August 19
v. 4 - May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
The desire of my heart - at the moment - is to be able to provide for my family if something should happen to my current job, and it is almost a certainty that something will. I have a possibility that I'm not completely at peace with but I am going to pursue it for now. The desires of my heart. Lord, may your desires become my desires.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Mark 10:6-9
August 18
God has ordained marriage between a man and a woman. The couple belong to each other at marriage. Their loyalty shifts from their parents to each other. A married couple is one - no longer two. Thoughts and attitudes become os intertwined that they can't be separated. Man is not to come between a husband and wife.
God has ordained marriage between a man and a woman. The couple belong to each other at marriage. Their loyalty shifts from their parents to each other. A married couple is one - no longer two. Thoughts and attitudes become os intertwined that they can't be separated. Man is not to come between a husband and wife.
Psalm 8
August 16
Who am I that God is mindful of me? He loves me. He has made me a little lower than the angels. He has crowned me with glory and honor. He has created me to praise and adore him. Me. A sinner. An imperfect person. God cares for me above all his creation. All creation is set below man. Man is special to God. What a reason to praise Him!
Who am I that God is mindful of me? He loves me. He has made me a little lower than the angels. He has crowned me with glory and honor. He has created me to praise and adore him. Me. A sinner. An imperfect person. God cares for me above all his creation. All creation is set below man. Man is special to God. What a reason to praise Him!
Psalm 139:23-24
August 6
This is a trying season in my life. Financial concerns. Work stresses. Home stresses. Anxiousness. Offensiveness. Anxious thoughts lead to offensiveness. Being anxious leads to impatience. To unnecessary worry. To stress. To more worry. To more stress. Know my heart, Lord. Know my anxious thoughts. Find the offensive way(s) in me. Lead me in your way.
This is a trying season in my life. Financial concerns. Work stresses. Home stresses. Anxiousness. Offensiveness. Anxious thoughts lead to offensiveness. Being anxious leads to impatience. To unnecessary worry. To stress. To more worry. To more stress. Know my heart, Lord. Know my anxious thoughts. Find the offensive way(s) in me. Lead me in your way.
Matthew 6:33
July 29
Seek first the kingdom of God. Pray. Be in the Word. God will provide what we need. Put God first, above all.
Seek first the kingdom of God. Pray. Be in the Word. God will provide what we need. Put God first, above all.
Jude 24-25
July 14
What an awesome tribute to our Lord! He is able to keep me from falling. He is able to present me to God without fault and with great joy. He alone receives glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever.
What an awesome tribute to our Lord! He is able to keep me from falling. He is able to present me to God without fault and with great joy. He alone receives glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever.
Jude 22-23
July 15
Mercy. Mercy is showing compassion when it is not deserved. Show mercy to those who doubt. My showing mercy may lead those who doubt to Christ. Share Christ with others. Be ready to lead still others to Christ. Show mercy but be aware of corrupt people.
Mercy. Mercy is showing compassion when it is not deserved. Show mercy to those who doubt. My showing mercy may lead those who doubt to Christ. Share Christ with others. Be ready to lead still others to Christ. Show mercy but be aware of corrupt people.
Jude 20-21
July 14
Build yourself up in your most holy faith. Be in the Word. Study it. Memorize it. Live in it. Be where God is. Remain in Him. Pray in the Holly Spirit. Be in the Word. Bein in the Word will build you up. Be around other believers - building yourself up in your faith. Pray, pray, pray. Stay in God's love as you wait. "Remain in me and I will remain in you."
Build yourself up in your most holy faith. Be in the Word. Study it. Memorize it. Live in it. Be where God is. Remain in Him. Pray in the Holly Spirit. Be in the Word. Bein in the Word will build you up. Be around other believers - building yourself up in your faith. Pray, pray, pray. Stay in God's love as you wait. "Remain in me and I will remain in you."
Jude 17-19
July 13
Sin will be prevalent in the last days. Men without the Spirit will divide the church. They will follow their own ungodly desires. They will make fun of the church. They will divide the church. They will follow their natural instincts. Natural instincts = ungodly, sinful. This is an admonition to remember what the apostles of the Lord said.
Sin will be prevalent in the last days. Men without the Spirit will divide the church. They will follow their own ungodly desires. They will make fun of the church. They will divide the church. They will follow their natural instincts. Natural instincts = ungodly, sinful. This is an admonition to remember what the apostles of the Lord said.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Jude 14-16
July 12
Be careful little mouth what you say. These ungodly men flatter others for their own advantage. Listen to what people say, how they talk, what they talk about. It will show whether they are holy or unholy. The ungodly men are grumblers and fault-finders. They boast about themselves. These traits are all cluse to show who the false teachers are. Pay attention to what people say!
Be careful little mouth what you say. These ungodly men flatter others for their own advantage. Listen to what people say, how they talk, what they talk about. It will show whether they are holy or unholy. The ungodly men are grumblers and fault-finders. They boast about themselves. These traits are all cluse to show who the false teachers are. Pay attention to what people say!
Jude 11-13
July 11
These ungodly men have chosen their destiny. They have taken the way of Cain. They are selfish, feeding only themselves. They are useless, clouds without rain. They are wild waves, tossing to and fro, confusing things. They are dead - uprooted trees with no fruit. They are bright, but lead no where for they are wandering. Woe to them! God has reserved the blackest darkness for them. They have gone their own way and will be destroyed.
These ungodly men have chosen their destiny. They have taken the way of Cain. They are selfish, feeding only themselves. They are useless, clouds without rain. They are wild waves, tossing to and fro, confusing things. They are dead - uprooted trees with no fruit. They are bright, but lead no where for they are wandering. Woe to them! God has reserved the blackest darkness for them. They have gone their own way and will be destroyed.
Jude 8-10
July 10
The things that destroy the ungodly men are things they understand - the sin nature. The things they do not understand - things of God - are what they speak out against. They pollute their own bodies - with sin. They reject authority. As Christians, we are to accept authority. They slander celestial beings - angels. They are destroyed by their own actions - like unreasoning animals - instinct drives them.
The things that destroy the ungodly men are things they understand - the sin nature. The things they do not understand - things of God - are what they speak out against. They pollute their own bodies - with sin. They reject authority. As Christians, we are to accept authority. They slander celestial beings - angels. They are destroyed by their own actions - like unreasoning animals - instinct drives them.
Jude 5-7
July 9 - Choice
We have a choice. We can believe or not believe. There are grave consequences for non-belief. Jude reminds us of 3 examples: The Lord destroyed the Israelites who did not believe. The angels who abandoned their home are kept in chains in darkness. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed - eternal fire. Three consequences: destruction, darkness in everlasting chains, and eternal fire. This serves as a reminder that sin does not go unnoticed. The Israelites were delivered, but later some were destroyed for their unbelief. The angels lived in heaven, but some were sentenced to darkness and chains because of abandoning their own home. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah gave in to the sexual immorality and perversion around them and were destroyed by fire. God exacts his punishment when the time is right.
We have a choice. We can believe or not believe. There are grave consequences for non-belief. Jude reminds us of 3 examples: The Lord destroyed the Israelites who did not believe. The angels who abandoned their home are kept in chains in darkness. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed - eternal fire. Three consequences: destruction, darkness in everlasting chains, and eternal fire. This serves as a reminder that sin does not go unnoticed. The Israelites were delivered, but later some were destroyed for their unbelief. The angels lived in heaven, but some were sentenced to darkness and chains because of abandoning their own home. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah gave in to the sexual immorality and perversion around them and were destroyed by fire. God exacts his punishment when the time is right.
Jude 1-4
July 8
God's grace is not a license for immorality. Beware of people whose purpose is not to encourage and correct. Beware of people whos purpose is not to give God all glory. Beware of those who slip in and begin to teach falsely. How will I recognize false teachings? By being in the Word daily. By being in prayer over the Scriptures. By being sensitive to God's spirit. When the false teachers are made known, I must be ready to fight for my faith and for truth.
God's grace is not a license for immorality. Beware of people whose purpose is not to encourage and correct. Beware of people whos purpose is not to give God all glory. Beware of those who slip in and begin to teach falsely. How will I recognize false teachings? By being in the Word daily. By being in prayer over the Scriptures. By being sensitive to God's spirit. When the false teachers are made known, I must be ready to fight for my faith and for truth.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Matthew 6:18-22
June 23 - Followship
Jesus called four fishermen to follow him. Their response was immediate. No wavering. No "let me consult with this person." Two of the men left their father to follow Jesus. Followship is as simple as immediate obedience.
Jesus called four fishermen to follow him. Their response was immediate. No wavering. No "let me consult with this person." Two of the men left their father to follow Jesus. Followship is as simple as immediate obedience.
Monday, June 22, 2009
John 3:30
June 22 - Leadership
Leadership by example. "He must become greater; I must become less." John the baptist spoke these words. At the time, he was a leader, preparing the way for Jesus. He spoke these words at the realization of who Jesus was. What words to live by! Jesus becomes greater. I become less. Jesus is therefore seen in me and I live for him!
Leadership by example. "He must become greater; I must become less." John the baptist spoke these words. At the time, he was a leader, preparing the way for Jesus. He spoke these words at the realization of who Jesus was. What words to live by! Jesus becomes greater. I become less. Jesus is therefore seen in me and I live for him!
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
June 21 - Love
This is a knock over the head of what I was not today. I was not patient. I was not kind. I was selfish. By not being love, not exercising love, I was not protecting the unity of my family. Instead, with my words, my impatience, my frustration, I was tearing down my family. I was hurting my family. I didn't prioritize prayer when Satan attacked me with frustrations and angry thoughts. I let them fester until all that came out of my mouth was frustration, words that tear down rather than build up. Love is not what I was today and it all ties back to not prioritizing prayer and time in God's Word.
This is a knock over the head of what I was not today. I was not patient. I was not kind. I was selfish. By not being love, not exercising love, I was not protecting the unity of my family. Instead, with my words, my impatience, my frustration, I was tearing down my family. I was hurting my family. I didn't prioritize prayer when Satan attacked me with frustrations and angry thoughts. I let them fester until all that came out of my mouth was frustration, words that tear down rather than build up. Love is not what I was today and it all ties back to not prioritizing prayer and time in God's Word.
Ephesians 4:14-16
June 16 - Unity
When we are united, then we will be able to discern truth. We will not be lead astray by crafty and cunning teaching. We will be able to speak the truth in love - to correct and guide so that we maintain the body while we do the work of the head, Christ.
When we are united, then we will be able to discern truth. We will not be lead astray by crafty and cunning teaching. We will be able to speak the truth in love - to correct and guide so that we maintain the body while we do the work of the head, Christ.
Ephesians 4:3-6
June 15 - Unity
Make every effort to keep unity among the body. There is one body and it must work as one body. We all have the common ground of Jesus Christ. No matter our differences, there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.
Make every effort to keep unity among the body. There is one body and it must work as one body. We all have the common ground of Jesus Christ. No matter our differences, there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.
Ephesians 4:1-2
June 14 - Attitude
We have been called to a higher standard. Paul encourages us to live like we're saved. To be humble, gentle, patient, and bear with one another in love. Sounds like the fruit of the Spirit. These are all hard things to do on our own, but with Christ in us and us being in the Word, it is possible.
We have been called to a higher standard. Paul encourages us to live like we're saved. To be humble, gentle, patient, and bear with one another in love. Sounds like the fruit of the Spirit. These are all hard things to do on our own, but with Christ in us and us being in the Word, it is possible.
Psalm 86
June 11 - Prayer
"Teach me your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name." v. 11
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name." v. 11
This is my prayer. I long to walk in God's truth every day. "Teach me your way." How? Through the word. "Give me an undivided heart." How" Take away distractions. Allow the Lord to lead - even if it doesn't fit with your plans. (Praying for a specific person in the middle of a devotional/Bible study that you haven't seen or talked to in years).
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Jeremiah 32:17-23
June 10 - Prayer
Jeremiah's prayer here is full of praise to the Lord. He is praising God and telling Him how great and mighty He is. He is telling Him things he has done that show His character. Reminding him of promises kept. Praise God through prayer. Bring honor to His name through your descriptions of Him. Remind Him of promises He has kept. Praise Him.
Jeremiah's prayer here is full of praise to the Lord. He is praising God and telling Him how great and mighty He is. He is telling Him things he has done that show His character. Reminding him of promises kept. Praise God through prayer. Bring honor to His name through your descriptions of Him. Remind Him of promises He has kept. Praise Him.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Matthew 6:5-8
June 9 - Prayer
Pray in secret. Pray to the Father. Do not stand in the church and on the street corners and pray that man may see you. This does not bring glory to God. It brings glory to yourself. God already knows my needs. He simply wants to hear me ask. Flowery words need not be used. God knows. Babbling with many words will not cause God to listen anymore than He listens to earnest prayers. The praying in secret may seem to conflict with yesterday's reading and insights, but I believe the key to verse 5 is that hypocrites 'love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.' They aren't praying to communicate with God or to bring glory to him with their words. They are praying to be seen by men. HUGE difference.
Pray in secret. Pray to the Father. Do not stand in the church and on the street corners and pray that man may see you. This does not bring glory to God. It brings glory to yourself. God already knows my needs. He simply wants to hear me ask. Flowery words need not be used. God knows. Babbling with many words will not cause God to listen anymore than He listens to earnest prayers. The praying in secret may seem to conflict with yesterday's reading and insights, but I believe the key to verse 5 is that hypocrites 'love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.' They aren't praying to communicate with God or to bring glory to him with their words. They are praying to be seen by men. HUGE difference.
Monday, June 8, 2009
John 11:41-42
June 8 - Prayer
Jesus first thanked God that he heard him. He knew God would hear him and that he always hears him. His prayer was for the benefit of the people standing there - for the glory of God. Once again, I am drawn to the fact that prayer is for God's glory - to reveal who He is or what He can do. God doesn't need me to pray out loud, but others may, if only to show who God is, who he has sent. If only. Right. That's huge. That's my testimony of who God is and that any benefit to those who hear me is to lead them to God and to show his glory.
Jesus first thanked God that he heard him. He knew God would hear him and that he always hears him. His prayer was for the benefit of the people standing there - for the glory of God. Once again, I am drawn to the fact that prayer is for God's glory - to reveal who He is or what He can do. God doesn't need me to pray out loud, but others may, if only to show who God is, who he has sent. If only. Right. That's huge. That's my testimony of who God is and that any benefit to those who hear me is to lead them to God and to show his glory.
1 Kings 18:36-37
June 7 - Prayer
Elijah prayed specifically for God to answer his prayer. God had commanded him to set up the sacrifice the way Elijah did. The prayer was not about Elijah or the people. It was about God and that the people would know that God is God. It's ALL about Him. God pursues us --> Elijah's prayer was that the people would know that God was the one turning their hearts back again.
Elijah prayed specifically for God to answer his prayer. God had commanded him to set up the sacrifice the way Elijah did. The prayer was not about Elijah or the people. It was about God and that the people would know that God is God. It's ALL about Him. God pursues us --> Elijah's prayer was that the people would know that God was the one turning their hearts back again.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
May 31 - Leave a godly legacy
Talk to your children about God, about the things of God. Memorize scripture. Leave scripture around your home. Make it visible to all who come in. Carry the Word with you.
June 1 - Do not be ashamed of the Word of God
v. 9 - Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Display the Word. I should be so full of the Word that it is spilling over into everything I do. Take the Word with me every where - the whole thing or parts. Memorize, memorize, memorize.
June 2 - Love the Lord your God
Love God with everything that is in me - my heart, soul, and strength. Love him in and with my passions. Love him with my whole being. Love him with all my might. EVERYTHING. Hold nothing back when loving God. By loving him fully and completely, everything else will follow, teaching my children to love him, to obey him. To obey him is to love him. To love him is to obey him.
June 3 - The Lord is One
There is only one true God. There are many gods throughout history and in our lives. A god is anything or any person who takes the place of the one God. There is one God and he is number one, first, above all.
June 5 - Commandments
These verses are not just suggestions. They are commands. Love God with everything. Talk about them, impress them on your children, take them with you. Write them in your home. Let it overflow.
June 6 - Hear
The commandments of these verses are obviously important. Teach your children them. Talk about them often. Take them with you. Display them. Hear, O Israel. Hear. Listen. Obey. Hear: this is important. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Hear. Be attentive to the Word of God whether spoken or written.
Talk to your children about God, about the things of God. Memorize scripture. Leave scripture around your home. Make it visible to all who come in. Carry the Word with you.
June 1 - Do not be ashamed of the Word of God
v. 9 - Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Display the Word. I should be so full of the Word that it is spilling over into everything I do. Take the Word with me every where - the whole thing or parts. Memorize, memorize, memorize.
June 2 - Love the Lord your God
Love God with everything that is in me - my heart, soul, and strength. Love him in and with my passions. Love him with my whole being. Love him with all my might. EVERYTHING. Hold nothing back when loving God. By loving him fully and completely, everything else will follow, teaching my children to love him, to obey him. To obey him is to love him. To love him is to obey him.
June 3 - The Lord is One
There is only one true God. There are many gods throughout history and in our lives. A god is anything or any person who takes the place of the one God. There is one God and he is number one, first, above all.
June 5 - Commandments
These verses are not just suggestions. They are commands. Love God with everything. Talk about them, impress them on your children, take them with you. Write them in your home. Let it overflow.
June 6 - Hear
The commandments of these verses are obviously important. Teach your children them. Talk about them often. Take them with you. Display them. Hear, O Israel. Hear. Listen. Obey. Hear: this is important. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Hear. Be attentive to the Word of God whether spoken or written.
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