A Friend To Keep The Lead

15 Now Jehoiada was old and full of years, and he died at the age of a hundred and thirty. 16 He was buried with the kings in the City of David, because of the good he had done in Israel for God and his temple.

The Wickedness of Joash

17 After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. 18 They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. 19 Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen. 2 Chronicles 23:15-19

Jehoiada was a great priest and official. He was a leader that lead the people to the Lord and kept the King guided in the Lord's path. Everyone needs someone to lead them, someone whom they can look up to. If you have someone to lead you, then you become stronger and grow in the Lord. If you don't, then you can fall away from the Lord.

I need someone in my life to look up to, a person to guide me and keep me accountable. I know that living a life for the Lord is tough, so therefore I need someone to help me. The Holy Spirit is there to give me strength, but a friend is good too.

Lord, I pray that I find someone to look up to, a mentor to guide me in the way that You want me to. I pray that the Holy Spirit also be my guide and give me strength to be a witness for you. Lord I pray that I live my life for you. I thank you for everything that you have done. I thank you for not making the accounting homework due because I know I probably wouldn't have finished it on time. I thank you in Jesus name.
Amen.

Through The Tough Times

5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Acts 18:5-6

Though none of the Jews were listening to him, he still did God's will. He knew he still had to go on preaching. He had to share God's words. Even when tough times come and it's difficult to be a witness, I still must obey God and be a witness to others.

I need the Holy Spirit to be with me through rough problems and keep me strong for the Lord. I want to put His will first. I want to show others that He is real and his Love is real.

Lord, thank you for your grace for if it weren't for that, then I would be living an unworthy life. I pray that you give me strength to be a witness for you. I pray for your Holy Spirit to guide me and help me live in your way.
Amen.

Words To Examine

11Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

Paul is a great speaker, but everything should be according to the word of the Lord. Be sure that whatever is taught in taught accordance to what Jesus has said. Do this by reading and examining the Scriptures everyday so that you would know his word.

I want to keep reading and aquiring a closer relationship with God by reading his words. I want to read his words everyday so that I may know Him. I want to keep his words close and gain knowledge from it. I also want it to move me, show me things about the Lord that lifts me up and draw closer to Him.

Lord I pray that you give me strength. Give me strength so that I may do your will and that I may always seek after you. Holy Spirit give me guidance to walk a Holy path. To do this, I need to always read your word and live by it. Lord, thank you for your patience and power in me. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Christ's Example For Life

1He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Acts 16:1-3

Timothy was circumcised by Paul to show to his father and all the people in the town that he was going to follow Christ. This is because his father was Greek, so ususally you follow your father's faith, but by being circumcised, he shows to everyone that he is following Christ.

This is something like being baptized in water. It shows to everyone that you are following Christ. But, you don't need to have these acts to show that you are "Christ-like" because your daily life should be an example of your christian faith. The way that I live should show others that I am a christian and I follow my Lord God. I want others to say that they can tell I am a christian.

Father, thank you for everything you have done in my life. Thank you for your blessings and watching over me. I pray that I be a good witness for you. I want to be an example of Christ. I want my life to show others that I have a relationship with my God. Thank you this week. I pray this all in Jesus name.
Amen.

Acts To Strengthen Faith

36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:36-41

John, also called Mark, was someone who Paul thought was not ready to go with them to strengthen the church. He felt that John didn't have enough experience and faith because he took a break from the ministry. What Barnabas felt was to push John's faith on this by having him come along for the journey through the churches. If John went with them, then he will be strengthening his faith and growing in the Lord.

I find myself somewhat like John, where I need to strengthen my faith. I might think like Paul where I feel I'm not ready for some things, but sometimes I just have to think like Barnabas and think positively and have a big faith so that I may grow in the Lord.

Father, you are Lord of all things and Lord of me. Your Holy Spirit guides me and strengthens me to do your works. I pray that I may have faith in you that your Holy Spirit gives me strength to do all things in your name. Lord I pray that I don't slack behind and lose faith, but do your works, your ministry so that I may grow in you. Thank you for your Spirit of Guideness Lord.
Amen.

Discipleship Is The Key

21They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. 23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders^[a] for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:21-23

Paul and Barnabas had gone through the region preaching and won many to the Lord, but at the end of their journey, they went back to dispicle them. They set up a G12 system where they would have leaders and elders. Discipleship is the key to having a strong relationship with God.

I want to be able to witness to others and even be a good disciple as well as disciple others. I need to learn to be a good leader and be accountable to my leader as well as others.

Father, thank you so much for others that are accountable for me. I pray that I may be a good witness for you and also a good disciple. I need the Holy Spirit to guide me. Discipleship is the key and I pray that you one day make me able to disciple others. Thank you for everything in Jesus name.
Amen.

Shake It Off

49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:49-52

Sometimes the world will get you down and you won't have such a good day. Some things may go wrong in life, but you just have to shrug it off and move on and be glad. The disciples were kicked out of the town they were preaching to, but they shook it off and went on to the next region with gladness of the Holy Spirit.

I need to be glad even when things aren't going good. I need to have the Holy Spirit be my guide as I can't get things to work, or if things just don't go the way I want it to. I need the Holy Spirit to be with me and give me a joyful heart.

Father, thank you for your blessings. I thank you for blessing me with such wonderful family and friends that care for me so much. Thank you for giving me a prosperous life Lord. I pray that things will go easy, but if they don't, don't let me get all angry or mad, but give me a joyful heart so that I may know that you are God. I give you all the glory and honor.
Amen.

Give Him Glory

21On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." 23Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:21-23

Always give God all the praises for everything. God has blessed me so much that I can't NOT give him praise and glory. Everything is for the glory of God. Everything good is in God's name.

I want to always remember that it is not I who does good, but it is the Lord. I want to give Him all the praises and honor and glory. I want to always remember that his glory comes first.

Father, thank you for so much blessings. For having a great family. For having a good and abundant life. I give you all the glory so that you may be honored. Father, thank you for a four day break from everything so that I may be relaxed. I pray that I give you all glory when I get blessed. Thank you Father.
Amen.

Greater Blessings For Everyone

7So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" Acts 11:7

Sometimes, when things don't seem right, and you don't think its the right thing to do, BUT God tells you to do it, then you should do it. God knows whats best for us. In all the world, God has blessed. Who am I to go and destroy something God has built. Or if God has annointed his servant, who am I to not listen to him. Everything that God makes is good. If He decides to bless someone, why should I be jealous of his blessings? I shouldn't be mad that God is kind. I should be happy that God has bless someone.

I want to be more like Jesus, where he has said in his parable that I shouldn't be mad at God for the good things that happen. If someone gets blessed, then I should be happy for them. I don't want to be mad at God for not doing the same blessings for me.

Father, I pray Lord that you give me a gentle heart to be appriciative for your kindness and goodness. Lord, thank you for your grace on not just me, but for everyone that you have blessed. I pray that you be with me as I learn your word of being happy for others' blessings. I pray for the church and my family that you will watch over everyone and bless everyone in your name Lord Jesus.
Amen.

No Hesitation

19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." Acts 10:19-20

Simon Peter was told by God to not hesitate and to do what He says. When God tells you to do something, many times I would hesitate, or even not listen to him. But Peter would go without any hesitation.

I want to have faith as big as Peter. When I hear God's word, I don't want to have any hesitation to his calling.

Father I pray that I draw closer to you. I want to know your word so and have faith like Peter's. I pray, Lord, that I learn from your word and not hesitate to do your will. Thank you Lord Jesus. Guide me as I go this week.
Amen.

Hearing The Lord So Close

10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
"Yes, Lord," he answered. Acts 9:10

Ananias hear the Lord loud and clear as if He was right next to him. Only when you are close to the Lord can you hear Him so clearly.

I want to hear the Lord clearly. I want to be close to him so that I know when he speaks to me. I learned today that sometimes he will speak to you in a still small voice, but even if he does speak to me in a still small voice, I want to hear Him loud and clear.

Father, thank you for having my heart be close to yours. I pray that I may hear your still small voice even when the world goes crashing down on me. I want to be able to know your word and hear the Holy Spirit. I pray that you give me a clear mind so that I may hear your word and know when you speak to me. Thank you for everything that you have provided Lord.
Amen.

Such Of Weak Faith

18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me." Acts 8:18-24

When I first read who this Simon person was, I immediately knew that he was someone who is bad. He was some kind of magician who was playing for people to get their attention. Fame and fortune was his goal. When he saw Peter and John with the Holy Spirit's power, he wanted it. And even after he was told of his sin, he didn't have faith enough to say his own prayer. He was not close with God. He wanted them to say a prayer for him because he doesn't think that his prayer is enough to please God.

I hope I never have such a weak a faith as Simon. I want to be bold and couragous. I never ever want to think that my faith is not good enough for God. I want to have a big amount of faith to please God. I want to have a big enough of faith even when I sin against his word, so that I know that my faith in Jesus Christ will release me of my sins.

Father, thank you for everything that you have given me. Thank you for my faith that I have in you so that I may rejoice that I believe that you died for my sins and that I live with you. I pray that my faith be big and bold so that I may have the Holy Spirit power to be big and bold for you. Thank you for such a great lesson in your word Lord as I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Such A Compassionate God

57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:57-60

At the end of this passage, Stephen honors God by not being angry with the people that are killing him. If it was any other person, one without the filling of the Holy Spirit, then he/she would probably not do God's will. He gives God honor by not hating the person, but the sin. And even then, he is forgiving to them. Therefore, God is compassionate to him by giving him a peaceful way to heaven.

I want to have more of a heart like God. I want to have compassion for others, compassion for my enemies, compassion even though people are against me. Having the Holy Spirit guide me through these times when I don't think straight, when I get my emotions running and that could lead to sin. I want the Holy Spirit to keep me compassionate, in line with God.

Father, thank you so much for having compassion for us. Without your compassion we wouldn't have eternal life with you. Without your compassion, we would live a life of sin. I want to thank you for having compassion on us and let me be filled with your Holy Spirit so that I may show compassion with others. Thank you for everything and let me remember your word through this week.
Amen.

A Humorous God

12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."

15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 5:12-15

This verse that I found is probably the most humorous one in this whole chapter. They way that they make it sound seems like they're joking. They make him sound soo bad, then at the end its like "they look at him and saw his face was like that of an angel." Isn't that nuts! Who ever says that a grown man has the face of an angel. Now you know thats when the Holy Spirit is working. Only the Holy Spirit can make men see another man with a face of an angel. All joking aside, it seems that everything goes right when you have the Holy Spirit with you. Even when all things seems to go against you, you must put your trust in the Lord and he will make your face look like that of an angel.

I must learn to trust in the Lord when things don't go my way. When everyone is against me, only he is still with me, and thats all that I need. When I feel that the Holy Spirit guides me, then I can have "a face of an angel." He will make everything right, sometimes in a weird way.

Father thank you so much for having me need you, because without you, I would be nothing. If people were against me, I wouldn't have you get me out of it. I love my God because sometime you can get humorous with me. You are not mean and unjust, but one that cares and has a sense of humor. Thank you Father and in Jesus name I pray.
Amen.

Goals With God

38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."  Acts 5: 38,39 

Everything you do, do it in the name of our Lord. That which you do by yourself will not prosper. I feel that having the Holy Spirit with me and guide me is very important. I find that if I don't have the Spirit of the Lord guiding me, it would seem like I go aimlessly through life.

When I work or learn or even play, I want to do it with the Holy Spirit. I would feel that God wants me to prosper and if I have him behind me as I do, then nothing can bring me down. If I am with God, who can be against me.

Father I pray that you lead me through this week. i pray that you guide me every step of the way and help me overcome my daily obsticles. I thank you for what you have done in my life. If you are with me, then who can be against me. Thank you Lord.
Amen.

Should I Listen To You?

18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20

It shows here that I should not follow the ways of this world. I feel that if I just go through life as if it is nothing, and I "go along with the flow," then I will not be living life as God wants me to. I feel that I need to be guided by the Holy Spirit with every decision in my life.

I need the Holy Spirit to be with me in every decision that I make. I feel that my decisions need not to be of this world, but that of God.

Father, thank you for every aspect of my life. I know that you are real and that I need the Holy Spirit. Be with me as I make every decision in my life that it be guided by you. Thank you and in Jesus precious name I pray.
Amen

Look At Me!

2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Acts 3:2-5

When I read this passage, I was really surprised at the first impression that Peter gave to the crippled man. For some reason I have never remembered these couple of verses before the miricle. It says Peter tells the cripple man to look at them. This means that the cripple man wasn't really paying attention to the people passing by. Peter and John were passing by and the guy didn't notice them. Peter had to get his attention. When Peter told the man to look at them, then he was able to heal the cripple man. What I got from this is that prebelievers are not paying attention. You must get them to "look at you" before anything can even happen. Before you go and witness to them you must FIRST get their attention.

I need to be more direct when I share the gospel of Jesus christ. I need to get people's attention so that they may listen and understand more clearly what I have to say to them. I can't just go about my life through my daily routine and hope that someone comes up to me and ask me about God. I must get people's attention. I must be more open to people so that they are more open to me. THEN I will be able to have opportunities to share the word with them.

Father God, thank you for such a great lesson for me. I need your spirit of courage and power to be more of a witness to others. I need your Holy Spirit to get people's attention. I don't say that in a immature way, but in a way where I can understand others and get closer to others so that I may have more opportunities to share your word with them. Father bless this Rhema that I got from your word and let it be my guide through this week. Thank you for everything under Your Holy Name.
Amen.

Fellowship Leads to Addition

46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2: 46,47

The way that this verse speaks to me is that these people are going along with their new lives. They are doing the usual christian things such as having communion and fellowshiping. When they do this, people are added daily. The thing that speaks to me is that getting people added daily is good, but multiplying is even more awesome.

Sometimes I live my life with the flow of things. I go along with what I need to do during the day. I also have my time with God when I feel like it. Its all part of being a common christian. The best of this would be that I can add numbers to the Family of Christ. What I want to do is get the church to multiply. Multiplication is much more efficient than addition. To multiply we mustn't go through life with the flow of things. We must make things happen. I must try and get people to come to church and disciple others. I must be a leader and multiply.

Father God, thank you for this great day where I can spend time in your word. I want this verse to speak to me and lead me to be a multiplier of your Kingdom. Lord I pray that I can be a witness for you and a leader so that I can multiply the church. Father thank you for my talents that I may use it for your Glory. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

About Life Journal

This is going to be my online journaling for my daily devotions. Instead of doing it in the Life Journal book that I have, I'm going to try posting it up on a blog as my life journal daily devotion.

The format that I use for this Devotional Journal is RICE:

1. Wash the pot: Ask the Lord to get you ready. Ask him to forgive your sins and lift the curse of sin so that your spiritual eyes, ears and heart will be open to God's teaching. Then begin to read the passages listed for the day. This'll only take a few minutes.

2. Rhema: write down the scripture that seems to just say something special to you. Something that catches your eye. Something that just "pops" out at you. Copy down this scripture.

3. Inspect: write down what this verse is saying to you in your own words. Write it out completely. This helps you to go back later whenever you refer back to it. And you know you will. Either to remind yourself of what God taught you on that day. Or if you want to share it with someone else (God will use your RICE to bless others, and this is a great way).

4. Commit: write down what you will do different. What will you start doing or stop doing or do differently.

5. Exalt: write down a prayer. Ask God to help you accomplish what you've committed to. He wants to. He promises to help you.