VERSE:
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
-- Proverbs 31:30
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+31:30&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Want to find a really good woman? Look for one who honors and
reveres the LORD with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Appearance, physical strength, and even personality can change and
degrade. A woman whose heart is anchored and enlivened by the
presence of God in her life will be a life-long blessing and a
woman worthy of our praise, and the praise of her God.
PRAYER:
Father, once again, I want to thank you this week for the
important women in my life who helped shape my faith and who helped
me find my way to you. Please help me to value godly women in ways
that bless them, honor you, and build up your Church. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
Monday, November 30, 2009
VERSE:
VERSE:
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
-- Proverbs 31:30
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+31:30&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Want to find a really good woman? Look for one who honors and
reveres the LORD with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Appearance, physical strength, and even personality can change and
degrade. A woman whose heart is anchored and enlivened by the
presence of God in her life will be a life-long blessing and a
woman worthy of our praise, and the praise of her God.
PRAYER:
Father, once again, I want to thank you this week for the
important women in my life who helped shape my faith and who helped
me find my way to you. Please help me to value godly women in ways
that bless them, honor you, and build up your Church. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
-- Proverbs 31:30
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+31:30&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Want to find a really good woman? Look for one who honors and
reveres the LORD with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Appearance, physical strength, and even personality can change and
degrade. A woman whose heart is anchored and enlivened by the
presence of God in her life will be a life-long blessing and a
woman worthy of our praise, and the praise of her God.
PRAYER:
Father, once again, I want to thank you this week for the
important women in my life who helped shape my faith and who helped
me find my way to you. Please help me to value godly women in ways
that bless them, honor you, and build up your Church. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
FOCUSED ON GOODNESS
FOCUSED ON GOODNESS
Philippians 4:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:8-9
Dear Father, praiseworthy God,
Help me set my mind only on things that are true, that are noble,
right, pure and lovely, things that are worthy of admiration.
If there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, O God, let me
think only about such things!
Whatever I have learned or received or heard through your apostles
and your word, help me to put into practice.
O God of peace, be with me in everything! I believe you will, for
you have promised it.
I lovingly pray for your blessings and abiding presence in the
name of Jesus. Amen.
Philippians 4:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:8-9
Dear Father, praiseworthy God,
Help me set my mind only on things that are true, that are noble,
right, pure and lovely, things that are worthy of admiration.
If there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, O God, let me
think only about such things!
Whatever I have learned or received or heard through your apostles
and your word, help me to put into practice.
O God of peace, be with me in everything! I believe you will, for
you have promised it.
I lovingly pray for your blessings and abiding presence in the
name of Jesus. Amen.
FOCUSED ON GOODNESS
FOCUSED ON GOODNESS
Philippians 4:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:8-9
Dear Father, praiseworthy God,
Help me set my mind only on things that are true, that are noble,
right, pure and lovely, things that are worthy of admiration.
If there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, O God, let me
think only about such things!
Whatever I have learned or received or heard through your apostles
and your word, help me to put into practice.
O God of peace, be with me in everything! I believe you will, for
you have promised it.
I lovingly pray for your blessings and abiding presence in the
name of Jesus. Amen.
Philippians 4:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:8-9
Dear Father, praiseworthy God,
Help me set my mind only on things that are true, that are noble,
right, pure and lovely, things that are worthy of admiration.
If there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, O God, let me
think only about such things!
Whatever I have learned or received or heard through your apostles
and your word, help me to put into practice.
O God of peace, be with me in everything! I believe you will, for
you have promised it.
I lovingly pray for your blessings and abiding presence in the
name of Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
REJOICE! AND PRAY!
REJOICE! AND PRAY!
Philippians 4:4-7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:4-7
Dear Father, forbearing God,
Let me rejoice in the Lord always! Again I ask this from you: Let
me rejoice always!
Let me be gentle, open to reason, slow to make negative judgments.
Let this forbearing spirit be apparent to everyone.
I know the Lord Jesus is near, so I have no reason to be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, let me present my requests to you.
I believe in you, Father, a God who transcends all human
understanding.
I believe that the peace which comes from you, which transcends
all understanding, will keep my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.
In the name of the ever-near Jesus. Amen.
Philippians 4:4-7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+4:4-7
Dear Father, forbearing God,
Let me rejoice in the Lord always! Again I ask this from you: Let
me rejoice always!
Let me be gentle, open to reason, slow to make negative judgments.
Let this forbearing spirit be apparent to everyone.
I know the Lord Jesus is near, so I have no reason to be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, let me present my requests to you.
I believe in you, Father, a God who transcends all human
understanding.
I believe that the peace which comes from you, which transcends
all understanding, will keep my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.
In the name of the ever-near Jesus. Amen.
Friday, November 27, 2009
A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN
A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN
Philippians 3:16-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+3:16-21
Dear Father,
I want to join all your holy people in imitating the example of
your apostle Paul, and I want to take notice of people in my own
time who live by the same example.
Thank you, my God, that my citizenship is in heaven, from which I
wait the return of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Father, that he will come to change my lowly body to be
like his glorious body, by the power which enables him to subject
all things to himself.
In the name of Jesus I ask these things. Amen.
Philippians 3:16-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+3:16-21
Dear Father,
I want to join all your holy people in imitating the example of
your apostle Paul, and I want to take notice of people in my own
time who live by the same example.
Thank you, my God, that my citizenship is in heaven, from which I
wait the return of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Father, that he will come to change my lowly body to be
like his glorious body, by the power which enables him to subject
all things to himself.
In the name of Jesus I ask these things. Amen.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A PRECIOUS PROMISE
A PRECIOUS PROMISE
Philippians 3:8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+3:8
Dear Father, Keeper of all your promises,
You have promised: "Be faithful unto death and I will give you a
crown of life." Thank you for such a precious promise! You are so
gracious to me!
Help me to count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord. For his sake I would gladly suffer
the loss of all things - at least I hope I would - and count them
as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
Father, you know my heart. You know that I don't want a
righteousness of my own based on self-sufficient rule-keeping, but
one which comes from trusting Christ.
I want the righteousness that you provide when I commit myself to
your trustworthy care.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Philippians 3:8
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+3:8
Dear Father, Keeper of all your promises,
You have promised: "Be faithful unto death and I will give you a
crown of life." Thank you for such a precious promise! You are so
gracious to me!
Help me to count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord. For his sake I would gladly suffer
the loss of all things - at least I hope I would - and count them
as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
Father, you know my heart. You know that I don't want a
righteousness of my own based on self-sufficient rule-keeping, but
one which comes from trusting Christ.
I want the righteousness that you provide when I commit myself to
your trustworthy care.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Moment of Thanks
A Moment of Thanks
Dr. David Jeremiah
Life is hard, and every day is challenging. You may be wondering just now if you can go on. Perhaps another person is vexing you. Perhaps you've been maligned or criticized. You're discouraged with unanswered prayer. Maybe you're feeling like Elijah under the broom tree, wanting to die.
Try praying with thanksgiving. A thankful attitude is the cure for many emotional ailments. Take depression, for example. What is depression or discouragement except the total collapse of thanksgiving in our lives?
Thanksgiving is also the opposite of discontent. It's easy for us to become disgruntled with various factors in our lives; but let's be like one man who was thankful...
For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
* For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means that I have freedom of speech.
* For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.
* For the teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
* For the taxes that I pay because it means that I'm employed.
* For the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
* For weariness at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.
* For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
Thanksgiving is the opposite of anxiety. Philippians 4:6: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart. They are mutually exclusive, according to Ruth Graham.
Thanksgiving is also the corrective for sadness and even grief. While working on a message from Psalm 100, my phone rang. It was from a family dear to me. Our children were about the same age and had played together growing up.
The caller told me there had been an accident in the woods, and a portion of a tree had fallen on one of the boys. He'd been pinned for over an hour before the ambulance arrived, and it appeared the young man would be paralyzed from the waist down. His spinal cord had been crushed.
Well, that just destroyed my afternoon. I couldn't get it out of my mind. This was a blond-headed kid, very athletic, full of life; and in one moment, his life was shattered and changed. I wrestled with my own thoughts and emotions until evening, then I placed a call to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Frankly, I didn't know what to say; but I didn't have to say much at all. The boy's father ended up comforting me.
He said, "Pastor, I want you to know that my wife and I are, first of all, thankful that our son is alive. Second, we're thanking God that it wasn't the upper part of his body that was paralyzed. And thirdly, though we don't understand why, we know God is good and that somehow in the midst of this, He has a plan for our son's life that must go beyond anything we can imagine. Though it's hard and we wish it hadn't happened, we have committed it to our God, for He is good."
Is the race of life wearing you down?
Try a moment of thanks.
Dr. David Jeremiah
Life is hard, and every day is challenging. You may be wondering just now if you can go on. Perhaps another person is vexing you. Perhaps you've been maligned or criticized. You're discouraged with unanswered prayer. Maybe you're feeling like Elijah under the broom tree, wanting to die.
Try praying with thanksgiving. A thankful attitude is the cure for many emotional ailments. Take depression, for example. What is depression or discouragement except the total collapse of thanksgiving in our lives?
Thanksgiving is also the opposite of discontent. It's easy for us to become disgruntled with various factors in our lives; but let's be like one man who was thankful...
For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
* For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means that I have freedom of speech.
* For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.
* For the teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
* For the taxes that I pay because it means that I'm employed.
* For the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
* For weariness at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.
* For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
Thanksgiving is the opposite of anxiety. Philippians 4:6: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart. They are mutually exclusive, according to Ruth Graham.
Thanksgiving is also the corrective for sadness and even grief. While working on a message from Psalm 100, my phone rang. It was from a family dear to me. Our children were about the same age and had played together growing up.
The caller told me there had been an accident in the woods, and a portion of a tree had fallen on one of the boys. He'd been pinned for over an hour before the ambulance arrived, and it appeared the young man would be paralyzed from the waist down. His spinal cord had been crushed.
Well, that just destroyed my afternoon. I couldn't get it out of my mind. This was a blond-headed kid, very athletic, full of life; and in one moment, his life was shattered and changed. I wrestled with my own thoughts and emotions until evening, then I placed a call to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Frankly, I didn't know what to say; but I didn't have to say much at all. The boy's father ended up comforting me.
He said, "Pastor, I want you to know that my wife and I are, first of all, thankful that our son is alive. Second, we're thanking God that it wasn't the upper part of his body that was paralyzed. And thirdly, though we don't understand why, we know God is good and that somehow in the midst of this, He has a plan for our son's life that must go beyond anything we can imagine. Though it's hard and we wish it hadn't happened, we have committed it to our God, for He is good."
Is the race of life wearing you down?
Try a moment of thanks.
THE ULTIMATE LOYALTY
THE ULTIMATE LOYALTY
Philippians 2:19-3:7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:19-3:7
Dear Father,
Help me to be a Timothy, one who genuinely cares for the welfare
of others.
Help me look out not just for my own interests, but for Christ's.
Help me to be an Epaphroditus, a true fellow worker and fellow
soldier to all others who serve you, risking my life for you.
Help me to be one of the true circumcision, who worship you in
spirit, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the
flesh.
Help me turn my back on all earthly gain and count all things as
loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and serving him.
In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.
Philippians 2:19-3:7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:19-3:7
Dear Father,
Help me to be a Timothy, one who genuinely cares for the welfare
of others.
Help me look out not just for my own interests, but for Christ's.
Help me to be an Epaphroditus, a true fellow worker and fellow
soldier to all others who serve you, risking my life for you.
Help me to be one of the true circumcision, who worship you in
spirit, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the
flesh.
Help me turn my back on all earthly gain and count all things as
loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and serving him.
In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
A BRILLIANT STAR
A BRILLIANT STAR
Philippians 2:14-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:14-18
Dear Father,
Help me do what is needed without complaining or arguing, so that
I may be blameless and pure.
Let me be your child without fault, a child of God, in a crooked
and perverse generation.
Let me shine like a brilliant star in the night skies of your
universe, as I hold out the word of life.
Make me a source of pride to those who led me to the Lord, so that
they may know that their efforts were not in vain.
Let me rejoice together with all your saints and let them rejoice
with me! Now and for ever!
In the name of Jesus, our star of hope. Amen.
Philippians 2:14-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:14-18
Dear Father,
Help me do what is needed without complaining or arguing, so that
I may be blameless and pure.
Let me be your child without fault, a child of God, in a crooked
and perverse generation.
Let me shine like a brilliant star in the night skies of your
universe, as I hold out the word of life.
Make me a source of pride to those who led me to the Lord, so that
they may know that their efforts were not in vain.
Let me rejoice together with all your saints and let them rejoice
with me! Now and for ever!
In the name of Jesus, our star of hope. Amen.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
FEAR AND TREMBLING
FEAR AND TREMBLING
Philippians 2:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:12-13
Dear Father,
Help me to obey your word, not only in the presence of other
followers of Christ but even more when they are absent, when
there's no one there but me.
Be with me as I work out my salvation with fear and trembling,
lest I should ever think that I have earned it. After all, it is
you, dear God, who is at work within me, both causing me to do your
good purpose and to purpose your good deeds.
In the name of Jesus, our star of hope. Amen.
Philippians 2:12-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:12-13
Dear Father,
Help me to obey your word, not only in the presence of other
followers of Christ but even more when they are absent, when
there's no one there but me.
Be with me as I work out my salvation with fear and trembling,
lest I should ever think that I have earned it. After all, it is
you, dear God, who is at work within me, both causing me to do your
good purpose and to purpose your good deeds.
In the name of Jesus, our star of hope. Amen.
Friday, November 20, 2009
ONE IN SPIRIT
ONE IN SPIRIT
Philippians 2:3-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:3-11
Dear Father, One God of your one holy people,
Help all of us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humility help us count each other better than
ourselves.
May we look out for the interests of each other, not just our own.
Let our attitude be the same as was in Christ Jesus, who made
himself nothing and obeyed you, our Father, even in the matter of
dying.
Help me humbly and obediently to exalt Jesus, even as you have
exalted him and given him a name that is above every name, that
every knee should bow and every tongue confess - to the glory of
you, our God and our Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
Philippians 2:3-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:3-11
Dear Father, One God of your one holy people,
Help all of us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humility help us count each other better than
ourselves.
May we look out for the interests of each other, not just our own.
Let our attitude be the same as was in Christ Jesus, who made
himself nothing and obeyed you, our Father, even in the matter of
dying.
Help me humbly and obediently to exalt Jesus, even as you have
exalted him and given him a name that is above every name, that
every knee should bow and every tongue confess - to the glory of
you, our God and our Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
UNDIVIDED, INDIVISIBLE
UNDIVIDED, INDIVISIBLE
Philippians 2:1-2
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:1-2
Dear Father, One God of your one holy people,
Help me never to be a party to any division within the body of
Christ. Let me be perfectly united in mind and heart with all
others who follow you.
Help me not to be some kind of -ite, -ist, or -anian. Keep me from
misplacing my loyalties with this person or that!
Christ, of whom I am part, is not divided. He is of one mind. So
let me and all his people be together and in agreement.
Let us be like-minded, having the same love, one in spirit and
purpose.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
Philippians 2:1-2
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:1-2
Dear Father, One God of your one holy people,
Help me never to be a party to any division within the body of
Christ. Let me be perfectly united in mind and heart with all
others who follow you.
Help me not to be some kind of -ite, -ist, or -anian. Keep me from
misplacing my loyalties with this person or that!
Christ, of whom I am part, is not divided. He is of one mind. So
let me and all his people be together and in agreement.
Let us be like-minded, having the same love, one in spirit and
purpose.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
Lord Have Mercy
Lord Have Mercy
Scott Williams
Have Mercy On Me is not a phrase that you hear very often. When many of us hear "Have Mercy On Me," we immediately think of the Parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
You know where the Pharisee prayed to God, "Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like those other people--robbers, crooks, adulterers, or heaven forbid, like this IRS Guy, I mean Tax Collector. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income." Meanwhile the Tax Collector slumped in the shadows with his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, "God, Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner."
This story reminds me of the story of a young lady who attends my church. About six weeks ago we had offered for people to come down for prayer at the end of service. This young lady came down and began to share the story of "Livin' la Vida Loca" (livin' the crazy life). She was excited about the fact that she was once that crazy troubled teenager and now she gets to work with troubled youth as a Detention Officer.
As we talked about Juvenile Corrections, I shared the fact that I used to be the Warden of a local Juvenile Correctional Facility. One thing led to anther and I realized that her younger brother used to be one of my kids in the facility. I quickly remembered that I had seen on the news several years back that her younger brother was murdered.
She shared the story of her 19-year-old brother being murdered execution style in 2005. Recalling a knock on the door around midnight one summer evening in 2006, that knock led to her 16-year-old brother going to answer the door. The next thing she remembers is hearing gunshots. One Year after her 19-year-old brother was killed; her 16-year-old brother was gunned down by a group of guys that were coming to kill her.
For years and years she walked around with the guilt that she was responsible for her brothers death. "I felt like I was brainwashed, I was brainwashed into thinking that I was supposed to live that crazy life forever." It wasn't until she quit saying "poor me" and truly humbled herself before the Lord, that things began to change. "I remember getting on my knees, with my face in my hands and tears running down my face."
Understanding that she wasn't worthy, she prayed this prayer "God, I know I'm jacked up and should have probably died instead of my brother. God Make Me Different; Change Me for Real, Lord Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner!"
We all need to pray less like the Pharisee and more like the humble Tax Collector and this young lady (modern day tax collector). God I don't just ask for your forgiveness, God Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner!
I'll close with these words from Jesus talking about the Tax Collector in Luke 18:14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Sometimes you gotta get down, so that God can lift you up! Lord Have Mercy!
Scott Williams
Have Mercy On Me is not a phrase that you hear very often. When many of us hear "Have Mercy On Me," we immediately think of the Parable of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
You know where the Pharisee prayed to God, "Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like those other people--robbers, crooks, adulterers, or heaven forbid, like this IRS Guy, I mean Tax Collector. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income." Meanwhile the Tax Collector slumped in the shadows with his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, "God, Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner."
This story reminds me of the story of a young lady who attends my church. About six weeks ago we had offered for people to come down for prayer at the end of service. This young lady came down and began to share the story of "Livin' la Vida Loca" (livin' the crazy life). She was excited about the fact that she was once that crazy troubled teenager and now she gets to work with troubled youth as a Detention Officer.
As we talked about Juvenile Corrections, I shared the fact that I used to be the Warden of a local Juvenile Correctional Facility. One thing led to anther and I realized that her younger brother used to be one of my kids in the facility. I quickly remembered that I had seen on the news several years back that her younger brother was murdered.
She shared the story of her 19-year-old brother being murdered execution style in 2005. Recalling a knock on the door around midnight one summer evening in 2006, that knock led to her 16-year-old brother going to answer the door. The next thing she remembers is hearing gunshots. One Year after her 19-year-old brother was killed; her 16-year-old brother was gunned down by a group of guys that were coming to kill her.
For years and years she walked around with the guilt that she was responsible for her brothers death. "I felt like I was brainwashed, I was brainwashed into thinking that I was supposed to live that crazy life forever." It wasn't until she quit saying "poor me" and truly humbled herself before the Lord, that things began to change. "I remember getting on my knees, with my face in my hands and tears running down my face."
Understanding that she wasn't worthy, she prayed this prayer "God, I know I'm jacked up and should have probably died instead of my brother. God Make Me Different; Change Me for Real, Lord Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner!"
We all need to pray less like the Pharisee and more like the humble Tax Collector and this young lady (modern day tax collector). God I don't just ask for your forgiveness, God Have Mercy On Me... I'm A Sinner!
I'll close with these words from Jesus talking about the Tax Collector in Luke 18:14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Sometimes you gotta get down, so that God can lift you up! Lord Have Mercy!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Access to Victory
Access to Victory
Bishop Keith Butler
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1,2 (KJV)
Faith in the blood of Jesus will cause you to win over anything intended to harm you. The protection of the blood covers all of you. God has given us an open door to all the weaponry we need to overcome those obstacles. Because we have access, we have hope for deliverance. The word "access" means entrance. It is through God's grace, which was freely given to us that we received the power of the blood of Jesus. His grace extended to us was evident in the shedding of that blood to give us victory. It is through that grace that we can rejoice because we have an entrance to victory.
Now the Lord will prepare you ahead of time for what He kn ows is coming in the future. The Lord started preparing my church a year ago to overcome fear of recession. I didn't know then what was coming down, but a year ago the Lord had me lead my congregation in saying that there is no recession here. We have been speaking that for a year, and there is no recession at Word of Faith. It is because of our entrance by faith into the grace of God. And it is by His grace that we are still expanding.
It can be the same for you, if you can believe. Say that there will be no recession here (in your house, in your business). But you may say, "I'm experiencing hard times already." Well, you are not without help. Notice what Romans 5:3 says, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience."
This is a time of tribulations, tests, and trials. But we don't cry in them. We glory in them. We rejoice in them because we have hope of seeing God bring us out on top. So while others are worrying in it, we can glory in it because if we glory instead of worry, we will receive the blessing. You may not feel like rejoicing, but do it anyway. It is your key to victory.
You can rejoice knowing that tribulation works patience. Patience is steadfast, not to be moved, constant praise to God--not praising God for the problem, but praising Him for bringing you out. You must do step one before you get to step two. Patience then brings about experience. And that is the experience of victory.
Having experienced one victory, gives you hope for the future. Should hard times ever hit you again, you can confidently say, "God brought me through years ago, and He is doing it right now. So, I'm not even worried about the future. I know He is taking care of me now, and He will take care of me for the next hundred years."
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Mark 5:36
Bishop Keith Butler
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1,2 (KJV)
Faith in the blood of Jesus will cause you to win over anything intended to harm you. The protection of the blood covers all of you. God has given us an open door to all the weaponry we need to overcome those obstacles. Because we have access, we have hope for deliverance. The word "access" means entrance. It is through God's grace, which was freely given to us that we received the power of the blood of Jesus. His grace extended to us was evident in the shedding of that blood to give us victory. It is through that grace that we can rejoice because we have an entrance to victory.
Now the Lord will prepare you ahead of time for what He kn ows is coming in the future. The Lord started preparing my church a year ago to overcome fear of recession. I didn't know then what was coming down, but a year ago the Lord had me lead my congregation in saying that there is no recession here. We have been speaking that for a year, and there is no recession at Word of Faith. It is because of our entrance by faith into the grace of God. And it is by His grace that we are still expanding.
It can be the same for you, if you can believe. Say that there will be no recession here (in your house, in your business). But you may say, "I'm experiencing hard times already." Well, you are not without help. Notice what Romans 5:3 says, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience."
This is a time of tribulations, tests, and trials. But we don't cry in them. We glory in them. We rejoice in them because we have hope of seeing God bring us out on top. So while others are worrying in it, we can glory in it because if we glory instead of worry, we will receive the blessing. You may not feel like rejoicing, but do it anyway. It is your key to victory.
You can rejoice knowing that tribulation works patience. Patience is steadfast, not to be moved, constant praise to God--not praising God for the problem, but praising Him for bringing you out. You must do step one before you get to step two. Patience then brings about experience. And that is the experience of victory.
Having experienced one victory, gives you hope for the future. Should hard times ever hit you again, you can confidently say, "God brought me through years ago, and He is doing it right now. So, I'm not even worried about the future. I know He is taking care of me now, and He will take care of me for the next hundred years."
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Mark 5:36
VERSE:
VERSE:
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
-- 2 Peter 3:18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Peter+3:18&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Where do you need to grow in your walk with the Lord? How about
keeping the tandem targets of grace and knowledge together as your
goal. So often we pursue one or the other. But something seems to
come unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more
important than the other. Let's keep grace and knowledge together
because we see them together in our Savior.
PRAYER:
Holy God, I want to grow to be more like Jesus. I know I cannot
do that without your Spirit's power and my heart's desire. In
addition, dear Father, I want to grow in being a gracious person. I
want to know and experience Jesus' presence in my life. Please
bless me in this holy quest. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
-- 2 Peter 3:18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Peter+3:18&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Where do you need to grow in your walk with the Lord? How about
keeping the tandem targets of grace and knowledge together as your
goal. So often we pursue one or the other. But something seems to
come unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more
important than the other. Let's keep grace and knowledge together
because we see them together in our Savior.
PRAYER:
Holy God, I want to grow to be more like Jesus. I know I cannot
do that without your Spirit's power and my heart's desire. In
addition, dear Father, I want to grow in being a gracious person. I
want to know and experience Jesus' presence in my life. Please
bless me in this holy quest. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
SETBACKS INTO STEPPING STONES
SETBACKS INTO STEPPING STONES
Philippians 1:12-20
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+1:12-20
Dear Father,
Take the setbacks of our lives and use them to further the
proclamation of your Good News about Jesus to the world.
Let such things become a source of encouragement to our brethren
when they see the valor of those who bear up under adversity. May
every hardship spur your people on to boldly speak your word
without fear!
Even when your word is proclaimed for the wrong reason, we
rejoice, for your word of salvation is nevertheless proclaimed.
Father, we rejoice in the way you comfort and remain faithful to
us.
We are thankful that the prayers of our fellow believers rise
night and day for us and for the good of your kingdom.
In the name of King Jesus I ask. Amen.
Philippians 1:12-20
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+1:12-20
Dear Father,
Take the setbacks of our lives and use them to further the
proclamation of your Good News about Jesus to the world.
Let such things become a source of encouragement to our brethren
when they see the valor of those who bear up under adversity. May
every hardship spur your people on to boldly speak your word
without fear!
Even when your word is proclaimed for the wrong reason, we
rejoice, for your word of salvation is nevertheless proclaimed.
Father, we rejoice in the way you comfort and remain faithful to
us.
We are thankful that the prayers of our fellow believers rise
night and day for us and for the good of your kingdom.
In the name of King Jesus I ask. Amen.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
by Dr. David C. Cooper
One of the most moving of all biblical occurrences is Jesus' interaction with the woman who had been caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11). The story appears only in the Gospel of John. A number of persons asked me why the study notes in their Bibles made reference to the fact that this story does not appear in some of the ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. So, let me explain.
The oldest New Testament manuscripts we have date back between the fourth to sixth centuries (AD). The scholars hand-copied from the originals. We call them the Uncial manuscripts, because they are written in all capital letters. The story of the woman who had been caught in adultery only appears in one of the earliest while six omit it completely and two leave a blank where it should appear. However, it emerges strongly in the later manuscripts of the medieval times.
Jerome included the story in his Latin translation of the Bible (AD 400) and Augustine and Ambrose comment on it in their writings. It appears in all the later manuscripts. It is quoted in a third century book called The Apostolic Constitutions, where it was given as a warning to bishops who were too strict. Eusebius, the church historian, traced its origin back as far as AD 100. Why was it omitted in early manuscripts? Augustine says some removed it because of its scandalous nature. Some thought the story showed Jesus being too soft on sin and thought that people might use it as a justification for sin. After all, the early church was a small island in the ocean of paganism, and needed to learn how to live a holy life. But over time, the story arrived by word of mouth, confirmed by one early manuscript and found its way back into the Gospel of John where it rightly belongs.
The story teaches us how to handle matters of judgment. The story underscores Jesus' statement that follows: "You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father who sent me" (John 8:15-16).
There will always be those among us who try to make Christianity too strict and rigid, so that we always feel like we fall short of the mark. But the good news of Jesus is the message of grace. This magnificent story of grace reminds us that, "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:14).
by Dr. David C. Cooper
One of the most moving of all biblical occurrences is Jesus' interaction with the woman who had been caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11). The story appears only in the Gospel of John. A number of persons asked me why the study notes in their Bibles made reference to the fact that this story does not appear in some of the ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. So, let me explain.
The oldest New Testament manuscripts we have date back between the fourth to sixth centuries (AD). The scholars hand-copied from the originals. We call them the Uncial manuscripts, because they are written in all capital letters. The story of the woman who had been caught in adultery only appears in one of the earliest while six omit it completely and two leave a blank where it should appear. However, it emerges strongly in the later manuscripts of the medieval times.
Jerome included the story in his Latin translation of the Bible (AD 400) and Augustine and Ambrose comment on it in their writings. It appears in all the later manuscripts. It is quoted in a third century book called The Apostolic Constitutions, where it was given as a warning to bishops who were too strict. Eusebius, the church historian, traced its origin back as far as AD 100. Why was it omitted in early manuscripts? Augustine says some removed it because of its scandalous nature. Some thought the story showed Jesus being too soft on sin and thought that people might use it as a justification for sin. After all, the early church was a small island in the ocean of paganism, and needed to learn how to live a holy life. But over time, the story arrived by word of mouth, confirmed by one early manuscript and found its way back into the Gospel of John where it rightly belongs.
The story teaches us how to handle matters of judgment. The story underscores Jesus' statement that follows: "You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father who sent me" (John 8:15-16).
There will always be those among us who try to make Christianity too strict and rigid, so that we always feel like we fall short of the mark. But the good news of Jesus is the message of grace. This magnificent story of grace reminds us that, "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:14).
PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANTS
Philippians 1:3-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+1:3-11
Dear Father,
Thank you for the great joy I feel about my fellow believers.
Thank you for the partnership we have in your Son Jesus. Thank you
that we are common partakers of your grace. Give us all the grace
to yearn for each other with the affection of Christ.
Help our love to abound more and more, with knowledge and all
discernment, so that we may approve what is excellent, and may be
pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of
righteousness that come through Jesus Christ, to your glory and
praise!
In the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.
Philippians 1:3-11
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+1:3-11
Dear Father,
Thank you for the great joy I feel about my fellow believers.
Thank you for the partnership we have in your Son Jesus. Thank you
that we are common partakers of your grace. Give us all the grace
to yearn for each other with the affection of Christ.
Help our love to abound more and more, with knowledge and all
discernment, so that we may approve what is excellent, and may be
pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of
righteousness that come through Jesus Christ, to your glory and
praise!
In the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.
Friday, November 13, 2009
VERSE:
VERSE:
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this
rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in
his brother's way.
-- Romans 14:13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+14:13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
It is so easy to be judgmental of others. We don't know their
struggles. We don't know their situation. Most of all, we don't
know their hearts. When we are judgmental, we erect a barrier
between others and ourselves. We often spread that judgmental
impression to others in gossip. Our stubbornness to only view them
with a judgmental spirit erects a barrier, a stumbling block, which
can cause them to become discouraged and stumble.
PRAYER:
Father, please be with my attitude toward others. Help me be
more patient with the failures of others, just as you are patient
with mine. Forgive me for not being more of an encouragement to
those who are weak and struggling. Forgive me for sometimes being a
hindrance to others. Please use me to be a blessing. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this
rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in
his brother's way.
-- Romans 14:13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+14:13&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
It is so easy to be judgmental of others. We don't know their
struggles. We don't know their situation. Most of all, we don't
know their hearts. When we are judgmental, we erect a barrier
between others and ourselves. We often spread that judgmental
impression to others in gossip. Our stubbornness to only view them
with a judgmental spirit erects a barrier, a stumbling block, which
can cause them to become discouraged and stumble.
PRAYER:
Father, please be with my attitude toward others. Help me be
more patient with the failures of others, just as you are patient
with mine. Forgive me for not being more of an encouragement to
those who are weak and struggling. Forgive me for sometimes being a
hindrance to others. Please use me to be a blessing. In Jesus'
name. Amen.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
PREPARED TO FIGHT
PREPARED TO FIGHT
Ephesians 6:14-17
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:14-17
Dear Father, my support in battle,
Help me stand, having put on my body the garments of TRUTH and the
bullet-proof vest of the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS, having put on my
feet the combat boots of PREPARATION IN THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE, and
besides these, having taken in hand the shield of TRUST IN GOD. (I
feel like I need a gas mask of DISCERNMENT to protect me from the
poison of Satan's propaganda.) Give me the wisdom that comes with
the helmet of SALVATION and the zeal to take up the assault weapon
of the SPIRIT, THE SPOKEN WORD OF GOD.
With all these in place, let me stand my ground . . . and fight!
In the name of Jesus, the forger of our armor, I pray. Amen.
Ephesians 6:14-17
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:14-17
Dear Father, my support in battle,
Help me stand, having put on my body the garments of TRUTH and the
bullet-proof vest of the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS, having put on my
feet the combat boots of PREPARATION IN THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE, and
besides these, having taken in hand the shield of TRUST IN GOD. (I
feel like I need a gas mask of DISCERNMENT to protect me from the
poison of Satan's propaganda.) Give me the wisdom that comes with
the helmet of SALVATION and the zeal to take up the assault weapon
of the SPIRIT, THE SPOKEN WORD OF GOD.
With all these in place, let me stand my ground . . . and fight!
In the name of Jesus, the forger of our armor, I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Psalms
The Psalms
Psalms 137-139 Thursday: Ecclesiastes 11-12
Friday: Malachi
Saturday: Acts 19-20
Psalms 137
1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2
We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4
How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
6
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
8
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9
Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 138
1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 139
1
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22
I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 137-139 Thursday: Ecclesiastes 11-12
Friday: Malachi
Saturday: Acts 19-20
Psalms 137
1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2
We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4
How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
6
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
8
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9
Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 138
1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 139
1
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22
I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
EQUIPPED FOR BATTLE
EQUIPPED FOR BATTLE
Ephesians 6:11-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:11-13
Dear Father, warrior against all evil,
May I put on the full array of battle gear that you supply that I
may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, the
commander-in-chief of all evil spirits.
Help me understand that our warfare is not just against flesh and
blood, against mere men. It is against the principalities, the
powers, the rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual
armies of wickedness in the heavenly places. It is there that they
do battle against my soul, against you and your Son, against the
heavenly armies, and against all your holy people.
Therefore let me take up all the equipment which you have given
me, that I may be able to withstand Satan's hordes in the evil day,
and having done everything you want me to do, to stand!
In the name of Jesus, the forger of our armor, I pray. Amen.
Ephesians 6:11-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+6:11-13
Dear Father, warrior against all evil,
May I put on the full array of battle gear that you supply that I
may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, the
commander-in-chief of all evil spirits.
Help me understand that our warfare is not just against flesh and
blood, against mere men. It is against the principalities, the
powers, the rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual
armies of wickedness in the heavenly places. It is there that they
do battle against my soul, against you and your Son, against the
heavenly armies, and against all your holy people.
Therefore let me take up all the equipment which you have given
me, that I may be able to withstand Satan's hordes in the evil day,
and having done everything you want me to do, to stand!
In the name of Jesus, the forger of our armor, I pray. Amen.
Monday, November 9, 2009
GOOD SPOUSES
GOOD SPOUSES
Ephesians 5:25-33
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:25-33
Dear Father,
Help me to be the good husband that you want me to be. Help me to
love my wife even as Christ loves his church, being willing to give
himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her
by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the
church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such
thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Help me to keep your command to love my wife as I love my own
body. Empower me to love her as I love myself.
Help me to live in such a way as to help her in her attempt to be
holy before you. May I always support, encourage, comfort, and
nourish her for her good.
In the name of Jesus, the one husband of the church. Amen.
Ephesians 5:25-33
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:25-33
Dear Father,
Help me to be the good husband that you want me to be. Help me to
love my wife even as Christ loves his church, being willing to give
himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her
by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the
church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such
thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Help me to keep your command to love my wife as I love my own
body. Empower me to love her as I love myself.
Help me to live in such a way as to help her in her attempt to be
holy before you. May I always support, encourage, comfort, and
nourish her for her good.
In the name of Jesus, the one husband of the church. Amen.
Why Grace is Amazing
Why Grace is Amazing
Alan Riley
We church folk have a world of our own that we live in most of the time. We have our own language (with words that most people outside of the church don't understand), our own diet (fried chicken for the most part!), our own songs, and our own singers.
Every now and then, something from our world becomes known and popular in the world at large. When this happens, we refer to that singer or that song as a "crossover." Artists like Andre Crouch, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Marvin Sapp have become well-known and popular outside the church world. Songs like "Place in This World," "Butterfly Kisses" and "Never Would Have Made It" have become popular with folks who never or hardly ever go to church.
There is a song that is the ultimate "crossover" hit. It has been sung in every church of every denomination. It has been played or sung at the coronation of kings and at the graveside of paupers. It has been the number one song on the pop charts in both the United States and England. It has been rightly called the most popular song in the world.
The song is "Amazing Grace." And the story behind the song is as remarkable as the song itself.
John Newton was a slave trader who lived a despicable life for most of his early years. After nearly losing his life in a violent storm at sea, Newton He gave his life to Christ. The change in Newton's life was not immediate but gradual. He began to encourage his crew to pray and he saw to it that his human cargo were treated with kindness and gentleness, but it wasn't until years later that God convicted Newton's heart that slavery was sinful, and years more before he would openly oppose the slave trade.
At the age of 28 John Newton suffered a stroke and was unable to return to sea. He later saw that as yet another way God was reaching out to him. Despite his lack of a formal education, in 1764 Newton was ordained as a minister and was offered the a pastorate at Olney in Buckinghamshire.
As time passed, Newton came to realize how abhorrent slavery was in the eyes of God. He was tormented by the thoughts of the suffering he had helped inflict on others, and became with each passing year more and more amazed that God would choose to save him, much less call him into the ministry and use him is His service. Newton became known as a staunch abolitionist and for the rest of his life he worked to end the slave trade in Great Britain.
On New Year's Eve, 1773, Newton decided to preach on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. In that passage, King David marvels that God had chosen him. As a part of that sermon, Newton decided to share a poem he had written a year before that was essentially his testimony. The name of the poem was "Faith's review and expectation." We know it today as "Amazing Grace."
The song Amazing Grace is so popular precisely because God's grace is indeed amazing. No matter who you are, no matter where you are from, no matter what you have done or haven't done, we all share the same essential testimony: "I once was lost but now I'm found, 'twas blind, but now I see." All of us, know in our hearts that we did not deserve God's gift of salvation. We all know that it is God's grace - his unmerited favor on us that has brought us to where we are today.
You may not have been as wicked as John Newton and caused great pain and suffering to others, but you know that you are a sinner who was (or is) in need of a Savior. Later in his life, John Newton was quoted as saying, "I know that I was a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior." We all know that in our hearts.
God's grace is truly amazing. Aren't you thankful for it?
Alan Riley
We church folk have a world of our own that we live in most of the time. We have our own language (with words that most people outside of the church don't understand), our own diet (fried chicken for the most part!), our own songs, and our own singers.
Every now and then, something from our world becomes known and popular in the world at large. When this happens, we refer to that singer or that song as a "crossover." Artists like Andre Crouch, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Marvin Sapp have become well-known and popular outside the church world. Songs like "Place in This World," "Butterfly Kisses" and "Never Would Have Made It" have become popular with folks who never or hardly ever go to church.
There is a song that is the ultimate "crossover" hit. It has been sung in every church of every denomination. It has been played or sung at the coronation of kings and at the graveside of paupers. It has been the number one song on the pop charts in both the United States and England. It has been rightly called the most popular song in the world.
The song is "Amazing Grace." And the story behind the song is as remarkable as the song itself.
John Newton was a slave trader who lived a despicable life for most of his early years. After nearly losing his life in a violent storm at sea, Newton He gave his life to Christ. The change in Newton's life was not immediate but gradual. He began to encourage his crew to pray and he saw to it that his human cargo were treated with kindness and gentleness, but it wasn't until years later that God convicted Newton's heart that slavery was sinful, and years more before he would openly oppose the slave trade.
At the age of 28 John Newton suffered a stroke and was unable to return to sea. He later saw that as yet another way God was reaching out to him. Despite his lack of a formal education, in 1764 Newton was ordained as a minister and was offered the a pastorate at Olney in Buckinghamshire.
As time passed, Newton came to realize how abhorrent slavery was in the eyes of God. He was tormented by the thoughts of the suffering he had helped inflict on others, and became with each passing year more and more amazed that God would choose to save him, much less call him into the ministry and use him is His service. Newton became known as a staunch abolitionist and for the rest of his life he worked to end the slave trade in Great Britain.
On New Year's Eve, 1773, Newton decided to preach on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. In that passage, King David marvels that God had chosen him. As a part of that sermon, Newton decided to share a poem he had written a year before that was essentially his testimony. The name of the poem was "Faith's review and expectation." We know it today as "Amazing Grace."
The song Amazing Grace is so popular precisely because God's grace is indeed amazing. No matter who you are, no matter where you are from, no matter what you have done or haven't done, we all share the same essential testimony: "I once was lost but now I'm found, 'twas blind, but now I see." All of us, know in our hearts that we did not deserve God's gift of salvation. We all know that it is God's grace - his unmerited favor on us that has brought us to where we are today.
You may not have been as wicked as John Newton and caused great pain and suffering to others, but you know that you are a sinner who was (or is) in need of a Savior. Later in his life, John Newton was quoted as saying, "I know that I was a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior." We all know that in our hearts.
God's grace is truly amazing. Aren't you thankful for it?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
SUBMISSION
SUBMISSION
Ephesians 5:21-6:9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:21-6:9
Dear Father,
Help all of us who reverence Christ to be submissive to each
other, even as he submitted himself to the people about him so that
he could be their servant-king.
Help wives and husbands submit to each other. Help wives to be
respectful. Help husbands to be loving and considerate.
Help parents and children submit to each other. Help children to
obey their parents. Help parents to act in the best interest of
their children, not provoking them.
Help employers and employees submit to each other. Help employees
render the work for which they are paid. Help employers to be fair,
to show kindness.
Help all your people everywhere to live even as Jesus did.
In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ephesians 5:21-6:9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:21-6:9
Dear Father,
Help all of us who reverence Christ to be submissive to each
other, even as he submitted himself to the people about him so that
he could be their servant-king.
Help wives and husbands submit to each other. Help wives to be
respectful. Help husbands to be loving and considerate.
Help parents and children submit to each other. Help children to
obey their parents. Help parents to act in the best interest of
their children, not provoking them.
Help employers and employees submit to each other. Help employees
render the work for which they are paid. Help employers to be fair,
to show kindness.
Help all your people everywhere to live even as Jesus did.
In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, November 6, 2009
WALKING IN THE LIGHT
WALKING IN THE LIGHT
Ephesians 5:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:6
Dear Father,
Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that
cloak the intent of wickedness.
I know that it is because of these flauntings that your wrath
comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Help me not to walk with such people, to think like them, or to
behave like them.
Let me walk in the light, with the children of light, for the
fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.
May I learn to do only those things which are pleasing to you.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Ephesians 5:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:6
Dear Father,
Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that
cloak the intent of wickedness.
I know that it is because of these flauntings that your wrath
comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Help me not to walk with such people, to think like them, or to
behave like them.
Let me walk in the light, with the children of light, for the
fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.
May I learn to do only those things which are pleasing to you.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
WALKING IN THE LIGHT
WALKING IN THE LIGHT
Ephesians 5:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:6
Dear Father,
Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that
cloak the intent of wickedness.
I know that it is because of these flauntings that your wrath
comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Help me not to walk with such people, to think like them, or to
behave like them.
Let me walk in the light, with the children of light, for the
fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.
May I learn to do only those things which are pleasing to you.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Ephesians 5:6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:6
Dear Father,
Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that
cloak the intent of wickedness.
I know that it is because of these flauntings that your wrath
comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Help me not to walk with such people, to think like them, or to
behave like them.
Let me walk in the light, with the children of light, for the
fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.
May I learn to do only those things which are pleasing to you.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
LIVING IN THE SPIRIT
LIVING IN THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 5:15-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:15-18
Dear Father,
Help me to be careful about how I live. May I behave not as an
unwise person but as a wise one.
Help me make the most of every opportunity, because the days of
this age are evil. I don't want to be foolish. I want to understand
what the will of the Lord is.
May I never use or abuse alcohol or drugs, which would lead to an
undisciplined and wasted life. Instead, let me be drunk with your
Spirit.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ephesians 5:15-18
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:15-18
Dear Father,
Help me to be careful about how I live. May I behave not as an
unwise person but as a wise one.
Help me make the most of every opportunity, because the days of
this age are evil. I don't want to be foolish. I want to understand
what the will of the Lord is.
May I never use or abuse alcohol or drugs, which would lead to an
undisciplined and wasted life. Instead, let me be drunk with your
Spirit.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
VERSE:
VERSE:
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body
of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
-- Romans 6:5-6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:5-6&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Paul reminds us that our baptism was more than just a dunking in
water. In baptism, we shared in Jesus' death, burial, and
resurrection. What he did to save us is now shared with us. We die
to sin and are raised to be a new person, cleansed and made holy,
empowered by the Holy Spirit. We have been set free from the power
and the penalty of sin.
PRAYER:
Father, thank you for giving me new life in Jesus. I am truly
thankful that my guilt is covered by your grace. I ask for the
power to live my life of freedom from sin. Forgive me for my times
of mediocrity and flirtation with sin. Give me a strong sense of
revulsion toward anything that would pollute my soul or distract my
heart from your will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body
of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
-- Romans 6:5-6
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+6:5-6&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
Paul reminds us that our baptism was more than just a dunking in
water. In baptism, we shared in Jesus' death, burial, and
resurrection. What he did to save us is now shared with us. We die
to sin and are raised to be a new person, cleansed and made holy,
empowered by the Holy Spirit. We have been set free from the power
and the penalty of sin.
PRAYER:
Father, thank you for giving me new life in Jesus. I am truly
thankful that my guilt is covered by your grace. I ask for the
power to live my life of freedom from sin. Forgive me for my times
of mediocrity and flirtation with sin. Give me a strong sense of
revulsion toward anything that would pollute my soul or distract my
heart from your will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Jesus Is In The Healing Business
Jesus Is In The Healing Business
Pastor Deborah L. Butler
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23 (KJV)
You can draw the anointing of Jesus into your life to the point that it works all the time.
Jesus is in the healing business. We find that out in Matthew chapters 4, 9, 10, and 14. Matthew 14:14 tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion, and then healed all sicknesses and diseases. Now compassion is a manifestation of love. So He taught, He preached, He was moved with love, and He healed. Now, since He is the Son of Love, then He is Love. And you can't separate Him from love. For He is always moved with love. He is always moved with compassion. So He is continually healing us.
Now, your healing is not based on whether or not someone else failed to receive the manifestation of healing. It is based on God's word.
A lot of us don't have our healing because we know somebody that we thought was a great Christian and they didn't get healed. And because we can't measure up to them then we certainly can't get healed. But we need to understand, that is between them and God. You receiving your healing is between you and God. And God has provided for you His Word to read, medi tate upon, believe and receive for yourself. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus, the Son of Love, to save you, deliver you, and heal you. Now, receive your healing today, not based upon another person, but based upon the word of God. Just know that Jesus is still in the healing business.
Scripture References: Matthew 10:38; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 9:35
Pastor Deborah L. Butler
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23 (KJV)
You can draw the anointing of Jesus into your life to the point that it works all the time.
Jesus is in the healing business. We find that out in Matthew chapters 4, 9, 10, and 14. Matthew 14:14 tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion, and then healed all sicknesses and diseases. Now compassion is a manifestation of love. So He taught, He preached, He was moved with love, and He healed. Now, since He is the Son of Love, then He is Love. And you can't separate Him from love. For He is always moved with love. He is always moved with compassion. So He is continually healing us.
Now, your healing is not based on whether or not someone else failed to receive the manifestation of healing. It is based on God's word.
A lot of us don't have our healing because we know somebody that we thought was a great Christian and they didn't get healed. And because we can't measure up to them then we certainly can't get healed. But we need to understand, that is between them and God. You receiving your healing is between you and God. And God has provided for you His Word to read, medi tate upon, believe and receive for yourself. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus, the Son of Love, to save you, deliver you, and heal you. Now, receive your healing today, not based upon another person, but based upon the word of God. Just know that Jesus is still in the healing business.
Scripture References: Matthew 10:38; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 9:35
VERSE:
VERSE:
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God;
in him will I trust.
-- Psalm 91:2
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+91:2&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
"In God we trust." That's the phrase written on much of the
money in the United States. It's a great reminder. The financial
climate ebbs and flows, always vulnerable to instability in the
world. Only God is our refuge and fortress during the storms of
life. He is eternal. He desires to bless us. He has earned our
trust.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I can trust my life with
you. Mold me and use me in ways that are a blessing to others. You
are my source of security and strength. Please continue to make
your presence known in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God;
in him will I trust.
-- Psalm 91:2
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+91:2&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
"In God we trust." That's the phrase written on much of the
money in the United States. It's a great reminder. The financial
climate ebbs and flows, always vulnerable to instability in the
world. Only God is our refuge and fortress during the storms of
life. He is eternal. He desires to bless us. He has earned our
trust.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I can trust my life with
you. Mold me and use me in ways that are a blessing to others. You
are my source of security and strength. Please continue to make
your presence known in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A CLEAN MIND
A CLEAN MIND
Ephesians 5:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:5
Dear Father, Holy God,
You have warned me that I can be sure of this: that no fornicator
or impure person, or one who is covetous (idolatrous!) has any
inheritance in the kingdom that belongs to you and Christ.
Furthermore, keep me from enjoying as entertainment the depiction
of such things in books or magazines, or on the stage or on
television.
Help me to understand that most of what comes through these media
is from the minds and imaginations of unregenerate people, whose
gods are self, money, power, and sensual indulgence.
In the name of Jesus I ask for the purity of mind and spirit that
was in him. Amen.
Ephesians 5:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+5:5
Dear Father, Holy God,
You have warned me that I can be sure of this: that no fornicator
or impure person, or one who is covetous (idolatrous!) has any
inheritance in the kingdom that belongs to you and Christ.
Furthermore, keep me from enjoying as entertainment the depiction
of such things in books or magazines, or on the stage or on
television.
Help me to understand that most of what comes through these media
is from the minds and imaginations of unregenerate people, whose
gods are self, money, power, and sensual indulgence.
In the name of Jesus I ask for the purity of mind and spirit that
was in him. Amen.
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