"It's people don't realize I am watching them. Their sinful deeds are all around them; I see them all." Hosea 7:2
If we ever think for a minute that we can get away with things we need to re think that thought. God sees all, knows all, and hears all.
I love and hate all at the same time knowing that our God's eyes are always on us every second. They were on me through my stupid moments, my heartbreaking moments, my joyful moments, and all my future moments.
If you are ever searching for accountability then store Hosea 7:2 in your heart. Remembering at all times God sees all.
Lord as You look down upon us may Your be filled with joy. Forgive us for thinking we can hide from you. Amen
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, live according to his will, love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord's commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good." Deuteronomy 10:12-13
What is your motive for worshiping God?
How are you living out the requirements God has given you?
What is your motive for worshiping God?
How are you living out the requirements God has given you?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Jesus Is
Featured Writer-Ryan Burchett
I was reading over Hebrews 3:1-6 today and I noticed the 'title' of this section...."Jesus Greater than Moses." As I read on through verses 1-6, I came to a particular verse, v. 3, which really stuck out.
Having just graduated from Texas Tech with my Architecture degree, this verse stuck out because it most clearly illustrates the true supremacy of Christ. Well, what do I mean by that? Jesus was always teaching and preaching to the Pharisees, as well as the people of that time, that He was the one and only way. His ways were right and true. His teachings were it. But so many people still worshiped other gods, or they still manipulated Christ's very teachings to fit what THEY BELIEVED or what THEY FELT was right. Then as we look a little closer into that picture, we realize it’s not just a painting illustrating an image of attitudes and beliefs from times past, but rather it is a mirror of how our society is today.
We live in a society that believes in so many things which are foreign to the solid truths which Jesus taught. Society has abandoned what Jesus taught because it doesn't feel or believe that Jesus' teachings are either correct, logical, or relevant today. So how does society, better yet the world, handle this situation? Why, just like they did in Biblical times of course.....my forming a new 'truth' which goes against Christ and His teachings and which states that Christ is NOT the authority and Christ is NOT the truth.
This idea, over time, has slowly begun to creep into our very own churches. Churches which once stood for Christ's teachings are now implementing their own feelings and beliefs because they feel that theirs are right and/or better than the original.
Hebrews 3:3, particularly, suggests otherwise: "Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself."
What does this mean? How does this apply to us today? The answer to that is simple.
Think of famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. He is one of the most famous and well-known architects of ALL time and for good reason. His architecture revolutionized the field, no doubt. When we see an old project of Mr. Wright's, even if it's falling apart, we don't call it by a certain name or title, but rather, we identify it and hold it in high regard because it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Or think of Leonardo da Vinci. Archaeologists could uncover some of my old writings and drawings from past architecture studios and simply toss them aside, never to look at them again, because I am the one who did them. However, if those same writings and drawings were done by Leonardo da Vinci, they'd be worth millions. Why? Not because of the content, but simply because they were done by da Vinci.
The point being for this evening, we can try billions of different ways to re-invent Jesus' teachings. We can re-word them; we can remove things to fit our own agendas, beliefs, or feelings. We can do whatever we please....and God will let us, to a point. But who are we to say that OUR way, OUR feelings, and OUR beliefs are superior to Christ's? We're NOT!
Jesus Christ is the originator and His Word is the original truth and authority. Let's be sure we stick with it.
I was reading over Hebrews 3:1-6 today and I noticed the 'title' of this section...."Jesus Greater than Moses." As I read on through verses 1-6, I came to a particular verse, v. 3, which really stuck out.
Having just graduated from Texas Tech with my Architecture degree, this verse stuck out because it most clearly illustrates the true supremacy of Christ. Well, what do I mean by that? Jesus was always teaching and preaching to the Pharisees, as well as the people of that time, that He was the one and only way. His ways were right and true. His teachings were it. But so many people still worshiped other gods, or they still manipulated Christ's very teachings to fit what THEY BELIEVED or what THEY FELT was right. Then as we look a little closer into that picture, we realize it’s not just a painting illustrating an image of attitudes and beliefs from times past, but rather it is a mirror of how our society is today.
We live in a society that believes in so many things which are foreign to the solid truths which Jesus taught. Society has abandoned what Jesus taught because it doesn't feel or believe that Jesus' teachings are either correct, logical, or relevant today. So how does society, better yet the world, handle this situation? Why, just like they did in Biblical times of course.....my forming a new 'truth' which goes against Christ and His teachings and which states that Christ is NOT the authority and Christ is NOT the truth.
This idea, over time, has slowly begun to creep into our very own churches. Churches which once stood for Christ's teachings are now implementing their own feelings and beliefs because they feel that theirs are right and/or better than the original.
Hebrews 3:3, particularly, suggests otherwise: "Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself."
What does this mean? How does this apply to us today? The answer to that is simple.
Think of famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. He is one of the most famous and well-known architects of ALL time and for good reason. His architecture revolutionized the field, no doubt. When we see an old project of Mr. Wright's, even if it's falling apart, we don't call it by a certain name or title, but rather, we identify it and hold it in high regard because it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Or think of Leonardo da Vinci. Archaeologists could uncover some of my old writings and drawings from past architecture studios and simply toss them aside, never to look at them again, because I am the one who did them. However, if those same writings and drawings were done by Leonardo da Vinci, they'd be worth millions. Why? Not because of the content, but simply because they were done by da Vinci.
The point being for this evening, we can try billions of different ways to re-invent Jesus' teachings. We can re-word them; we can remove things to fit our own agendas, beliefs, or feelings. We can do whatever we please....and God will let us, to a point. But who are we to say that OUR way, OUR feelings, and OUR beliefs are superior to Christ's? We're NOT!
Jesus Christ is the originator and His Word is the original truth and authority. Let's be sure we stick with it.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Believers vs. Professors
Featured Writer-Ryan Burchett
I just recently began reading a small book entitled “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” by Dr. C.I. Scofield. In this book, the primary focus is on the passage 2 Timothy 2 which illustrates the traits of believers through 7 different characters. These characters, although diverse in occupation and function, all form together to create the image of what a true believer is supposed to be.
Far too often in our world today, Christians are thought about in a negative light more times than not. Many people refer to Christians as hypocrites, racists, legalists, ‘Bible-thumpers’, and formalists and for the most part, sadly, these accusations could very well be correct, in most cases. Matthew 7:21-23 is quite clear on the subject of people mistakenly thinking they were ‘believers’ but never truly were. They will cry out “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles”, and God will answer them plainly and definitively, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Scripture is very clear on the fact that there are many people who have been, who are, and who will be sadly mistaken on Judgment Day. So, how can we tell the difference between a true believer and a mere professor? We need not look any further than the Scripture.
First of all, here is a list of example Scriptures which I encourage you to read before moving forward. Each passage helps us to establish the proper image of a ‘true believer.’
Matthew 25:10
Luke 7:50
John 6:37,39, 47
John 10:14
John 10:27-29
John 17:24
Acts 2:42
Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 2:19
Hebrews 10:39
Revelation 19:7-8
What does each verse mean in terms of ‘believers?’
Matthew 25:10 – ‘Parable of the 10 Virgins’ – illustrates Christ’s 2nd coming – when Christ comes back, believers will join Him in heaven and it will be closed off from ALL unbelievers forever
Luke 7:50 – true believers are saved by true faith; not by obligation, nor by tradition, nor by emotional experience
John 6:37,39, 47 – true believers are guaranteed eternal security and eternal life
John 10:14 – true believers get the pleasure and privilege to have a true relationship with God
John 10:27-29 – true believers have true security
John 17:24 – true believers have a true Savior who truly intercedes on their behalf
Acts 2:42 – true believers will have true devotion
Philippians 1:6 – a true believers’ life is a personal project of Christ’s
2 Timothy 2:19 – true believers are truly known by the one true God
Hebrews 10:39 – true believers are truly apart from the world
Revelation 19:7-8 – true believers are truly blessed
The characteristics and benefits of a believer are clearly stated in Scripture and should not only be what we as believers are striving for, but we should already see evidence of these things in our lives.
What about the other side of the equation? What does Scripture have to say about ‘professors’ and/or unbelievers? In a word….plenty!
Matthew 7:22-23
Matthew 22:11-13
Matthew 22:28,33
Matthew 25:11-12
John 6:64-66
Acts 8:13,21
Hebrews 6:4-6
Hebrews 10:38
James2:14
1 John 2:19
What does each verse mean in reference to ‘professors?’
Matthew 7:22-23 – professors mistakenly believe they are saved
Matthew 22:11-13 – professors will be cast out of God’s presence
Matthew 22:28,33 – professors will have no 2nd chance to come to Christ in the End
Matthew 25:11-12 – professors are not known personally by Christ
John 6:65-66 – professors, when confronted and questioned, disown Christ altogether
Acts 8:13,21 – professors, at times, only seek the blessings and/or ‘fire insurance’ and not a true, saving relationship with Christ
Hebrews 6:4-6 – professors will truly fall away from Christ on ALL fronts, which is contrary and “impossible” (6:4) to what Scripture teaches about true believers
James 2:14 – professors live 2 different lives
1 John 2:19 – again, professors live 2 different lives – they put on an act in church but will live contrary outside the church
The case and point for this study is simple:
Believers – 1. Live like it
2. Are rewarded
Professors - 1. Have no substance to their ‘faith’
2. Are condemned
It is not our job as believers to bring judgment on the ‘professors’ but rather to help bring them to the light. Ultimately, they will answer for their lives like the rest of us and Christ will be the ultimate judge of that. As it says in Matthew 13:28-29, “’An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “’No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.”
We are called to be the light in this world. If we try and bring condemnation down to try to ‘help God out’, we could do more harm than good. Let us stick to our beliefs, live like it, and show the light to others.
I just recently began reading a small book entitled “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” by Dr. C.I. Scofield. In this book, the primary focus is on the passage 2 Timothy 2 which illustrates the traits of believers through 7 different characters. These characters, although diverse in occupation and function, all form together to create the image of what a true believer is supposed to be.
Far too often in our world today, Christians are thought about in a negative light more times than not. Many people refer to Christians as hypocrites, racists, legalists, ‘Bible-thumpers’, and formalists and for the most part, sadly, these accusations could very well be correct, in most cases. Matthew 7:21-23 is quite clear on the subject of people mistakenly thinking they were ‘believers’ but never truly were. They will cry out “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles”, and God will answer them plainly and definitively, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Scripture is very clear on the fact that there are many people who have been, who are, and who will be sadly mistaken on Judgment Day. So, how can we tell the difference between a true believer and a mere professor? We need not look any further than the Scripture.
First of all, here is a list of example Scriptures which I encourage you to read before moving forward. Each passage helps us to establish the proper image of a ‘true believer.’
Matthew 25:10
Luke 7:50
John 6:37,39, 47
John 10:14
John 10:27-29
John 17:24
Acts 2:42
Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 2:19
Hebrews 10:39
Revelation 19:7-8
What does each verse mean in terms of ‘believers?’
Matthew 25:10 – ‘Parable of the 10 Virgins’ – illustrates Christ’s 2nd coming – when Christ comes back, believers will join Him in heaven and it will be closed off from ALL unbelievers forever
Luke 7:50 – true believers are saved by true faith; not by obligation, nor by tradition, nor by emotional experience
John 6:37,39, 47 – true believers are guaranteed eternal security and eternal life
John 10:14 – true believers get the pleasure and privilege to have a true relationship with God
John 10:27-29 – true believers have true security
John 17:24 – true believers have a true Savior who truly intercedes on their behalf
Acts 2:42 – true believers will have true devotion
Philippians 1:6 – a true believers’ life is a personal project of Christ’s
2 Timothy 2:19 – true believers are truly known by the one true God
Hebrews 10:39 – true believers are truly apart from the world
Revelation 19:7-8 – true believers are truly blessed
The characteristics and benefits of a believer are clearly stated in Scripture and should not only be what we as believers are striving for, but we should already see evidence of these things in our lives.
What about the other side of the equation? What does Scripture have to say about ‘professors’ and/or unbelievers? In a word….plenty!
Matthew 7:22-23
Matthew 22:11-13
Matthew 22:28,33
Matthew 25:11-12
John 6:64-66
Acts 8:13,21
Hebrews 6:4-6
Hebrews 10:38
James2:14
1 John 2:19
What does each verse mean in reference to ‘professors?’
Matthew 7:22-23 – professors mistakenly believe they are saved
Matthew 22:11-13 – professors will be cast out of God’s presence
Matthew 22:28,33 – professors will have no 2nd chance to come to Christ in the End
Matthew 25:11-12 – professors are not known personally by Christ
John 6:65-66 – professors, when confronted and questioned, disown Christ altogether
Acts 8:13,21 – professors, at times, only seek the blessings and/or ‘fire insurance’ and not a true, saving relationship with Christ
Hebrews 6:4-6 – professors will truly fall away from Christ on ALL fronts, which is contrary and “impossible” (6:4) to what Scripture teaches about true believers
James 2:14 – professors live 2 different lives
1 John 2:19 – again, professors live 2 different lives – they put on an act in church but will live contrary outside the church
The case and point for this study is simple:
Believers – 1. Live like it
2. Are rewarded
Professors - 1. Have no substance to their ‘faith’
2. Are condemned
It is not our job as believers to bring judgment on the ‘professors’ but rather to help bring them to the light. Ultimately, they will answer for their lives like the rest of us and Christ will be the ultimate judge of that. As it says in Matthew 13:28-29, “’An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “’No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.”
We are called to be the light in this world. If we try and bring condemnation down to try to ‘help God out’, we could do more harm than good. Let us stick to our beliefs, live like it, and show the light to others.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Inactive and unfaithful Christians
Featured Writer-Ryan Burchett
Luke 13:6-9
This parable tells a story about inactive & unfaithful Christians.
Let’s identify the characters:
The man who owns the vineyard: God
The man who takes care of the vineyard: Jesus
The vineyard: the world
The fig tree: a Christian
Now let’s take it verse by verse:
v.6 – A man plants a fig tree in the vineyard, he goes to check on it, and finds no fruit.
(Now this man owns a vineyard and he has hired help so he’s probably very rich. The only way for a vineyard owner to make money is if fruit grows so that he can sell it and make a profit. To make his vineyard the most productive and to make sure that all of his crops can be used to take to the market to sell, he has to give all his efforts to work and he has to give all of his time. Without giving his all, the vineyard would be worthless. So, after giving all that he has to the vineyard, he plants a fig tree. He has given everything he had so that this fig tree can grow up big & strong & produce lots of fruit for him. But, when he goes out to check on his precious fig tree, he is disappointed. The fig tree that he worked so hard preparing for, has produced no fruit. As Christians, how does this apply to us? Think of it like this, God created us this wonderful world to live and to worship Him in. Once we sinned, He had to give us the ultimate sacrifice, all He had, His “only begotten Son.” Once He did that, we accepted it and became Christians, thus making us God’s ‘fig tree.’ But sometimes, when God comes out to ‘check on us’, we are fruitless. We lack spiritual maturity. This is very disappointing to God.)
v.7 – The owner tells his servant to cut the fig tree down– all it was doing was wasting soil.
(The owner is very upset when he sees that the fig tree has produced nothing after 3 years of watering it, trimming the weeds, and taking care of it. He feels like his efforts, as well as his servants’ efforts, have been wasted and he finally tells his servant to “cut the fig tree down because it is just using up soil.” The owner has been very generous here, I mean he gave the fig tree 3 whole years with the greatest of care to do something and it did nothing. Imagine trying to grow a plant yourself. You’ve worked your tail off and eventually develop a love for that plant, because you’ve worked so hard on it. You go outside day after day, week by week, month by month, year by year. Every time it’s the same, you see no change and no growth. What emotions would you feel after 3 years of that? Disappointment?.. Tiredness? Anger? Shame? Disgust? Or better yet, how do you think God feels when He’s done all He can for us and has given us chance after chance after chance through His great mercy, and we still bear Him no fruit for His efforts? Just something to think about.)
v.8 – The servant begs the owner to give him just one more year to work with it, so that just maybe it might finally grow some fruit.
(The owner is fed up and he just told the worker to cut down the fig tree. But the worker has developed a bond and a love for the plant that he’s been working on the past 3 years. He has given his life for the fig tree so that if would grow and produce fruit. All of his efforts have been given to get this thing to grow. So, the worker begs the owner to give him just one more year. He promises that he will work even harder and do even more to get the fig tree to grow and produce fruit. Now, let’s flip this back on us. God is a God of love and mercy, but at the same time He is a God of wrath. Jesus constantly works with us and when we anger God, He is right there to plead with God, on our behalf, asking Him to give us one more chance. Jesus asks God if He can have a little more time with us out of the great love that He has for us.)
v.9 – The servant tells the owner that if the fig tree still has no fruit after one more year thencut it down.
(The worker is begging for the owner to give him that extra year. But he sees that the owner is tired of having an unfruitful fig tree. So, the servant makes a deal with the owner. He tells him that if after that extra year, the fig tree still has produced no fruit and still hasn’t grown, then the owner can have it cut down.
Jesus will work with us and love us and guide us forever. But eventually, God’s patience wears thin. God only gives all of us so much time on this earth and as a Christian, if we waste that time by ruining our lives with bad choices or by breaking promises to God or by just doing nothing in your Christian walk, God will eventually call us home. This is why calling yourself a Christian and saying that you love and believe in Christ is not a joke or just something you do. God loves you more than you can imagine and He gives us more chances than we will ever know. But if you waste your Christian life, He eventually will cut you off from this earth, the vineyard, and He will bring you home. God cannot stand fruitless Christians.)
Luke 13:6-9
This parable tells a story about inactive & unfaithful Christians.
Let’s identify the characters:
The man who owns the vineyard: God
The man who takes care of the vineyard: Jesus
The vineyard: the world
The fig tree: a Christian
Now let’s take it verse by verse:
v.6 – A man plants a fig tree in the vineyard, he goes to check on it, and finds no fruit.
(Now this man owns a vineyard and he has hired help so he’s probably very rich. The only way for a vineyard owner to make money is if fruit grows so that he can sell it and make a profit. To make his vineyard the most productive and to make sure that all of his crops can be used to take to the market to sell, he has to give all his efforts to work and he has to give all of his time. Without giving his all, the vineyard would be worthless. So, after giving all that he has to the vineyard, he plants a fig tree. He has given everything he had so that this fig tree can grow up big & strong & produce lots of fruit for him. But, when he goes out to check on his precious fig tree, he is disappointed. The fig tree that he worked so hard preparing for, has produced no fruit. As Christians, how does this apply to us? Think of it like this, God created us this wonderful world to live and to worship Him in. Once we sinned, He had to give us the ultimate sacrifice, all He had, His “only begotten Son.” Once He did that, we accepted it and became Christians, thus making us God’s ‘fig tree.’ But sometimes, when God comes out to ‘check on us’, we are fruitless. We lack spiritual maturity. This is very disappointing to God.)
v.7 – The owner tells his servant to cut the fig tree down– all it was doing was wasting soil.
(The owner is very upset when he sees that the fig tree has produced nothing after 3 years of watering it, trimming the weeds, and taking care of it. He feels like his efforts, as well as his servants’ efforts, have been wasted and he finally tells his servant to “cut the fig tree down because it is just using up soil.” The owner has been very generous here, I mean he gave the fig tree 3 whole years with the greatest of care to do something and it did nothing. Imagine trying to grow a plant yourself. You’ve worked your tail off and eventually develop a love for that plant, because you’ve worked so hard on it. You go outside day after day, week by week, month by month, year by year. Every time it’s the same, you see no change and no growth. What emotions would you feel after 3 years of that? Disappointment?.. Tiredness? Anger? Shame? Disgust? Or better yet, how do you think God feels when He’s done all He can for us and has given us chance after chance after chance through His great mercy, and we still bear Him no fruit for His efforts? Just something to think about.)
v.8 – The servant begs the owner to give him just one more year to work with it, so that just maybe it might finally grow some fruit.
(The owner is fed up and he just told the worker to cut down the fig tree. But the worker has developed a bond and a love for the plant that he’s been working on the past 3 years. He has given his life for the fig tree so that if would grow and produce fruit. All of his efforts have been given to get this thing to grow. So, the worker begs the owner to give him just one more year. He promises that he will work even harder and do even more to get the fig tree to grow and produce fruit. Now, let’s flip this back on us. God is a God of love and mercy, but at the same time He is a God of wrath. Jesus constantly works with us and when we anger God, He is right there to plead with God, on our behalf, asking Him to give us one more chance. Jesus asks God if He can have a little more time with us out of the great love that He has for us.)
v.9 – The servant tells the owner that if the fig tree still has no fruit after one more year thencut it down.
(The worker is begging for the owner to give him that extra year. But he sees that the owner is tired of having an unfruitful fig tree. So, the servant makes a deal with the owner. He tells him that if after that extra year, the fig tree still has produced no fruit and still hasn’t grown, then the owner can have it cut down.
Jesus will work with us and love us and guide us forever. But eventually, God’s patience wears thin. God only gives all of us so much time on this earth and as a Christian, if we waste that time by ruining our lives with bad choices or by breaking promises to God or by just doing nothing in your Christian walk, God will eventually call us home. This is why calling yourself a Christian and saying that you love and believe in Christ is not a joke or just something you do. God loves you more than you can imagine and He gives us more chances than we will ever know. But if you waste your Christian life, He eventually will cut you off from this earth, the vineyard, and He will bring you home. God cannot stand fruitless Christians.)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
How committed are You?
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lords commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.”Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Today we finish up with our final requirement, to obey.
God tells us very specifically what we are to obey, and that is all of His commands and laws. The ultimate example of obedience was shown by Abraham when he was told to offer his son Isaac as a living sacrifice.
Listen to how James puts it in chapter 2:21-22 “Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did-by his actions.”
He was 100 percent obedient to the Lord even when faced with the choice to sacrifice his son. Are you that willing? Are you that obedient?
Are you fulfilling all of your responsibilities as a child of God no matter what the Lord asks of you? It is one thing for us to know what is required of us, and it is another thing to do it. Just like Abraham we too need to be 100 percent committed and obedient. It is a sin to know and not do anything about it.
Ask the Lord to help you listen to His instruction and then to guide you as you fulfill your responsibility.
Prayer: Lord thank you for the example of true obedience that Abraham, Noah, and Moses set for us. Help us to be completely committed and obedient to Your word, no matter the calling, no matter the sacrifice. For we know that when we do whatever You tell us our faith too will be made complete. In Jesus name, Amen.
Today we finish up with our final requirement, to obey.
God tells us very specifically what we are to obey, and that is all of His commands and laws. The ultimate example of obedience was shown by Abraham when he was told to offer his son Isaac as a living sacrifice.
Listen to how James puts it in chapter 2:21-22 “Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did-by his actions.”
He was 100 percent obedient to the Lord even when faced with the choice to sacrifice his son. Are you that willing? Are you that obedient?
Are you fulfilling all of your responsibilities as a child of God no matter what the Lord asks of you? It is one thing for us to know what is required of us, and it is another thing to do it. Just like Abraham we too need to be 100 percent committed and obedient. It is a sin to know and not do anything about it.
Ask the Lord to help you listen to His instruction and then to guide you as you fulfill your responsibility.
Prayer: Lord thank you for the example of true obedience that Abraham, Noah, and Moses set for us. Help us to be completely committed and obedient to Your word, no matter the calling, no matter the sacrifice. For we know that when we do whatever You tell us our faith too will be made complete. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Real or Routine?
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
I have always thought that singers were so lucky, especially Christian singers; because they could lift their voices up in harmony with the angels and worship the Lord, and how sweet to His ears it must be.
It was not until just recently that the Lord shared with me that it is not about how good their voices are it is what is in the heart that is so sweet to His ear. It does not matter how off key I sing or if I even sing at all. It is the worship of my heart lifted up to Him that matters.
One of my favorite passages in the bible was written by David when He was worshipping the Lord.
Psalm 145:1-3 “I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery.”
I encourage you to read the rest of Psalm 145 it is full of God’s love and I know as you read it you will begin to fill the same joy David felt. Use this passage to guide you in your time of worship.
Remember true worship comes from a pure heart. It is real and not routine, and it is our response to who Jesus is.
Prayer: Jesus each day we rise may we lift our hearts to You in worship. Jesus may our worship never become routine. You are more than worthy and one day we will all worship You in one accord. In Jesus name Amen
I have always thought that singers were so lucky, especially Christian singers; because they could lift their voices up in harmony with the angels and worship the Lord, and how sweet to His ears it must be.
It was not until just recently that the Lord shared with me that it is not about how good their voices are it is what is in the heart that is so sweet to His ear. It does not matter how off key I sing or if I even sing at all. It is the worship of my heart lifted up to Him that matters.
One of my favorite passages in the bible was written by David when He was worshipping the Lord.
Psalm 145:1-3 “I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery.”
I encourage you to read the rest of Psalm 145 it is full of God’s love and I know as you read it you will begin to fill the same joy David felt. Use this passage to guide you in your time of worship.
Remember true worship comes from a pure heart. It is real and not routine, and it is our response to who Jesus is.
Prayer: Jesus each day we rise may we lift our hearts to You in worship. Jesus may our worship never become routine. You are more than worthy and one day we will all worship You in one accord. In Jesus name Amen
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
We love because He first loved us!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Today we look at our third requirement our third “get to” it is an honor to be able to fear Him, live according to His will and today Love Him.
What is Love-it is the ultimate expression of God’s loyalty, purity, and mercy extended toward His people. God is love-it is what He did for us on the cross.
What are ways we can show God we love Him? Accept His son as our personal Lord and Savior. Spend one on one time with Him in prayer. Read His Word, apply His Word. Go out and share the Great News of Jesus with others.
Loving God is giving Him all of you each and every day. It is dying to yourself daily shouldering your cross and following Him.
Let today be the day you start showing Christ how much you love Him. Accept Him as your Savior, get into His word, and let His word get into you, talk to Him, and share it with the world!
Prayer: Jesus You are the ultimate description of love. May all that we say and all that we do bring glory to Your name. Jesus today we give all of ourselves to You. In Jesus name, Amen
Today we look at our third requirement our third “get to” it is an honor to be able to fear Him, live according to His will and today Love Him.
What is Love-it is the ultimate expression of God’s loyalty, purity, and mercy extended toward His people. God is love-it is what He did for us on the cross.
What are ways we can show God we love Him? Accept His son as our personal Lord and Savior. Spend one on one time with Him in prayer. Read His Word, apply His Word. Go out and share the Great News of Jesus with others.
Loving God is giving Him all of you each and every day. It is dying to yourself daily shouldering your cross and following Him.
Let today be the day you start showing Christ how much you love Him. Accept Him as your Savior, get into His word, and let His word get into you, talk to Him, and share it with the world!
Prayer: Jesus You are the ultimate description of love. May all that we say and all that we do bring glory to Your name. Jesus today we give all of ourselves to You. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, July 12, 2010
All the proof you need!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
How is it that you know you are in the Lord’s will? I want to share with you an incredible story of how the Israelites knew they were in the Lord’s will.
It is found in the book of Numbers 9:15-23. I encourage you to go back and read the whole passage, today I am just going to paraphrase.
It was visible for all to see, it was a cloud that covered the Tabernacle. It was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It was what would guide them through the wilderness with the help of Moses.
Here is how it worked. “But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and followed. Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.” Numbers 9:21-23
Now, that is following the will of the Lord. How many of us would love to have such guidance? Man I would and I know that when I seek the Lord and His word He will be that evident in my life.
Guys we serve an unbelievably big God!
Prayer: Jesus we seek Your will for our lives today and ask that you be as evident for us as You were for the Israelites. In Jesus name, Amen
How is it that you know you are in the Lord’s will? I want to share with you an incredible story of how the Israelites knew they were in the Lord’s will.
It is found in the book of Numbers 9:15-23. I encourage you to go back and read the whole passage, today I am just going to paraphrase.
It was visible for all to see, it was a cloud that covered the Tabernacle. It was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It was what would guide them through the wilderness with the help of Moses.
Here is how it worked. “But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and followed. Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.” Numbers 9:21-23
Now, that is following the will of the Lord. How many of us would love to have such guidance? Man I would and I know that when I seek the Lord and His word He will be that evident in my life.
Guys we serve an unbelievably big God!
Prayer: Jesus we seek Your will for our lives today and ask that you be as evident for us as You were for the Israelites. In Jesus name, Amen
Sunday, July 11, 2010
In the midst of His deepest agony!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Come with me as we take a look at the example Jesus set for us during His time here on earth. I pray that today the Lord will open the eyes of our hearts and teach us how to live according to His will and not our own.
I want to share a passage that became very real, sensitive, and absolutely humbling. It shows just how much Jesus loves us but how much more He loves His Father.
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Luke 22:42
Jesus knew the time was coming when He would be betrayed. He knew the suffering He was about to endure and the separation from God that would have to take place as He took on all of our sin’s. And yet in the midst of His deepest agony, He cried out for it to be the Lord’s will and not His.
There is, and will never be, another greater example of how to live according to the Lord’s will, than what Jesus did for you and me!
Today it is our turn, it is our turn to die to ourselves and live according to His will. Today no matter how bad we think we are suffering we remember the suffering Christ did for us.
Prayer: Jesus no words can express the gratitude we have for what You did for us. Lord we are foolish to think our will is better than Yours. Let Luke 22:42 be a reminder of what it means to truly what our Father’s will. In Your amazing Name Jesus, Amen
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Come with me as we take a look at the example Jesus set for us during His time here on earth. I pray that today the Lord will open the eyes of our hearts and teach us how to live according to His will and not our own.
I want to share a passage that became very real, sensitive, and absolutely humbling. It shows just how much Jesus loves us but how much more He loves His Father.
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Luke 22:42
Jesus knew the time was coming when He would be betrayed. He knew the suffering He was about to endure and the separation from God that would have to take place as He took on all of our sin’s. And yet in the midst of His deepest agony, He cried out for it to be the Lord’s will and not His.
There is, and will never be, another greater example of how to live according to the Lord’s will, than what Jesus did for you and me!
Today it is our turn, it is our turn to die to ourselves and live according to His will. Today no matter how bad we think we are suffering we remember the suffering Christ did for us.
Prayer: Jesus no words can express the gratitude we have for what You did for us. Lord we are foolish to think our will is better than Yours. Let Luke 22:42 be a reminder of what it means to truly what our Father’s will. In Your amazing Name Jesus, Amen
Saturday, July 10, 2010
It is so not about You!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Our second requirement today is to live according to His will.
What is the Lord’s will? It is doing what He wants and NOT what we want. Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in our own desires that we lose sight of God’s? Thankfully we have someone who set the example and showed us that it can and should be done. Jesus!
I want to take you to a couple of places the next few days and show you just how much of an example Christ was.
Let’s start in the book of John-John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.”
Guess what? We were created in the image of God called to serve Him so we too are here to do the will of God and not what we want to do. It is about fulfilling His desires and not our own. Man I hope you are getting this. How do we do that, you ask, by putting our eyes on Him every second of everyday. By letting the Word of God take root within us.
Today as you go about your day I want you to ask yourself, is this going to bring glory to God or to myself. Will it bring honor to His name or to me?
It is not easy, but I know it will put things into perspective for you and me, and it will show us just how successful and perfect God’s will is.
Prayer; Jesus help us to remove ourselves and truly comprehend that we are here for You and You alone, help us to live according to Your will and not our own. In Jesus name Amen
Our second requirement today is to live according to His will.
What is the Lord’s will? It is doing what He wants and NOT what we want. Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in our own desires that we lose sight of God’s? Thankfully we have someone who set the example and showed us that it can and should be done. Jesus!
I want to take you to a couple of places the next few days and show you just how much of an example Christ was.
Let’s start in the book of John-John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.”
Guess what? We were created in the image of God called to serve Him so we too are here to do the will of God and not what we want to do. It is about fulfilling His desires and not our own. Man I hope you are getting this. How do we do that, you ask, by putting our eyes on Him every second of everyday. By letting the Word of God take root within us.
Today as you go about your day I want you to ask yourself, is this going to bring glory to God or to myself. Will it bring honor to His name or to me?
It is not easy, but I know it will put things into perspective for you and me, and it will show us just how successful and perfect God’s will is.
Prayer; Jesus help us to remove ourselves and truly comprehend that we are here for You and You alone, help us to live according to Your will and not our own. In Jesus name Amen
Friday, July 9, 2010
Stop making it harder than it is!
If I may be completley honest with you today, this weeks devos I had written in December. And as the Lord brought this passage back to my mind, I at first thought perfect, I will be able to catch up on some writing. Well the amazing Father that I serve and love more and more every day had different plans for why He wanted me to use this particular devotional today.
I have been dealing with some struggles and frustrations over this last month and it just seems to have all began when I committed to my S.S.A.L.S (study, store, apply, learn and share). My friends, Satan has delcared a straight up war with me and it has been brutual. And if I could just say if this was a real life war, there would be alot of blood, clawing, hair-pulling, words flying, etc. Of course not to mention alot of tears on my end and alot of laughter on his.
My point to sharing this with you is because I want you to see and hear how amazing our God is. Just this morning as I am writing out this verse on my index card, my mind was full of so much frustration, desperation, and confusion. By the time I finished writing it, it was as though the Lord swooped down, stuck out both arms, and scooped me up. Right then and there God made it all become so clear. Kristi re-read what you just wrote. I make all things simple, "My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn." Proverbs 8:9 Let my Son live through you, let the Holy Spirit direct and guide you, and In my name stop making my word so complicating and stop trying so hard to please me. Just concentrate on the requirement I have given you in Deuteronomy let it fill you with peace, and let my Son who is in you give you freedom. "So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. " John 8:36
There is nothing sweeter or more satisfying than being set free! Thank You Jesus! "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
All He asks is that we repect Hiim (fear), follow Him, (live according to His will), love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. Anything done outside of that can become and is probably man-made laws and regulations.
Are you being held slavery to something? Let Christ and His truth set you free today in Jesus name.
I have been dealing with some struggles and frustrations over this last month and it just seems to have all began when I committed to my S.S.A.L.S (study, store, apply, learn and share). My friends, Satan has delcared a straight up war with me and it has been brutual. And if I could just say if this was a real life war, there would be alot of blood, clawing, hair-pulling, words flying, etc. Of course not to mention alot of tears on my end and alot of laughter on his.
My point to sharing this with you is because I want you to see and hear how amazing our God is. Just this morning as I am writing out this verse on my index card, my mind was full of so much frustration, desperation, and confusion. By the time I finished writing it, it was as though the Lord swooped down, stuck out both arms, and scooped me up. Right then and there God made it all become so clear. Kristi re-read what you just wrote. I make all things simple, "My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn." Proverbs 8:9 Let my Son live through you, let the Holy Spirit direct and guide you, and In my name stop making my word so complicating and stop trying so hard to please me. Just concentrate on the requirement I have given you in Deuteronomy let it fill you with peace, and let my Son who is in you give you freedom. "So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. " John 8:36
There is nothing sweeter or more satisfying than being set free! Thank You Jesus! "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
All He asks is that we repect Hiim (fear), follow Him, (live according to His will), love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. Anything done outside of that can become and is probably man-made laws and regulations.
Are you being held slavery to something? Let Christ and His truth set you free today in Jesus name.
What more could you want?
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
The last two days we have looked at what it means to fear the Lord, how we fear the Lord and today we finish with what do we gain from fearing the Lord.
I want to look back at the four scriptures we used over the last two days, because in each of them God shows us exactly what we gain from fearing Him.
Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.”
Psalm 34:11-14“Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
So what do we gain from fearing the Lord?
Job 28:28 - We gain wisdom
Proverbs 1:7- We gain knowledge
Psalm 34:9- We will have all we need
Psalm 34:12- We will have a long good life
Now I don’t know about you but for me that is enough! That is exactly what we all wish for, and our God is saying I will give all of this to you if you just fear Me.
Prayer; Jesus as we begin each new day I pray that we will start it with a whole new understanding of what it means to fear you. And that we will actually apply it to our lives and let it pour out onto those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.
The last two days we have looked at what it means to fear the Lord, how we fear the Lord and today we finish with what do we gain from fearing the Lord.
I want to look back at the four scriptures we used over the last two days, because in each of them God shows us exactly what we gain from fearing Him.
Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.”
Psalm 34:11-14“Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
So what do we gain from fearing the Lord?
Job 28:28 - We gain wisdom
Proverbs 1:7- We gain knowledge
Psalm 34:9- We will have all we need
Psalm 34:12- We will have a long good life
Now I don’t know about you but for me that is enough! That is exactly what we all wish for, and our God is saying I will give all of this to you if you just fear Me.
Prayer; Jesus as we begin each new day I pray that we will start it with a whole new understanding of what it means to fear you. And that we will actually apply it to our lives and let it pour out onto those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Five ingredients for fear!
“Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.” Psalm 34:9
Yesterday we looked at what it means to fear the Lord; today we are going to look at how we fear the Lord.
How do we fear the Lord; by showing Him true genuine reverence. Let me put it this way, by showing Him true respect and honor with a humble attitude and genuine worship.
Okay not that hard right; “Umm no, no” as my three year old says. It is hard especially when we are never in the word of God, especially when we have conformed to the ways of the world and our surrounding environment.
Oh, but God is so good and He gives us five very specific ways to fear Him in the book of Psalm 34:11-14 “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
1. Listen
2. Watch your tongue
3. Keep your lips from telling lies!
4. Turn away from evil and do good.
5. Work hard at living in peace with others.
Specific enough! Isn’t that great! Store this verse in your heart and ask the Lord to keep it fresh on your mind. The more and more you apply it the more knowledge and wisdom you will gain. Isn’t it just so exciting? What an amazing God we serve!
Prayer; Jesus thank you thank you for making Your word plain to all who want to hear and clear to all who seek to understand. May we write these words deep in our hearts and apply all that we learn. In Jesus name Amen
Yesterday we looked at what it means to fear the Lord; today we are going to look at how we fear the Lord.
How do we fear the Lord; by showing Him true genuine reverence. Let me put it this way, by showing Him true respect and honor with a humble attitude and genuine worship.
Okay not that hard right; “Umm no, no” as my three year old says. It is hard especially when we are never in the word of God, especially when we have conformed to the ways of the world and our surrounding environment.
Oh, but God is so good and He gives us five very specific ways to fear Him in the book of Psalm 34:11-14 “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
1. Listen
2. Watch your tongue
3. Keep your lips from telling lies!
4. Turn away from evil and do good.
5. Work hard at living in peace with others.
Specific enough! Isn’t that great! Store this verse in your heart and ask the Lord to keep it fresh on your mind. The more and more you apply it the more knowledge and wisdom you will gain. Isn’t it just so exciting? What an amazing God we serve!
Prayer; Jesus thank you thank you for making Your word plain to all who want to hear and clear to all who seek to understand. May we write these words deep in our hearts and apply all that we learn. In Jesus name Amen
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Have we lost all fear?
“The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.” Job 28:28
Yesterday we learned of five requirements God expects from us. To fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him and obey Him.
Our first requirement given is to fear the Lord. It is the beginning of all things and I believe it is what is missing in our world today. Here are three questions I want us to look at over the next couple of days.
1. What does it mean to fear the Lord?
2. How do you fear the Lord?
3. What do you gain from fearing the Lord?
When we hear the word fear we immediately think of being afraid. But that is a completely different type of fear. When God says He wants us to fear Him, He is not saying be afraid of Me. He is saying be in awe of Me and My power. Show Me respect with a tender conscience. For when we truly fear the Lord, it will pour over onto others.
Have you ever heard the saying “Someone needs to put the fear of God in that child?” Well guess what, we all need to put the fear of God in ourselves. If we are to be living and breathing examples of Christ then we have to set the first example and fear the Lord. Be in awe of His name, power, and authority. We have to show Him complete respect in our thoughts, words, actions, and motives.
We begin by getting into the word of God and spending one on one time with Jesus. How can we ever truly learn to fear Him if we never read His word?
We need to be seeking wisdom from His word and not from the world. If we want our children to show us and others true respect, then we have to teach them to fear the Lord first. We have to share the word of God with them daily.
Look at what Solomon says in Proverbs 1:7 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
We gain knowledge from reading His word! We are foolish to look elsewhere.
Prayer: Jesus teach us through Your word to fear You more. Open our minds to realize that we can not gain wisdom on our own and that the wisdom the world offers is fleeting. In Your Mighty name Jesus, Amen.
Yesterday we learned of five requirements God expects from us. To fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him and obey Him.
Our first requirement given is to fear the Lord. It is the beginning of all things and I believe it is what is missing in our world today. Here are three questions I want us to look at over the next couple of days.
1. What does it mean to fear the Lord?
2. How do you fear the Lord?
3. What do you gain from fearing the Lord?
When we hear the word fear we immediately think of being afraid. But that is a completely different type of fear. When God says He wants us to fear Him, He is not saying be afraid of Me. He is saying be in awe of Me and My power. Show Me respect with a tender conscience. For when we truly fear the Lord, it will pour over onto others.
Have you ever heard the saying “Someone needs to put the fear of God in that child?” Well guess what, we all need to put the fear of God in ourselves. If we are to be living and breathing examples of Christ then we have to set the first example and fear the Lord. Be in awe of His name, power, and authority. We have to show Him complete respect in our thoughts, words, actions, and motives.
We begin by getting into the word of God and spending one on one time with Jesus. How can we ever truly learn to fear Him if we never read His word?
We need to be seeking wisdom from His word and not from the world. If we want our children to show us and others true respect, then we have to teach them to fear the Lord first. We have to share the word of God with them daily.
Look at what Solomon says in Proverbs 1:7 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
We gain knowledge from reading His word! We are foolish to look elsewhere.
Prayer: Jesus teach us through Your word to fear You more. Open our minds to realize that we can not gain wisdom on our own and that the wisdom the world offers is fleeting. In Your Mighty name Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Requirements
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
There is so much that is required of us now days that it can become very overwhelming. We even require so many things for ourselves that when not fulfilled we are left disappointed.
I believe it even gets to a point where we try to live up to the world’s requirements and others standards that we lose sight of who we are.
There is only one person whose requirements should matter and that is God! He is the only one who will and can show us exactly who we are to be. And in all His awesomeness He has made it very simple and clear for us to live up to and achieve.
The greatest part about doing what He asks is His promises hold true and are everlasting. And He is there helping us, guiding us and teaching us. He never fails us or deserts us. He gives us all that we need to be successful.
So what exactly does God require of us? He wants us to fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. He wants it to be ALL about Him!
Week 6 I hope you will join me as we dig deeper into what God requires of us and let His word transform us.
Prayer: Jesus today we confess that we have tried to live up to the requirements of man. Forgive us and teach us, instruct us and guide us as we seek to live up to Your requirements. Thank you that you have made them available to each of us. In Jesus name, Amen
There is so much that is required of us now days that it can become very overwhelming. We even require so many things for ourselves that when not fulfilled we are left disappointed.
I believe it even gets to a point where we try to live up to the world’s requirements and others standards that we lose sight of who we are.
There is only one person whose requirements should matter and that is God! He is the only one who will and can show us exactly who we are to be. And in all His awesomeness He has made it very simple and clear for us to live up to and achieve.
The greatest part about doing what He asks is His promises hold true and are everlasting. And He is there helping us, guiding us and teaching us. He never fails us or deserts us. He gives us all that we need to be successful.
So what exactly does God require of us? He wants us to fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. He wants it to be ALL about Him!
Week 6 I hope you will join me as we dig deeper into what God requires of us and let His word transform us.
Prayer: Jesus today we confess that we have tried to live up to the requirements of man. Forgive us and teach us, instruct us and guide us as we seek to live up to Your requirements. Thank you that you have made them available to each of us. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, July 5, 2010
Hindered
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
In the midst of my deepest agony I rushed to the place I knew would bring healing to the brokenness and aching that flooded my heart. As I approached the inner temple I cried out, “Father, please may I come in?” I reached out to pull back the curtain and enter the Most Holy Place where my Father dwelled. All to find that there was curtain after curtain each one thicker and heavier than the last. The aching and longing in my heart only became more intense, so intense I began gasping for air and wondering why I could not get into meet with the only one I so desperately needed.
It was then in there the Holy Spirit stopped me. These curtains, they are hindrances. Until they are removed you will continue to pull curtain after curtain. My heart cried out, “how do I remove them, don’t you understand? Can’t you see the brokenness within me?”
Confess, go and make right what has been made wrong. Make peace, turn from your sins, and then when you call upon me I will hear you and make clear the curtain for you to enter the place where I your heavenly Father dwells.
Do you have hindrances; UN confessed sin standing between you and God? Don’t wait until it’s too late or until your sin has driven a wedge that has become so hardened in your heart. Call out to the living God and let Him show you any and all sin that is keeping you from a personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Yes we have unlimited access to the Most Holy Place because of what the Son of God did for us, but before we enter we must daily confess our sins, and understand our true need for God.
Prayer: In Jesus name I ask Lord that You will daily reveal any sin lurking within me, for then I will confess my sins and be able to enter the place I desire to be, the place right where You dwell. Thank You that as I remove my sins you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness. Amen
In the midst of my deepest agony I rushed to the place I knew would bring healing to the brokenness and aching that flooded my heart. As I approached the inner temple I cried out, “Father, please may I come in?” I reached out to pull back the curtain and enter the Most Holy Place where my Father dwelled. All to find that there was curtain after curtain each one thicker and heavier than the last. The aching and longing in my heart only became more intense, so intense I began gasping for air and wondering why I could not get into meet with the only one I so desperately needed.
It was then in there the Holy Spirit stopped me. These curtains, they are hindrances. Until they are removed you will continue to pull curtain after curtain. My heart cried out, “how do I remove them, don’t you understand? Can’t you see the brokenness within me?”
Confess, go and make right what has been made wrong. Make peace, turn from your sins, and then when you call upon me I will hear you and make clear the curtain for you to enter the place where I your heavenly Father dwells.
Do you have hindrances; UN confessed sin standing between you and God? Don’t wait until it’s too late or until your sin has driven a wedge that has become so hardened in your heart. Call out to the living God and let Him show you any and all sin that is keeping you from a personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Yes we have unlimited access to the Most Holy Place because of what the Son of God did for us, but before we enter we must daily confess our sins, and understand our true need for God.
Prayer: In Jesus name I ask Lord that You will daily reveal any sin lurking within me, for then I will confess my sins and be able to enter the place I desire to be, the place right where You dwell. Thank You that as I remove my sins you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness. Amen
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Satan we are on to you.
“God says we must not eat from it or even touch it or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
How often have we, like Eve, been standing before our forbidden trees and listened to the voice of Satan convince us that it is okay to reach out and touch it, take it, listen to it, or eat it?
Let me give you some examples that have taken place in my own life. Maybe you can relate, but if not, I hope these examples will help keep you from falling into one of Satan’s traps and believing the lies like I have.
Join in on the conversation Kristi, it won’t hurt anything to throw in a few comments about others.
You know Kristi she is right you are a hypocrite; I mean who are you to hold a sister accountable?
You really think God wants to use you, look at your past.
You will never be good enough or smart enough.
You are better off following in the shadow than standing out on your own.
Don’t you want to know everything God knows about your husband and others?
It’s okay to laugh or smile at others sin; I mean you’re not participating are you?
Whether he has convinced me to compare myself to others, join in on the gossip, fill my thoughts with more doubt than a human could hold, ignite my anger, plant the root of bitterness, or even convince me that I will never be good enough, or able to be used by the Lord, I have at some point listened, grabbed the fruit and ate it.
But the closer I walk with the Lord, the more I seek His word, the more I run to Him when the thoughts arise within me, the more my gracious, loving Father comes to my rescue. The more He opens my eyes to His unending love, mercy and grace, and the more He sets me free from the traps and chains of Satan.
I am free, free in Christ Jesus, I have the living Son of God dwelling within me, who is fighting the battle between good and evil. He fills my thoughts with truth, He reminds me that I am His and He is mine. He shows me His love and tells me of the wonderful gifts that await me. He reassures me daily that I am worthy, wonderful, beautiful, and capable of all things through Him.
“Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.” James 1:17-18
The next time you are tempted to grab the fruit from the forbidden tree, run to God, lay the nagging lies of Satan at His feet and remember that if it is not true, honorable, or right, pure, lovely or admirable, excellent and/or worthy of praise than it is not from God.
Prayer: Lord thank You for filling with the Holy Spirit who never rests, never lies, and never tries to convince me of anything but living in the truth and the promises of God. Amen
How often have we, like Eve, been standing before our forbidden trees and listened to the voice of Satan convince us that it is okay to reach out and touch it, take it, listen to it, or eat it?
Let me give you some examples that have taken place in my own life. Maybe you can relate, but if not, I hope these examples will help keep you from falling into one of Satan’s traps and believing the lies like I have.
Join in on the conversation Kristi, it won’t hurt anything to throw in a few comments about others.
You know Kristi she is right you are a hypocrite; I mean who are you to hold a sister accountable?
You really think God wants to use you, look at your past.
You will never be good enough or smart enough.
You are better off following in the shadow than standing out on your own.
Don’t you want to know everything God knows about your husband and others?
It’s okay to laugh or smile at others sin; I mean you’re not participating are you?
Whether he has convinced me to compare myself to others, join in on the gossip, fill my thoughts with more doubt than a human could hold, ignite my anger, plant the root of bitterness, or even convince me that I will never be good enough, or able to be used by the Lord, I have at some point listened, grabbed the fruit and ate it.
But the closer I walk with the Lord, the more I seek His word, the more I run to Him when the thoughts arise within me, the more my gracious, loving Father comes to my rescue. The more He opens my eyes to His unending love, mercy and grace, and the more He sets me free from the traps and chains of Satan.
I am free, free in Christ Jesus, I have the living Son of God dwelling within me, who is fighting the battle between good and evil. He fills my thoughts with truth, He reminds me that I am His and He is mine. He shows me His love and tells me of the wonderful gifts that await me. He reassures me daily that I am worthy, wonderful, beautiful, and capable of all things through Him.
“Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.” James 1:17-18
The next time you are tempted to grab the fruit from the forbidden tree, run to God, lay the nagging lies of Satan at His feet and remember that if it is not true, honorable, or right, pure, lovely or admirable, excellent and/or worthy of praise than it is not from God.
Prayer: Lord thank You for filling with the Holy Spirit who never rests, never lies, and never tries to convince me of anything but living in the truth and the promises of God. Amen
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Freedom of Choice
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
I believe one of God’s deepest longings, besides for us to be covered in the blood of His Son, is the longing of true obedience and choice.
There is nothing greater than when love is expressed through a person’s choosing to do so. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden He could have very easily left the tree of knowledge of good and evil out, but He didn’t. He placed it there and even made them aware of its presence and the importance of not eating from it-death.
I believe the Lord did not do it to set up Adam and Eve for failure but simply for the longing that His first, most precious, valued creations would willfully choose to obey Him. He still to this day gives us the choice to serve Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to choose the most precious gift- life, through Jesus Christ. Yet even in the midst of His deepest longing, He has given us the choice, the freedom to choose opposite of Him.
How often I wish that God would make the choices for me, for then I would be sure not to fail, or sin, but in doing that I would miss out on the importance of His mercy, grace, and love. I would be less dependent upon my deepest need for a Savior, and I would be stunted in my knowledge and wisdom of the most amazing Creator.
When I willfully choose to obey God, I am choosing to meet the deepest longing of my Father. I am choosing to not eat from the sin and enticement of the world, or even touch what it puts in front of me.
Oh, what great rewards await all those who choose to obey God and what sad consequences maybe even death await those who choose to disobey.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for all the times I have chosen to disobey You. Thank You for bringing Your word to life within me and for daily removing the veil as I search deeper into knowing, pleasing and become more like You. Amen
I believe one of God’s deepest longings, besides for us to be covered in the blood of His Son, is the longing of true obedience and choice.
There is nothing greater than when love is expressed through a person’s choosing to do so. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden He could have very easily left the tree of knowledge of good and evil out, but He didn’t. He placed it there and even made them aware of its presence and the importance of not eating from it-death.
I believe the Lord did not do it to set up Adam and Eve for failure but simply for the longing that His first, most precious, valued creations would willfully choose to obey Him. He still to this day gives us the choice to serve Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to choose the most precious gift- life, through Jesus Christ. Yet even in the midst of His deepest longing, He has given us the choice, the freedom to choose opposite of Him.
How often I wish that God would make the choices for me, for then I would be sure not to fail, or sin, but in doing that I would miss out on the importance of His mercy, grace, and love. I would be less dependent upon my deepest need for a Savior, and I would be stunted in my knowledge and wisdom of the most amazing Creator.
When I willfully choose to obey God, I am choosing to meet the deepest longing of my Father. I am choosing to not eat from the sin and enticement of the world, or even touch what it puts in front of me.
Oh, what great rewards await all those who choose to obey God and what sad consequences maybe even death await those who choose to disobey.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for all the times I have chosen to disobey You. Thank You for bringing Your word to life within me and for daily removing the veil as I search deeper into knowing, pleasing and become more like You. Amen
Friday, July 2, 2010
Ready or Not here we come
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
Lord reveal to each of us any sins that are lurking in our hearts. Cleanse us from these hidden faults. Keep us from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control us. Then we will be free from guilt and innocent of great sin.
Lord set our eyes to Your vision so that we might see all things as You see. Lord help those today who are lost and in need of Your Son. I pray that through each of Your children who have called on You by name that we Lord will have the opportunity to be a light within the life of one of those who are lost. Lord give us the courage the desire to set out and look for those who are in such need of You. Help us to go beyond our comfort zones today with a boldness that can only come from You and speak in Your name. May we sit back no longer and allow those living in sin to continue.
Lord I praise You for those all over the world who are standing up for You and sharing the Good News. Ignite a fire within each of us to not wait any longer, O Lord You are coming, may we all be in a foot race with You to save as many as we can.
Lord clothe us in Your armor as we set out today, may we stick within our boundaries, and use every piece of armor to combat the enemy. Lord today we come a blazin’ ready for battle.
Satan be prepared because today we will no longer let you win, we come clothed in the armor of Jesus Christ covered in His blood, and you, Satan are our prey!
Lord reveal to each of us any sins that are lurking in our hearts. Cleanse us from these hidden faults. Keep us from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control us. Then we will be free from guilt and innocent of great sin.
Lord set our eyes to Your vision so that we might see all things as You see. Lord help those today who are lost and in need of Your Son. I pray that through each of Your children who have called on You by name that we Lord will have the opportunity to be a light within the life of one of those who are lost. Lord give us the courage the desire to set out and look for those who are in such need of You. Help us to go beyond our comfort zones today with a boldness that can only come from You and speak in Your name. May we sit back no longer and allow those living in sin to continue.
Lord I praise You for those all over the world who are standing up for You and sharing the Good News. Ignite a fire within each of us to not wait any longer, O Lord You are coming, may we all be in a foot race with You to save as many as we can.
Lord clothe us in Your armor as we set out today, may we stick within our boundaries, and use every piece of armor to combat the enemy. Lord today we come a blazin’ ready for battle.
Satan be prepared because today we will no longer let you win, we come clothed in the armor of Jesus Christ covered in His blood, and you, Satan are our prey!
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