Hakuna Matata! ~ NOT

TOPIC: Counting the Cost

SCRIPTURE: "For which of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' " (Luke 14:28-30)

OBSERVATION: When a builder doesn't count the cost or estimates it inaccurately, his building may be left half completed. While I was in Brazil back in 1999 I saw many such buildings. The foundation was laid the steel beams were up but that was it, and you could easily see that no one had been on site for a very long time. How sad.

APPLICATION: Will your commitment to Jesus be abandoned after a little while because you did not count the cost?

What are those costs?

Here are some things to take into consideration:
You may face loss of social status
You may have to give up control of:
your money
your time
or
your career.

You may be hated
separated from your family
&
like many of our brothers and sister around the world
even put to death.

I remember hearing a song in one of my kids movies
Entitled: Hakuna Matata!
It means no worries
For the rest of your days
It's our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata!

NOT !!!

Following Christ does NOT mean a trouble-free life.
We must carefully count the cost of becoming Christ's disciples so that we will firmly hold to our faith and won't be tempted later to turn back.

And believe you me
or
just read the bible
&
believe it

YOU
will be tempted
2 turn back
The New Testament is full of warnings to Christians

So

Count the cost
Because
there are cost
to be counted

Count on it

PRAYER: Father God, thanks for keeping it as simple as 1 + 1 = 2.

still not feeling well

Sorry

Joey

Due to not feeling well
I will not be blogging tonight

Sorry

Joey

Due to a late movie with Trisha
I will be blogging tomorrow (Sat.)

Sorry

Joey

Of Course

TOPIC: Your Future

SCRIPTURE: "Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless." (Psalms 127: 1-2)

OBSERVATION: Unless God is in the building of a family that family will never be able to truly experience the bond only God can bring into its relationships.

APPLICATION: I hope from this day forward you consider this verse

BEFORE

you launch into anything of significance

PLEASE

Don't make the mistake
of leaving God out
of your decisions.

BECAUSE

UNLESS the LORD. . . .

Everything will be:
Futile
Useless
Pointless
Fruitless
Unsuccessful
Ineffective
Wasted
Meaningless
Worthless
Senseless
Unproductive
Disastrous
Hopeless

Do you really want these words to describe your future?

UNLESS THE LORD. . . .

They will !!!

PRAYER: Father God, help me never forget that unless your are involved, everything I try will ultimately be lacking.

I'm Right Here

TOPIC: TRUST

SCRIPTURE: "as they (Jesus and his disciples) were sailing along Jesus fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!' And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And He said to them, 'Where is your faith?' " (Luke 8:23-25)

OBSERVATION: Up to this point Jesus had only
Had a direct confrontation with the devil and overcame him; Cast out demons; Rebuked Simon's mother in laws fever; Healed various diseases with the laying on of his hands; Caused the disciples to catch more fish than they had ever caught at once; Healed a leper and a paralytic; Restored a man's withered hand; Healed a centurion's servant; Brought a dead man back to life; to name a few

And now
The disciples
(those guys that had been w/ Jesus & seen these things)

Even though
Jesus is right there
with them
&
In spite of all those miraculous things He'd done

They were afraid of a storm
More specifically
They were afraid that they
were going to be hurt
or even die!


APPLICATION: As I read this account I couldn't help but wonder what must have gone through Jesus' mind.

To me
He had to be thinking something like ~

Hey Guys, I'm Right Here
I mean I could understand
if you were in the boat alone

BUT
I'M RIGHT HERE

I mean
I'M RIGHT HERE
WITH U

Y then R U afraid
I mean have you so quickly forgotten
EVERYTHING
that I've done
(In case you've forgotten re-read
the OBSERVATION section)


Enough focus on the disciples

What about you?

As you look back on your life
if you are honest
you could make a list
similar to the one in the OBSERVATION section

& yet in spite of ALL that He has done for you

When faced with uncertainty and possible danger

What is your 1st reaction?

Ask those who know you best

Is it fear?
or
Do you simply trust him?

Remember
IF you are a Christ follower

He's

Right

There

With

U

!!!

& Remember
what He's already done
&
SIMPLY TRUST HIM

PRAYER: Father God, help me to always remember that you are right here with me now matter what, no matter where I go or what I do you are right here with me and I need NOT fear!!!

Through You ~~~

TOPIC: Christ-likeness

SCRIPTURE: "And Jesus came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, Young man, I say to you, arise! The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, 'A great prophet has arisen among us!' and, 'God has visited His people!' This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district. " (Luke 7:14-17)

OBSERVATION: My Life Application Study Bible says, "this story illustrates salvation. The whole world was dead in sin, just as the widow's son was dead. Being dead, we could do nothing to help ourselves - we couldn't even ask for help. But God had compassion on us, and he sent Jesus to raise us to life with him. The dead man did not earn his second chance at life, and we cannot earn our new life in Christ. But we can accept God's gift of life, praise God for it, and use our life to do his will."

APPLICATION: The part that really jumped out at me was the reaction of the crowd. Verse 16 says:

1.) Fear Gripped them ALL
2.) They began glorifying God saying 'God has visited us'
&
3.) This report of new life went out all over

?QUESTION?

Does that happen with you?

Has it ever happened?

As a result of what you do,
do people respond to you
the way they did to Jesus?

Are you bringing "new life"
N2 the life of your
Spouse
Kids
Extented Family
Business
Church

Jesus has set things up in such a way
that IF
new life is going to come
it is going to be

THROUGH

YOU


SO

Is "new life" coming through you in the same way it came through Jesus?

In case your wondering
It's suppose to be

The Holy Spirit is wanting
&
waiting for you
To allow Him
2 live the life of Jesus
THROUGH
YOU

PRAYER: Father God, help me to allow the Holy Spirit to bring new life every where I go, in the same ways and for the same reasons that you did!

An Instant Message of Sorts

TOPIC: Listening

SCRIPTURE: "And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say..." (Luke 6:20)

OBSERVATION: To ensure that you get the context I've included verses 17-19 "Jesus came down with the disciples and stood on a level place; and there was a large crowd of his followers, and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were being cured. And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all."

AND

In the midst of this large crowd

Jesus turns and speaks directly to his disciples

***Even if you have just finished the reading for today I encourage you to read Luke 6:20-49 again

BECAUSE

there is a

WHOLE LOT

of Life-changing stuff

packed in those verses

APPLICATION: Do you have a Facebook account? If not you should set one up. It has been a great way to reconnect with old friends. Recently I was on Facebook and in the midst of this enormous network of people I received and Instant Message from a friend. This person shared some very specific pieces of information I responded and then we parted ways. I love instant messaging. With it you are able to get right to the point, you can be short sweet and to the point, I love it.

Have you ever been in the midst of a crowd only to have The Holy Spirit "turn" and send you an "instant message"?

What did He say?

How did He say it?

What method did He use to communicate with you?

Do you still remember what He said specifically?

Did you obey?

Are you still obeying?

Listen!
Did you hear that?

The Holy Spirit is speaking
Is He speaking to you?

R U Listening?

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank you that He is not a mute, and thank you that I am not deaf to His voice!

[In case you didn't get the message from the other day. Due to several reasons I am going to try and stay one day ahead on my blogs. I hope that doesn't mess you up. Joey]

Whose your Tour Guide?

TOPIC: Following Directions

SCRIPTURE: "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness." (Luke 4:1)

OBSERVATION: Jesus was led around by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days of testing. Temptations will often come after a really high or low point in our life or ministry. Remember that Satan chooses the times of his attacks. So, we need to be alert and more sensitive in times of victory just as much as in times of discouragement.

APPLICATION: The Holy Spirit will lead us into difficult situations.
Did you catch that word

WILL

In light of that fact
Be ready

When facing trials
1st
Make Sure

U haven't brought them on yourself
through sin
or
unwise choices.

DON'T RUSH PAST THIS
Many people don't want to take
personal responsibility
for their choices!

If
you find no sin to confess
or
unwise behavior to change,
then
ask God to strengthen you for your test.

Finally, be careful to follow faithfully wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for this reminder! Help me to willingly submit to the Holy Spirit in the same way that Jesus did.

Any fruit on that tree of yours?

TOPIC: Authentic Faith

SCRIPTURE: "Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children of Abraham. Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does NOT bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Luke 3 8-9)

OBSERVATION: Many of John the Baptist's audience were shocked when he said that being Abraham's descendants was not enough to be in right standing with God. The religious leaders specifically, trusted more on their family tree than on faith for their standing with God. For them, religion was inherited. Jesus' harshest words were to the respected religious leaders, who lacked the desire for real life change. They wanted to be known as religious authorities, but they didn't want to change their hearts and minds. Thus, their lives were unfruitful. [L.A. Study Bible]

APPLICATION: A personal intimate daily relationship with God is
NOT EVER
2 B
handed down from parents to children.
Everyone
That includes you
has to make
their own personal decision
of whether or not
they are going to follow Christ.

Don't ever even think about
relying
on someone else's faith
for your salvation.

Put your faith in Jesus,
& allow
the Holy Spirit 2 begin
right now
2 live
the life of Jesus
through you!!!

Remember

Confession of sins

&

a changed life

R

inseparable.

&

Faith without works

is dead.

So

Where's the fruit?

Do you have any fruit on your tree?

PRAYER: Father God, help me to be a strong tree that is always bearing good fruit for you!!!

u have MY WORD on it

TOPIC: Revelation from God

SCRIPTURE: "And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ." (Luke 2:25-26)


OBSERVATION: Simeon was:
1.) Righteous
2.) Devout
3.) Looking for Jesus
4.) Filled with the Holy Spirit

Simeon had also been told by the Holy Spirit something very specific


APPLICATION: Simeon was very old, but he had never lost his hope of seeing the Messiah.

SO

What about you?

Has the Holy Spirit revealed something to you?

Something very specific

Something that has not come to pass

YET

Before you start questioning

Learn from

&

Follow Simeon's example

Keep doing the right things
Remain faithful
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit
&
Remember When God says He's going to do something
U
CAN
TAKE
IT
2
THE
BANK

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for always remaining TRUE 2 your word. I am so glad that I can absolutely, completely and totally TRUST your word.

R U Doing This?

TOPIC: Discipleship (From: Tally Ho The Fox)
By: Herb Hodges

SCRIPTURE: "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught."
(Luke 1:1-4)

OBSERVATION:
"Luke 1:1 Eyewitnesses (Greek autoptes) = means to self-see
Same root word from which we get the word autopsy which means that the examiner sees for himself the real cause of a person's death.
Luke 1:2 Ministers (Greek huperetes) = means an under rower
This word was used for a gallery slave on board a ship, one who occupied the lowest place to deliver someone else to his desired destination.
Luke 1:3 Investigate (Greek parakolutheo) = means to accompany side by side, to follow closely to attend to carefully. Metaphorically it means to follow closely a mental trail clearly set forth by one who has frequently traveled the terrain, paying attention to every single detail and leaving no stone unturned. It also means the tracing of an outline. "

APPLICATION: "You will never do anything more Christ-like than the training of individuals to live in union with their Heavenly Father inwardly, and to reproduce, multiply, and impact the whole wide world outwardly. Like Luke, we too are to follow His guidance in tracing out the character of Jesus, the course He followed, and the curriculum He used in impacting men - and we are to go and do likewise. Every Christian should see himself as a locked in gallery slave, doing whatever is necessary to master this Gospel, follow its directions, develop a curriculum, and build disciples, all in order to get somebody else to his final destination. Luke has promised Theophilus an orderly detailed written account of Jesus."

SO

How are you doing
with your disciples?

PRAYER: Father God, help me learn from Luke's example as I disciple those you have brought into my life!!!

***Due to the fact that I normally do my blog so late. I am planning on being a day ahead. I hope that doesn't throw you off.

O What A Day That Will Be!!!

TOPIC: Eternity

SCRIPTURE: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband." (Rev. 21:1-2)

OBSERVATION: My Life Application Study Bible has this to say about Rev. 21:1-2. "The earth as we know it will not last forever, but after God's great judgment, he will create a new earth. God had also promised Isaiah that he would create a new and eternal earth. The sea in John's time was viewed as dangerous and changeable. It was also the source of the beast. God and his followers will be united to live forever there."


APPLICATION: Here are some other things that we know about our future dwelling place.
It is a place prepared for His children
It is a place unlimited by physical properties
We will have new bodies
We will experience God in a new way
We will have new emotions
We will never again experience death

Reading these things reminds me of a song
It goes like this...

"O
What a day
That will be
When my Jesus
I shall see
when I look
upon His face
You know the One
who saved me
by His grace
What a day
that will be
when my Jesus
I shall see
What a day
Glorious day
That will be"

O What A Day That Will Be

Question:
Will you be there?


PRAYER: Father God, thank thank thank for this wonderful promise. That you are going to make all things new. O, my spirit can hardly wait.

Sweet Rest

Due to just being tired

Nothing more

Nothing less

I will not be blogging tonight

Sleep good

I know I plan to

Joey

Due to several things
along with my Grandmother going to the ER tonight
I will NOT be blogging

Sorry

Joey

Bloom Where U R Planted!

"Rare are the people who begin their careers as stars. And those who do sometimes find that their success is like that of some child actors: after a brief flash in the pan, they are never able to recapture the attention they got early on.
Most successful people go through an apprenticeship or period of seasoning. Look at quarterback Joe Montana, who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2000. He spent two years on the bench as a backup before being named the San Francisco 49ers starter. And as he was breaking records and leading his team to Super Bowls, the person who sat on the bench as a backup to him was Steve Young, another great quarterback.
Some talented team members are recognized early for their great potential and are groomed to succeed. Others labor in obscurity for years - learning, growing, and gaining experience. Then after a decade of hard work, they become "overnight success."
Given the right encouragement, training , and opportunities, nearly anyone with desire has the potential to emerge as an impact player."

From John Maxwell's Book
The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork

Remember & Learn

As you Remember 9/11
Remember Abraham & learn from him.
Devotional From Streams In The Desert (Page 345-6)

September 11

"After waiting patiently,

Abraham received what was promised." (Hebrews 6:15)

"Abraham was tested for a very long time, but he was richly rewarded. The Lord test him by delaying the fulfillment of His promise. Satan tested him through temptation, and people tested him through their jealousy, distrust, and opposition to him. Sarah tested him through her worrisome temperament. Yet he patiently endured, NOT questioning God's TRUTHFULNESS
&
POWER
OR
doubting God's
FAITHFULNESS
&
LOVE
Instead, Abraham submitted to God's divine sovereignty and infinite wisdom. And he was silent through many delays, willing to wait for the Lord's timing. Having patiently endured, he then obtained the fulfillment of the promise.
Beloved, God's promises can NEVER fail to be accomplished, and those who PATIENTLY WAIT can NEVER be disappointed, for believing faith leads to realization. Abraham's life condemns a spirit of hastiness, admonishes those who complain, commends those who are patient and encourages quiet submission to God's will and way.
Remember, Abraham was tested
BUT
PATIENTLY WAITED
ultimately received what was promised, and was satisfied. If you will imitate his example, you will share the same blessing."

Rabbit Trail

I know this is NOT part of our reading today
BUT
I thought that this devotional from
Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest
was so good that I couldn't help but share it with you.

Sept. 10 Missionary Weapons

Worshiping in Everyday Occasions.

"When you were under the fig tree, I saw you" (John 1:48)

"We presume that we would be ready for battle if confronted with a great crisis,
BUT it is NOT the crisis that builds something within us -- it simply reveals what we are made of already. Do you find yourself saying, "IF God calls me to battle, of course I will rise to the occasion"?
Yet you won't rise to the occasion unless you have done so on God's training ground.
If you are not doing the task that is closest to you now,
which God has engineered into your life,
when the crisis comes,
instead of being fit for battle,
you will be revealed as being unfit.
Crises always reveal a person's true character.
A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness. The time will come, as Nathanael experienced in the passage, that a private "fig-tree" life will not longer be possible. Everything will be out in the open, and you will find yourself to be of no value there if you have not been worshiping in everyday occasions in your own home. If your worship is right in your private relationship with God, then when He sets you free, you will be ready. It is in the unseen life, which only God saw, that you have become perfectly fit. And when the strain of the crisis comes, you can be relied upon by God.
Are you saying, "But I can't be expected to live a sanctified life in my present circumstances; I have NO time for prayer or Bible study right now; besides, my opportunity for battle hasn't come yet, BUT when it does, of course I will be ready"?
No, you will NOT!!!
If you have NOT been worshiping in everyday occasions,
when you get involved in God's work,
you will NOT only be useless yourself,
BUT also a hindrance to those around you.
God's training ground, where the missionary weapons are found,
is the hidden, personal, worshiping life the saint."

Day off

It was a wonderful day off.

I hope ya'll had a great Monday!

C YA Tomorrow

Joey

And they, What about you?

TOPIC: OVERCOMER

SCRIPTURE: "And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. Andy they were not afraid to die." (Rev. 12:11)

OBSERVATION:"The critical blow to Satan came when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, shed his blood for our sins. The victory is won by sacrifice - Christ's death IN OUR PLACE to pay the penalty of OUR SIN, and the sacrifices we make because of our faith in him. As we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear it or try to escape from it, but we should loyally serve Christ, who alone brings victory."
[Life Application Study Bible Commentary]

APPLICATION: And they overcame him(Satan) by 3 things:
#1.) The Work of Christ on the Cross
#2.) The Word of their Testimony
&
#3.) Their Willingness to Die

What about you?

Are you overcoming?
or
Being overcome

Don't forget
It's as easy as
1
2
3

Jesus Blood
Your Testimony
&
Your Willingness
2
DIE

It's really that simple

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for once again laying it out sooooo clearly!

Will U B THE 1?

TOPIC: Ministry

SCRIPTURE: "I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; BUT I FOUND NO ONE." (Ezekiel 22:30)

OBSERVATION: My Life Application Study Bible includes this commentary for this section. "The wall spoken of here is not made of stones but faithful people united in their efforts to resist evil. This wall was in disrepair because there was no one who could lead the people back to God. The feeble attempts to repair the gap - through religious rituals or messages based on opinion rather than God's will - were as worthless as whitewash, only covering over the real problems. What the people really needed was total spiritual reconstruction!"

APPLICATION: "When we give the appearance of loving God without living his way, we are covering up sins that could eventually damage us deeply.
Don't use religion
as a whitewash
repair your life
by
applying the principles
of God's Word.

Then
you can join with others
to stand
"in the gap"
&
make a difference
4 God
N
your
world."

R U

READY?

R U

WILLING?

R U

THE ONE?

PRAYER: Father God, help me to be found as one that is ready and willing to "build up the wall" and "stand in the gap"!!!

A little R & R

TOPIC: Sabbath

SCRIPTURE: "And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I, the LORD, had set them apart to be holy, making them my special people..." (Ezekiel 20:12)

OBSERVATION: The Sabbath was created as a gift to HIS children.
It was to remind the children of Israel that they were to be
Set apart
Specifically to be Holy

BUT
The children of Israel rebelled against GOD,
&
They refused to obey HIS laws there in the wilderness.
They wouldn't obey HIS instructions
even though obedience would have given them life.
&
They also violated HIS Sabbath days.
So I threatened to pour out my fury on them, and I made plans to utterly consume them in the desert. (Ezekiel 20:13)


APPLICATION: On each and every Sabbath
GOD
want us
that's
U
&
ME

GOD
wants
US

2

REST
REFOCUS
&
REMEMBER

H
I
M

Does that describe your Sabbath's?

It needs to
BECAUSE
That's what
it's designed 4

DECLARE IT:
From here on out ~ ~ ~
REST
REFOCUS
&
REMEMBERING HIM
will describe each and every Sabbath
that I have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for each and every day of rest that you have given me. Help me to take full advantage of each and every one.

+1

Today would be the + 1
And
Since today is also my day off
And
Since I don't blog on my day's off
I will not be blogging today

Hope you've had a safe and joyful
Labor Day Weekend

Joey

DAY OFF +1

It's not only my day off
BUT
It's also Labor Day
which is a holiday
Therefore
I not only have today off
BUT
I also have tomorrow off

How exciting!!!

Have a Great Labor Day

Joey