Sunday, November 30, 2008

Blessed By His Cross For Salvation

Roman 4:6-8
6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7"Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him."


We are so blessed to have God on our side. It is only through His grace that we are saved. It is only by His strips, we are healed.

This passage speaks of that blessedness. We are so blessed to have salvation in our hands. We are so blessed to have God die for us. If it weren't for that, then my sins would give me short of what God wants from me, but it is through His cross that I am blessed by Him.

Father, thank you for you have blessed me with all that you have done. I give you all the glory. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed me with, but most importantly, thank you for your blessing on me for you have taken away my sins. Thank you Lord. Let me be in constant reminder of your grace and mercy. I want to glorify you and live my life for you in Jesus Holy and Mighty name.
Amen.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Jesus Brought Change For All To Be Free

Matt 26:55-56
55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.


People thought that Jesus, or the Messiah, would bring about a physical uprising that would establish the people of Israel back to where God wanted it to be, but Jesus knew that was not the case. He came not to bring a rebellion, but a revolution to free God's people from death. To bring back Salvation to all. Jesus brought a revolution to mankind.

We are in a revolution. We are in a change. We are in a movement that will stir up this generation for God. We are here for His purpose. His will be done. This movement is Big. It's really Big. It is here through God's spirit to free people and bring about Salvation.

Lord, let your will be done. Let your revolution move throughout your people and bring about, not physical change, but a change in our hearts to live for you. Lord, I come before you, we come before you, to dedicate ourselves for you. That you be glorified. That you reign in our lives, and in the land that we live in. I pray that your Holy Spirit reign here. We offer it up to you. We give you thanks and honor and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

God Is Calling All

Matt 20:3-7
3"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5So they went.

"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'

7" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.
"He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'


Imagine the situation. People are still in the marketplace, waiting to get hired. When I read this, I think about the people who don't know Jesus, and them standing around. If asked, "Why don't you know Jesus," they may answer, "because no one has taken enough interest in us to call us."

This passage makes me want to be a light even more to those without God. I don't want to get into heaven and asked, "I sent you to call others to work for me. Why didn't you do it." God has asked us to call others to serve Him. We are to let others know the calling that God has declared for His people.

Father God, I want to call others, because you first have called me. I want to serve you and obey that which you have said. I pray that I be able to show others that which you want me to show them. I pray that you may take my actions and bless it for the furtherance of your Kingdom. I want to glorify you and pray this all in Your Holy name.
Amen.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Only With Your Strength Can I Follow You

Matt 17:5-7
5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid."


Imagine God Himself, Holy and Great, telling you something; telling you to listen to Jesus. I don't blame the disciples for falling down to the ground in terror. I would do the same thing. Is this enough to get someone to follow Jesus with their whole life? It's tough. Even when God Himself speaks to you.

We are man. We are sinful. We are imperfect. It still would be difficult to follow Jesus with all your life even when God Himself tells you to do it. This is because we are weak. But, it can be done. Through Christ who strengthens me, I will follow Him with all that I have.

God of my life, I am weak, yet you are strong. Let me take up your yoke. Let me drawn strength from you when I am weary and drained. Let me draw strength from you when I can not do it anymore. Let me draw strength from you because only through you can I be made done. Lord, allow me to do as you say, to follow you with all my life. I thank you that you are there for me. I want to give my life to you, and in obedience, let it be pleasing. I thank you and give you all the praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

To Live A Life Above Reproach

Matt 12:1-2
1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."


Check it out here. In this account of Jesus and his disciples, they are passing through a grainfield. Now, when they start picking and eating grains from the field, who else is there to point fingers non other than the pharisees. It's like they are tailing the group, waiting for a chance to accuse them of something.

In life, there are always going to be people waiting to point fingers and bring you down. There will be religious ones, or others in life. There will always be people watching you, your every move. So in this, we need to live a life that is above reproach. So that men can not say anything.

Father God, let me live a life to the next level for you. I know your ways, so give me the strength to obey. It will be tough, and it will be hard, but Lord, only through your strength am I able to do so. I pray that my life be above reproach, so that no one will stumble by my actions, and no one may accuse me in your name. I want to honor you in my life. I want to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Jesus Authority To Empower Us To Do Great Things

Matt 8:28-29
28When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29"What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"


Imagine, here are demons that are in a person and Jesus comes by. They are scared out of their wits that He is there. We have a all powerful God who is ruler over all. Even the demons know that their time will come. They are afraid, and that same authority is given to us.

We have the authority under Christ Jesus to cast out demons, to heal to people, to forgive sins, and to transform lives. The demons will shiver and the mountains will move through the very presence of God's power through us. It is so hard to grasp this concept, but it is easy to perceive when we look through Jesus eyes.

Lord God, the ruler of the heavens and the earth. The God of this universe. You are all powerful. You are incredible. You are majesty. You have given men Your authority to do your will, through your Holy Spirit. You have empowered us, and we are responsible in using your authority to share your gospel to transform and save lives. Let me do this. I pray that your Spirit be present, and do a mighty work. I give you all the glory in all these things in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Being A Light To The World Through Our Good Deeds

Matt 5:13-16
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.


Jesus speaks of us being salt and light to the world. What salt and light have in common is that they do not make any sound. Salt is something that preserves and light is something that can be seen. Here it says in verse 16 that "they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

We sometimes talk too much, and act too little. Like light and salt which don't make any noise, we can be a Christian model for others without speaking, but living a life that reflects it. We need to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. We must live according to what He wants us to do.

Father God, Lord I know that my life is imperfect, and that it is filled with evil desires, but Lord, by your blood I pray that you forgive me and empower me to live a life that is according to your will. Let me speak when you want me to speak, act the way you want me to act, do what you want me to do, don't do what you want me to not do. Lord, I pray for your strength to be salt and light to others. I pray for your Holy Spirit to anoint me. I want to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

God Can Use The Not-So-Normal People

Matt 3:4-6
4John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.


John was not a normal person. He dressed differently than the rest, ate differently from the rest, yet, people still went out to him to hear his message, and to be baptized by him. It just goes to show that God can do great things even in the not-so-normal person.

God can use me, you, and everyone else. Some people may consider me strange or weird. I may consider others to be different, but God is able to see us for who we are, and is able to use us in our own ways. We must allow God to use us, though we think we are different. We can be used by Him.

Father, Lord of my life. I give you all that I am. I give you the praise and the worship that only You deserve. Lord, I know that you are able to use me for what I am. I may not be the most popular of people, or the most fashionably dressed, but Lord, I know that you can anoint anyone, including myself. Use me in a mighty way, that I may be called to share your message to everyone. I want to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Purify My Heart, Set In Your Holiness Through The Fear Of God

2 Cor 7:1
1Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.


Before going on further, Paul speaks of our own hearts, to set it straight before God and to allow it to be purified through His blood. There are all these things that he speaks about, these promises and "things to do", yet it all starts with our heart, and having a right heart for God.

We need to do as stated, to purify ourselves from everything, in body and spirit, and in holiness out of reverence of God. This is the fear that we speak of that we have for God. Through the fear of the Lord, we need to purify ourselves.

Father God, Lord of my life. Purify my heart, I pray. Set it on fire and make it holy and pure in your Name. Lord, forgive me through your blood, that I may be pure before you. Lord, I know that I have done evil in your eyes, and that I can not do anything for your forgiveness, but only through your grace and mercy, through your blood, Jesus I pray for a heart of purity. Thank you, Lord. Allow me to be holy before your eyes. Thank you. I want to give you thanks in all these things, and give you all the glory in Jesus Holy name.
Amen.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

God The Wise And Greatness Of His Wonders

Job 42:1-3
1 Then Job replied to the LORD :

2 "I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.

3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.


Finally, God reveals Himself to Job, and Job's eyes are open to the truth that is the Lord. First, to glorify God, and next, to repent of the limit of himself.

Many times, we are like Job. We see things are they are, as how, with our limited wisdom, can understand. Yet, God is almighty. He is greater than this Universe. Things that are done, we can not understand, we can not comprehend. We must not assume things that are the wonders of God, but to live a life accordingly.

Father God. You are awesome. There are no words to describe the greatness of your majesty. I boast in serving a great and mighty God of this Universe. You are so great, I can not comprehend the vastness of your glory. Have me now, I pray, so that I may remember you through the good and the bad, and be with me I pray in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

With All These Things, We Need To Have Love

1 Cor 13:1-3
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.


This is how important Love is. Jesus preach and taught and showed us all how to love, and to love, and be love. Here, Paul emphasizes the importance to have love in our lives. We do not live a life for ourselves, but for the love of others and of God.

We need to always have a mission to love. Love the ones who are in need. Love the poor. Love the rich. Love men and all. Love through the spirit. Love through our actions. Love in all that we do and all that we are, because without love, we are not what God has made us into.

Father God, I know your words speak so much truth and life into me. I pray that you Holy Spirit be anointed in your words and speak love into what I am. I pray that you have your spirit of true love, love that you know, be instilled into my heart and my life. I know that is what you want, and I pray for more of it. To be like you, to love like you. I thank you for your word. Let it change me and transform me from the inside out. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

One Body In Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ, In Unity

1 Cor 12:12-13
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.


God wanted the Body of Christ to be one. Paul speaks against division with the Body of Christ. This means within the same church, but also just as important, for all His people, because we are all called by the Spirit to be one, in one, through Christ Jesus.

Sometimes there is a feeling of division between Christians, that one goes to one church, and another goes to another, but we are all of the same Body of Christ, which God has called us to. We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord, and with one calling and one goal, we are one in Christ.

Father God, I pray against division of your Church, Your Body of Christ. I pray for unity in your people, that we may be one in Spirit. Let your will be done, and have you hand upon your people, to do the good works that you have called us for. I pray for a Spirit of Unity, especially here in Hawaii, as I can see your hand just blessing it and covering with your Body of Christ. I pray that you continue to have your Spirit upon it, and bless it. I declare that THIS is your generation, your people, who love and adore you, and be movers and shakers of your will. Be to you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

A Compelling Urge To Share The Gospel

1 Cor 9:16-23
16Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.

19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.


Paul talks about the urgency of sharing the gospel from the heart. This urgency is the task that is set before us. He shows us that he is compelled to show others God's way. He does this through giving up his will and being like those that he shares to, that they may understand and know the love of God.

Do I have an urgency to share God's good news to those that don't know Him? Am I compelled like Paul to let others know that Salvation is here? This is a fresh reminder of the great task that has been set in my heart to share the gospel to others.

Father God, I pray that your Holy Spirit be poured out. Set in my heart that need to share with others and to lead others to Your name, that you may be glorified and that others may have Salvation in You. I pray that you put in my heart the urgency of how important your word is. I pray that you open up doors and that I may recognize you and your plans for me. That I may have the boldness to do your will. I pray for your strength. Guide me in your direction. Lead me in your way. Show me how you want to work in my life. I give you all of it. Be glorified I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Having An Undivided Devotion To The Lord

1 Cor 7:32-35
32I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.


This passage from Paul is talking about marriage, and how to live a life in marriage with God in the relationship. Similarly, it speaks of an undivided devotion to the Lord.

We must keep the Lord in our relationships. To keep focus on Him. To have an undivided devotion of putting God first in our lives. To have an undivided devotion to keeping God in all parts of our lives. That He may be glorified through all that we are.

Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for the relationships that you have put in my life. I want to thank you for the blessings that you have poured over me. I pray that you may be the center of it all. Lend me your strength to keep my focus on You. I know it will be tough, but through Your Holy Spirit, I know that you will be with me. Continue to strengthen me I pray. Be glorified in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

The Message Of The Cross Is The Power Of God

1 Cor 1:17-19
17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."


These verse, especially verse 18, is so powerful. It shows the truth behind what is revealed to us as Christ Ambassadors. For those who don't know Jesus, it is foolishness, but for us who have been saved by grace, the message of Jesus Christ is a transformational power.

Many times there will be people who don't know the Lord. Most times, they will think that it is foolishness to follow God. But, we must hold onto the power of the Cross, because it is not by our own strength, but through the power of His Holy Spirit that we be saved.

Father God, I thank you for your words of wisdom and strength, that I may draw near to you. Lord, I pray that you have your Spirit upon these words. Anoint it with your power, that it speak so much truth to those who hear and read it. Let your words be known to all, so that salvation may come today. I pray that the power of the cross be known. I pray that you be glorified. Continue to bless and bless and bless. Thank you, Lord Jesus. I give you all the glory and honor.
Amen.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Not By Human Efforts, But Through Thy Spirit

Gal 3:2-5
2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?


Here, God speaks of our own efforts. It says that we didn't receive the Spirit by observing the law, or in other words, through our own strength, but by believing, or in the Spirit. God has given us His Spirit that we may know Him.

We must remember, as Pastor Ray mentioned in the P12 meeting, that the Spirit is given to us. It is not through our own strength and efforts that we are able to talk to God, or able to have Him work through us, but by His grace and mercy, that man is able to have a relationship with Christ Jesus. Sometimes even through prayer, we try so hard, but it is not through our own will power, but by the Spirit.

Father, allow me to be in the Spirit so that I may recognize you and know you more. Allow the Spirit to guide me and move me, not through my own strength, but by the moving of the Holy Spirit that I may be able to do all things in Christ who strengthens me. I pray that my relationship with you grows more and more every single day, and that one day, I can see you face to face. Thank you, Lord, and I pray all this to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

To Fear The Lord Is Wise In Our Understanding

Job 28:28
28 And he said to man,
'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
and to shun evil is understanding.' "


The fear of the Lord is not cowarding in terror of such a powerful God, but to know that He is God. To be in reverence and respect of who He is. To know that God is so great, that we will want to choose to live a Holy life before Him.

Knowing God and reverencing Him is truly a wise choice for man. We must do that more and more in our lives. The sin that over takes us is so great, but we must keep focus on God and know that He is Lord. Only if we understand this, to have the fear of God, then can we live life according to His will.

Father God, Holy is Your name. You are great, so great that I can't compare you to anything. You truly are reverenced and set apart from all things. Sin can not touch you. Evil will not come close to you. Let me understand that, and take it to heart that you are so pure. Let me take that up in my life, so that I may have the same heart that you do. Allow me to keep my life Holy before you. Give me the strength to do so. Thank you Lord.
Amen.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Not To Be Stirred Up That We Lose Focus On God

Mark 15:6-11
6Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

9"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.


The people here were not thinking correctly. They allowed the rulers to manipulate them into choosing a murderer to be released. Also, they stirred up the people to ask for the death of Jesus.

There are going to be people like this in our lives. People who "stir things up." These people cause us to not think correctly, and to lose focus on what God wants in our lives. These people may be close relationships, to people that we work with. We must watch out and guard our hearts against such things, that we may stay focused on God.

Father, Lord I pray that you keep me focused on You. I pray for your strength to not get stirred up on earthly matters, but to focus on what you have set my eyes on. Lord, be with me and give me the wisdom to know you and your will. I thank you for this. I want to give you all the honor and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Not Of My Own, But Of His Holy Spirit

Mark 13:9-11
9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.


Although some of us may, or may not, be arrested for preaching the gospel, Jesus tells us here not to worry, because it is not us who is speaking, but the Holy Spirit. This is completely correct. We are not the ones who convict the hearts of man, but the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, we feel the great need to speak into someone and share the gospel to get them saved, which is totally awesome, but we must remember that it is not my our own strength, but that of Jesus Christ. I could talk the biggest talk, and share the best ways, but it may not do any good. I can say one phrase, or no phrase at all, and the Holy Spirit can move greatly in that person's life.

Father God, I thank you for this word to remind me that it is not my own strength, but through Your Spirit that I may be used. Lord, use me greatly and allow me to share to others who don't know who you are the love and salvation that you offer. Allow me to humble myself before you, prostrating myself to you, that your will be done. I give you all the glory and honor and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Sunday, November 02, 2008

We Don't Need To Fear God's Awesome Plans For Us

Job 23:14-15
14 He carries out his decree against me,
and many such plans he still has in store.

15 That is why I am terrified before him;
when I think of all this, I fear him.


Imagine the things that God has planned out for you. Such awesomeness, yet, scary. That's what Job was going through. The fear of the Lord, for he did not know what was to come.

Even through all these, we must still trust in God. He has great plans for us, and I know sometimes it can be daunting. But God is with us. We don't have to fear Him or the things that are to come, but to trust in Him and He will be with us.

Father God, you are awesome. You are great. I love you because you know me. You know the plans for me, to lift me up and bless me, to build in me something that is beyond what I can comprehend. And Lord, that can be scary, but don't let that fear take over me, because I know that you are there for me. I thank you Lord for this awesome blessing for me. Allow me to be moved by You I pray. In Jesus mighty name.
Amen.