in John 16:13
"When the Spirit of truth comes,
he will guide you into all truth.
He will not be presenting his own ideas;
he will be telling you what he has heard.
He will tell you about the future."
We see from this passage the Holy Spirit does nothing on his own initiative, but acts only as he hears from our Heavenly Father
Romans 8: 26-27 reads
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.
Question?
Do you think it would be a good thing to find out what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Father on your behalf?
I do too!
Because we know that The Holy Spirit is praying the perfect will of God.
Don't you want to do that?
I do too!
So
regarding that situation you find yourself in
that is difficult
Ask the Holy Spirit what he is saying to the Father on your behalf?
After you ask
take time to listen for the answer.
Then
start praying the same way
Because then you will be praying in accordance with God's will concerning your situation.
Staying in the Spirit
is the prerequiste to praying in the Holy Spirit
PRAYER: Father God, thank you so much that you make it so simple. Help me not to rush past you, but to simply ask you, "Hey, what's your perspective on this?" Help me to stay in the Spirit!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Before? Yes, before!
TOPIC: Forgiving Others
SCRIPTURE: "For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
BUT
when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us,
NOT
on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness,
BUT
according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior," (Titus 3:3-6)
OBSERVATION: I love the way The Message (by Eugene H. Peterson) puts it. Titus 3:3-6 reads, "It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back.
BUT
when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, He saved us from all that. It was all His doing;
we had
NOTHING
to do with it.
He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life (sounds like a good name for a church) so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come - an eternity of life! You can count on this.
As I was reading over this chapter, the thing that grabbed my attention was the fact that
God
Forgave Us
BEFORE
we did anything right.
Verse 5 says, He saved us,
NOT
on the basis of deeds which we have done...
BUT
according to His mercy
APPLICATION: So, how does this apply to me? That's a great question!
Well, here is what the Holy Spirit brought to my attention:
Regarding forgiving others for their actions against us:
#1) People are going to mess up (That's a Fact)
#2.) Their choices are going to affect you in negative ways. Expect It!
#3.) We mess up
#4.) Our choices affect others in negative ways.
#5.) God forgave us and them before...,
Before? YES, BEFORE !
we did anything
Before we could apologize
Before we could say we were wrong
Before we could make it right
God forgave Us and them
#6.) Christian means to be JUST LIKE CHRIST
In every way, including this way.
&
in light of the fact, that God forgave us before we could do anything
&
in light of the fact, that we are suppose to be just like Christ
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for giving me the gift of forgiveness. Please help me to make the same choice that you did, and continually live a life of forgiving others.
SCRIPTURE: "For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
BUT
when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us,
NOT
on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness,
BUT
according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior," (Titus 3:3-6)
OBSERVATION: I love the way The Message (by Eugene H. Peterson) puts it. Titus 3:3-6 reads, "It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back.
BUT
when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, He saved us from all that. It was all His doing;
we had
NOTHING
to do with it.
He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life (sounds like a good name for a church) so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come - an eternity of life! You can count on this.
As I was reading over this chapter, the thing that grabbed my attention was the fact that
God
Forgave Us
BEFORE
we did anything right.
Verse 5 says, He saved us,
NOT
on the basis of deeds which we have done...
BUT
according to His mercy
APPLICATION: So, how does this apply to me? That's a great question!
Well, here is what the Holy Spirit brought to my attention:
Regarding forgiving others for their actions against us:
#1) People are going to mess up (That's a Fact)
#2.) Their choices are going to affect you in negative ways. Expect It!
#3.) We mess up
#4.) Our choices affect others in negative ways.
#5.) God forgave us and them before...,
Before? YES, BEFORE !
we did anything
Before we could apologize
Before we could say we were wrong
Before we could make it right
God forgave Us and them
#6.) Christian means to be JUST LIKE CHRIST
In every way, including this way.
So
That means:
in light of the fact, that people are going to mess up&
in light of the fact, that God forgave us before we could do anything
&
in light of the fact, that we are suppose to be just like Christ
That means:
Before someone does something wrong to you
You need to be just like Christ and already be postured to forgive them
So that,
when they do wrong, you will have already made the choice
to be just like Christ
&
Before they are even able to apologize
Before they say, "I am sorry, I was wrong."
Before they do anything to make it right,
You need to give them, the gift of forgiveness.
JUST LIKE JESUS GAVE YOU
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for giving me the gift of forgiveness. Please help me to make the same choice that you did, and continually live a life of forgiving others.
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