James 1:13-14 God does not tempt us. We are enticed by ourselves.

Scripture: James 1:13-14 13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Observation:  God does not tempt us.  We are allowing our evil desire.  We are enticed by ourselves.  We allow the world in. I desire whatever it is.  I am enticed.

Application:  I need to stay more focused on the Lord.  God is not my tempter.  I am permitting the temptation.  My action needs to be more of God’s will and less of my will.  It seems very hard during this holiday season.  There is so much desire.  I never thought of it all as evil.  I remember during my Daniel fast, I realized the pull that sugar has on everything.  I need to flee from sugar.  Stay with the less processed food.  I can do all things through God who strengthens me. 

Prayer:  Lord Almighty, forgive me for all the many times I have given into my evil desires.  Help me Lord to remember you in every situation.  Help me to seek your will in every bite I take.  Help me to seek your will in all that I do.

Hebrews 10:26-27 Sinning after truth = fear

Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-27 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

Observation: When we receive the truth and continue sinning, we are fearful and expect God to judge us with raging fire.

Application: I have heard the truth and need to act in it.  Obey God and stop sinning.

Prayer:  Lord, it is easy to say, stop sinning, impossible to do without you.  I need you Lord to be my light, my savior.  I do not want to shrink back to my sinful life.  I want to have faith and be saved. 

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your heart

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Observation:  We need God’s love to persevere as Christ persevered.  Christ is our example in perseverance. 

Application:   I need to persevere.  Do it in the Godly way, not the whining way.   I need to allow the Lord to direct my heart. 

Prayer:  Lord, yeah for your love.  You are amazing to me. You persevered for us.  Your perseverance showed us your love.  Your example is our example.  Help me Lord to accept your direction and obey your Word.  Help me Lord to be an example for you.  Lord I am not worthy of such perseverance from you.  Your love for me is more than I can comprehend.  How deep and how wide is your love for me.  Lord, I am amazed by you.   Thank you for your continued amazement.

2 Corinthians 11:29-31, Amazingly, God uses our weaknesses

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:29-31 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?   30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.

Observation:  Paul is writing this.  It seems he is trying to say:  he is weak, he inwardly burns.  Yet he boasts in his weakness.  Paul is a sinner and has weaknesses like everyone else.

Application:  God is to be praised in our weakness.  He wants me to acknowledge my weakness.  He wants me to boast of the thinks that show my weakness.   I need to share. I need to boast.   People need to know that I am not lying.   

Prayer:  Yeah Father, Lord of my life, it amazes me that you use my weakness.  My desire to drug myself with food, to be inactive and not active is my weakness.  Lord I shout that I want you to be in control.  This world is out of control.  There is so much wickedness.  Help me to see what my next step is Lord.  Thank you for your continued presence in my life.  I am so thankful that you are always there, even when I do not sense you or turn away.   Amen.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Demolish Strongholds with God's divine power

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Observation:  Our weapons are not for the world to understand.  They are divine and demolish strongholds.  Yeah that God’s salvation, His LOVE is divine.  It is powerful. More powerful than the world. 
 
Application:   Believe that God’s divine power demolishes the sin that holds us strong.   Rely on God and God alone.   Do not seek the world’s view.  Take captive every thought and make it obedient.  Seize those thoughts and turn them over to Christ.

Prayer:  Lord Almighty, your divine power demolishes strongholds.  Lord I am sorry that I do not turn over every thought to you.  Help me to know your will, know when my thoughts are outside of your will.  Help me Lord to hear and sense you.  Thank you Lord for Christ, for salvation through HIM!

2 Corinthians 1:3-6, Patient endurance starts with distress

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.  If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 

Observation:  Jesus is the Father of compassion and all comfort.  He comforts us so we can comfort others.  We share in God’s compassion in the same way we share in his sufferings.   The fact that we need comfort during our sufferings produces patient endurance.  Our need for comfort provides for us to rely on Jesus’ compassion during our suffering.  Our suffering and acceptance of Jesus comfort, builds patience and endurance. 

 
Application:  Understand I need to rely on Jesus whenever I am suffering.  I need to reach out to others when they are suffering so that they sense the compassion of Jesus.  I am the hands and feet of Jesus.  Caring for others is part of my process to patient endurance.

Prayer:  Lord, I am sorry for those I do not see.  As I rush through life, I know that I am missing blessings for others that result in a blessing for me.   Lord, You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.  Help me to see whom I am to comfort.  Who am I to show compassion?  I am blessed to receive so much from so many.  Help me to see whom I am to bless.  Amen.

Mark 14:16 Finding things just as Jesus told them.

Scripture: Mark 14:12-16 12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”  13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him.14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’  15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”  16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.


Observation:  In verse 16 the disciples found things just as Jesus had told them.  The disciples were used to listening, following Jesus direction, and expecting things to be as Jesus directed. 

It amazes me over and over when I am prompted by God that something will happen, or to do something that I don’t understand the “why”, yet after I am obedient and do or say what I am prompted to do or say, it all amazingly fits together.

Application:  I need to stop questioning and start obeying.  I take too long to respond at times.  I am unsure, hesitant, and afraid.  I need to spend more time responding and less time questioning. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the times that I do not respond or delay my response.  Jesus, you are my salvation.  I want to respond to you always in love and obedience.  Lord, help me to hear your voice, help me to respond in the most appropriate way that you desire.    Thank you for all the times that I sense your presence, your voice, your hand on my life.  I continue to be amazed.  Lord, I want to continue to be amazed by you. Amen.

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Matthew 5:9 Be a peacemaker every day

Scripture:  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

I was away at the Fresh Image retreat at Beulah Beach in Vermillion, OH over the weekend.  It was my first time to attend.  There were 151 women from all types of churches seeking a Fresh Image of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Our theme was Faithfulness.  The scripture provided to me was Matthew 5:9. In my devotion book, Jesus Calling, I was provided 3 scriptures that speak of peace: Psalm 23:1-3; Genesis 2:2-3; and Luke 1:79. Each has their own take on peace.
Psalm 23:1-3

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. ² He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, ³ he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Genesis 2:2-3

² By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. ³ Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Luke 1:79

⁷⁹ to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Observation:  Jesus is the peacemaker.  As a Christian and my walk to become more like Christ, I too must be a peacemaker, everyday. 

Application:  Yesterday as I thought through my   verse Matthew   5:9 I was thinking there was something looming in the future.  Now I am thinking this applies to my everyday life. Be the peacemaker every day.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, help me today, every day, to be a peacemaker for those around me.  Help me to know how to seek peace and be a peacemaker. 

Acts 26:31 Share the truth about Jesus at every level

Scripture:  Acts 26:31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

Observation: Both Festus and King Agrippa acknowledge that Paul has not done anything to warrant a death penalty.   This is similar to when Jesus stood trial and Herod and Pilate did not find anything to warrant Jesus’ death.   Still in both situations, they defer to the public’s requests as well as Paul’s to go to the next level of the courts. 

Application:   We need to share the truth about Jesus at every level.  Sometimes we think we are only to speak about him to the lost that we see close or far.  We need to share the Good News to everyone at every level no matter where we are.

 

Prayer:  Lord Almighty, forgive me for sharing your Good News on my terms.  You are my salvation.  Help me to hear, observe, sense who I am to testify to about your saving grace.  I thank you Lord, for your love and amazing grace.  Amen

2 Corinthians 5:17 Seasons are important in a new creation

I use Dick Eastman’s Prayer Wheel each week during a morning run.  Today, during the waiting, watching and listening, I took in the season change.  There is beauty in the fall foliage.  The sky was heavy with cloud cover this morning, as if a blanket was covering us, holding in the heat of the earth.

The sprinkling of rain was normal.  In every season, Pittsburgh has precipitation (rain, fog, snow, ice).  I was dressed in layers: hat, waterproof jacket, gloves, neon green safety vest, and flashing hazard lights.  I want to make sure that everyone sees me in the morning dawn light.  

I meditated on 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  We have to give up the old in order for the new to come.  This applies to me in multiple ways. 

Next week I retire from Aetna.  I am leaving my wonderful and secure job at Aetna.  I have spent 15 fruitful and life changing years at Aetna.  I have led many different teams under all types of challenges, each an opportunity to succeed.  I am blessed to have worked with so many people.  It has always been exciting to see many go on to have their own successes.   

As I reflect, all the people are like the beautiful leaves on the trees.  In my memory, I don’t remember much of the hard work we put in together to succeed.  I see the beauty of the multiple colors that the work as produced.  I am excited to be retiring. 

The next season is already here.  At Crossroads Church, I am the Small Group Pastor.  When I started in June, the Small Groups were working hard to sustain themselves during a winter season.  We are spring cleaning: looking closely at ourselves, deciding what we need to stop doing, keep doing, and what new things we need to start doing.  Now is the time for us to dig deep, fertilize well, and plant our seeds.  We are praying and planning for the new creation.

In First Place, we are celebrating the completion of our Power of Hope session.  We have focused on the hope that we can only get when we focus on God.  At the beginning, we learned that, Hope deferred  makes our heartsick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life (Prov 13:12).  Now 13 weeks later, we are celebrating the overflowing hope, But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. Pslam 71:14.

We have learned that hope that is not based on God’s will, as revealed through His Word, is false hope that does not bring lasting change.  However, the minute we are ready to give up our faulty beliefs and become willing to take the necessary steps to break the downward cycle, God Himself guarantees our success! (Yeah!!!) Not because of our own human ability to change, but because He is the God of creation and re-creation, the God of Hope who pours His love into us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Pg151 the Power of Hope)

Here it is again, the new creation we have through Christ Jesus.  The new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!   Embrace the seasons of life.  They are necessary in order for us to recognize what old ways needs to go and the new ways we need to embrace.  

Lord Almighty, forgive me for holding on to old unhealthy habits.  I recognize that they are not good for me.  I cling to them because they are comfortable.  Change is hard, different, and uncomfortable at first.  Help me to trust in your Lord.  Show me what you will have me do in this new creation during this next step in life.  Thank you Lord for all you have done in my life so far.  I know that the best is yet to come.  Amen.

Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Scripture:  Acts 20: 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Observation:  Paul set the example.  He shows them that they must work hard to help the weak.  He shared with Ephesians the words from Jesus; we are more blessed to give than to receive.  

Application: I need to give more that I receive.  I need to set the example for others.  I need to share Jesus’ words with others.  Read my bible, do what it says, listen for God’s voice, share what I do and hear with others.

Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my lack of focus for you.  Lord you are my Salvation.   Help me Lord to see, hear, and do your will.  Thank you for the blessings you have graciously given to me.  AMEN

Job 7:6-7 Where do we go for hope?

Scripture: Job 7:6-7, 6 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope. 7 Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again. 

Observation:  Job is hopeless.  He has lost everything.  He is asking God to remember him.  Remember his life.  He is at a low place in his life.

Application:   Why do we have to get hopeless before we cry out to God?  It frustrates me that I look for hope in the wrong places.   “It is not in Here”, applies to so many places in my life.

Prayer:  Lord, your patience is more than I deserve.  Forgive me Lord for not making you my “Go To”, first every time.  I am forever trying to go it without you.  Help me Lord to rely on you always.  You are the strength, power, solution to all that is about me.   Blessed to be a believer.  AMEN.

Acts 11:17 God changes our perspective

Scripture: Acts 11: 17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

Observation: Peter had his own thoughts and beliefs on how he was to believe.  God has given him a new perspective.  Peter recognizes God was at work in changing the ministry of Christianity.  In verses 19-26 we learn that that the Christians spread out to other areas and the Good News spreads to non Jews, Greeks, none Greeks.   They are first called Christians in Antioch (vs 26).

Application: God is transforming me and my perspective.  I need to let go of the box I have created on who, where, and how God will use me.  I need to be open to be used by God in any way.

Prayer:  Lord, I am often focused on what I want, how I think, where I want to go.  God Almighty, you are my leader, savior, counselor, Lord.  Help me to, transform me, show me, tell me.  Soften my will Lord to your will.  Thank you Lord for your transforming power in my life.  Amen.

God changed my perspective

Acts 8: 14-17 Follow-up is discipling

Scripture: Acts 8: 14-17 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit,16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.  17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 

Observation:  After the Samaritans accepted the word of God, the apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria.  Follow up was needed with the Samaritans.  When Peter and John placed hands on them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Application: When we witness to people and share Christ, when they accept, we need to follow up with them.  Disciple them so that they can receive the Holy Spirit and grow in the Spirit.

Prayer:  Lord forgive me for going ahead, doing my own thing, figuring it out myself. Lord, you are all knowing, powerful, and my Savior.  Please show me my part in making disciples.  Help me Lord to listen, follow do, and say only what you want of me.  Help me Lord to focus on you always in all my actions.  Thank you Lord for this understanding.  Thank you for sending disciples into my life to help me find the way.  Lord, you are amazing to me how you weave us all together.  Each day I see a new relationship, a new person you have placed before me.  Amen

Acts 4:13-14 Astonish others with the courage we receive from Jesus

Scripture: Acts 4:13-14 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

Observation: They are the rulers, elders and teachers of the law meeting in Jerusalem.  They recognized that Peter and John were ordinary (not trained in the church).  Yet they were performing miracles in Jesus name.  “They” are acknowledging that ordinary men, having been with Jesus were performing miracles and people were listening and following Peter and John.

Application:  Recognize that Jesus uses ordinary people.   Having been with Jesus, we are able to witness and perform miracles in His name.   I need to have courage to do whatever Jesus calls me to do. 

Prayer: Lord Almighty, please forgive me for limiting you.   Lord God, you are astonishing.  Lord, help me today to be an astonishing witness for you.   Thank you for your love and sacrifice for me.  Amen.

Luke 24:45 Jesus is the reason we understand scripture

Scripture: Luke 24: 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Observation:  This happened when Jesus last appeared to the apostles, before he descended to heaven.   It takes Jesus to open our minds to understand the scriptures.  This seems so simple and easy.

Application:  I need to ask Jesus every day to open my mind to understand the scripture.  I must rely on Jesus to understand the scripture. 

Prayer: Forgive me Lord when I focus on me and not you.  You are the Word Lord.  Help me to remember that it is not about me.  It is all about you.  I need to depend on you for my understanding. Help me Lord to live my life, as you want me to.  Help me to understand your word and apply it to my life.  Thank you Lord for this understanding. 

Luke 20: 26 & 40 Jesus silences

Scripture: Luke 20: 26 & 40 26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.  40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Observation:  Jesus had the last word.  The Pharisees did not trap him.  His answers left them speechless.  They did not ask him any more questions.

Application:  I need to listen to Jesus and not always try to give him my reasons.  I am not trying to trick Jesus, but I am at times trying to explain to Him why “my” way of thinking is justifiable.  

Prayer:  Lord help me to know your will.  Help me to know when I have fallen short, disappointed.  Help me to want to change for you.  Your will be done in my life.  Amen.

Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

I am using a Youversion.com devotion that is 25-day study for new believers, called One-2-One.  I wanted to check it out before I shared it with others.  It is powerful messages.   Today’s scripture is short and to the point. 

Scripture: Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

Observation:  No matter what we have coming against us, we are to repent and produce fruit.   John the Baptist is sharing this with those he is baptizing.  His message is clear and concise.

 

Application:  We are called to grow the kingdom for our Lord.  We are to produce fruit.  I need to look where I am fruitful and where fruit is not growing.  We need to prune when we are not producing fruit. Bottom line; produce fruit as we keep on repenting. 

Prayer:  Father God, you are patient with me. Help me to see: where I am to go, what am I to prune, who am I to approach, when am I to speak, how am I to serve you.  Thank you for this understanding. 

Psalm 129:4 Freedom

Scripture: Psalm 129:4 But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked."

Observation: As I read all about Babylonians exiled, freed, rebuilding their temple; I see that God has released the Israelites.  In this Psalm, there is recognition that God is the reason for the freedom; God freed them from the wicked. 

Application:  I recognize that Jesus released me from the power of food addiction.  Jesus is the reason I am able to have strength to control myself. Jesus has cut me free from my food addiction.   I need to share this with others.  Jesus is the reason.  He is righteous.  He is my salvation.

Prayer:  Lord as I travel to Elgin, IL this weekend, help me to be in tune to you.  Help me to share how you have changed me.  Forgive me Lord; I am forever taking on this responsibility alone.   I give that all to you.  For I am weak and you are strong.  Thank you Lord for your unconditional love.  

Ezra:3:11-13 God's foundation bring shouts of joy as well as weeping

Scripture: Ezra:3:11-13 11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: "He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever." And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. 

Observation:  When the foundation was laid, there was rejoicing of joy for something new, and sounds of weeping possibly thanksgiving for something that was dear to the people which had been destroyed was rebuilt.   As it is when we are in worship with the Lord.  Many of us are singing for joy for the new heart, new creation we have through Christ.  Others are weeping for the restoration they are receiving and recognition for what was lost and now found.   When there is celebration, often there are shouts of joy and sounds of weeping.  

Application:  Many times I am moved to weeping when I encounter the Holy Spirit.  This happens most frequently for me while I am singing praises to the Lord.  It is often after I have heard the Lord through a sermon, a teaching, through my daily soap.  As much as there is joy in me, there is often weeping.  I need to recognize daily God’s grace and mercy. 

Prayer:  Lord, your grace is enough.  I am easily side tracked.  Help me to stay focused on your mission.  You are the Lord Almighty, Faithful and True.  Help me Lord to recognize the work you have done in my life.  The foundation that has been built.  Help me to build your temple in a way that honors you.  Help me to know when I am not honoring you.  Lord, thank you for my health.  Thank you for bringing First Place to my life to help me with my food addictions.  Thank you for the strength that only comes through you.

Luke 7: 4, 5; Hebrews 11:6 Earnestly Seek God

Scripture:  Luke 7: 4, 5 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”

Observation: This scripture reminds me of Hebrews 11:6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  In Luke 7, they are earnestly pleading with Jesus.  In Hebrews, God rewards those that earnestly seek him.  In Luke 7, Jesus does reward the centurion by healing his servant.  It is the faith of the centurion that he contacts Jesus earnestly.  He recognizes Jesus’ authority.  Jesus comments in verse 9, “I tell you, I have not found such a great faith in Israel.”  In both parts of the bible Luke and Hebrews, it is all about faith. 

Application:  I need to earnestly seek God. I need to bring all my cares to him.  It is by faith that we are rewarded.  Not by anything we do.  We must believe and submit to our Lord.  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I am not worthy.  Your grace is undeserving.  Your Goodness, Greatness, Glory are more than I can take in.  Help me today to focus on what you want me to focus in on.  Help me to be still, listen, and act on your promptings.  Lord, I earnestly seek your will in my life.  Help me to know that will.   Thank you Lord, for the overabundance of blessings you have given me.  Amen.

Luke 4:1,2 Jesus made time to spend with his Heavenly Father

Scripture: Luke 4:1,2 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end, he was hungry.

Observation:  The Holy Spirit prompted Jesus to retreat and fast.  He was very hungry after his fast for 40 days.  40 days is a long time to go without food.  The devil was tempting Jesus during the 40 day fast.

Application:  As our church starts our 14 day fast, we will be hungry.  There will be many temptations.  I need to spend time in retreat focusing on the Lord.

Prayer: Lord your word says that no temptation can seize me except what is common to man, and you are faithful Lord, you will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, you will provide a way for me to stand up under it. (1 Cor 10:13)  Lord, help me. Direct me.  What am I to do less of to make more for time with you?  Show me the ways so that I can stand up to the temptations.   Thank you Lord.  Amen

Everyone Praise His Holy Name Psalm 145:21

Scripture: Psalm 145: 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever.

Observation:  My mouth, Helen’s mouth is to speak praise to the Lord. David wants every creature to praise God’s holy name forever and ever.  This seems so simple, but not everyone praises God’s name.

Application:  Today as I am speaking at the First Place 4 Health Better Together event, I will praise God’s name.  My hope and desire is for everyone to praise His Name.  Jesus Christ.  It is important that each of us recognize that we are each to speak praise of the Lord.  Often times we think it is someone else, who is better gifted, better prepared, better able to explain.  In this verse “EVERY” creature is to praise his holy name.  

Prayer:  Lord I do not deserve the blessings I have received.  Lord my words cannot express the honor I give to you.  You are the Light of the world.  I praise you.  Use me today Lord.  Speak through me.  Thank you for the precious gift of life you have given me.  The following are the names of Jesus in the bible.  Lord thank you for my salvation.

Advocate (1 John 2:1) Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18) Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13) Amen (Rev. 3:14) Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1) Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2) Author of Life (Acts 3:15) Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2) Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10) Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13) Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15) Bread of God (John 6:33) Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48) Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15) Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7) Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20) Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) Christ (1 John 2:22) Creator (John 1:3) Deliverer (Rom. 11:26) Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20) Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11) Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5) Faithful and True Witness (Rev. 3:14) First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13) Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5) Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15) Gate (John 10:9) God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.) Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14) Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20) Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14) Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23) Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2) High Priest (Heb. 2:17) Holy and True (Rev. 3:7) Holy One (Acts 3:14) Hope (1 Tim. 1:1) Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27) Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69) I Am (John 8:58) Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4) Immanuel (Mt. 1:23) Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17) King of Israel (John 1:49) King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11) King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16) King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3) Lamb (Rev. 13:8) Lamb of God (John 1:29) Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19) Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)

Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4) Light of the World (John 8:12) Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5) Living One (Rev. 1:18) Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4) Lord (2 Pet. 2:20) Lord of All (Acts 10:36) Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8) Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16) Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48) Master (Lk. 5:5; 8:24; 9:33) Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15) Mighty God (Isa. 9:6) Morning Star (Rev. 22:16) Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16) Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9) Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13) Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30) Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2) Our Peace (Eph 2:14) Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3) Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30) Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30) Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7) Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24) Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6) Prophet (Acts 3:22) Rabbi (Mt. 26:25) Resurrection and Life (John 11:25) Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5) Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1) Rock (1 Cor. 10:4) Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16) Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14) Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5) Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20) Son of David (Lk. 18:39) Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14) Son of Man (Mt. 8:20) Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32) Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9) The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11) The Teacher (John 11:28, NIV) True Bread (John 6:32) True Light (John 1:9) True Vine (John 15:1) Truth (John 1:14; 14:6) Way (John 14:6) Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) Word (John 1:1) Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

Psalm 81:8-10 Hear God, Worship God, God Provides

Scripture: Psalm 81:8-10 8 Hear me, my people, and I will warn you— if you would only listen to me, Israel! 9 You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not worship any god other than me.  10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

Observation:  The Lord wants us to listen, wants us to have no other God.  He declares to us that he will provide what we need.  I am to open my mouth and he will fill it.

Application: I need to rely 100% on God.  I need to stop relying on myself and trust that he has the plan.  I need to listen, obey and wait for him. God’s plan is the plan for me.  Stop, listen, obey.   I am only to have one God, the Lord almighty.   What has become an idol in my life?  When I close my eyes, listen and open my mouth; I am not speaking, I am waiting for God to fill me.  I need to stop filling myself with the world and focus on God’s filling of me.

Prayer:  Lord Almighty, how gracious is your mercy.  I am forever relying on my own power.  Forgive me.  Help me to see that your power is infinitely more powerful then my own.  Thank you Lord for the patience you give out freely.  Help me Lord to wait for You.  Only You.   Amen.

Lamentations 3:21-26 Thanking God for his Hope and Salvation

Scripture: Lamentations 3:21-26 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Observation:  Hope and waiting are common themes.  These verses mention the Lord’s great love, his compassion, faithfulness, hope, and salvation.

Application:  I need to wait quietly (no grumbling).  I need to recognize He is my portion.  Waiting on the Lord is my acknowledgement to His greatness.  My hope in Him and my seeking results in God’s goodness.

Prayer: Lord how is it that you are so patient with me.  I am undeserving.   I forever want to rush and see results immediately.  I see that the process is as important as the result.  The journey is as important as the destination.  Heavenly Father I praise you for you.  Your compassions never fail.  Help me Lord to know your will in my life.  Help me to wait on you and not go ahead on my power.  Help me Lord to live in Your will.   Thank you Lord for the salvation you so freely give.  Your grace is enough for me. Amen.

Psalm 48:14 God is our guide forever and ever

Scripture:  Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
 
Observation: Psalm 48 is a celebration of Zion’s security.    God is the reason they are safe. In verse 14, they are acknowleging God’s power over them and his hand guiding them forever.

Application:  I am safe because of God.  He protects me.  He guides me.  I need to remember that it is not about me.  It is about God.  I need to focus on God’s love, God’s protection, God’s guidance.  I should not look to the world or other people for guidance.  I need to listen to God. 

Prayer:  God, I continually fall short.  Just when I think I am in control, I realzie I am not.   Lord God, you are my God forever and ever.  Help me today to focus on what you have me do.  Prioritize based on your priorites.  Help me Lord to have your words.   Thank you Lord, for your faithfulness and patience with me.  Your love is amazing. 

Blessed Birthday Honoring God Revelation 4:11 11

Scripture: Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Observation: Verse 11 is what the twenty-four elders that surround the Lord’s throne say as they lay down their crowns before Him.  God created all things by His will.   He willed it and it happened. I am speechless.  God is so big, too big for me to understand in my human brain.   Majesty, Infinite, Matchless in every way.  Words not big enough to explain how wonderful is our God.

Application:  I am sometimes at a loss when I pray as to what to say to praise my glorious Lord.  Words do not seem to be enough.  I will memorize this verse and use it when I am at a loss for words and want to Honor and Praise my God.

Prayer: Lord I am not worthy, I am sorry that my will gets in the way of your will.  You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.”  Lord bless my actions today. Let nothing come into my mind or out of my mouth that does not bring You honor or glory.   Thank you Lord for: your protection, my physical, sprititual, mental and emotional health.  As I reflect on my birthday, Lord thank you for my birth in the USA.  I am loved by so many ways: daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, coworker, and servant.   Help me Lord as I am blessed to be a blessing to others in Your mighty son’s name, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Hearing the Spirit, Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, and 29

Scripture: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, and 29 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To those who are victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.  11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who are victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.  17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To those who are victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Observation:  “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” is repeated multiple times through this chapter.  We have ears and we need to hear the Spirit.  “Whoever” indicates, this message is for a certain group of people, those that hear the Spirit of God.  Simply, we as Christians need to listen.  The result of listening results in the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise with God.  God will give us hiddlen food made especially for us individually.  The bible repeatedly mentions food.  This food is for our sustenance physically and spiritually.

Application:  I need to listen to God.  I need to make space in my day and life to listen to God.  I need to recognize that when I Iisten, I am blessed with God’ presence, his fulfilling my needs both spiritually and physically. I need to hear what the Spirit says.  As I embark on my 3 day Fast, I need to focus on hearing the Holy Spirit, recording what I hear, and making a plan to do what I hear.

Prayer: Lord Almighty, forgive me for my lack of focus on you.  I spend so much time focused on the world.  Lord you are my Provider, my Savior, my Ruler.  Help me to hear your Spirit within me.  Help me to leave the din of the world and focus on your message to me.  Help me Lord to identify what I need to stop, start, and continue doing.  Thank you Lord, for loving and patiently guiding me.  Lord, I want your will in my life.

1 John 2:3-6 Obedience shows God that we love Him.

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-6 3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.4 Those who say, “I know him,” but do not do what he commands are liars, and the truth is not in them.5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Observation:  This sin was regarding loving other believers.  In verse 5, obeying God’s word equals that our love for God is truly complete.  Our obedience to the Word is how we know we are in God.   Jesus is the Word, and we must live in Jesus.

Application: These verses seem so simple and easy.  However continuously living in obedience is harder and harder. There are times I am doing the work, spending time in the Word, striving to listen, and knowing that I am missing something.  I am too busy, the world is pushing in and I am not allowing enough margin to hear so that I can obey.  Next week I am going on Spiritual Retreat.  I have not been in awhile, allowing my schedule to crowd in.  I look forward to what God will reveal to me.  I am looking forward to the time with anticipation.  I recognize it is obedience in taking the time to spend with him that is making me smile.

Prayer:  Lord forgive me for not making the time in my schedule for a spiritual retreat.  Lord you are my Savior and my God.  Lord help me.  Protect me.  I look forward to my time with you.  Lord, I want to hear you and I want to show my love to you by obeying what I hear.  Thank you Lord for loving me and convicting me.   I need to retreat, (away from home in silence) to spend time with you. 

1 John 5-7 There is no darkness in God

Scripture: 1 John 5-7 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Observation: There is no darkness in God.  He is all light.  If we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and are not living out God’s truth.  The flip side is that if we walk in Jesus’ light we have fellowshp with each other and Jesus.   His sacrifice set us free.

Application:  I need to remember to walk in the light.  Stop going back to the darkness.  As I work to maintain my weight, I am recently struggling with Pita Chips.  Once I start, I have a hard time stopping.   I am not out of control, but pretty close to the edge.   I do not have a healthy relationship with chips.  Like crackers and cookies, I need to be aware of how easy it is to over eat processed foods like Pita Chips, Bagel Chips, and Veggie Chips.  They might be healthier but they are still unhealthy if eaten in large quantity.

Prayer:  Lord I want to walk in your light.  I do not want to cointue in darkness.   Help me Lord to lean in on you, sense your presence.  Lord help me to be in control of eating at all times.  Help me to know that you always provide a way out so that I can stand up under it. (1Cor 10:13).  Lord I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Search me O lord and test my heart, see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me to the everlasting. (Psalm 139:14, 23, 24).  Lord I am glad and sing for joy, for you rule us with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.  (Psalm 67:4-5)

Jesus prayed for us, John 17:20-21

Scripture: John 17: 20-22 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—

Observation:  Jesus is praying for us, all of us who believe in Jesus’ message.  Praying that we will be one with the Father as Jesus is one with the Father.  Jesus is praying for his relationship with the Father, we too will have the same unity.  In verse 21, there is a reason.  Jesus wants the whole world to believe in the salvation of Jesus.  God sent Jesus.

Application:  I need to seek God in prayer to be one with God as Jesus is one like God.  In this, all men will know that I am Jesus’ disciple. 

Prayer:  Lord Almighty, I am not perfect.  The many things I need to do in the world have distracted me from you.  Lord you are my salvation, my leader, my Hosanna.  I want to be one with you Lord.  I want people to see that I am a follower of Jesus.  I want them to believe because of my actions, my words, and my joy in you.  Lord thank you for your infinite love.  Thanks you for the blessings of this world.  Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord. 

Philippians 3:14 We all need pruned if we want to win the Prize

Scripture: Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Observation:  Today on my prayer run as I was praying Philippians 3:14, I noticed many trees and bushes over grown and under trimmed.  Some of the bushes are now as big as small trees.  Some trees look like giant bushes since they have never been trimmed. Within each of them, I can see the beautiful tree that is waiting inside.    As I reflect on Philippians 3:14, I realize that there are many prizes in our life with Christ Jesus.  As we press on, we are not always sure what the next prize is around the corner. 

Jesus looks through our overgrown and under trimmed selves and sees the beautiful tree within.  He yearns for us to flee from the world and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11).  Our prize is the beautiful tree that will emerge as we press on, discipline ourselves to keep running the race he calls us. 

Application:  I need to press on.  I need to listen and allow God to prune the sin from my life.   I desire to be more like Jesus.  To do this, I need to spend time with him in prayer, in scripture, in discipling others.  Action is required on my part.  I need to DO what God calls me to do.

Prayer:  Lord forgive me for always focusing on me and the world.   Lord you are the Author of my Life, Hope and Glory, King of Kings, the True Vine, and the Way.  Help me to know what I am to start, stop, and continue.  Help me to become more disciplined in my race.  Help me Lord to win the prize you have called me to in Christ Jesus.  Thank you Lord for all you have done in my life.  There are so many blessings, I am abundantly thankful.