Thursday, March 22, 2007

Showing Faith

Numbers 33:53-54
53so that you take over the land and make yourself at home in it; I've given it to you. It's yours.

54"Divide up the land by lot according to the size of your clans: Large clans will get large tracts of land, small clans will get smaller tracts of land. However the lot falls, that's it. Divide it up according to your ancestral tribes.


God is giving Israel the land that He has promised them. They have waited for so long to receive this gift of God. God is saying to them to take it, its theirs. Although they haven't really destroyed everyone in the land and taken it for themselves, God's faith is placed here because they are already talking about splitting the land up among its people. They have God's faith that the land WILL be theirs and show this by already planning how to share the land among all the people of Israel.

Faith is something that we must put in God. He knows what is best for us. He knows what's right and whats wrong. He knows how to do everything, because everything is in His hands. I know that sometimes, I don't have as much faith in my Lord than I should. I know that sometimes I should put all my faith in Him, faith as much as the Israelites.

Father God, I thank you. I praise your name because you are my God, the One and True God. Lord, I pray to you in faith that you will let your word do something in my life. Let it change my heart, my character to have more faith in my Lord. Holy Spirit I pray to you everyday that you will do something in me, and I know, I can see it moving me. Lord, I want these words of yours speak to me. Let my faith grow more in you. Let my faith be strong enough to move mountains. Lord, I thank you for what you will do. I pray that your hand be upon me as well as the whole church family, everyone from the youth to the missionaries in China, that you have your hand and Holy Spirit upon us. Lord, I thank you for your blessings. I want to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

A Right Time For Everything

Numbers 29:7
7"On the tenth day of this seventh month, gather in holy worship, humble yourselves, and do no work.


During this time of giving offerings to the Lord, God says at this time to worship him, and stop yourself from working. God wants us to be humble because it is sometimes hard to stop yourself from working. God says do not work, yet it sometimes is hard to do that.

I first need to know when is a good time for everything, whether it be to work, to worship, to stop working, to humble myself and just listen. At times, I would feel like I need to do something, I need to, as a leader, go and pray for someone, to talk to someone, but I don't know the right time for everything, God knows. Sometimes, God may say to humble yourself and don't do anything, and just worship him.

Father God, I thank you for you are my Lord and you know what is right at all times. Lord, I pray to you about this word that you gave me. Thank you for this word of the right time, to worship, to work, to listen to you. Lord, I pray that I know your word so that I can grow more in your spirit. Lord, I thank you for what you have blessed me with, my friends, my family, everyone, financially. Lord, I give you all the glory for your blessings. Lord, I pray for all these things, all your works, that it be good in your eyes. I thank you and give you all the glory. In Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Authority Responsibility & God

Numbers 27:18-21
18GOD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun--the Spirit is in him!-and place your hand on him. 19Stand him before Eleazar the priest in front of the entire congregation and commission him with everyone watching. 20Pass your magisterial authority over to him so that the whole congregation of the People of Israel will listen obediently to him. 21He is to consult with Eleazar the priest who, using the oracle-Urim, will prayerfully advise him in the presence of GOD. He will command the People of Israel, the entire community, in all their comings and goings."


This is the point where Moses must leave the people of Israel, but he is leaving behind someone to help them as he has helped them. He is going to leave Joshua in charge of everything. Young Joshua has been following Moses around and now, it is his turn to take on this responsibility of taking care of God's people. In front of everyone, Moses lays his hands on Joshua and gives him the authority so that he will be the leader of the people.

As leaders, I can relate to the way that Joshua might be feeling at this time. I can relate to him because so much responsibility is placed in front of him. Moses has some big shoes to fill. Joshua needs to step up to the plate to accomplish everything, but God says to consult with him and everything will be o.k. Only in God can I get wisdom to do something so big as what he did. On with God can it feel alright to take up so much responsibility, because God is wisdom, God is strength, God is encouragement. Without God, leadership is unbearable.

Father God, I thank you. I thank you for you are with me. Lord, I want to praise your name for all you have done in my life. You have blessed me so much that I can't give you enough praises and thanks. Lord, I thank you for giving me strength, I thank you for giving me wisdom, I thank you for just being there for me when I need you. Lord, I thank you for what you have done for me. I thank you for being there when responsibility is taken up, you have been there for support, for guidance. Lord, let me keep this verse in my heart and let it let me grow closer to you. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, March 19, 2007

I Can't Do Anything On My Own

Numbers 24:12-13
12Balaam said to Balak, "Didn't I tell you up front when you sent your emissaries, 13"Even if Balak gave me his palace stuffed with silver and gold, I couldn't do anything on my own, whether good or bad, that went against GOD's command'?


Baalam is here again, a priest for God. He knows that he can only do what God wants. He can only say what God wants. He is God's servant. He can't go against God and bless others whom He doesn't want to bless, or curse others whom He doesn't want to curse. Without God, there is no power.

I know for a fact, that when you are with God, His spirit and His power and His will is with you. Without God's spirit, then we are nothing. We can't speak against the Lord, we can only speak for Him. All things that he wants is good. All things said in His words and His will is good. Anything from your own will is not according to God's will.

Father God, I thank you for this word. I thank you for this rhema of your will. Lord, I pray that your will be my will. I pray that I know your will, so that I can do what you want. Lord, I thank you for your Holy Spirit. Lord, I thank you for such a blessed life, that I can do your will. Lord, help me do your will, help me be your servant that only does and say what you want. I pray that my heart be changed to be like yours. I thank you Jesus. I thank you for this. I pray that you be with me during this week, especially when I need wisdom for my exams, and let me to continue to know your will. Lord, I thank you and all these things in your glorious name.
Amen.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Only God's Words

Numbers 22:38
38Balaam said to Balak, "Well, I'm here now. But I can't tell you just anything. I can speak only words that God gives me--no others."


Balaam, a priest of God, is doing God's will. This King Balak is going against the Israelites. This King wants Balaam to pray against these people, but being God's servant, may only pray what God's will is.

We must know what God's will is. We can only pray what His will may be. He gives us the words and we can only speak his words. If we put in our own words, his message becomes humane, not holy anymore.

Father God, I thank you for your words. Your words are most holy. Lord, I pray that you give me words from your own heart, and let me only speak those words. Let me not speak my own words but your words. Lord, I pray that you be given all the glory when your words are spoken. Lord, I thank you for your words, I thank you for all of your blessings. Lord, I pray that you be with me and let your words move my heart and change me this week. Give me strength and give me power from your Holy Spirit. I pray all these things in Jesus Holy name.
Amen.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Help In God's House

Numbers 18:5-6
5"Your job is to take care of the Sanctuary and the Altar so that there will be no more outbreaks of anger on the People of Israel. 6I personally have picked your brothers, the Levites, from Israel as a whole. I'm giving them to you as a gift, a gift of GOD, to help with the work of the Tent of Meeting.


God's house is not taken care by just one person, but God has sent us all, brothers and sisters in the Lord, to take care of His house. Here, he gives the people of Levi as a whole to help out with God's House, the Tent of Meeting.

God is telling me here that I'm not in this alone. Taking care of God's house, which also included the people of God's children, is no easy task, BUT he has given us our brothers and our sisters to help out one another. God speaks to me and says to strengthen one another. Help each other out. Work together so that God's house can be a Holy alter for God.

Father, Jesus, I thank you for your word. I appreciate your message because it gives me hope, it gives me strength, it gives me power so that I can take care of your house. Father, I thank you for your word. I pray that your spirit in these words that I read come alive, wake me and move me. Lord, I thank you for my brothers and my sisters that have always been with me here. They have always been helping and we have always worked together in taking care of your House. Lord, I pray to you with all my heart that all of this be for You, for your glory. Lord, I thank you and I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Hold Your Emotions

Mark 14:55-61

55The high priests conspiring with the Jewish Council looked high and low for evidence against Jesus by which they could sentence him to death. They found nothing. 56Plenty of people were willing to bring in false charges, but nothing added up, and they ended up canceling each other out. 57Then a few of them stood up and lied: 58"We heard him say, "I am going to tear down this Temple, built by hard labor, and in three days build another without lifting a hand.'" 59But even they couldn't agree exactly.

60In the middle of this, the Chief Priest stood up and asked Jesus, "What do you have to say to the accusation?" 61Jesus was silent. He said nothing.
The Chief Priest tried again, this time asking, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed?"


Everyone is accusing Jesus of doing wrong. For some reason, they have a need to make up stories about him so that they can kill him. Jesus shows humility through all this. He lets it all go by, not saying a word. He knows that it has to be done. Although he knows what they are saying is false testimonies, he does not dispute against them. He can, in an instant, change the whole situation, but through humility, he holds back to let it all be done.

There is no use arguing with other people. There is no use to prove yourselves to others. God shows that God's will is more important than anything else. Even though your emotions can get ruffled up, do not let it get the best of you. Don't let your emotions stop you from doing God's will.

Father God, I thank you for Jesus, the perfect model for how we should be. Lord, I want to praise your name and say that you are most holy. I praise you because you are God. Lord, I thank you for your word, this word that your will is important. I pray that my emotions not sway me from doing your will. Lord, I pray that you be with me and give me strength to do your will. I want to thank you. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Prepare Yourself

Mark 14:6-9
6But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why are you giving her a hard time? She has just done something wonderfully significant for me. 7You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives. Whenever you feel like it, you can do something for them. Not so with me. 8She did what she could when she could--she pre-anointed my body for burial. 9And you can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she just did is going to be talked about admiringly."


Jesus shows us here in this example that, right before going through the trials and hardships that he will endure, he is being anointed. He is being prepared for the pain and suffering that is to come. He knows he has to go through it, so he prepares himself physically, here with his body, and later spiritually in prayer.

I need to always prepare myself when going through times of trials and other things that God wants for me. I need to always prepare myself before anything important, whether it be an exam, or talking with God. I have to prepare myself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Father, I thank you and praise your Holy name. Lord, I want to prepare myself for you. I ask that my sins be forgiven by your blood. I pray that I be made holy so that I can speak to you. Lord, I want to be prepared for what you have in store for me. I pray that you give me strength to do this. I know that in the next couple of weeks I will have many exams and I want to pray that I prepare for them. Also I would like to prepare for any spiritual trials that will come. Lord, I thank you for your spirit. I give you all the praise and all the glory. In your glorious name I pray.
Amen.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

No Stay Lazy, Start Praying

Mark 14:37-38
37He came back and found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, you went to sleep on me? Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? 38Stay alert, be in prayer, so you don't enter the danger zone without even knowing it. Don't be naive. Part of you is eager, ready for anything in God; but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire."


Indeed, this is so true to that everyone, especially me, is eager to serve the lord, but there is also a part of me which is lazy. Its two separate beings fighting each other. In general I am really lazy. I feel like I really, really want to go back to sleep even though I slept enough. Sometimes I don't feel like doing anything even though I know I have to do it. God says that you should always be in prayer, so that you are always ready.

I need to be ready. I need to prepare myself more through prayer. I can't be lazy and stop praying all the time. If I become lazy, then I will be caught off guard. I will be tempted and I will sin. I need to stop being lazy and be a servant for the Lord.

Father God, I thank you for this day that you have given me. I thank you for your word of being ready. I thank you for your word of not being lazy. Father, I thank you for the blessings you have provided for me. Let your message move me and change my character. I pray that I not be a lazier person, not be a lazy christian, and that I pray more so that I can be ready for you. I thank you and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Pure Before God's Work

Numbers 8:21-22
21The Levites purified themselves and scrubbed their clothes. Then Aaron presented them as a Wave-Offering before GOD and made atonement for them to purify them. 22Only then did the Levites go to work at the Tent of Meeting. Aaron and his sons supervised them following the directions GOD had given.


God commanded us to purify ourselves before setting up work for Him. The Levites purified themselves before the tasks assigned to them. God does not want us to do anything if our hearts are not pure, if we are not Holy. God wants us to do His works with a holy and pure heart.

Let me have a pure heart, a holy heart when I do God's works. I don't want Him to be disappointed in me, stained his works with unholy heart. I want to be pure so that I can do what He wants. Every time I server the Lord, I want to set my heart pure and holy so that I may concentrate on Him.

Father God, I thank you for your name is most holy. Lord, I thank you for what you have given to me, for blessing me so much. I pray that my heart be pure, my life be holy before you before I set out to do you works. Lord, I pray for a holy heart so that I can do your works. I don't want to have to do your works if my heart is not holy before you. I thank you for this word you have given to me. Let it change my heart, to focus more on you. I thank you and pray all these things in Jesus name.
Amen.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

God's Order

Numbers 4:49
49At GOD's command through Moses, each man was assigned his work and told what to carry.
And that's the story of their numbering, as GOD commanded Moses.


God is a God of order. Here in Numbers, he is listing all the people of his kingdom and instructing them on the tasks that are given to them. God has placed order in his kingdom, because order and laws are proper for his holy kingdom. His kingdom is not a place where rampage and mayhem can proceed. God's kingdom is perfect, and in perfection, every person has their own tasks.

Numbers is a hard book to read. It is what it is titled, a book about numbering. Count this and count that. But, the presence of this in the holy spirit is the order of God's will. Everything has to be done in a certain order. Everything has to be done in a certain fashion. God ordered his people in sections with each section having a specific task. Only then, through order, can they work together.

Father God, I thank you for your word. Let this rhema of your orderliness have a change in my attitudes and my character, so that I may know your will, to know your order. Lord, I pray that you put upon me an order for your kingdom. Let your will be holy and righteous. Lord, let your task for my life be right in your will. I thank you for all that you have done. I thank you for what you will do. I pray this in Jesus holy and righteous name.
Amen.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

God's House

Numbers 1:47-51
47The Levites, however, were not counted by their ancestral family along with the others. 48GOD had told Moses, 49"The tribe of Levi is an exception: Don't register them. Don't count the tribe of Levi; don't include them in the general census of the People of Israel. 50Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of The Dwelling of The Testimony--over all its furnishings and everything connected with it. Their job is to carry The Dwelling and all its furnishings, maintain it, and camp around it. 51When it's time to move The Dwelling, the Levites will take it down, and when it's time to set it up, the Levites will do it. Anyone else who even goes near it will be put to death.


The Levites were God chosen people to take care of God's house. They were special in that they had this very special and specific task. They are some of the most humble servants of God. The Levites must humble themselves to God and do what He has asked. We are also servants of God. He also wants us to take care of his house. We have the opportunity to clean his house, to make sure everything is in order.

God's house is a house for prayer. His house is Holy. We are to take care of it because God has asked us to take care of His Temple. This means to take care of the house in our hearts as well as the church because they are both God's house. Both should be made holy for Him.

Father God, I thank you for this word that you have given to me. Lord, I pray to you with a holy heart that you change me. Change me to be a humble servant for you. Let me do your will and take care of your house that you live in. Whether it be the house in me that your holy spirit lies, to make it clean, to make it holy, to do good, to do righteous; or your church that your people go to, so that it may be made clean and respectable and honorable for you. Lord, I pray that this verse be with me so that I may make your house Holy. Lord, I thank you and I pray this all in your name.
Amen.

Friday, March 09, 2007

More Prayer

Mark 11:24
24That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything.


Jesus' instructions to us is to pray. He wants us to pray for all things. Nothing to too big to prayer for. Nothing is too small to pray for. He wants all types of prayers to be done. Prayer of binding and loosing, prayer of thanksgiving, prayer of forgiveness, prayer of faith, and all other prayers should be done.

I know that my prayer life can be much better. I can always pray more. I might want to prayer specific prayers to God. I would need to pray more and be more specific. I should pray for all things. God says that if I pray for everything I will get His blessings.

Father God, I thank you for your Son Jesus for dying of that cross for my sins. Lord, I ask that you be with me and give me strength, make me holy so that I can speak to you, so that I can draw closer to you. Lord, I pray for all things, for families, for friends, against the devil, for your kingdom on earth and also your kingdom in heaven. Lord, I pray all these things in Jesus name. I pray that my prayer life be blessed by you. I pray that you let me grow more in your name. I pray all this in your glorious name, Jesus.
Amen.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Kick Out The Evil

Mark 11:15-17

15They arrived at Jerusalem. Immediately on entering the Temple Jesus started throwing out everyone who had set up shop there, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of the bankers and the stalls of the pigeon merchants. 16He didn't let anyone even carry a basket through the Temple. 17And then he taught them, quoting this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations;
You've turned it into a hangout for thieves.


My body should be Holy for God. Jesus is getting rid of all things unholy in His temple. Just like our own body, our own lives, we should let Jesus kick out all things that make us unholy, let our lives be a house for prayer. Let Jesus be proud to have our lives be holy.

I need to let Jesus kick out all unholy things within my lives. Everything that is evil, let Him reject. I want to make my life a temple for His holy name. I want it to be a life for prayer. I want to have Jesus in me.

Lord, I thank you for your name is most Holy. Lord, I pray that you be with me. Let your Holy Spirit guide me life. Give me strength to let you kick out all things that you see as unholy. Lord, I pray that you be with me as I become a holy temple for you. Lord, let me shine your words to others, letting them see how Holy you are. I want to thank you for all these things.
Amen.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Don't Give Up Shouting His Name

Mark 10:46-48
46They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. 47When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, "Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!" 48Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, "Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!"


This blind man is like us. We will try to shout the name of Jesus to everyone, but not everyone is going to hear it, not everyone is going to like it, some may even tell us to "hush up." It's not easy to share God's words, but like this blind man, we must shout even louder.

Sometimes I want to be able to share God's words. Sometimes I don't because I'm afraid, other times I don't have an opportunity. When God lets me share His words, there are going to be times when no one listens. They will turn a head towards you, but you must shout His name even louder. Don't give up when share His words. Although some may tell you to quit talking about Jesus, you have to not give up.

Father God, I thank you for what you have done for me. I want to give you all the praises. Lord, I pray that you be with me. Holy Spirit give me strength to share your words. Let me be a witness to you so that I may shout your name. Lord, I thank you for this blessing you have given me. Let me not give up when I share to others that you are my Lord. I want to give you all the glory. I want to pray for your kingdom on earth, that it multiply. Lord I give it all to you.
Amen.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Living His Words

Leviticus 22:31
31"Do what I tell you; live what I tell you. I am GOD.

God speaks to us. He is telling us to not just do what He tells us to do, but we must live it. We simply can't do his commands, but live the things that he says. Let his words be part of your life. Let it move even when you're not thinking about it. Let it shape your character.

I want God's words to move in my life. I don't want to just do the things that are His words, but I want to live it. I know it is hard to do this, but with God's strength I know I can. I want to be able to live his words, so that people will know he is my Lord.

Father God, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ for dying for my sins. Lord, I pray that you give me strength so that I can Live your words. I pray that you be with me and mold me, change my character to be more of what you want. Lord, I thank you for all your blessings. I want to give all the glory to you. Let me be a witness for you. I pray all these things in your glorious name.
Amen.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Set Apart Holy

Leviticus 20:22-26

22"Do what I tell you, all my decrees and laws; live by them so that the land where I'm bringing you won't vomit you out. 23You simply must not live like the nations I'm driving out before you. They did all these things and I hated every minute of it.

24"I've told you, remember, that you will possess their land that I'm giving to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am GOD, your God, who has distinguished you from the nations. 25So live like it: Distinguish between ritually clean and unclean animals and birds. Don't pollute yourselves with any animal or bird or crawling thing which I have marked out as unclean for you. 26Live holy lives before me because I, GOD, am holy. I have distinguished you from the nations to be my very own.


God wants us to be set apart from that of earthly temptations. He wants to bring us to somewhere higher, where it is holy. Before us, people were wicked and sinning. He wants us to stop our sins and to be separate from it. He wants us to be Holy because God is Holy. You can tell that someone is different if they are holy. They will not be acting normally, because when you are Holy, your focus is on God.

I want to be set holy before God. I want to be distinguished from others that I am holy. I know that it would not be easy, but to be holy before God is to show his light to others. I want to be able to show others that God is holy, and that his holiness is in me.

Lord, I thank you for your name is most holy. I want to praise your Holy name. Lord, I thank you for your word. Let it speak to me to be set apart from the things of this earth, so that I may be set holy in your eyes. I thank you and I pray that you be with me. Have your Holy Spirit be with me to help me be holy. Lord, I thank you and I pray all these things in your glorious name.
Amen.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

He Died For My Doubts

Mark 9:17-24

17A man out of the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn't."

19Jesus said, "What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here." 20They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth.

21He asked the boy's father, "How long has this been going on?"
"Ever since he was a little boy. 22Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!"

23Jesus said, "If? There are no "ifs' among believers. Anything can happen."

24No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"


We always bring our problems to the Lord, hoping that the Lord will do something. What God wants from us is to have faith that He will do something. He will heal the sick and the blind, He will help us with our problems, He will give us strength to go on. This man that brought his son before Jesus had very little faith that Jesus could heal his son. Jesus asked how long his son was sick like this and he answered, saying it has been since he was little. For such a long time, his son has been sick like this so, of course, he would have doubts that Jesus could heal his son. What he had to do was put his doubts aside and give it to Jesus, let Him take it all, then Jesus could heal his son. It is by faith that God can move through us.

I sometimes also have some doubt. Maybe I would pray to God to help me, give me strength, but I rely solely on myself. Maybe I pray that he heals me, but I don't think he will do it anytime soon. I also need to put my doubts aside. I need to give my doubts and give it to Him. Jesus died for my sins, and he also died for my doubts, so that I may give my all to Him.

Lord, I thank you for you dying on the cross for my sins. Lord, I thank you for what you have done, for all that you have blessed me with. I pray that I give my doubt to you. That you take all of me. That you can let my faith grow in you, so that you can move in me. I pray that the doubt that I have be sacrificed to you and that my faith in you can move mountains. I thank you for you have done and I pray that this rhema be with me as I live for you this week. I pray this all in your glorious name.
Amen.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Jesus Asks You...

Mark 8:27-29

27Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, "Who do the people say I am?"

28"Some say "John the Baptizer,'" they said. "Others say "Elijah.' Still others say "one of the prophets.'"

29He then asked, "And you--what are you saying about me? Who am I?"
Peter gave the answer: "You are the Christ, the Messiah."



Jesus is asking us who we think He is. Jesus, the Son of Man, the One who died for our sins, is asking us who we think He is. He is also asking us what we say about Him. In some cases, what are we NOT saying about Him. He who died for our sins, our Lord and Savior. Do we talk to Him as if He is our friend?

I know that Jesus is my Lord and my Savior. He is the one that I put all my life into. I serve Him because He has died for my sins, so that I may live with Him in Heaven. Jesus is also asking what we are saying about Him. I want to say more about Him to everyone. I want to share Him words with everyone I know.

Lord, I thank you for dying of the cross for my sins. I praise you and worship you with all of my heart. Lord, I thank you for what you have done. You are my Lord, and You are my Savior. I put you first. Let me have strength to put you first in my life. I thank you for your Holy Spirit. Lord, I ask that you give me strength to say everything we can about You. Lord, let me be a light that shines your glory. I thank you for using me. I pray these all in your glorious name.
Amen.

Friday, March 02, 2007

God's Procedures

Leviticus 14:54-57
54"These are the procedures to be followed for every kind of serious skin disease or itch, 55for mildew or fungus on clothing or in a house, 56and for a swelling or blister or shiny spot 57in order to determine when it is unclean and when it is clean. These are the procedures regarding infectious skin diseases and mildew and fungus."


God is also a practical God. He shows here that there are practical ways of doing things. Instead of just saying that something is unclean, he testes it; he trouble-shoots the problem. The way that God wants us to do things is for the priest to see if the unclean thing spreads. If it does spread, then you remove it. If it keeps spreading, then the item is useless and must be destroyed, or in the case of a person, must be quarantined from everyone else to stop the unclean thing from spreading. God, like me, tells us to trouble-shoot the problem to figure out what is causing the problem. I can relate to this as I try to find the problem in everything all the time.

I'm a very practical guy. When there is a problem, I try to find out what is the cause and how to resolve it. Sometimes, at work, there are so many problems that sometimes I just take a shortcut and say it won't work. That's me, I'm also lazy. If I am lazy, I will take a shortcut and state that things can't be fixed. Here, the priest must test if the unclean is unclean, if it is spreading, and how to get rid of it. If it was me, I would say that it's unclean, take the person away, or destroy the thing. God teaches us patients through seeking out the problem. God shows us these practical ways of living.

Lord, I thank you for this message because I can really relate to it. I see that you are also a practical God. The way you tell the priest to see how to make things clean, you show me that, I too, must find out how to fix things. This is the talent that you gave to me. I want to use it for your glory. I want to not be lazy and go through procedures to ensure your will. I thank you for your message to me. Let me work for you. I thank you for your spirit and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Our Earthly Shepherds

Leviticus 13:1-3
1GOD spoke to Moses and Aaron, 2"When someone has a swelling or a blister or a shiny spot on the skin that might signal a serious skin disease on the body, bring him to Aaron the priest or to one of his priest sons. 3The priest will examine the sore on the skin. If the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears more than skin deep, it is a serious skin disease and infectious. After the priest has examined it, he will pronounce the person unclean.


The priest do not just do holy things and rituals, but they do practical things as well. Here we see the priest as a doctor, examining the people of any diseases or illnesses. Here the priests are more than just priest, they do more than just pray and offer sacrifices. Just like our own pastors. Our own pastors do more than just pray and be holy, they are our earthly counselors. They help us out with practical problems. They help fix things. Priests and pastors are more thank holy warriors, but also practical workers.

We all need to appreciate our pastors more. They do so much for the church as well as for us. Being a pastor is probably one of the hardest jobs today. You have to take care of a whole group of people. They don't only deal with the physical aspects of like such as financial issues or diseases, but also the spiritual aspects of life, just as walking right with God. We all need to appreciate our pastors for what they all do.

Lord, I thank you for your son for dying on the cross for my sins. I also want to thank our pastors for who they are and for their efforts and commitment to your work. Lord, I thank you for each pastor in our church, Pastor David, Pastor Aaron, Pastor Ray, and Pastor Terry, that their lives be in your hands. I pray that they be blessed, that you continue to bless them, to have your hand of protection over them. Lord, I thank you for their lives. Let them lead us in your will. Let them be our earthly shepherds. I thank you and I pray this all in your holy and glorious name.
Amen.