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.