Scripture: Mar 4:39-41 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Observation: If you have ever spent much time on the sea, you quickly gain a love and respect for the power of the water. It is incredible how much physical power is in an ocean wave. They pound everything to dust eventually. Jesus simply speaks and that incredible power is removed.
Application: This was a turning point for the disciples who were fisherman. Still today, for many who know the sea it is a turning point for them. This man Jesus, is God. And if he is God, everything changes for you.
Prayer: I know that you are God Jesus. Forgive me of my wrong doings. Cleanse me of my filth. Make me a new person in you. Help me to follow you all of the days of my life. Amen!
Friday, November 12, 2010
The benefits of listening
Scripture: Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Observation: Jesus had just finished sharing the interpretation of the Parable of the sower with his disciples. He told them to be sure they were rooted in the things of God, that they should be wary of Satan and the cares of this world, and that they should follow God with all of their heart and if they did so they would flourish. Now Jesus tells his disciples that they need to hear, listen, and do those things which they just heard.
Application: There is power in God's word. He has given us clear direction in his word that we should follow. The power is when we do what he has told us to do. When we do so, nothing can stop us. When we follow God, the power is not our own... but his.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I pray that I would keep my eyes on you. I pray that I would listen to your Word. I pray that I would have understanding of your Word. I pray that I would do your Word and not be distracted by the things of this world. I trust you to provide that which you have said you will provide. Thank You.
Observation: Jesus had just finished sharing the interpretation of the Parable of the sower with his disciples. He told them to be sure they were rooted in the things of God, that they should be wary of Satan and the cares of this world, and that they should follow God with all of their heart and if they did so they would flourish. Now Jesus tells his disciples that they need to hear, listen, and do those things which they just heard.
Application: There is power in God's word. He has given us clear direction in his word that we should follow. The power is when we do what he has told us to do. When we do so, nothing can stop us. When we follow God, the power is not our own... but his.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I pray that I would keep my eyes on you. I pray that I would listen to your Word. I pray that I would have understanding of your Word. I pray that I would do your Word and not be distracted by the things of this world. I trust you to provide that which you have said you will provide. Thank You.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Be careful about condemning the works of God
Scripture: Mark 3:28-30 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Observation: This is a scripture which has puzzled many Bible readers. Why would you receive eternal condemnation for speaking against the Holy Spirit, but not for speaking against Jesus? To understand this, you must understand who Jesus was on earth. Jesus was fully God, but also fully Man. He stepped down from his throne to come to earth as a baby. That didn't change who he was, but it did change his position. Before Jesus did miracles, he was first baptized with the Holy Spirit (as should we all be). He was, and always will be God, but when he was baptized with the Holy Spirit he was endued with heavenly power on earth from the Holy Spirit. So, Jesus operated in the position of Man... under the covenant of Adam, but he operated in the power of the Holy Ghost while still being fully God. Thus, it was the power of the Holy Ghost who cast out the devils in Mark chapter 3, and so when the Pharisee accused Jesus of casting out devils by Satan, they were calling the spirit by which Jesus did the miracles Satan. The Pharisees called the Holy Spirit Satan. That was the unpardonable sin.
Application: We need to be very careful about condemning the ministry of others. It could be us who is wrong, not them. How many times have you looked back on things you did years earlier and thought about how wrong you were? Is it possible that you could be wrong now when you condemn someone else's ministry. Ultimately people who operate in the occult will be exposed by their fruit. Prayer is a better course of action than condemnation of the ministry of others.
Prayer: Dear Father, Give me a humble heart. Let me think less of myself than others. Help me to always walk in humility. Help me to speak softly but to carry a big stick. You are my power and my authority dear Jesus, let me never forget that. Amen!
Observation: This is a scripture which has puzzled many Bible readers. Why would you receive eternal condemnation for speaking against the Holy Spirit, but not for speaking against Jesus? To understand this, you must understand who Jesus was on earth. Jesus was fully God, but also fully Man. He stepped down from his throne to come to earth as a baby. That didn't change who he was, but it did change his position. Before Jesus did miracles, he was first baptized with the Holy Spirit (as should we all be). He was, and always will be God, but when he was baptized with the Holy Spirit he was endued with heavenly power on earth from the Holy Spirit. So, Jesus operated in the position of Man... under the covenant of Adam, but he operated in the power of the Holy Ghost while still being fully God. Thus, it was the power of the Holy Ghost who cast out the devils in Mark chapter 3, and so when the Pharisee accused Jesus of casting out devils by Satan, they were calling the spirit by which Jesus did the miracles Satan. The Pharisees called the Holy Spirit Satan. That was the unpardonable sin.
Application: We need to be very careful about condemning the ministry of others. It could be us who is wrong, not them. How many times have you looked back on things you did years earlier and thought about how wrong you were? Is it possible that you could be wrong now when you condemn someone else's ministry. Ultimately people who operate in the occult will be exposed by their fruit. Prayer is a better course of action than condemnation of the ministry of others.
Prayer: Dear Father, Give me a humble heart. Let me think less of myself than others. Help me to always walk in humility. Help me to speak softly but to carry a big stick. You are my power and my authority dear Jesus, let me never forget that. Amen!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Watch and Pray
Scripture- Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak
Observation: The Garden of Gethsemane and the sweat of blood that Jesus shed prior to his crucification are perhaps some of the most heart wrenching scenes from the New Testament. Here we find Jesus trying to compel his inner circle, Peter James and John, to pray. One might assume that they prayers would be for him, since he has stated that he is very sorrowful. However, in this verse the subject of the prayers Jesus wants his disciples to pray are not for him self. He wants to keep THEM from entering into temptation. "Ye" in this verse is second person plural. That is, it is not Jesus who is being tempted and who's flesh is weak but rather the disciples.
Application: Since this verse is one that is applicable to the disciples, and if we are a disciple of Christ, then perhaps we should be more cognizant of it in our lives. We DO need to watch and pray so that we don't enter into temptation. As a believer in Jesus Christ, his spirit lives in us, and so yes our spirit is willing to do God's will in our lives, but it is most often our flesh who is weak. The solution given here is to watch and pray. Many other verses in the Bible encourage us to watch and pray. Watch implies staying awake and being vigilant. The enemy is out to kill, steal, and destroy. We need to Watch and be ready. Our response to the attempts of the enemy is prayer. Our prayer should be words of faith to bring to pass God's will on earth.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, I pray that we stay vigilant to the wiles of the enemy. Teach us to pray, Father of ours. Let us pray with faith, not doubting, that the kingdom of heaven would be manifest here on earth. In Jesus name.
Observation: The Garden of Gethsemane and the sweat of blood that Jesus shed prior to his crucification are perhaps some of the most heart wrenching scenes from the New Testament. Here we find Jesus trying to compel his inner circle, Peter James and John, to pray. One might assume that they prayers would be for him, since he has stated that he is very sorrowful. However, in this verse the subject of the prayers Jesus wants his disciples to pray are not for him self. He wants to keep THEM from entering into temptation. "Ye" in this verse is second person plural. That is, it is not Jesus who is being tempted and who's flesh is weak but rather the disciples.
Application: Since this verse is one that is applicable to the disciples, and if we are a disciple of Christ, then perhaps we should be more cognizant of it in our lives. We DO need to watch and pray so that we don't enter into temptation. As a believer in Jesus Christ, his spirit lives in us, and so yes our spirit is willing to do God's will in our lives, but it is most often our flesh who is weak. The solution given here is to watch and pray. Many other verses in the Bible encourage us to watch and pray. Watch implies staying awake and being vigilant. The enemy is out to kill, steal, and destroy. We need to Watch and be ready. Our response to the attempts of the enemy is prayer. Our prayer should be words of faith to bring to pass God's will on earth.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, I pray that we stay vigilant to the wiles of the enemy. Teach us to pray, Father of ours. Let us pray with faith, not doubting, that the kingdom of heaven would be manifest here on earth. In Jesus name.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Don't Interrupt God
Scripture: Matthew 17:3-6 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
Observation: God was doing something here. Jesus was engaged in conversation with Moses and Elijah in an open heaven on earth. What an amazing thing! John, James, and Peter were able to witness this supernatural event. Peter, who is often full of zeal, interrupts the conversation of Jesus to promote his own idea. If the culture of Judea was anything similar to today's culture, what Peter did was a rude thing. Interrupting the King of the Universe is something that is not advisable. Father God's rebuke was about as gentle as he could possibly have made it, but it still scared Peter, James, and John beyond description.
Application: God is active in our lifes, he has an agenda and is engaged in things on our behalf. Often we get our own ideas, and we want to interupt God. Interrupting God is very disrespectful. It leads to going our own way, in our own strength, which causes problems. However, often our ideas are inspired of God. How can we know the difference? Listening to God is key. If Peter had listened closer to God, rather than listening to the ideas spinning through his head, he would have been in tune with the Holy Spirit. We need time with God to be able to discern his thoughts from our thoughts, and we need to listen closely with reverence and respect.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, open our hears Lord. Let us hear you clearly. Open our hearts Lord, let us desire you with a pure love. Open our minds Lord, let us know you as our closest friend. Amen
Observation: God was doing something here. Jesus was engaged in conversation with Moses and Elijah in an open heaven on earth. What an amazing thing! John, James, and Peter were able to witness this supernatural event. Peter, who is often full of zeal, interrupts the conversation of Jesus to promote his own idea. If the culture of Judea was anything similar to today's culture, what Peter did was a rude thing. Interrupting the King of the Universe is something that is not advisable. Father God's rebuke was about as gentle as he could possibly have made it, but it still scared Peter, James, and John beyond description.
Application: God is active in our lifes, he has an agenda and is engaged in things on our behalf. Often we get our own ideas, and we want to interupt God. Interrupting God is very disrespectful. It leads to going our own way, in our own strength, which causes problems. However, often our ideas are inspired of God. How can we know the difference? Listening to God is key. If Peter had listened closer to God, rather than listening to the ideas spinning through his head, he would have been in tune with the Holy Spirit. We need time with God to be able to discern his thoughts from our thoughts, and we need to listen closely with reverence and respect.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, open our hears Lord. Let us hear you clearly. Open our hearts Lord, let us desire you with a pure love. Open our minds Lord, let us know you as our closest friend. Amen
Sunday, October 24, 2010
How to build a ministry
Scripture: Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Observation: Jesus is the Christ, God on Earth... and yet he didn't want his disciples going and telling everyone that. Jesus had many titles in the various old testement scriptures that prophesied his time on earth, he chose "son of man", the most humble of all to refer to himself with.
Application: Humility is a precious commodity. It is more powerful that they most persuasive speech. It is more beautiful that the finest sunset. It is more fragrant that the finest perfume. Let others discover who you are, rather than developing strategies to market yourself.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, let us be clothed in your humility. Let us lay down our life, take up our cross, and follow you. Let us not look to the left or the right, but keep our eyes on you at all times. Amen
Observation: Jesus is the Christ, God on Earth... and yet he didn't want his disciples going and telling everyone that. Jesus had many titles in the various old testement scriptures that prophesied his time on earth, he chose "son of man", the most humble of all to refer to himself with.
Application: Humility is a precious commodity. It is more powerful that they most persuasive speech. It is more beautiful that the finest sunset. It is more fragrant that the finest perfume. Let others discover who you are, rather than developing strategies to market yourself.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, let us be clothed in your humility. Let us lay down our life, take up our cross, and follow you. Let us not look to the left or the right, but keep our eyes on you at all times. Amen
Beware
Scripture: Mat 16:11-12 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake [it] not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Then understood they how that he bade [them] not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Observation: Yeast is everywhere, it is in every breath of air, it only needs a warm moist place to grow. Bad doctrine has a way of sneaking into our belief system. It doesn't come knocking on our door, it slips through the cracks in our walls and windows. But once it begins to grow from the inside, it seems as if it belonged there all along.
Application: The Apostle Paul told his church plants to believe nothing other than what he taught them. That seems pretty narrow minded, but he understood that the truth of who Jesus Christ is, is all sufficient. Every supposed truth we hear needs to be put to the test of scripture, and it it is not what the scripture teaches it should be discarded.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to remain true to you until the very end. We know that there are wolfs and snakes seeking to trick and devour us, but we put our trust solely in you and the work Christ did on the cross for us. Thank you Lord.
Then understood they how that he bade [them] not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Observation: Yeast is everywhere, it is in every breath of air, it only needs a warm moist place to grow. Bad doctrine has a way of sneaking into our belief system. It doesn't come knocking on our door, it slips through the cracks in our walls and windows. But once it begins to grow from the inside, it seems as if it belonged there all along.
Application: The Apostle Paul told his church plants to believe nothing other than what he taught them. That seems pretty narrow minded, but he understood that the truth of who Jesus Christ is, is all sufficient. Every supposed truth we hear needs to be put to the test of scripture, and it it is not what the scripture teaches it should be discarded.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to remain true to you until the very end. We know that there are wolfs and snakes seeking to trick and devour us, but we put our trust solely in you and the work Christ did on the cross for us. Thank you Lord.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)