Scripture: Deu 26:15 Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey. Deu 26:16 This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Deu 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice: Deu 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments; Deu 26:19 And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.
Observation: God wants to bless us; he wants to set us apart and call us his people. He wants to do that individually, as families, as communities, and as nations.
Application: As we listen to the voice of God, and do what we believe he wants us to do, we move into a place of blessing. As we give him the honor and praise, we ourselves will be moved into places of honor. This has been so since the beginning of time, and will be so until the end of time. It is a timeless truth.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, We love you Lord. I pray that your name would be exalted here on earth, as it is in heaven. Help us to hear your voice, and do your will. Bless us in deed. Bless us with your love, your patience, your mercy, you tenderness. Help us to be beautiful as you are beautiful.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Its the little things that matter
Scripture: Num 20:6 - 12: And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also]. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Observation: It is the little things.... God said to speak to the rock, Moses hit the rock twice.... Does it matter? Yes. The little things are as important as the big things to God. It is because your motive is more important than your action or results.
Application: How often do you hear that still small voice inside of you nudge you to say something or do something, and you either forget or dont pay any attention at all. God also speaks to us through his word, are we doing the things that God has told us to do through his Word? Are we loving the Lord God with all of our heart, and loving our neighbor?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to be faithful in the little things. I know you are good. I trust you to never lead me astray. Amen
Observation: It is the little things.... God said to speak to the rock, Moses hit the rock twice.... Does it matter? Yes. The little things are as important as the big things to God. It is because your motive is more important than your action or results.
Application: How often do you hear that still small voice inside of you nudge you to say something or do something, and you either forget or dont pay any attention at all. God also speaks to us through his word, are we doing the things that God has told us to do through his Word? Are we loving the Lord God with all of our heart, and loving our neighbor?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to be faithful in the little things. I know you are good. I trust you to never lead me astray. Amen
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Word of Life
Scripture:John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Observation: This is probably the most important scripture in the Bible. Many cults have gone astray because of the lack of this most important knowledge. The Word is Jesus. Jesus has always been, and he is God. Jesus spoke all things into existence, as we see in Genesis Chapter 1. He made everything, all matter, and he made time itself. Jesus is Life, he is the very essence of Life. It is Jesus that makes us different from a rock, a chair, or any other inanimate object. Jesus is our light, and it is his presence in us that makes us alive.
Application: Understanding this basic truth should change our lives. We should realize that we are not an accident, and that the one who created the universe lives in us. When you understand this, how should you then live? You must live for your creator. He has preserved his Word, the Bible, as our guidebook, and he wants to be intimate with us. When we worship him, when we pray to him, when we meditate on him, we learn to know him. It is like realizing you had an adopted father, then getting to know that adopted father and developing a relationship with him where he can mentor and guide you.
Prayer: Thank You Jesus that you are life. Thank you that you live in us. Help us to live for the one who created us, and help us to give you the honor you deserve. Let each day of our lives be lived fully for you.
Observation: This is probably the most important scripture in the Bible. Many cults have gone astray because of the lack of this most important knowledge. The Word is Jesus. Jesus has always been, and he is God. Jesus spoke all things into existence, as we see in Genesis Chapter 1. He made everything, all matter, and he made time itself. Jesus is Life, he is the very essence of Life. It is Jesus that makes us different from a rock, a chair, or any other inanimate object. Jesus is our light, and it is his presence in us that makes us alive.
Application: Understanding this basic truth should change our lives. We should realize that we are not an accident, and that the one who created the universe lives in us. When you understand this, how should you then live? You must live for your creator. He has preserved his Word, the Bible, as our guidebook, and he wants to be intimate with us. When we worship him, when we pray to him, when we meditate on him, we learn to know him. It is like realizing you had an adopted father, then getting to know that adopted father and developing a relationship with him where he can mentor and guide you.
Prayer: Thank You Jesus that you are life. Thank you that you live in us. Help us to live for the one who created us, and help us to give you the honor you deserve. Let each day of our lives be lived fully for you.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Forgive and Forget?
Scripture: Numbers 14:19 - 22((Moses Speaking)) Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But [as] truly [as] I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:
Observation: Moses asked God, and God forgave the people of Israel. However, his forgiveness did not remove the consequence of their action. They would never see the promise land because of their rebellion against God.
Application: We see this principle in action in our interactions with each other, and our interaction with the supernatural. When we forgive each other, as we are commanded to do, it doesn't take away the damage that is already done. To ignore that damage is problematic. In the same way when our God forgives us, we don't always see the consequences of our rebellion removed. As followers of Jesus we have a special supernatural relationship by which the eternal guilt of our sin is removed, but here on earth in the natural we still see consequences. Often God will supernaturally remove those consequences as the result of the prayers of his disciples, but the default seems to be that we have to live with the consequences of our sin.
Prayer: Our Father, who is in heaven, Holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Observation: Moses asked God, and God forgave the people of Israel. However, his forgiveness did not remove the consequence of their action. They would never see the promise land because of their rebellion against God.
Application: We see this principle in action in our interactions with each other, and our interaction with the supernatural. When we forgive each other, as we are commanded to do, it doesn't take away the damage that is already done. To ignore that damage is problematic. In the same way when our God forgives us, we don't always see the consequences of our rebellion removed. As followers of Jesus we have a special supernatural relationship by which the eternal guilt of our sin is removed, but here on earth in the natural we still see consequences. Often God will supernaturally remove those consequences as the result of the prayers of his disciples, but the default seems to be that we have to live with the consequences of our sin.
Prayer: Our Father, who is in heaven, Holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Power of a Blessing
Scripture: Num 6:23-27 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
Observation: There is tremendous power in a blessing, especially when it comes from someone in the office of the priest. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the office of Priest by being grafted into Jesus Christ when we dedicate our lives to serving him. We are adopted priests if you would (smile)! When we speak a blessing over someone, things are established in the supernatural which will affect the natural (although the supernatural is more real than the natural).
Application: We need to serve our Lord, daily. We need to speak his blessing over those whom the Holy Spirit prompts us to.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that this day I may serve you will all that I have. I pray that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, this day, through me. Open my heart, Open the eyes of my understanding so that I can see things they way you do. Lead me and guide me. Help me to let your words be my words. Help be to speak your blessing over those who need your protection and guidance. Thank You Lord for your love and your provision over our lives.
Observation: There is tremendous power in a blessing, especially when it comes from someone in the office of the priest. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the office of Priest by being grafted into Jesus Christ when we dedicate our lives to serving him. We are adopted priests if you would (smile)! When we speak a blessing over someone, things are established in the supernatural which will affect the natural (although the supernatural is more real than the natural).
Application: We need to serve our Lord, daily. We need to speak his blessing over those whom the Holy Spirit prompts us to.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that this day I may serve you will all that I have. I pray that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, this day, through me. Open my heart, Open the eyes of my understanding so that I can see things they way you do. Lead me and guide me. Help me to let your words be my words. Help be to speak your blessing over those who need your protection and guidance. Thank You Lord for your love and your provision over our lives.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Blessings of Serving the Lord
Scripture: Lev 26:3 If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make [you] afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you. For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you. You shall eat the old harvest, and clear out the old because of the new. I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.
Observation: Wow! Being a follower of God has fantastic benefits. Like Isiah 54 says: No weapon formed against us shall proper. Everything we do is successful, every conflict victorious. To the degree we follow God, so it will be. God's command for us is simple, Love the Lord God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your strength... and Love Your neighbor as yourself. (Matt 22:38-39). If we can do that, the world would be a different place, beginning with us.
Application: The benefits of following God are fantastic, but we shouldn't follow him for his benefits. In fact if we did, we wouldn't be following him. We have to love him with everything we have, and love is not selfish, ... it is self less.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that I will follow you all of the days of my life. I pray that I will love you with everything I have, all the days of my life. I pray that I will share you love with everyone I meet. Let it be so in Jesus precious name.
Observation: Wow! Being a follower of God has fantastic benefits. Like Isiah 54 says: No weapon formed against us shall proper. Everything we do is successful, every conflict victorious. To the degree we follow God, so it will be. God's command for us is simple, Love the Lord God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your strength... and Love Your neighbor as yourself. (Matt 22:38-39). If we can do that, the world would be a different place, beginning with us.
Application: The benefits of following God are fantastic, but we shouldn't follow him for his benefits. In fact if we did, we wouldn't be following him. We have to love him with everything we have, and love is not selfish, ... it is self less.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that I will follow you all of the days of my life. I pray that I will love you with everything I have, all the days of my life. I pray that I will share you love with everyone I meet. Let it be so in Jesus precious name.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bruised
Scripture: Lev 24:20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him [again].
Observation: Can you imagine being called into court, and being beaten for your punishment? Before the age of prisons, which are quite recent in our history, that was the means of justice.
Application: The Bible says we are all sinners, no one much argues with that. We are all guilty, and we all deserve to be called into court and beaten for our wrong doings. And the reality is that according the the law in Leviticus 24, we all deserve death. The Bible says that Jesus took our punishment upon himself so that we would not deserve punishment. He took our bruises, he took our disgrace, he took our death. How could he do that? He is God, he can do all things, and he did. But we have to accept his gift. If we refuse his gift, then we will have to give account for our own wrongdoings.
Prayer: Dear Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much that you took my punishment, when you didn't deserve it. Forgive me of all of the wrong things I have done. Fill me with your love and your spirit of peace. I dedicate my life to serving you, this day, and all the days of my life.
Observation: Can you imagine being called into court, and being beaten for your punishment? Before the age of prisons, which are quite recent in our history, that was the means of justice.
Application: The Bible says we are all sinners, no one much argues with that. We are all guilty, and we all deserve to be called into court and beaten for our wrong doings. And the reality is that according the the law in Leviticus 24, we all deserve death. The Bible says that Jesus took our punishment upon himself so that we would not deserve punishment. He took our bruises, he took our disgrace, he took our death. How could he do that? He is God, he can do all things, and he did. But we have to accept his gift. If we refuse his gift, then we will have to give account for our own wrongdoings.
Prayer: Dear Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much that you took my punishment, when you didn't deserve it. Forgive me of all of the wrong things I have done. Fill me with your love and your spirit of peace. I dedicate my life to serving you, this day, and all the days of my life.
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