Pastor Joey

What Do You Love To Do?

2010-05-26T21:59:00.003-04:00

IF
Money
Education
Time
Resources
Etc
Etc
Etc

Were NO issue

What would you be doing with your time ?

Are you doing it now ?

All of it ?
Some of it ?
Any of it ?

If not,

WHY NOT?

U Me & The Donkey

2010-05-11T20:39:00.004-04:00

I came across this former pastor's blog
By Ron Martoia
Hope you enjoy it !!!

Pain brings us to a place where we wrestle with the true stuff of life.
Death, relational fracture, meaning, who I am, deep disappointments
(this is not the way I thought life would turn out!)

all of these give us transformational opportunities why?
Because we come to realize we have been on autopilot with some assumptions…and those assumptions always determine how we understand the self.

The WHO AM I question.

What are some of the assumptions you have operated with over the years that you have come to realize in your awareness were actually causing some of your suffering or preventing you from experiencing full life?

One of my big assumptions

• If you obey God you will be blessed and life will be better and easier for it!

Recognition of our assumptions that inform how we form our identity help us loosen control and dissolve the pain coming from those assumptions

Obedience brings blessing…I can’t tell you how many people I know that have experienced deep pain over this issue because they came to realize after years and years that they were disappointed with God because this was the hidden assumption.

SO

What are you assuming?

My Prayer

2010-04-18T15:16:00.006-04:00

Breathe On Me
(By Todd Fields, Christy Nockels and Nathan Nockels)
the song that we sang today in church really had an impact on me

VERSE 1
Find me here in this place - Son of God, Saving Grace
At this hour, all my days, breathe on me, breathe on me
Morning Star, shine Your light - as I walk through this life
God of pow'r, God of might - breath on me, breath on me

CHORUS
Forever, You are my reason for living - Merciful Savior unending - Breathe on me

VERSE 2
When I'm weak, You are strong - You breath in me will be my song
In You my King I belong - breathe on me, breathe on me

CHORUS 2
Forever, You are my reason for living - Merciful Savior unending - Breathe on me
Forever, You are the God of my story - Write every line for Your glory - Breathe on me

BRIDGE
Breathe on me, breathe on me
When I am weak, You are strong - Your breath in me will be my song
When I am weak, You are strong, You are strong

OUT
Find me here in this place - Son of God, Saving Grace
At this hour, all my days, breathe on me, breathe on me
More specifically the Line that reads

The 2nd line of the 2nd chorus had the greatest impact on me today
You are the God of my story,
write every line for your glory

May every line be lived out
Starting today

Even if I have to stop
and redo it
over and over again
before I get it right

Every line ~ 4 ur GLORY !!!

:)

Father Knows BEST

2010-04-17T20:42:00.003-04:00

As I was reading today I came across this story in a devotional book that I read often called Streams in the Desert. The excerpt is from the April 17 Reading Pages 158-160

The hand of the LORD has done this. (Job 12:9)

A number of years ago the most magnificent diamond in the history of the world was found... It was then presented to the King of England to embellish his crown of state. The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut by an expert stonecutter.
He took this gem of priceless value and cut a notch in it. Then he struck it one hard time with his hammer, and the majestic jewel fell into his hand, broken in two.
That one blow with the hammer had been studied and planned for days, and even weeks. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, defects, and possible lines along which it would split had all been studied to the smallest detail. And the man to whom it was entrusted was one of the most skilled stonecutters in the world.
The blow was no mistake it was the capstone and culmination of the stonecutter's skill. When he struck that blow, he did the one thing that would bring that gem to its most perfect shape, radiance, and jeweled splendor. The blow that seemed to be the ruin of the majestic precious stone was actually its perfect redemption, for from the halves were fashioned two magnificent gems. Only the skilled eye of the expert stonecutter could have seen the beauty of two diamonds hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mine.
Sometimes, in the same way, GOD lets a stinging blow fall on your life. You bleed, feeling the pain, and your soul cries out in agony. At first you think the blow is an appalling mistake. BUT it is not, for you are the most precious jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled stonecutter in the universe.
Someday you are to be a jewel adorning the crown of the KING. As you lie in His hand now, He knows just how to deal with you. Not one blow will be permitted to fall on your apprehensive soul except what the love of God allows. And you may be assured that from the depths of the experience, you will see untold blessings, and spiritual enrichment you have never before imagined.

Not a single blow can hit,
Till the God of love sees fit.

It’s A Choice

2010-02-24T14:49:00.004-05:00

Reading from Feb. 24, 2010
Numbers 14-15; Mark 3

TOPIC: Obedience

SCRIPTURE: "The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35)

OBSERVATION: In case you didn't read this chapter, I'll fill you in on the context so that these words will hopefully sink in a little deeper.
Jesus has been healing many people. And He came to a home and the crowd had gathered to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. N0w that is crowded!!!

Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for you.
Jesus responded, “Who do you think are my mother and brothers?” Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, “Right here, right in front of you – my mother and my brother. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:33-35)

For any family to function well that has to be some
BASIC shared elements
In this case we see that
there is no way - for us
to come to God
that does not involve
o
b
e
d
i
e
n
c
e

APPLICATION: Will you do something not for me, but for yourself
Take a minute to do this
Mentally ~ go back in time
How far you ask?

a day
a week
a month
a year
a decade
a lifetime

I don't care, You pick, it doesn't matter to me

As you are looking back over your life

Isn’t it true ???
that you would have avoided
your biggest regrets
IF
you would have
ONLY
OBEYED
???
In that moment

I don't know if you know this but
We are called to obey
day by day,
moment by moment.
Even in the moments
when it feels like we are dying
Which we are
To SELF that is

OBEDIENCE
it is truly the only way to really live.

The Questions Is:
Will I obey when obedience means doing something uncomfortable?
Now that's a tough one isn't it?
I'll leave you with that

Have a great day!!!
Remember even that is a choice

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to realize the full impact of this truth

Pre-Launch

2010-02-23T14:45:00.005-05:00

Reading from Feb. 23, 2010
Numbers 12-13;Ps.90; Mark 2

TOPIC: Confirmation

SCRIPTURE: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands." (Ps. 90:17)

OBSERVATION: As I read through Ps. 90 the last verse caught my attention. Especially in light of the fact that not only is the word confirm repeated but that the entire statement is repeated. Many times through scripture when something is repeated it is important. Which means we ought to pay at least a little attention
The words that follow popped up when I looked up the word confirm in my Thesaurus
Corroboration; Verification; Substantiation; Proof; Authentication; Evidence; Affirmation; Authorization; Approval; Sanction; Endorsement; Ratification; Attestation; Agreement Consent; Permission; Certification; Support;; Evidence; Testimony; Validation

APPLICATION: I don’t know about you but it sure does help knowing that God’s got your back when you are going into a new:
Project
Ministry
Relationship
Challenge
Territory
_____________ (U fill N the blank)

With that in mind
Before
we
That’s me
&
U

Before we launch
into anything

Why don't we check with HIM 1st
Just to make sure He’s in agreement with our:
Plans
Thoughts
Intentions
Actions
___________ ( U fill N the blank)

Don’t you think that’s a good idea?
Me too

So, let’s do it

Let’s get His permission
BEFORE
Not AFTER
NOT DURING

BUT

BEFORE
we launch

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, my prayer is simply a repeat of Moses’ prayer. Please Father let your favor be upon me and confirm the works of my hands Yes I repeat PLEASE confirm the works of my hands.

My Hope & Prayer

2010-02-19T09:40:00.004-05:00

Reading from Feb. 19, 2010
Numbers 5-6; Ps.22; Acts 26

TOPIC: Conversion

SCRIPTURE: “I wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am….” (Acts 26:19)

OBSERVATION: In this verse the Apostle Paul is doing his best to convince King Agrippa that his testimony is true all the way through. King Agrippa responds to one of Paul’s questions by saying “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian. And then Paul follows up with ABSOLUTELY
I wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am…

APPLICATION: SO - How r u doing at
Influencing?
Convincing?
Persuading?
From my reading I believe the Holy Spirit wants to remind us to
Be like Paul & be a persuader

Persuade means to succeed
O Don't you want to succeed at this (I know that you do)
So
STOP right now and think of that person or those people
that you love that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus

NOW
Think of them entering into Eternity without that relationship

IN LIGHT OF ALL THAT
Let's get back to the definition of the word Persuade

Persuade means to succedd in convincing somebody to do something, especially by reasoning, pleading, coaxing or by giving them good reasons for doing so

SO
Get to it
Remember Eternity is at stake!!!

Get to giving everyone a good reason
(lets make that a GREAT reason - OK?)
for starting and growing in a relationship with Jesus
Be the reason they want to know Jesus
Be the reason they want to love Him

This reminds me of an Al Denson Song entitled Be
The Lyrics Read:
Be here in my eyes So others may see The beauty and presence
of Your love In one who was blind but now believes
Be here in my heart Flow through my blood Strengthen my soul
and wash me clean A living example of what Your grace has done
I will walk beside You I give You my life And when others seek to find You
May I be a light that shines
Be here in my hands Give me Your touch Use me to comfort
and to build Shelter for those who need Your love Breathe words to my lips
So I may speak Echo Your truth and living words Lord, make me all I can be
I will walk beside You Jesus, I give You my life And when others seek to find You
May I be the light that shines
Be here in my heart Flow through my blood Strengthen my soul and
wash me clean Lord, make me all that I can be Lord,
please make me all that I can be

So what are you waiting on
Start today
Why not right now

Be intentional about persuading
( I hope this goes without saying
but please do this in the right spirit)
A Spirit of Unconditional LOVE

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to do everything within my power to persuade everyone I come in contact with.

Now That's What I Call A Relationship

2010-02-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

Reading from Feb. 18, 2010
Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

TOPIC: Chatting with God

SCRIPTURE: “ …the LORD spoke with Moses…”
(Num.3:1,5,11,14,40,44; 4:1,17,21)

OBSERVATION: If you follow my blogs at all I have a question for you
Did you notice anything different about the SCRIPTURE section?
Typically I only pick 1 or at the most 2 verses however
At least 9 different times in just 2 chapters it reads that
God carried on a conversation with Moses.

APPLICATION: Don’t want to have that type of relationship with God?
The same type of relationship that Moses had?
To be able to be in daily communion with HIM

Did you know that God
Wants to speak to you?

Yes the same God
that spoke to Moses ~ so often

Wants and longs to speak with you
Yes I said you
Just as clearly and just as often
As He spoke to Moses

SO

Has HE spoken to you recently?
If so
What did HE say?

Has the frequency and length
of your conversations increased over the years?

If NOT
When was the last time God spoke to you?
How long ago was that?
What did HE say?

If He hasn’t spoken recently
Why do you think that is?

If you’re not sure
Or
If you are just unable to discern
Which voice is God’s
I’d love to chat with you
about Chatting with God

If you’ve never heard from HIM at all
Does that concern you?
If not
Shouldn’t it?

I believe it should

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I am soooo glad that you are NOT mute. Thank you for speaking to me. Don't ever stop!

The Able

2010-02-17T07:35:00.002-05:00

Reading from Feb. 17 Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

TOPIC: Team Development

SCRIPTURE: Take all the men 20 years and older who have the ability to fulfill their God given role. Then pick one man from each team that has leadership abilities to help you. (Numbers 1:2-4)

OBSERVATION: According to Eugene Peterson Numbers Commentary - We need a lot of help, and in the church world, we always will. We need organizational help. When people live together in community, jobs have to be assigned, leaders must be appointed, inventories need to be kept. Counting and list-making and rosters are as spiritual as prayer, instruction and justice from God’s perspective.

APPLICATION: So, has God told you to do what He told Moses to do?

To select a certain group of people to help you?

If so
Have you?

If NOT
Why not?

If you have selected them
What are their names?

How long ago was that?

Are they aware of it
Or
Have you only selected them in your mind?

What are their roles?

Are you actually allowing them to help you?

If God has told you to do this and if you have followed through on it
Then I would love to hear from you
To see how God has exponentially expanded your influence and impact
For HIM

Once again
If HE’S told you to do this and you haven’t completely followed through
Then there’s no time like the present

Don't ever forget
Teamwork makes the dream work

PRAYER: Heavenly Father please lead me to the right leadership people that will come along side of me and help me to lead in the areas that I am personally responsible for.

Where You Are

2010-02-16T19:00:00.004-05:00

Reading from Feb. 16, 2010
Lev.26-27; Acts 23

TOPIC: Faithful

SCRIPTURE: "That night the Master appeared to Paul: 'Its going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You've been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you're going to be my witness in Rome!' " (Acts 23:11)

OBSERVATION: Jesus basically said to Paul, Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with what I have asked of you here. Now I am going to send you to a new place.

APPLICATION: Here are a few questions for you to think through
1.) Have you been a good witness for Jesus ?
In your home ~ Spouse; Children; Siblings; Parents; In-Laws
To your neighbors@ Work & Social gatherings

2.) Have you been faithful where you are?

3.) Can you be trusted with more responsibility?

4.) If Jesus appeared to you today
Would HE say well done to you?

If so get ready and be prepared the opportunities are just around the corner

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be faithful here and now, and help me to be ready and willing if you call me to other things.

Relational Foundation

2010-02-09T21:35:00.006-05:00

Reading from Feb. 10 ~Acts 17

TOPIC: Sharing the Good News

SCRIPTURE: "We want to hear more about this Jesus." (Acts 17:32)

OBSERVATION: It was the Apostle Paul's regular practice to go into synagogues and share about Jesus. He would take time to start with the Old Testament writings and explain how Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of being The Messiah. He would connect the dots by move from what they knew to the unknown. When we share Jesus with others, we would do well to follow Pauls example and begin where people are, affirming the truth they do know, and then we can build on that foundation.

APPLICATION: Paul paid attention
to the people he was interacting with!
Paul would try to find common ground first
When you go about your daily routine
Do you know your audience?

SO
in your recent conversations with the unchurched
(NOTE: You know what that implies, right?
It implies that you've actually had a conversation with an unchurched person)

SO

If you have
&
If you are building a relationship with them
&
I soooo hope you are

if you are not
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring someone into your life
TODAY
And if you are serious about this type of relationship
HE WILL
SO Get Ready

Ok back to where I was
If you are building a relationship with an unchurched person
Eventually the time will come when
You'll actually share with them about your relationship with Jesus
Much the same way
you would share with them about the relationship you have with your spouse or kids
It should come up naturally

NOTE: Take what I am about to say in the context of the passage
In what I am about to say I am in NO WAY saying that you are only to share Jesus with someone that you have a relationship with. Ok?
Ok let's continue

In sharing Jesus with people in my past I've found that

It was a good thing, for me, to build upon the foundation that was laid through the relationship that had already been built.

Simply put: Don't rush beyond your relational foundation!

Remember this is NOT a command
As always you need to be spirit led
and yes at times the Spirit will lead you to speak to a total stranger about Jesus

I've found that, at times, for me, before I share certain things with people
Its a wise thing to think through the relationship
to make sure the relational foundation is strong enough
to bare the wait of truth
that I'm about to share.

Did all that make since? I hope it came out right
O well if it didn't just let me know as I'm sure you will

I believe with all my heart
that
if you are taking the time to
really build a relationship with an unchurched person.
Loving them where they are spend time praying for them and serving them
being genuine in everything you say and do.

NOT JUST TRYING TO GET THEM TO COME TO CHURCH
If thats all you ever do . . then . . . I believe
They will be tempted to look at you
the same way
some people
look at used car salesmen.

However if you are in the relationship for the long haul
No matter what happens
You will eventually hear that person say to you
(maybe not with the exact same words but in the same vein)

what Paul heard
"We want to hear more about this Jesus"?

I've had it happen to me many times throughout my life
and look forward to it continuing

if you are doing these things they will eventually ask
and the reason they'll ask is because
they will have seen and heard Jesus through you
from the very beginning

So
Keep on Investing in that relationship
and if you're not
then start today
and when the time is right
And you'll know
Because it will be so natural
Invite them to take a step

For example you could invite them to one of our environments at church
Like Kidstuf or Married Life LIVE or a Sunday Morning Service
or To your house or to a restaurant for dinner or or or or
You get the idea

or you could even

Invite them to begin their relationship with Jesus
Yes you
Yes even if you are not a Pastor
You can do it

If you are unsure about what you would say or do
Just let me know
I'd be more than happy to walk you through this

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to remember Paul's example as I go throughout my daily routine

His Timing His Way

2010-02-02T21:16:00.004-05:00

I will periodically reach for a devotional book
that I keep in my book bag.
I don't read it every day
But
When I do
God seems to always use it
to make a
Deep Impact

Streams In the Desert
Reading From Feb. 2
Isaiah 49:2 says, "In the shadow of his hand He hid me; He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver."

In the shadow -- each of us must go there sometimes. The glare of the sunlight is too bright, and our eyes become injured. Soon they are unable to discern the subtle shades of color or appreciate neutral tints, such as the shadowed sickroom, the shadowed house of grief, or the shadowed life where the sunlight has departed.
BUT FEAT NOT! ! !
It is the shadow of God's hand. He is leading you,
and there are lessons that can be learned
only
where He leads.
The photograph of His face can only be developed in the dark room.
BUT DO NOT ASSUME
that He has pushed you aside.
You are still "in His quiver."
He has not thrown you away. . .
He is only keeping you nearby till the moment comes when He can send you quickly and confidently on some mission that will bring Him glory. O shadowed, isolated one, remember how closely the quiver is tied to the warrior. It is always within easy reach of his hand and jealously protected. from Christ in Isaiah, by F.B. Meyer

May the Holy Spirit use this in your life !!!

One Month To Live Oxygen Mask

2010-01-14T20:36:00.003-05:00

As I was reading tonight Day 5 Breathing First these are the things that I underlined in my book

The only way to accomplish
authentic living is first to take time
and focus on yourself.

God wants to cultivate energy

IN YOU

Spiritually
Physically
Emotionally
&
Relationally

What's holding you back spiritually?
Write it down
Ask God to give you an action step
Now Obey

What's holding you back physically?
Write it down
Ask God to give you an action step
Now obey

What's holding you back emotionally?
Write it down
Ask God to give you an action step
Now obey

&

What's holding you back relationally?
Write it down
Ask God to give you an action step
Now obey

One Month To Live Power Surge

2010-01-14T19:33:00.002-05:00

As I was reading through Day 4 Connecting with the Ultimate Source
these are things that caused me to pause and think

C.S. Lewis's Quote
You don't have a soul. You are a Soul.
You have a body.

You don't have to
sweat and strive,
work harder, or
discipline yourself
to be more spiritual

Pruning and Constant Communication (prayer & confession) is an absolute ! ! !
and the only way to continually have GOD'S Power flowing THROUGH YOU

One Month To Live Time Squared

2010-01-14T19:20:00.002-05:00

These are the things that caught my eye as I was reading through Day 3
Spending Your Most Valuable Resource

Ralph Waldo Emerson's Quote
Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds.
(This means killing time should not be an option for a Christ Follower)
Discard them and their value will never be known.
Improve them and they will become
the brightest gems in a useful life.

If you want to live with NO REGRETS, then
you may need to inventory your life and
see how you've been spending your time.
If you need help with that I have chart to help you evaluate yourself

2 Cor. 6:1, Msg Don't squander your time
because time
is your life!

May the expression
O I'm just killing time
be forever removed
from your vocabulary

One Month To Live Roller Coaster

2010-01-14T19:11:00.002-05:00

These are the things that grabbed my attention as I was reading through Day 2 Riding the Big Dipper.

Life is measured by the moments that take out breath away.

Someday. One day. When. IF. Then it's over.
When are we (that includes you)
going to wake up
&
realize
this is
our one and only life
right here and right now?

These other words jumped off the page
Reckless Abandon; Ridiculous Faith;

Please do whatever it takes
To Make Your Life Count
(From God's Perspective That Is)

One Month To Live Introduction

2010-01-14T18:52:00.004-05:00

These are the things that jumped out at me as I was reading through the Introduction of our Book One Month To Live

Wouldn't it be wonderful to spend your life
so that
IF
you discovered you ONLY had a month to live,
You
WOULD NOT NEED
to change a thing?

We must live in the tipping point between
The Everyday
&
The Eternal

SO

Do you know fully who you are
&
Why God placed you here now?

2009-12-23T11:09:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas

Be Safe
&
Thoroughly
Enjoy Time with
Family, Friends,
&
Jesus

Peace

It's A Good Thing !

2009-12-05T20:04:00.002-05:00

Sickness can be such a good thing

At least for me

Sickness

Reminds me

NOT

to take my health

4 granted

BUT

TO THANK GOD EVERY DAY FOR
THE HEALTH THAT I AM EXPERIENCING

It also reminds me

How weak
I truly am

How dependent
I am

&

How fragile
life really is

So
remember
bad things
are not always
bad things
They can be good

SO

What's going on in your life?
That at first glance appears to be bad

Remember
It's a Good Thing
or
At the very least
It can be

It all depends on your perspective
So, what's your perspective?

What would HE say?

2009-11-19T18:42:00.005-05:00

Reading from Nov. 20, 2009
Matthew 5-7

Matthew 7:21 - 23 stood out to me

It reads,
21"Not everyone who says to Me,
'Lord, Lord.'
will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but
he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven
will enter.

22 Many
will say to Me on that day,
'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?"

23 And then
I will declare to them,
'I never knew you;
DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Here is what caught my attention:
The word 'many'
The reason the word 'many' stood out so much
is because
the word 'many'
in this particular context
has a lot to say (from my perspective)
to anyone
that names the name of Christ
&
that thinks they are a Christ follower

The word Many = means
a considerable number of people
a large number of people
the majority

In this context
Jesus says,
to the majority of the people that stand before Him at the Final Judgment
more specifically
Jesus says,
to the majority of the people that had thought all along their life
that they were Christ followers
Jesus says to them

Remember
to the MAJORITY of them

Jesus says to them
DEPART FROM ME

Meaning
that the majority of the people
that thought they were getting ready
to enter into Heaven for all eternity
Were just told they would NOT be going

WHY would Jesus say that?

Jesus says, DEPART FROM ME
because
I NEVER KNEW YOU!!!

REMEMBER
These are people
that not only thought
they knew Jesus and
were one of His followers
BUT
they gave responses ~ that actually line up with a believers life and ministry

Reread with me their responses
Matthew 7:22 reads
#1.) They called Jesus Lord
#2.) They prophesied in Jesus name
#3.) They cast out demons
&
#4.) They performed many miracles

I don't know about you
BUT
Their responses sound like
the life and ministry of Jesus' first disciples
that we read about in the New Testament

Namely ~ Peter James John not to mention Paul
I could go on . . .

So
it appears from this passage
that we
who call ourselves Christ Followers
can NO LONGER
just hold to
our thoughts
surrounding our relationship with Christ

Typically we are asked
Do you know Jesus?
Do you have a personal relationship with Him?

It appears from this passage
that we must
start taking into consideration
not just our perspective
on our relationship with Jesus
but
from this day forward
I would strongly encourage you
to start taking into consideration
Jesus' perspective
on His relationship with you

Does Jesus consider His relationship with you
to be an intimate relationship?

Would Jesus say
That He has an intimate relationship with You
or
Would HE say
I'm sorry
But, I don't know You

What would HE say?
???????????????????

Just a few thoughts

2009-11-17T19:11:00.005-05:00

Reading from Nov. 18, 2009
Ps. 124; 2 Cor. 11-13

2 Cor. 12:15a reads ~ "I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls..."

This reminds me of Paul's extreme love for his countrymen. In an earlier statement Paul shares how if it were possible he wished that he could be accursed so that his brethren that do not know the Lord Jesus could know him.

Now that is what I call LOVE

R U willing to spend and be spent to that extent ? ? ?
For the unchurched ? ? ?

Don't forget we are talking ETERNITY here ! ! !

2 Cor. 13:3 reads ~ "since you are speaking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, . . . "
Just another reminder that God is vocal and desires to speak to you/me directly.

2 Cor. 13:5 reads ~ "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you -- unless indeed you fail the test?"
Every time I read this verse I think about the people that know me BEST, and I think about this question:
What would they say about me in relationship to this test?

Would they say ~ Yes Indeed Joey White Passes the Test?

Would they say ~ Yes Jesus Christ is Living In and Through Joey White?

What about you?

Passing On ? ?

2009-11-10T19:23:00.008-05:00

Reading from Nov. 11, 2009

Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9-11

As I was reading through Psalm 122 and I Cor. 9-11

A phrase out of I Cor. 11:2 caught my eye
I Cor. 11:2 reads "I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you.

The phrase that caused me to stop and think was
"... just as I passed them on to you."

In light of this verse and more specifically this phrase
several questions popped in my mind

I hope you will take time to think through these questions

QUESTION #1:
Who are you passing the Christ-like life onto?
My first thought goes to my 4 girls
that I have the privilege to share life with
each and every day

QUESTION #2:
What is it exactly that you are passing on?
I don't know about you
BUT I soooooo desire
to be more and more like Jesus each and everyday
for their sake

Taking into account that we are not perfect
and will not be on this side of Eternity

Consider also these questions:

R U sure that you are passing on an accurate picture of Jesus
or
Is it DISTORTED?

What are you doing
to ensure
that it is the most accurate
picture of Jesus that it can be?

Remember

Especially in the case of people that are younger (In age or the faith)
Those individuals that look up to you
Are very impressionable

I'm sure you already know all of this
BUT
A necessary reminder is . . .

These people catch more of who you are
by the way you
actually
live out
your life
day by day

so much more than

What you say and teach

So

R U passing on Jesus

to anybody?
If so

R U passing on JESUS

??

U Love . . . U Grow Up . . .

2009-11-09T20:11:00.005-05:00

Reading from Nov. 10, 2009
Job 35-36; I Cor. 7-8

As I was reading today I Cor. 8 stuck out
My Life Application Study Bible added this commentary

Stronger Believer . . . Don't be proud of your maturity; don't flaunt your freedom. Act in love so you do not cause a weaker believer to stumble.

Weaker Believer . . . Although you may not feel the same freedom in some areas as in others, take your time, pray to God, but do not force others to adhere to your stipulations. You would hinder other believers by making up rules and standards for how everyone ought to behave. Make sure your convictions are based on God's Word and are not simply an expression of your opinions.

Pastors and Leaders . . . Teach correctly from God's Word, helping Christians to understand what is right and wrong in God's eyes and to see that they can have varied opinions on other issues and still be unified. Don't allow potential problems to get out of hand, causing splits and divisions.

Paul advises those who are more mature in the faith about how they must care about their brothers and sisters in Christ who have more tender consciences; those "weaker' brothers and sisters are advised concerning their growth; and pastors and leaders are instructed on how to deal with the conflicts that easily could arise between these groups.

Stronger Believer . . . U Love . . .
Weaker Believers . . . U Grow Up . . .
Pastor and Leaders . . . U, well u know what to do . . . right?

Basically

we
need
2
ALL

L
O
V
E

as
we
R
Growing
N
Christ

Enjoy Your Day

What's My Next Step?

2009-11-03T20:33:00.005-05:00

Reading from Nov. 4, 2009

Job 26-27; Mark 15-16
As I was reading through Mark 15
The very first verse caught my attention
More Specifically the phrase
The religious leaders - met to discuss their next step

I realize that this passage has a certain context

However

The thing that grabbed me was their intentionality

"They met to discuss their next step"

When it comes to you
&
your next step

Your Health - Physically; Mentally; Spiritually
Your Relationships - Spouse; Kids; Parents; Siblings
Your Finances
Your Dreams
Your __________

Have you met with The Lord
and asked Him
for His next step
for you in any of these areas?

If not, why not?

If so, what did He say?
If so, are you
following through
on what He said?

If not, what is holding you back?

Your Heavenly Father
Knows you
&
He Knows what your next step should be

Why not ask Him?
It's as simple as this

Father, what's my next step?

Wasn't that easy?

So, what did He say?

Look forward to hearing what Dad had to say to you

Only When

2009-11-02T18:53:00.003-05:00

Reading from Nov. 3, 2009
Job 25; Mark 13-14

As I was reading through Mark 13
Verse 11 jumped out at me

Reading from the New Living Translation
Verse 11 reads like this
"...don't worry about what to say, . . Just say what God tells you to."

I realize that this verse is found within a certain context
&
I know that Jesus was not implying that we should not study

However

In light of Pastor Jim's new sermon series

I couldn't help but think about

ACTUALLY
LIVING
THIS OUT
DAILY

To only speak the words that are given to you from God

Among other things:
This reminds me of the saying
That God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth
To listen twice as much as we speak

I don't know about you
but
Being a talker
I would be hard pressed
and would have to make a choice
to exercise extreme self-control
in order to pull this off

To speak only when spoken to by God

Think about that

I mean really think about it

To speak
ONLY
When spoken to by God

(Please remember I am not saying
that starting today you need to
ignore people that engage in conversation with you.)

All I'm challenging you to do is
To just try it out

When someone ask you a question
Before you just blurt out an answer
Why not intentionally listen
to see if God might have anything to say
something through you

Let me know how it goes

O What A Day That Will Be

2009-09-16T20:34:00.004-04:00

Reading from Sept. 16, 2009
Ezekiel 40-41; Ps. 128; Rev. 21

TOPIC: Heaven

SCRIPTURE: "Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and he will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God. " (Rev. 21:3)

OBSERVATION: Heaven is described as the place where God will REMOVE ALL . . . sorrows. Forevermore there will be NO
DEATH,
SORROW,
CRYING,
OR
PAIN.

APPLICATION: Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like?
I sure have

No matter what you are going through,
right now
it is NOT the last word
God has written the final chapter,
&
it is about true fulfillment
& eternal joy
for those who love Him.

We do not know as much as we would like,
but it is enough to know that eternity with God
will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine.

What a wonderful truth!

O What A Day That Will Be

I sure hope you are going to be there with me

If you have any doubts
Whatsoever
Please lets talk

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I am so looking forward to being in heaven one day. Thank you for going to prepare a place for me. That is SOOOOOOO AWESOME ! ! ! ! ! !

2009-09-15T20:21:00.002-04:00

Reading from Sept. 15, 2009
Ezek.38,39; Ps. 145; Rev.20

TOPIC:

SCRIPTURE: "The LORD helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads." (Ps. 145:14)

OBSERVATION: Here's what my Life Application Study Bible had to say about this verse in the light of the overall passage.
Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life's road and meditates on the Lord, the great burden bearer God is able to lift us up because
(1) HIS greatness is beyond discovery;
(2) HE does mighty acts for each generation;
(3) HE is full of glorious splendor and majesty;
(4) HE does awe-inspiring deeds;
(5) HE is righteous;
(6) HE is kind, merciful, patient, loving, and compassionate;
(7) HE rules over an everlasting kingdom;
(8) HE is our source of all our daily needs;
(9) HE is righteous and kind in all his dealings;
(10) HE remains close to those who call on him;
(11) HE hears our cries and rescues us.

APPLICATION: If you are bending under a burden
& feel that you are about to fall,
turn to God for help.

STOP WHATEVER U R DOING

STOP RIGHT NOW

BECAUSE

He is ready to lift you up
& bear your burden ! ! !

Did u stop?

Yes or No?

I sure hope you did!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for being here! THANK YOU SO MUCH! ! !

Despairing? DON''T ! ! !

2009-09-09T21:25:00.010-04:00

Reading from Sept. 10, 2009
Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

TOPIC: Hope

SCRIPTURE: “This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I have hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:21-25)

OBSERVATION: My Life Application Study Bible says, that Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all the sin and sorrow surrounding him: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends…Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day. God willingly responds with help when we ask. Perhaps there is some sin in your life that you thought God would not forgive. God’s steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and he promises forgiveness.
Jeremiah knew from personal experience about God’s faithfulness. God had promised that punishment would follow disobedience, and it did. But God also had promised future restoration and blessing, and Jeremiah knew that God would keep that promise also. Trusting in God’s faithfulness day by day makes us confident in his great promises for the future.

APPLICATION: As I was reading through Lamentations, I couldn't help but notice the choice that was made. Verse 21 says, "THIS I recall to my mind.

Don't forget that this choice is made while
under great affliction,
wandering,
the wormwood,
bitterness
& a downcast soul

In spite of all that
We (Yes that includes U)
Can
Right Now
Even in the midst of that
Yes even that thing
That U Think is Impossible To Overcome
U
CAN
Make a choice

NOW

To Put Your Hope N The Lord

Why so downcast o my soul?
PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD

TODAY
RIGHT NOW

GO Ahead
&
Recall to your mind
HIS LOVINGKINDNESS
HIS COMPASSION
HIS FAITHFULNESS

Don't you feel better already
I know I do

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that you are there in the good times, the not so good times, and the down right bad times. Thank you soooooo much! That I can HOPE in you and it not be in vain.

Business is Booming! How about you?

2009-07-27T19:42:00.005-04:00

Reading from July 27
Is 50-52; Ps. 92; 2 Peter 1

TOPIC: Flourishing

SCRIPTURE:"The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. "(Ps. 92:12-14)

OBSERVATION: Palm trees are known for their long life. To flourish like palm trees means to stand tall and to live long. The cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 feet in height and up to 30 feet in circumference, thus, they were sold, strong, and immovable. The psalmist saw believers as upright, strong, and unmovable by the winds of circumstances. Those who place their faith firmly in God can have their strength and vitality all the days of their life.

APPLICATION: As it happens so many times when I read God's word, I noticed a word that kept on being repeated. That word was the word flourish

To Thrive
To Grow
To increase
To prosper
To do well
To Boom

So

R U

Spiritually, Mentally & Physically - (In a healthy manner)

Thriving ?
Growing?
Increasing?
Prospering?
Doing well?
Booming?

I hope you will take time to think through each question in each area

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for you words of live. You never cease to absolutely amaze me. Each and every time I open your word and read it you speak directly to me Thank YOU!! I love you!!!

2009-07-14T09:16:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys,

Last week we experienced a wonderful staff retreat
& now we are back in the saddle

So I'm look forward to blogging this week

Today's reading in Hebrews was awesome

C U Soon

Joseph

Am I ? Are You ?

2009-06-27T19:06:00.004-04:00

Reading from June 27
2 Kings 13-14; 2 Chron. 25; 2 Tim. 3

TOPIC: Authenticity

SCRIPTURE: "these men are ... holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these." (2 Tim.3:5)

OBSERVATION: Did you notice that list?
Lovers of Self
Lovers of Money
Boastful
Arrogant
Revilers
Disobedient to authority figures
Ungrateful
Unholy
Unloving
Irreconcilable
Malicious Gossips
Without Self-Control
Brutal
Haters of Good
Treacherous
Reckless
Conceited
Lovers of pleasure

It goes on to say that these men
Hold to a form of godliness
A Form
Even though they are holding to a form
they are denying its power

APPLICATION: I don't know about you
But as I read through that list
I can't help but think

GUILTY

Yep, at times
I am
Guilty as charged
of each
&
every
one
of
those
things

Am I holding to a form of Godliness?
Are you ?

Am I denying its power?
Are you ?

Am I to be avoided?
Are you?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, search me and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Trying to Figure It Out

2009-05-25T20:39:00.004-04:00

Hey Guys

I'm back and yet not fully

I'm planning to start blogging again

However

I will not be blogging everyday

I will be blogging over the next several weeks

in an attempt
to figure out
which schedule
works best

That maybe to blog
Once a week
3 Times a Week
or 5 Times
I don't know yet
But plan to discover that
over the next several weeks

Hope you're enjoying life

Joseph

2009-05-03T18:40:00.002-04:00

Hope you are having a great day!

Hope you enjoyed the weekend services

Including the finale of this Season's Kidstuf

FYI
I will be in Atlanta for the next few days at
Andy Stanley's Church for a Leadership Conference
called DRIVE

Hope to catch you later in the week

Joseph

Day off

2009-04-27T16:46:00.000-04:00

Just as a reminder
Monday is my day off

The Invitation

2009-04-25T22:26:00.002-04:00

Reading from April 25, 09
I Sam. 30-31; I Chron.10; Matt. 12

TOPIC: Restorative Partnership

SCRIPTURE: “Then He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand!’ He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other.. (Matthew 12:13)

OBSERVATION: Jesus invited the man to partner with Him.
The man with the withered hand responded by simply doing exactly what Jesus asked him to do. The results are as always when we simply follow Jesus’ lead
Things are restored

APPLICATION: So what about you?
Have you received the invite?
If so
I would encourage you
To simply follow the instruction(s)
Don’t add to
Nor
Take away from
What He said

If you
I
We
Will respond accordingly
Restoration will occur

I don’t know about you
BUT
I want things to be the way
God Intended for them to be

PRAYER: Hey Dad, I know or at least I am suppose to know or at the very least I hope I am coming to know that it’s not all about me. BUT in this case, because it involves me, I do want things to be the way you originally intended, so help me to partner with you.

Report Cards Are Coming

2009-04-24T11:22:00.002-04:00

Reading from April 24, 09
I Sam.28-29; Ps.109; Matt. 11

TOPIC: Your Works

SCRIPTURE: “ Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, ‘Are you the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them." (Matthew 11:2-6)

OBSERVATION: With so much evidence
Jesus’ identity was OBVIOUS

APPLICATION: I have a simple question for you.

Is yours?

PRAYER: May my report card prove to be all that my words claim, in Jesus Name!

Under Cover

2009-04-23T23:26:00.003-04:00

Reading from April 23, 09
I Sam.27; Ps.141; I Chron. 9; Matt. 10

TOPIC: Hearing the Voice of God

SCRIPTURE: “What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops "(Matthew 8:8)

OBSERVATION: Evidently there is some important stuff that can only be shared in the darkness and in the context of an intimate one on one conversation.

APPLICATION: R U setting aside time to be in your prayer closet
Make sure you are spending 1-0n-1 time
That means alone
Just the 2 of You
That would be You
And The Holy Spirit

You could be
Sorry let me restate that
U R
Missing out on sooooooooooooooooooooooooo Much
that the Lord wants to:

Share with you

Help you avoid

Remind you of

Bless you with

If

If ONLY

U

Yes you

ONLY You can do this

NO ONE ELSE can do this for you

For all those who were with us for the Death To Life Series, I am sure we still have a prayer shawl lying around if you need one.

PRAYER: Speak to me Daddy as I enter into my prayer closet.

That's Not What I Said

2009-04-22T21:54:00.003-04:00

Reading from April 22, 09
I Sam.25-26; Ps.63; Matt. 9

TOPIC: Compassion

SCRIPTURE: “I desire compassion and NOT sacrifice for I did NOT come to call the righteous, but sinners ” (Matthew 9:13)

OBSERVATION: Here are some other passages that communicate the same idea.
Hosea 6:6-8 God doesn’t want sacrifices, he wants our loving loyalty. He wants us to acknowledge Him
I Sam.15:22-23 Obedience is far better than sacrifice
Ps. 40:6-8 God doesn’t want burnt offerings He wants our lifelong service
Ps. 51:16-19 God isn’t interested in penance He wants a broken repentant heart
Jer. 7:21-23 God wants our simple obedience
Amos 5:21-24 God hates pretense and hypocrisy He wants to see us doing what is right
Micah Do what is right love mercy and walk humbly with the Lord

APPLICATION: Being a father of three girls ( I did say wonderful, right!?!)
I can’t tell you how many times while doing the debriefing of a situation gone bad
one of them will share their side of the story.
All the while thinking of course
(O how “Thinking”can get us into trouble at times)
that she has been representing me (Good O Dad) to one if not both of her sisters.
I have had to inform her of the fact that “That’s NOT what I said”!!!

So many times growing up my parents would tell me to do something and then leave for a couple of hours
Wanting to impress them I would at times Sacrifice to the point of shedding blood sweat and tears
ONLY to discover upon their arrival
that what I had done
was NOT
And I mean NOT what they wanted.
Though many times they appreciated what I did do
At least that’s what they said
They would inevitably say, “That’s NOT What I Said” for you to do!

Though appreciative for the sacrifice
What I really wanted…What I said for you to do was___________________

What about you?
Has the Holy Spirit spoken to you lately
Are you doing what He said or are you adding to it
Thus missing the point altogether?

PRAYER: Daddy God, you know me, I’ve chosen the hard way, way too many times. Help me to keep is simple and begin today working smart, NOT hard

Only One

2009-04-20T23:39:00.005-04:00

Reading from April 21, 09
I Sam.24; Ps.57-58; I Chron. 8; Matt. 8

TOPIC: The Voice of God

SCRIPTURE: “But the centurion said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.’ ” (Matthew 8:8)

OBSERVATION: As I was reading through this chapter I noticed something repeated. Did you catch it? For me it started with the Centurion Guard’s statement to Jesus. He said “just say the word” and it will be done. As I continued to read I came across two more occasions in which Jesus cast out evil spirits (vv.16 & 32) with only a word.

APPLICATION: I am sure you’ve heard these expressions before:
1.) A picture can speak a thousand words
2.) That spoke Volumes to me

As we’ve witnessed through these 3 stories in Matthew there is definitely POWER in a word!!!

Think about these words listed below,
think about each and every time you’ve heard these words spoken.

STOP

GO

YES

NO

FORGIVEN

PEACE

CAUTION

GUILTY

ACCEPTED

SORRY

As you thought about each word I am sure you couldn’t help but think about the context in which you heard them

As a result of these 3 different stories from the life of Jesus
May you never underestimate the power in a single word
Especially
A single word
from
Your
Heavenly
Father.

PRAYER: Daddy, help me to listen to each and every word you speak and respond accordingly

Transitioning

2009-04-07T09:26:00.003-04:00

Hey Blogger Fans

Hope you are doing well

Great News I've got my
new work computer up and running
Thanks to Pastor Stephen

However due to a couple of things
I am going to hold off blogging until
the week of April 21-26

Furthermore I will be on vacation
next week April 13-20

C U then

Joseph

Living Free

2009-03-13T21:59:00.003-04:00

Reading from March 14, 2009
Deut. 25-27; Gal. 5

TOPIC: Spirit-Led

SCRIPTURE: "But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh [godless human nature]; for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do." (Gal. 5:16-17) Amplified Bible

OBSERVATION: If your desire is to have the qualities listed in 5:22,23, then you know that the Holy Spirit is leading you. At the same time, be careful not to confuse your subjective feelings with the Spirit's leading. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God's Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and his promptings.
Paul describes the two forces fighting within us - the Holy Spirit and the sinful nature (our evil or inclinations that stem from our body). Paul is not saying that these forces are equal - the Holy Spirit is infinitely stronger. But if we rely on our own wisdom, we will make wrong choices. If we try to follow the Spirit by our own human effort, we will fail. Our only way to freedom from our evil desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Controlled / Guided By / Lead Around / Submitted To
I don't know about you
but
that doesn't sound like freedom to me

However
as we see all throughout the Scriptures
the only way to live free
is to live each and every day

CONTROLLED

&

GUIDED BY
The Holy Spirit.

Only then
will our minds,
&
our actions

be like Jesus

And isn't that what it means to be a Christian?

Yep! (2B just like Jesus)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to daily, hourly, every minute of the day, and if needed each and every second to die to my way and my will!!!

It's Victory 4 Victoria

2009-03-10T20:45:00.002-04:00

Congratulations
2
Victoria Fitzgerald
For her acceptance
N 2
Chatham Hall

Due to a wonderful fun filled evening
In Victoria's honor
along with some other responsibilities
I will not be blogging tonight

Hope you have a great night

Joey

Answering the Call?

2009-03-09T20:22:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the hit and miss nature of my blogs
However I still do not have a work computer
& my home computer is still giving us a few challenges.
Thus, I have not beeen able to blog consistently
Hopefully it will work tonight without locking up again
Here goes...

Reading from March 10, 2009
Deut.13-15; Gal. 1

TOPIC: Calling

SCRIPTURE: "Paul, an apostle - [special messenger appointed and commissioned and sent out] not from any body of men nor by or through any man, but by and through Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and God the Father, Who raised Him from among the dead - " (Gal. 1:1)

OBSERVATION: Paul and Barnabas had just completed their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-14:28). They had visited Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, cities in the Roman province of Galatia (present day Turkey). Upon returning, Paul was accused by some Jewish Christians of diluting Christianity to make it more appealing to Gentiles. These Jewish Christians disagreed with Paul's statements that Gentiles did not have to follow many of the religious laws that the the Jews had obeyed for centuries. Some of Paul's accusers had even followed him to those Galatian cities and had told the Gentile converts they had to be circumcised and follow all the Jewish laws and customs in order to be saved. According to the people, Gentiles had to first become Jews in order to become Christians.
In response to this threat, Paul wrote this letter to the Galatian churches. In it, he explains that following the Old Testament laws, or the Jewish laws, will not bring salvation. A person is saved by grace through faith. Paul wrote this letter about A.D. 49, shortly before the meeting of the Jerusalem council, which settled the law-versus-grace controversy (Acts 15) [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Paul was called to be an apostle by Jesus.

Have you been called (commissioned by Jesus)
to be and do what you are currently doing?

Are you sure? Confirmation Please

IF NOT

Then why are you doing what you are doing?

Don't you want to know what Jesus is calling you to be and do?

IF SO

Ask Him !

Right now, yes you, stop and ask Him right now
Jesus what are you calling me to be and do?

Make NO mistake about it
Jesus is calling you

The question is:
Will you answer the call?

I look forward to hearing what you heard

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for call me personally. I still remember where I was and what I was doing.

All Ears

2009-03-05T19:14:00.005-05:00

Reading from March 6, 2009
Deut.3-4; Ps. 36; Mark 13

TOPIC: Spirit Led

SCRIPTURE: "Now when they take you to court and put you under arrest, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say nor even meditate about it; but say whatever is given you in that hour and at the moment, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit." (Mark 13:11)

OBSERVATION: Jesus did not imply that studying the Bible and gaining knowledge is useless or wrong. Before and after his resurrection Jesus himself taught his disciples what to say and how to say it. But Jesus was teaching the kind of attitude we should have when we must take a stand for the Good News. We don't have to be fearful or defensive about our faith because the Holy Spirit will be present to give us the right words to say. [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Matthew 10:19 -20 & Luke 12:12 share the same account
Matthew says, "the Spirit of your Heavenly Father will be speaking through you."
Luke says, "the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what you ought to say."
As I was reading through these accounts the part that grabbed me centered around the Holy Spirit speaking through the disciples. I don't know about you but when it comes to certain people and situations I need the Holy Spirit to speak through me.

If I rely on my own understanding
my words will be lacking
&
many times they will get me in trouble

SO

I don't know about you
BUT
I'm going to wait and listen for the voice of the Lord
Before I attempt to offer up counsel to others.

QUESTIONS:

Are you positioned to hear from the Holy Spirit?

&

Do you trust Him to speak

&

R U
willing
2 wait
on Him
2 speak
through you?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be positioned and willing to obey. Period!

2009-02-25T14:24:00.005-05:00

Hey Blogger Fans

Sorry but my work computer has bit the dust

Yes it crashed and burned

Along with my work computer
my home computer
is not functioning properly

So

To make a long story short

Once I get another work computer
or fix my home computer
I will start blogging again

Sorry

Joey

2009-02-19T21:27:00.002-05:00

Hey Guys,

Things did not go the way I had originally planned
In light of the way my weekend is shaping up
I probably will not blog again until Monday

Hope to c u back here then

Joey

Kickoff of GroupLife

2009-02-19T10:26:00.001-05:00

Due to the Kickoff of GroupLife
I did not blog last night
Sorry

Plan to blog tonight

Joey

Aye, aye Captain!

2009-02-17T21:14:00.008-05:00

Reading from Feb. 18, 2009
Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

TOPIC: Obedience

SCRIPTURE: "And so the registration was completed just as the LORD had commanded." (Numbers 4:49)

OBSERVATION: As I was reading I noticed that this phrase was repeated several times: That Moses did JUST AS the LORD had commanded.
From reading this account it is apparent that Moses didn't have a problem following orders

APPLICATION: So do you ?

Do you have a problem following orders?

Here's what I mean:
Do you do JUST AS you are told?

or

Do you rebel ?
Do you do your own thing ?
Do you put your own slant on it ?

Are you guilty of being
a little
passive aggressive?

As you look back on your life
Would the song "My Way"
describe you?

OR

Are you like Moses?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to follow the example of Moses and do what you say when you say it JUST AS you say it.

Marching Orders

2009-02-16T20:08:00.004-05:00

Reading from Feb. 16, 2009
Lev.26-27; Acts 23

TOPIC: Great Commission

SCRIPTURE: "That night the Master appeared to Paul: 'Its going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You've been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you're going to be my witness in Rome!' " (Acts 23:

OBSERVATION: Jesus basically said to Paul, Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with what I have asked of you here. Now I am going to send you to a new place.

APPLICATION: Have you been a good witness for Jesus
In your home ~ Spouse; Children; Siblings; Parents; In-Laws
To your neighbors
@ Work
&
Social gatherings

If Jesus appeared to you today
Would HE say well done to you?
&
Can you be trusted with more responsibility?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be a good witness for you here in Danville, and help me to be ready and willing if you call me to leave.

The Home Stretch

2009-02-14T21:46:00.003-05:00

Only 1 more week

This is the last week of construction
PRAISE THE LORD

This Friday should wrap everything up

I hope
I pray

Looking forward to my new schedule

Hope you have a great weekend

C U Sunday
or at
GroupLife

Joey

2009-02-12T20:49:00.002-05:00

hey guys,

sorry about yesterday

Wed was a long day and in preparation for
our new environment GroupLife it
turned into a late night

and tonight I am not feeling well

so

sorry but i am going to take some medicine
and go to bed

Have a great night

Joey

Keeping the Channels Open

2009-02-10T20:04:00.005-05:00

Reading from Feb. 11, 09
Leviticus 13-14; Acts 17

TOPIC: Evangelism

SCRIPTURE: "When they heard Paul speak of the resurrection of a person who had been dead, some laughed, but others said, "We want to hear more about this later." (Acts 17:32)

OBSERVATION: Paul's regular practice was to preach in synagogues. He wisely began by talking about Old Testament writings and explaining how the Messiah fulfilled them, moving from the known to the unknown. This is a good strategy for us. When we witness for Christ, we should begin where people are, affirming the truth they do know, and then we can present Christ, the one who is truth. [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Paul was attentive to his surroundings!
When you go about your daily routine
R U
paying attention?

He was complimentary!
R U
a bridge builder?

He was bold!
R U
bold in your witness for Jesus?

SO

in your recent conversations with the unchurched
(NOTE: You know what that implies, right?
It implies that you've had a conversation with an unchurched person)

SO
If you have

Have you had anyone say to you, what they said to Paul
"We want to hear more about this (Jesus) later"?

If so that is great news
Because they are keeping the channels open

SO

Be praying about your next encounter with them

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to remember Paul's example as I go throughout my daily routine

Worship is NOT a slow song

2009-02-05T21:16:00.004-05:00

Reading from Feb. 6, 2009
Lev. 1-3; Acts 13

TOPIC: True Worship

SCRIPTURE: "Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' " (Acts 13:1-2)

OBSERVATION: The phrase that jumped out at me while I was reading was, "while they were ministering to the Lord".
Ministering means that they were
worshiping
adoring
&
loving
on the Lord

APPLICATION: Contrary to popular belief
Worship is NOT a slow song

Worship is all about ministering to the LORD

When is the last time you
REALLY
&
TRULY
ministered
to the LORD?

Here's a Challenge:
Don't include a Sunday Morning Worship Service!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to set aside time every day to minister to you!

Your Word is Your Deed or Is It?

2009-02-04T20:48:00.008-05:00

Reading from Feb. 5, 2009
Ex.39-40; Ps.15; Acts 12

TOPIC: Character

SCRIPTURE: "He swears to his own hurt and does not change;" (Ps. 15:4b)

OBSERVATION: Did you notice that the Psalmist said that he swears to his own hurt and does not change? Have you ever heard someone say something like this? "I swear on my mother's grave that...."
They were saying, "I give you my word"!!!
To swear means = to declare solemnly or forcefully that what is said is true

APPLICATION: Have you vowed to do something
only to realize you've yet to follow through?
Made any pledges recently that you've yet to pay?
Have you broken any promises lately?
Did you give your word only to go back on it?
Have you made this statement, "I guarantee you..."
only to come up short?

"Words are powerful, and how we use them reflects on our relationship with God. Perhaps nothing so identifies Christians as their speech - speaking the truth, and keeping their word." [Life Application Study Bible]

SO

Is your word your deed?

Can your friends, family, & co-workers take what you say to the bank?

If you've said that you were going to do something you need to be like the Psalmist and do it even if it hurts you

PERIOD!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to always keep my word.

Let Them Be

2009-02-03T21:47:00.005-05:00

Reading from Feb.4, 2009
Ex.37-38; Ps.19; Acts 11

TOPIC: Awareness

SCRIPTURE: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." (Ps.19:14)

OBSERVATION: In this passage we see King David making a request to God that He accept his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar.

APPLICATION: Would you alter the way you live
if u knew that
every single word
&
every single thought
would be examined by God

1st?

Guess what?

They are

He does

Now what?

You have a choice
SO
Make a choice

Determine that God's love will guide
what you say
&
how you think. "
[Life Application Study Bible]

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to never forget that you do know and you do hear and you do see ! ! !

Look-a-like?

2009-01-27T20:30:00.014-05:00

Reading from Jan. 28, 09
Exodus 21-22; Psalm 12; Acts 4

TOPIC: Life Change

SCRIPTURE: "The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

OBSERVATION: Knowing that Peter and John were unschooled, the council was amazed at what being with Jesus had done for them. A changed life convinces people of Christ's power. One of your greatest testimonies is the difference others see in your life and attitudes since you have believed in Christ. [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: If you've been with Him
then you're going to be
more and more like Him

If you ask the people that know you best

Will their testimony about you
be the same as
the council's testimony
about Peter and John?

Are others amazed?

Do they recognize
an ever growing likeness
of Jesus in you?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, at the end of each day help me to always be able to say that I have been with Him!!!

Do Share

2009-01-26T17:37:00.009-05:00

Reading from Jan. 27, 09
Exodus 17 - 20; Acts 3

TOPIC: Evangelism

SCRIPTURE: "Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd,..." (Acts 3:12)

OBSERVATION: Peter had an audience, and he capitalized on the opportunity to share Jesus Christ. he clearly presented his message by telling (1) who Jesus is, (2) how the Jews had rejected him, (3) why their rejection was fatal, and (4) what they needed to do to change the situation. Peter told the crowd that they still had a choice; God still offered them the opportunity to believe and receive Jesus as their Messiah and as their Lord. Displays of God's mercy and grace, such as the healing of this lame man, often create teachable moments. Pray to have courage like Peter to see these opportunities and to use them to speak up for Christ.
[Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Are you busy ? Everybody seems to be, but are you to busy to see an opportunity right before your very eyes? In case you have forgotten you pass by souls destined for eternity every single day.

People are still dying everyday without a personal relationship with Jesus

Whose the last person you shared Jesus with?

If it has been awhile ask the Lord to bring someone into your path

Remember

If you ask the Lord and mean it then get ready because He will give you an opportunity.

I look forward to hearing about your dialogue

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me not to get so busy that I miss an opportunity to be Jesus to someone!!!

From On High

2009-01-23T20:37:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan. 24, 2009
Ex.9-11; Luke 24

TOPIC: Spirit-Filled

SCRIPTURE: "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you, but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)

OBSERVATION: Our spiritual birth is just the beginning of our new relationship with God. After being born again, we need to grow spiritually. And our spiritual growth is dependent on the priceless fuel that God gives us to empower our spirit to follow Christ in every aspect of our behavior. Amazingly, this priceless fuel is the outworking of the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Without His ministry to us and His presence within us, we would be powerless to become what God wants us to be, to live the way He wants us to live, to achieve what He wants us to achieve, and to influence others the way He wants us to influence them.

APPLICATION: Are you clothed with power?

Here is how you will know

The Holy Spirit will:

Teach you all things
Guide you into all truth
Cause you to remember everything Jesus said
Be your Helper
Be your Comforter
Convict you of sin
Reveal future events to you
Empower you with spiritual abilities
Enable you to witness for Christ

Just to name a few (several actually)

R these things happening N
&
thru u?

IF NOT

Sorry

but your not clothed !

PRAYER: Father, fill me afresh and anew with your Spirit !

HE Will

2009-01-22T20:18:00.004-05:00

Reading from Jan. 23, 2009
Ex.6-8; Luke 23

TOPIC: Freedom

SCRIPTURE: " 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from the bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the LORD. ' " (Exodus 6:6-8)

OBSERVATION: God's promises in these verses were fulfilled to the letter when the Hebrews left Egypt. He freed them from slavery, became their God, and accepted them as his people. Then he led them toward the land he had promised. When the Hebrews were rescued from slavery, they portrayed the drama of salvation for all of us. When God redeems us from sin, he delivers us, accepts us, and becomes our God. Then he leads us to a new life as we follow him.
Small problems need only small problems. But when we face great problems, God has an opportunity to exercise his great power. As the Hebrews' troubles grew steadily worse, God planned to intervene with his mighty power and perform great miracles to deliver them. How big are your problems? Big problems put you in a perfect position to watch God give big answers. [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: I felt impressed to share these verses...

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 3:12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Colossians 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,

1 Corinthians 7:21Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

HE will set you free

IF

U

Will

But

Let

HIM

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for setting me free, help me now to walk in that freedom everyday!

Ask Away !

2009-01-21T20:54:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan. 22, 2009
Ex.3-5; Luke 22

TOPIC: Discovery

SCRIPTURE: "And Jesus said to them,
QUESTION: 'When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals,
you did not lack anything, did you?' "
ANSWER: They said, 'No, nothing.' " (Luke 22:35)

OBSERVATION: Jesus has such a great way of getting our attention and teaching us at the same time. He does it through the most simply way: By asking a question, as he did here with his disciples.

APPLICATION: Has He asked you a question lately?

How has it changed you?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, ask away!

Now That's A Great Question

2009-01-19T22:11:00.007-05:00

Reading from Jan. 20 , 2009
Inauguration Day
Gen.49-50; Ps.8; Luke 20

TOPIC: The Right Perspective

SCRIPTURE: "But Joseph said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place?' 'As for you, you meant evil against me, BUT GOD meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.' " (Gen.50:20)

OBSERVATION: Now that Jacob was dead, the brothers feared revenge from Joseph. Could he really have forgiven them for selling him into slavery? But to their surprise, Joseph not only forgave them but reassured them, offering to care for them and their families. Joseph's forgiveness was complete. He demonstrated how God graciously accepts us even though we don't deserve it. Because God forgives us even when we have ignored or rejected him, we should graciously forgive others.
God brought good from the brothers' evil deed, Potiphar's wife false accusations, the cup-bearer's neglect, and seven years of famine. The experiences in Joseph's life taught him that God brings good from evil for those who trust him. [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Do you trust God enough to wait patiently for him to bring good out of bad situations?

SO

Do you trust God?

r u willing to wait?

Patiently?

Did you notice the plural word in that question?

Situations (Plural)

That means

All of them

Yes

even that situation

r u willing?
to wait ?
patiently?
for God ?

NOT U

for GOD

to bring the good out of even that situation?

Now that's a great question !

r u wrestling with it like I am?

PRAYER: Father God, help me to have your perspective on each and every situation I find myself in.

Let It Go! Let It Go! Let It Go!

2009-01-16T21:11:00.007-05:00

Reading from Jan. 17, 2009
Gen.42-43; Ps.5; Luke 17

TOPIC: Forgiveness

SCRIPTURE: "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him;
and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you
7 times a day,
and
returns to you 7 times,
saying, 'I repent,'

forgive him."

The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' " (Luke 17:5)

OBSERVATION: "The disciples' request was genuine; they wanted the faith necessary for such radical forgiveness. But Jesus didn't directly answer their question because the amount of faith is not as important as its genuineness. What is faith? It is complete trust and loyalty to God that results in a willingness to do his will. Faith is not something we use to put on a show for others. It is complete and humble obedience to God's will, readiness to do whatever he calls us to do. the amount of faith isn't as important as the right kind of faith - faith in our all-powerful God." [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: So what about you?

Yes You
What about you?

Do you need to forgive someone?

Ephesians 4:26 says, "do not let the sun go down..."

Before you forgive

Give the gift of forgiveness

TODAY

Every day

YES to that person

In the same way God through Jesus forgave you

You forgive ______________ (Fill N Blank)

Forgive Let It Go! Let It Go! Let It Go!

DO IT NOW

PRAYER: Father God, do whatever it takes for me to have ever increasing faith.

For Love or Money ?

2009-01-15T22:28:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan. 16, 2009
Gen. 39-41; Luke 16

TOPIC: Your Master

SCRIPTURE: "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." (Luke 16:13)

OBSERVATION: Money has the power to take God's place in your life. It can become your master. Money is a hard master and a deceptive one. Wealth promises power and control, but often ti cannot deliver. Great fortunes can be made - and lost - overnight, and no amount of money can provide health, happiness, or eternal life. How much better it is to let God be your master. His servants have peace of mind and security, both now and forever. [Commentary from my Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: How can you tell if you are a slave to money?

(1) Do you think and worry about it frequently?

(2) Do you give up doing what you should do or would like to do in order to make more money?

(3) Do you spend a great deal of your time caring for your possessions?

(4) Is it hard for you to give money away?

(5) Are you in debt?

(6.) Do you scoff at Jesus' warnings against serving money?

(7) Do you try to explain them away?

[Questions from my Life Application Study Bible]

PRAYER: Father God, help me to serve only you Lord, only you!!!

What a compliment!

2009-01-14T22:03:00.005-05:00

Reading from Jan. 15, 2009
Gen. 37-38; Ps.7; Luke 15

TOPIC: Relational Evangelism

SCRIPTURE: "Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him and to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.' " (Luke 15:1-2)

OBSERVATION: The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were bothered by Jesus' association with the tax collectors and sinners because of their observance of the law. They were always careful to stay "clean" according to the O.T. law. In fact, they went well beyond the law in their avoidance of certain people and situations and in their ritual washings.
By contrast, Jesus took their concept of "cleanness" lightly. He risked defilement by touching those who had leprosy and by neglecting to wash in the Pharisees' prescribed manner, and he showed complete disregard for their sanctions against associating with certain classes of people. He came to offer salvation to sinners and to show that God loves them. Jesus didn't worry about the accusations. Instead, he continued going to those who needed him, regardless of the effect these rejected people might have on his reputation. What a compliment, to be called a friend of sinners!
[Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: SO

What keeps you away from people who need Jesus?

Is it said of you...

That you are a friend of sinners?

Do you receive "sinners"?

Do you eat with "sinners"?

Do you have them in your home?

Do they consider you their friend?

If NOT

WHY?

PRAYER: Father God, may I not just be accused, but found guilty of being a friend of sinners just like you were and are ! ! !

American Idols

2009-01-13T21:07:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan. 13, 2009
Gen. 34-36; Luke 14

TOPIC: Eradication

SCRIPTURE: "So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, 'Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments..." (Gen.35:2)

OBSERVATION: Why did the people have these idols? Idols were sometimes seen more as good luck charms than as gods. Some Israelites, even though they worshiped God, had idols in their homes, just as some Christians today own good luck trinkets. Jacob believed that idols should have NO place in his household. He wanted nothing to divert his family's spiritual focus. Jacob ordered his household to get rid of their idols.
[Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Unless we remove our
American idols from our lives,
they can ruin our faith.

What idols do you have?

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you!

Right Now

Go ahead and write down what He says
1.) ___________
2.) ___________
3.) ___________
You get the idea

Remember
An idol is anything we put before God.

ANYTHING

Idols don't have to be physical objects; they can be thoughts or desires.

Don't quickly rush by that
You might need to re-read that

Like Jacob we need to:
Rid ourselves
Purge
Wash out
Cleanse
Flush out
Eliminate
Remove
Do away with
Clear
Purify
Eradicate
Abolish
Get rid of

Any & All of our American Idols

PRAYER: Father God, reveal away ! Then help me to eradicate each and every one!!!

Another Chance

2009-01-12T17:51:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan. 13, 2009
Gen. 31-33; Luke 13

TOPIC: Fruitfulness

SCRIPTURE: "And Jesus began telling this parable: 'A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. And he said to the vineyard-keeper, 'Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?'
And he answered and said to him, 'Let it alone sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but it not, cut it down.' " (Luke 13:6-9)

OBSERVATION: I read these observations about this parable in my Life Application Study Bible. In the Old Testament, a fruitful tree was often used as a symbol of godly living (see, for example, Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17:7-8). Jesus pointed out what would happen to the other kind of tree-the kind that took valuable time and space and still produced nothing
for the patient gardener. By this illustration Jesus warned his listeners that God would not tolerate forever their lack of productivity. (Luke 3:9 records John the Baptist's version of the same message: It reads, "Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does NOT produce good fruit will be chopped down...")

APPLICATION: As you look back over the last three years of your life
Your Family relationships
Your Job
Your Hobbies
Your ________ (You Fill-N-Blank)

What does Jesus have to say about your "Fig Tree"?

Fruitful? Yes or No

If yes

Good Fruit? Yes or No

If yes

Can you prove it? Yes or No

If yes

Do those closest to you concur? Yes or No

If yes

Can they prove it? Yes or No

If no to any or all of these questions

KNOW THIS

You have another chance ! ! !

2009 is here
Start now

Give the gardener (The Holy Spirit) your undivided attention
&
allow HIM to use HIS "fertilizer" on your unfruitful fig tree?

Let's See What HE Can Do This Year?

PRAYER: Father God, give as much attention to my roots as is needed and fertilize away!!!

Help Needed ! ! !

2009-01-09T22:00:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan.10, 2009
Gen.24-25; Luke 10

TOPIC: Prayer

SCRIPTURE: "Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest, and ask him to send out MORE WORKERS for his fields." (Luke 10:2)

OBSERVATION: 'As we see here there were far more than 12 people that had been following Jesus. Here Jesus designated a group of 72 to prepare a number of towns for Jesus' later visit. These disciples were not unique in their qualifications. They were not better educated, more capable, or of higher status than other followers of Jesus. What prepared them for this mission was that they had been equipped with Jesus' power and their vision to reach all the people. It is important to dedicate our skills to God's kingdom, but we must also be equipped with his power and have a clear vision of what he wants us to do.

Jesus was sending 36 teams of two to reach the multitudes. These teams were not to try to do the job without help; rather,
they
were to ask God for more workers. Some people as soon as they understand the Good News, want to go to work immediately contacting unsaved people. This story seems to suggests a different approach. Begin by mobilizing people to pray. And before praying for unsaved people, pray that other concerned disciples will join you in reaching out to them." [Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: There is no unemployment in the Kingdom of God.
God has work enough for everyone.
Don't just sit back and watch others work - look for ways to help with the harvest

If you don't know where to start

Start by praying

Praying for more workers

Because Help is needed!!!
Right NOW!

Ask our Lord

Ask Him to send people from all over the world to come to Danville to help us!

PRAYER: Father God, I pray that you will send more workers into New Life as we prepare for the harvest.

Your "Lens"

2009-01-08T17:11:00.005-05:00

Reading from Jan.9, 2009
Gen.23,24; Luke 9

TOPIC: Perspective

SCRIPTURE: "When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida.
BUT
the crowds were aware of this and followed Him;
and
welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing." (Luke 9:10-11)

OBSERVATION: Jesus was in the process of trying to get a little R&R by slipping quietly away from the crowds, BUT they found out where he was going and followed him. Instead of showing impatience at this interruption, we read that Jesus welcomed the people and ministered to their needs.

APPLICATION: How do you see people who interrupt your schedule - as nuisances or as the reason for your life and ministry?

I recently read this from John Maxwell's book Winning with People:

"Who you are determines the way you see people. You cannot separate your identity from your perspective. All that you are and every experience you've had color how you see others. It is your lens. Here's what I mean:

A traveler nearing a great city asked an old man seated by the road,
"What are the people like in the city?"

"What were they like where you came from?" the man asked.

"Horrible,"the traveler reported. "Mean, untrustworthy, detestable in all respects."

"Ah, " said the old man, "you will find them the same in they city ahead."

Scarcely had the 1st traveler gone on his way when another stopped to inquire about the people in the city before him.

Again the old man asked about the people in the place the traveler has just left.

"They were fine people: honest, industrious, and generous to a fault,"
declared the second traveler. "I was sorry to leave."

the old man responded, "That's exactly how you'll find the people here."

The way people see others is a reflection of themselves:
If I am a trusting person, I will see others as trustworthy.
If I am a critical person, I will see others as critical.
If I am a caring person, I will see others as compassionate.
If you change yourself and become the kind of person you desire to be,
you will begin to view others in a whole new light.
And that will change the way you interact in all of your relationships."

BE AWARE OF YOUR "LENS" TODAY
AS YOU INTERACT WITH OTHERS.

PRAYER: Father God, help me to see people as you do!

How do you spell relief?

2009-01-07T21:56:00.004-05:00

Reading from Jan. 8, 2009
Gen.20-22; Luke 8

TOPIC: Omniscience

SCRIPTURE: "Then God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know, that in the integrity of your heart you have done this..." (Gen.20:6)

OBSERVATION: Abimelech had unknowingly taken a married woman to be his wife and was about to commit adultery. But God somehow prevented him from touching Sarah and held him back from sinning. What mercy on God's part! How many times has God done the same for us, holding us back from sin in ways we can't even detect? We have no way of knowing - we just know from this story that he can. God works just as often in ways we can't see as in ways we can.
[Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: What a relief to know that God knows
That He actually knows
everything

Absolutely
Everything

About Me

That Reminds me of a great song
we've sung at church before

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that fails
&
He hears me when I call
O yes, He hears me when I call

He knew all about Abimelech's integrity (20:6)
He knew all about Abraham's reverence (22:12)

He even knows all about you
&
your _____________
(you fill in the blank)

REST in that

I don't know about you
But I spell relief
With a capital HE
Space k n o w s

Which spells

HE knows

&

He's going to take care of it

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for including these stories in your word

Walk the Plank Matey

2009-01-06T21:42:00.005-05:00

Reading from Jan. 7, 2009
Gen 15,16,17; Luke 6

TOPIC: Self Reflection

SCRIPTURE: "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, 1st take the plank our of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. " (Luke 6 41-42)

OBSERVATION: Jesus is not saying that we are to ignore wrongdoing,
BUT we should NOT be soooooo worried about others' sins that we overlook our own. We often rationalize our sins by pointing out the same mistakes in others. It's so much easier that way, but Jesus wants us to do the hard work of self reflection!

APPLICATION: What kinds of specks in others eyes are the easiest for you to criticize? Remember your own "Plank" when you feel like criticizing,
&
U may find that you have less to say.

To make it short sweet and to the point

FOCUS ON
YOURSELF
90 some % of the time
U
R
the
problem
anyway

Right?

In light of that
take some time to reflect
(Self Reflect that is)

Take a

s
l
o
w

walk down Plank Drive

QUESTION:
How many planks did you find?

Answer:_______

QUESTION:
Have you removed them yet?

Answer:_______

PRAYER: Father God, help me to simply obey this scripture, period!

U Think U Dodged The Bullet?

2009-01-05T18:37:00.005-05:00

Reading from Jan. 6, 2009
Gen. 12,13,14; Luke 5

TOPIC: Deception

SCRIPTURE: "But if you say you are my sister, then the Egyptians will treat me well because of their interest in you, and they will spare my life."

OBSERVATION: The Life Application Study Bible says "Abram, acted out of fear, and thus asked Sarai to tell a half-truth by saying she was his sister. She was his half sister,
BUT
she was also his wife.
Abram's intent was to deceive the Egyptians.
He feared that if they knew the truth, they would kill him to get Sarai. She would have been a desirable addition to Pharaoh's harem because of her wealth, beauty, and potential for political alliance. As Sarai's brother, Abram would have been given a place of honor. As her husband, however, his life would be in danger because Sarai could not enter Pharaoh's harem unless Abram was dead. So Abram lost faith in God's protection, even after all God has promised him, and told a half-truth. This shows how lying compounds the effects of sin. When he lied, Abram's problems multiplied."

APPLICATION: So
Have you recently acted out of fear?
Did you tell the truth and yet leave out important details ?

Thus deceiving people

Deception
#1.) the practice of deliberately making somebody believe things that are not true
#2.) an act, trick, or device intended to deceive or mislead somebody

If u think u dodged the bullet

U
Had
Better
Think again!

Re-read Gen. 12:17-20

Your problems
will multiply
like Abram's
Eventually

It's never 2 late
2 Do Right!

Don't wait until you're exposed by another!

U
Make it right
&
Do it
2day!!!

PRAYER: Father God, search my heart and see if there is any deceptive way within me. Reveal it to me that I may confess it and forsake it.

As God Commands

2009-01-02T20:18:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan.3, 2009 Happy New Year! ! !
Gen. 6-8; Luke 3

TOPIC: Obedience

SCRIPTURE: "BUT Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God." (Gen.6:8-9)

OBSERVATION: Here we see our Heavenly Father expressing sorrow for what the people had done to themselves, as a parent might express sorrow over a child that has gone astray. God was sorry that the people chose sin and death instead of a intimate daily personal relationship with him. Noah, however, pleased God, although he was far from perfect. We can follow Noah's example and find "favor with the LORD" in spite of the sin that surrounds us.
[Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: Noah was the primary follower of God left in his generation
He was a man of patience, consistency, and obedience

6:22 = Noah did according to all that God had commanded him
7:5 = Noah did according to ALL that the LORD had commanded him
7:9 = ...as God had commanded Noah.
7:16 = ...as God had commanded him...

Question: Did you notice what was repeated?

Answer: Noah did as God commanded

So

What can you learn from the life of Noah?

That when we make a choice to sin it grieves God
Every
Single
Time

&

Ultimately

That our Heavenly Father is faithful to those who obey him

SO

R U going 2 do
AS
GOD
COMMANDS
?????????????

PRAYER: Father God, help me to do according to all that you command me!

Show Me The Money

2009-01-01T21:54:00.003-05:00

Reading from Jan.2,2009 Happy New Year!!!
Gen.3-5; Luke 3

TOPIC: Proof

SCRIPTURE: "...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: My Life Application Study Bible says, many of John's hearers would have been shocked when Jesus said that being Abraham's descendants was not enough for God. The religious leaders of Jesus' day relied more on family lines than on faith for their standing with God. For them, religion was inherited.
But
A personal relationship with God is not handed down from parents to children. Everyone has to make a personal decision of whether or not to trust Christ.
Don't
Rely on someone else's faith for your salvation.
Put your faith in Jesus
&
L I V E it every day.

APPLICATION: In the book of James we read that
Faith without deeds is dead ! ! ! Furthermore
Jesus' harshest words were to the respectable religious leaders,
who lacked the desire for real 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.

Turning from sin
MUST
be tied to A C T I O N
OR
It isn't real.

Being a follower of Jesus
means
more than saying the right words
It means
A C T I N G on what he says.

PRAYER: Father God, help me to live out everyday what I read in your word.

The Only Way 2 Live

2008-12-31T22:56:00.005-05:00

Reading for Jan. 1, 2009 Happy New Year!!!
Gen.1,2 & Luke 1

TOPIC: Inside Out

SCRIPTURE: "Zechariah and Elizabeth were blameless in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations." (Luke 1:6)

OBSERVATION: My Life Application Study Bible says Zech & Liz didn't merely go through the motions in following God's laws, they backed up their outward compliance with inward obedience. Unlike the religious leaders whom Jesus called hypocrites. Zech & Liz did not stop with the letter of the law. Their obedience was from the heart, and that is why they are called "blameless in God's eyes."

APPLICATION: I was stopped in my tracks when I came across this phrase "blameless in God's eyes"

Blameless = means not responsible for something wrong having doing nothing bad or wrong

C if these words describe U
On the Inside as well as Out

Innocent Spotless Clean Scrupulous
Untarnished Unblemished Irreproachable
Guiltless Above suspicion In the clear
Pure Unsullied Above Reproach

SO

How did u do?

Well

No matter what you've done in your past
You can begin this New Year by making a choice
to be "careful like Zech & Liz to obey all of our Lord's commands"

PRAYER: Father God, as I begin this new year help me to follow Zech & Liz's example of walking blameless before you from the inside out.

Not Planning On Dying Twice

2008-12-30T22:22:00.003-05:00

Reading From Dec. 31, 2008
Revelation 19-22

TOPIC: The Wrong Crowd

SCRIPTURE: "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. BUT for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Rev.21:7-8)

OBSERVATION: As I read these verses, the part that jumped out at me was the "Cowards" are listed in the same crowd as the unbelieving, the corrupt, the murderers, the immoral, the idolaters, the liars, and those practicing magic arts.

A Coward is defined as somebody lacking courage, and somebody regarded as fearful

SIDE NOTE: I don't know about you but I've been a coward before according to that definition.

A deeper investigation into this word reveals that the "cowards" are not those who are simply fainthearted in their faith or who sometimes doubt or question. (Praise the Lord)

BUT

those who turn back from following God.
They are not brave enough to stand up for Christ,
they are not humble enough to accept his authority over their lives.

APPLICATION: I don't know about you but I don't won't to be in with that crowd because if you finish reading verse 8 the consequence of being in that crowd is NOT something I can bear.
Verse 8b reads "... their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

As I read these verses my mind went straight to Joshua Chapter 1.
There we find God telling Josh in
Chapter 1: 6 = Be strong and courageous
and again in
Chapter 1:7 = Only be strong and very courageous
and then again in
Chapter 1:9 = "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!
Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go."

Let me repeat it in case you didn't pick up on the repetition

Be strong and courageous
Only be strong and very courageous
Be strong and courageous

This is a command ! ! !

From God

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for reminding me that I am to be courageous in all things because of you. As long as I abide in you, you've got my back. Praise the Lord!!!

Choosing to "Cheat"

2008-12-09T19:35:00.003-05:00

Reading from Dec. 9 I Tim.5,6; Tit. 1-3

TOPIC: Providing

SCRIPTURE: "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (I Timothy 5:18)

OBSERVATION:"Every day parents and spouses leave their families in the pursuit of success. It's almost as though they're driving down the road, and they get pretty far along before they realize they've left members of their family behind. The tragedy is that many value their careers, success, or personal happiness more than they do their families. They decide that it's too much work to go back, so they just keep driving.
But what many are now realizing is that the hope of happiness at the expense of breaking up a family is an illusion. You can't give up your marriage or neglect your children and gain true success. As Nick Stinnet asserted more than a decade ago, 'When you have a strong family life, you receive the message that you are loved, cared for and important. The positive intake of love, affection, and respect...gives you inner resources to deal with life more successfully."
By: John Maxwell
From his book "Your Road Map for Success"

APPLICATION: So what about you?
Are you providing for your household
Spiritually?
Mentally?
Physically?
Emotionally?
& yes of course
Financially?

OR

Are you cheating them?

PRAYER: Father God, help me, you know I need your help. Help me NOT to cheat my family.

The "C" Word

2008-11-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

Reading from Nov. 9 I Cor. 4-6

TOPIC: Confrontation

SCRIPTURE: "For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I was present) him who has so done this dead." (I Cor. 5:3)

OBSERVATION: "Paul had to confront the problems the Corinthians faced, especially the issue of incest in the church. Unfortunately, the leaders failed to deal with this sin. Paul therefore instructs leaders in how to deal with a member who rebels against a life of obedience to the Lord."

APPLICATION: "Why is confrontation so difficult?
We often misunderstand its purpose.
Our goal among brothers should not be
to punish
or excommunicate,
BUT
2 restore.

Confrontation = is a redemptive act of leadership.

So what are the goals of healthy confrontation?
Clarification - I will get a better understanding of the person and what happened.
Change - I hope to get improvement from it. And it may be me!
Relationship - I will likely deepen my relationship with this person.
Purity - As word gets out, the organization will be purified and sobered.
Respect - The organization will likely raise the members' level of respect for the leadership.
Security - People feel safe knowing leaders are strong enough to take a stand."
[John Maxwell's Daily Devotional]

Who do you need to confront?

With the Spirit's help
&
In His timing
Go to the person

In this context
The "C" Word
No longer has to have a negative connotation

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for this redemptive process and help me and all who read this blog to engage in it.

ALL of Them

2008-11-06T21:01:00.003-05:00

Reading from Nov. 7 Galatians 5-6

TOPIC: Leadership

SCRIPTURE: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Gal. 5:22)

OBSERVATION: The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Jesus. They are the by-product of His control - we can't obtain them by trying to get them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His. We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law - to love God and our neighbors.
[Life Application Commentary]

APPLICATION: As you already know fruit comes from planted seeds. Every leader should embrace this marvelous list of inward qualities.
[John Maxwell's Leadership Promises For Every Day]

Evaluate yourself against them:
LOVE - Is my leadership motivated by love for people?
JOY - Do I exhibit an unshakable joy, regardless of life's circumstances?
PEACE - Do people see my peace and take courage?
LONGSUFFERING - Do I wait patiently for results as I develop people or goals?
KINDNESS - Am I caring and understanding toward everyone I meet?
GOODNESS - Do I want the best for others and the organization?
FAITHFULNESS - Have I kept my commitments?
GENTLENESS - Is my strength under control? Can I be both tough and tender?
SELF-CONTROL - Am I disciplined to make progress toward my goals?

Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?

I don't know about you

BUT

I want Him to produce

ALL OF THEM

N Me

PRAYER: Father God, allow the Holy Spirit to produce away.
I want all of them in abundance!

They're Worth It

2008-11-05T20:15:00.005-05:00

Reading for Nov. 6 Gal. 3-4

TOPIC: Evangelism / Discipleship

SCRIPTURE: "My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you...

OBSERVATION: Paul led many people to Christ and helped them mature spiritually. Perhaps one reason for his success as a spiritual father was the deep concern he felt for his spiritual children; he compared his pain over their faithlessness to the pain of childbirth. We should have the same intense care for those to whom we are spiritual parents. When you lead people to Christ, remember to stand by them to help them grow.
[Life Application Commentary]

APPLICATION: Labor means to work, especially work that involves hard physical effort over a long period. It also means to undergo the labor of childbirth

Does that describe the effort you put forth in order to see
your family
your friends
your neighbors
your co-workers

come to know Christ?

Does it?

My wife has told me that natural child birth
is some kinda painful
BUT
When she looks at our 3 girls
she says

They're worth it

The same goes for every person that does not
have a personal intimate daily relationship
with Jesus Christ

They're worth it

The toil
The effort
The manual labor
The hard long hours
The struggle
The sweat
The tears

They're worth it

PRAYER: Father God, helping me not to abort the process just because it gets tough and the pain intensives.

Kon doo it ~ Kondwit ~ Conduit

2008-10-29T19:37:00.006-04:00

Reading from Oct. 30 Mark 5,6

TOPIC: Worthy Vessel

SCRIPTURE: "A women who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all but rather had grown worse - after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, 'If I just touch His garments, I will get well.' Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth,..." (Mark 5:30)

OBSERVATION: This women had a seemingly incurable condition causing her to bleed constantly. This may have been a menstrual or uterine disorder that would have made her ritually unclean and would have excluded her from most social contact. She desperately wanted Jesus to heal her, but she knew that her bleeding would cause Jesus to be unclean under Jewish law if she touched him. Still, the woman reached out by faith and was healed. Sometimes we fell that our problems will keep us from God. But he is always ready to help. We should never allow our fear to keep us from approaching him. [Life Application Commentary]

APPLICATION: As I read over this pasage I couldn't help but think about a conduit

A Conduit is a pipe that carries liquid to or from a place

In the same way water flows through a conduit
GOD
Desires to flow through you

To heal
To comfort
To teach
To show mercy
To love
To....
To....
To....

Is your conduit
free flowing
or
stopped up ?

PRAYER: Father God, please help me to be a vessel fit for the master's use. Use me, work through me all day everyday!

InsideOut Uth Leadership Meeting

2008-10-28T21:34:00.005-04:00

Hey Guys,

I just got through with a very productive youth leadership meeting.

We're launching into a new 3 week series

I am taking time to debrief from that meeting.

As a result of that

I will not be blogging

I plan to blog tomorrow

Thanks for understanding

Joey

Let's Get Out of Here

2008-10-27T19:11:00.003-04:00

Reading from Oct. 28 Job 19; Mark 1,2

TOPIC: Alone Time with You Know Who

SCRIPTURE: "When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.

And the whole city had gathered at the door.

And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons... In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place,

and was talking with his Heavenly Father.

Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You."
He said to them,
"Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for."
And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons. (Mark 1:32-39)

OBSERVATION: The people came to Jesus in the evening after sunset. This was the Sabbath, their day rest, lasting from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. The Jewish leaders had proclaimed that it was against the law to be healed on the Sabbath. The people didn't want to break this law or the Jewish law that prohibited traveling on the Sabbath, so they waited until sunset. After the sun went down, the crowds were free to find Jesus so he could heal them. [Life Application Commentary]
Even though the entire city was at Jesus' doorstep
waiting for Jesus to heal them
Jesus took time to talk with His Father
to find out what He wanted him to do.

Were you as surprised
as I was
to hear
what Our Heavenly Father
told him to do?

Just wondering

APPLICATION: Finding time to pray is simply a choice.
It may not appear to be an easy choice
BUT
it is a choice nonetheless.

Like Jesus, we must break away from
our work
our hobbies
our friends
&
even our families
in order to

Find out
what our Heavenly Father wants us to do,

even

if we have to get up very early to do it.

Even

if your house is overflowing with people waiting for you to minister t0 them

You'd better be sure
to check
with your Heavenly Father
to find out if that is what He wants you to do.

Because He may tell you
like he told Jesus ~To Get Out of there
Because there is something else he wants you to do

Until you Narrow Your Focus
&
Make a choice to spend time
ALONE
with your Heavenly Father

You might be missing God's message to you through the Holy Spirit
Hey ________ (Insert Your Name Here)
"Let's Get Out of Here"
Because there is some other work to be done

PRAYER: Father God, I am so glad that I am not responsible to do everything. In light of that help me to make the choice everyday to get alone with you and await your directions and then help me to excel at what you have called me to do.

Day off

2008-10-27T19:10:00.001-04:00

Just as a reminder
I take Mondays off
Because it's my day off

Joey

Persuade

2008-10-25T17:09:00.006-04:00

Reading from Oct. 26 Acts 24-26

TOPIC: Sharing Your Faith

SCRIPTURE: " 'King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.' Agrippa replied to Paul, 'In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.' And Paul said, 'I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.' " (Acts 26:27-29)

OBSERVATION: Agrippa responded to Paul's presentation with a sarcastic remark. Paul didn't react to the brush-off but made a personal appeal to which he hoped all his listeners would respond. Paul's response is a good example for us as we tell others about God's plan of salvation. A sincere personal appeal or personal testimony can show the depth of our concern and break through hardened hearts. Paul's heart is revealed here in his words. He was more concerned for the salvation of these strangers than for the removal of his own chains. Ask God to give you a burning desire to see others come to Christ - a desire so strong that it overshadows your problems.

[Life Application Study Bible Commentary]

APPLICATION: As I was reading over this account the verse that jumped out at me was verse 29. Here Paul says, that he wished to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only King Agrippa, but also all who heard him on that day, might become a Christian.

I looked up the word Persuade in my Thesaurus

These are the words I found:

Influence /Convince / Plead your case

Sway / Plead with / Win over
Change some body's mind

Make somebody believe you

Do everything you can

BECAUSE

"How will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?

How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?

And

How will they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)

A preacher ?

That's U

YES

YOU

PRAYER: Father God, help me to use everything that is at my disposal to persuade as many people as possible to except you as their personal Lord and Savior!

~ Spoken ~ Thru ~

2008-10-24T20:29:00.006-04:00

Reading from Oct. 25 Acts 21-23

TOPIC: The Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURE: "And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, 'This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' " (Acts 21:11)

OBSERVATION: Agabus seemed to be very confident that he had heard from the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, this message was very specific, and as we continue to read very accurate.

APPLICATION:
Has the Holy Spirit ever spoken through you?
& it been confirmed

If so
what did He say?
was it awhile ago?

If so

why do you think it's been so long?
[Pause! Think about it for a minute.]

I believe the Holy Spirit desires to speak through us everyday

In light of that

I'd encourage u 2

get ready

2 B

~ Spoken ~ Thru ~

PRAYER: Father God, help me to be your mouth piece. Speak through me whenever you need to

Do they know you?

2008-10-23T20:52:00.002-04:00

Reading from Oct. 24 Acts 19

TOPIC: Spirit-Filled

SCRIPTURE: "And the evil spirit, answered and said to them. 'I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?' " (Acts 19:15)

OBSERVATION: Many Ephesians engaged in exorcism and occult practices for profit. The sons of Sceva were impressed by Paul, whose power to drive out demons came from God's Holy Spirit, not from witchcraft, and was obviously more powerful than theirs. They discovered, however, that no one can control or duplicate God's power. These men were calling on the name of Jesus without know him personally. The power to change people comes from Christ. It cannot be tapped by reciting his name like a magic charm. God works his power only through those he chooses.
[Commentary from Life Application Study Bible]

APPLICATION: I have written in my Bible
beside verse 15 this question

Do they know you?

So

Do they know you?

They knew who Paul was

They recognized Jesus

BUT

Do they know you?

PRAYER: Father God, help me to keep on being filled with your spirit!Everyday all through the day!

2008-10-22T21:21:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,

Sorry again

But

Trisha is not feeling well at all
Please pray for her

Thus I will not be blogging

Hopefully I will be able to pick back up tomorrow

Joey

OPEN or Closed ?

2008-10-21T19:51:00.003-04:00

Reading From Oct. 22 [Act 15-16]

TOPIC: Your Position

SCRIPTURE: "A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul." (Acts 16:14)

OBSERVATION: Lydia was a merchant of purple cloth, so she was probably wealthy. Purple cloth was valuable and expensive. It was often worn as a sign of nobility or royalty.
Lydia was a worshiper of God
She was listening to God's messenger Paul
As a result of placing herself in that position
The Lord opened her heart to respond

APPLICATION:
R U a true worshiper of God?
True worshipers = worship in spirit and in truth

Have you placed yourself under your "Paul"?

If so
RU listening to God through him/her?

God flows through (though not limited to)
worship and authority figures

SO

If you have answered affirmatively to the previous few questions
then more than likely
The Lord will be able to open your heart to receive
and thus
you will have the opportunity to respond correctly

IF NOT

Then

U

R

CLOSED

Just in case U R unaware
Being closed to the things of GOD
IS
A
VERY BAD
place
2 B

Open or Closed ?

The choice is up 2 u

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for this simple and yet profound example through the life of Lydia. Help me to worship you in spirit and truth! Help me to position myself the hear from you through my "Paul"! Please open my heart so that I might respond in a spirit led way.

Been "Sent Out" Lately?

2008-10-20T17:34:00.004-04:00

TOPIC: Hearing the Voice of God

SCRIPTURE: "...being sent out by the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 13:4)

OBSERVATION: The church dedicated Barnabas and Saul to the work God had for them. To dedicate means "to set apart" for a special purpose. We, too, should dedicate ourselves to use our time, money, and talents for God's work. Ask God what he wants you to set apart for him.
This was the beginning of Saul's (Paul) first missionary journey. The church was involved in sending Paul and Barnabas, but it was God's plan. Question:
Why did Paul and Barnabas go where they did?
Answer:
The Holy Spirit sent them there

APPLICATION: Has the Holy Spirit ever sent you out?

Where did you go?
What did you do when you got there?
Why were you really there?
How long ago was that?

What about today?
What about right now?

Have you asked the Holy Spirit?

Is there anywhere He wants you to go
Is there anything He wants you to do
Is there someone He wants you to talk to, listen to, pray with etc

Have you asked to be sent out?

If you ask
and the listen
waiting for an answer
it will come

I'd love to hear from you
after
your missionary journey is over

Remember you don't have to go around the world
The person might be right next 2 u

PRAYER: Father God, continue to remind me that I need to ask, everyday! Thank you for all those times you've been sooooo faithful to creatively remind me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your awesome work.

2008-10-20T17:27:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your patience over the past couple of weeks
With sickness and being out of town
Blogging has not been on my highest priority

As a reminder, today (Monday) is my day off !
In case you are new I don't blog on Monday's

My next blog will focus on the Reading from
Job 9, 10 or Acts 13,14

C U Then

Thanks again

Joey

2008-10-16T19:11:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys,

The Staff went to a Pastor's Conference this week. (Mon - Wed)

Thus I did not take time to Blog

Sorry

I look forward to getting back into the groove of blogging

Joey

MarriedLife LIVE

2008-10-10T23:20:00.003-04:00

FINISH TOGETHER

Hope you enjoyed it!

Just got home 11:20 PM

Very tired

SORRY

NO BLOG

Joey

Come Hell or High Water

2008-10-09T20:43:00.003-04:00

TOPIC: Persistence

SCRIPTURE: "And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work." (Nehemiah 4:15)

OBSERVATION: John Maxwell says, "One of the greatest tests of leadership is how you handle opposition. Nehemiah faced the usual tactics of the opposition: ridicule, resistance, and rumor. Nehemiah modeled the right response to all three of these challenges by...

Relying on God.
Respecting the opposition.
Reinforcing his weak points.
Reassuring the people.
Refusing to quit.
Renewing the people's strength continually.

Nehemiah had to deal with problems from without - ridicule, resistance, and rumor - and within - disputes about food, property, and taxes.

Persistence is the ultimate gauge of our leadership; the secret is to outlast our critics. Nehemiah taught us this lesson by staying committed to his ultimate calling." [The Maxwell Leadership Bible]

APPLICATION: So
would those closest to you

use these words:
Determination
Doggedness
Diligence
Resolve
Insistence
Tenacity
Firmness
Steadfastness
Persistence

to describe you?

PRAYER: Father God, help me to never look back, let up, slow down,
back away, or be still regarding what you have called me to do.

syn·chro·niz

2008-10-08T20:57:00.002-04:00

TOPIC: Harmony

SCRIPTURE: "How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore." (Ps.133:1-3)

OBSERVATION: "David stated that unity is pleasant and precious. Unity is important because
#1.) It makes the church a positive example to the watching world
#2.) It helps draw others to our Lord
#3.) It helps us cooperate as the body of Christ
#4.) It renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy.

Living in unity does not mean that we will agree on everything
There will be many opinions just as there are many notes in a musical chord.
BUT
We MUST AGREE on our purpose in life
to work together for God
Doing what He has called us to do
Our outward expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose."
[Life Application Study Bible Commentary]

APPLICATION: So

R U

living in harmony

with God?

those you live with?

those you work with?

What is harmony?

Harmony can be defined as a combination of notes that are sung or played at the same time. Changing harmony is one of the most characteristic features of Western music, providing momentum and richness to the melody.
Harmony is a situation in which there is friendly agreement or accord
Harmony is a pleasing effect produced by an arrangement of things, parts, or colors.

Does this
describe
your relationship with

God?

your family?

your co-workers?

your boss?

IF not

what are you going to do about it?

PRAYER: Father God, help me to live in harmony with you and those you have placed in my life all the days of my life

Quiet in there?

2008-10-07T19:35:00.005-04:00

TOPIC: Child-likeness

SCRIPTURE: "Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me." (Ps. 131:1-2)

OBSERVATION: The first thing that caught my attention was that the Psalmist made a choice to do and not do certain things.
My Life Application Study Bible had this to say about Psalm 131
"Pride results from overvaluing ourselves above others.
It leads to restlessness
because
it makes us dissatisfied with what we have
&
concerned about what everyone else is doing.
It keeps us always hungering for more. . .

By contrast,
humility
puts others 1st
&
allows us to be CONTENT
w/God's leading in our lives.

Such contentment gives us security
so that
we no longer have to prove ourselves 2 others.
Let humility
&
trust affect your perspective
&
give you the strength
&
freedom to serve God & others."

APPLICATION: How ya doing on the inside?

Is it quiet in there?

Do you feel

at peace?

Do you feel

Calm?

Do you feel

Still?

OR

R U

Stressed?

Worked up?

Enraged?

Restless?

Do you really TRUST GOD?
Do you really BELIEVE that He is in control?

IF you're

Stressed
Worked Up
Enraged
& OR
Restless

It's probably because you don't really
TRUST
or
BELIEVE
That GOD really is in control

IF you find yourself there
Confess it
Repent
Ask Him to fill you with
His Peace
&
His Quiet

Just like a child in his mother's arms

PRAYER: Father God, help me to rest in the fact that you are in control!!!

Last Week

2008-10-07T19:24:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the past week.
Along with being busy
I wasn't feeling well
Even though I was able to go to work
When I got home
it seemed like
I got hit by a tone of bricks
&
each morning was even worse!

O well
I'm feeling better now
Look forward to blogging again

Joey

2008-10-01T22:45:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys,

In light of the reading in Luke 15
I've been trying to pull a video off
Youtube about the Prodigal Son by Keith Green

However I have not been able to do it successfully
I will try again tomorrow with Stephen White's help

Sorry

Joey

Hakuna Matata! ~ NOT

2008-09-30T19:35:00.005-04:00

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.

2008-09-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

still not feeling well

Sorry

Joey

2008-09-27T20:35:00.001-04:00

Due to not feeling well
I will not be blogging tonight

Sorry

Joey