1 Cor 16:5-8
5After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. 6Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
This is just like new believers. You can not just pass them, but need to spend some time with them. You need to stay with them so that they are encouraged in the Lord.
Let me be able to do this for my new believers. I want to be able to stay with them so that they will be encouraged in the Lord.
Father, I thank you for this word that encourages me and challenges me to consolidate better. I pray that I not just pass by new believers, but encourage them and stay with them, walk with them through a new life in you. I thank you for this word and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Follow The Leader
Judges 8:28-25
28 Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon's lifetime, the land enjoyed peace forty years.
29 Jerub-Baal son of Joash went back home to live. 30 He had seventy sons of his own, for he had many wives. 31 His concubine, who lived in Shechem, also bore him a son, whom he named Abimelech. 32 Gideon son of Joash died at a good old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and 34 did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 35 They also failed to show kindness to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) for all the good things he had done for them.
The Israelites followed a man or leader that God appointed to lead over them. The problem that they faced is that, each time the leader passes away, they fall back to sin. As it shows in Judges, the human nature has a tendency to gravitate towards evil. The Israelites, without a leader to lead them to God, would start to follow the leaders of the Canaanites and other gods.
I thank God for Christ Jesus, because he is our leader in heaven. He is always with us and there to guide us. Because of Him and what He did on the cross, we can all have salvation. Let us not follow a human leader, because we are all imperfect, but let us follow God Himself, so that we can grow to become like Him.
Father, I thank you for this word Lord. I pray that we not be like the Israelites and follow earthly people, but to learn to follow you. Lord, I pray that I may follow you with all of my heart and mind and strength. Let me grow more in you. Let me follow your ways and what you want. I thank you for this word and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
28 Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon's lifetime, the land enjoyed peace forty years.
29 Jerub-Baal son of Joash went back home to live. 30 He had seventy sons of his own, for he had many wives. 31 His concubine, who lived in Shechem, also bore him a son, whom he named Abimelech. 32 Gideon son of Joash died at a good old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and 34 did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 35 They also failed to show kindness to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) for all the good things he had done for them.
The Israelites followed a man or leader that God appointed to lead over them. The problem that they faced is that, each time the leader passes away, they fall back to sin. As it shows in Judges, the human nature has a tendency to gravitate towards evil. The Israelites, without a leader to lead them to God, would start to follow the leaders of the Canaanites and other gods.
I thank God for Christ Jesus, because he is our leader in heaven. He is always with us and there to guide us. Because of Him and what He did on the cross, we can all have salvation. Let us not follow a human leader, because we are all imperfect, but let us follow God Himself, so that we can grow to become like Him.
Father, I thank you for this word Lord. I pray that we not be like the Israelites and follow earthly people, but to learn to follow you. Lord, I pray that I may follow you with all of my heart and mind and strength. Let me grow more in you. Let me follow your ways and what you want. I thank you for this word and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
What Words Come From Your Tongue
Psalms 52:2-5
2 Your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor,
you who practice deceit.
3 You love evil rather than good,
falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
Selah
4 You love every harmful word,
O you deceitful tongue!
5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin:
He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
Selah
1 Cor 14:3-5
3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
The tongue and the words we speak is a very powerful thing. It can make or break people and the way that we all live. God's words is an example of how great our words can be. In Psalms, it shows how our words can be used to destroy, but on the other side, in Corinthians, it shows how our words are able to be used to edify the church and everyone we come to talk to.
I want my words that I speak to be edifying and not to be used to destroy. I want to how God's words in my life so that I may speak His truth. I don't want evil to come from my mouth deceit to take over, but to have the Spirit of the Lord fill me from the inside out.
Father, I thank you for your words because it is the ultimate words that can be used to move lives and change hearts. I pray that your Holy Spirit fill me with and use me. I pray that my mouth be a Holy anointing to others and to lift up the church. I know that you will be in all these things and I pray that your Spirit guide and move me. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
2 Your tongue plots destruction;
it is like a sharpened razor,
you who practice deceit.
3 You love evil rather than good,
falsehood rather than speaking the truth.
Selah
4 You love every harmful word,
O you deceitful tongue!
5 Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin:
He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
Selah
1 Cor 14:3-5
3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
The tongue and the words we speak is a very powerful thing. It can make or break people and the way that we all live. God's words is an example of how great our words can be. In Psalms, it shows how our words can be used to destroy, but on the other side, in Corinthians, it shows how our words are able to be used to edify the church and everyone we come to talk to.
I want my words that I speak to be edifying and not to be used to destroy. I want to how God's words in my life so that I may speak His truth. I don't want evil to come from my mouth deceit to take over, but to have the Spirit of the Lord fill me from the inside out.
Father, I thank you for your words because it is the ultimate words that can be used to move lives and change hearts. I pray that your Holy Spirit fill me with and use me. I pray that my mouth be a Holy anointing to others and to lift up the church. I know that you will be in all these things and I pray that your Spirit guide and move me. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Greatest 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.
God wants us all to love each other like how he has loved us, unconditionally. God is love and love is in all of us. God emphasizes love as an important aspect of our faith and relationship with Christ and others.
There is no comparison on how much love you can have. It shows here in God's words that the most important thing is love. We need to love one another as much as we should love the Lord our God. We need love in our lives and show love to others.
Love is the most important thing that one person can do. I know that we must love you, Lord, but also let me love one another. I know that it will be hard at times, but give me the strength to have a loving heart. Let me be like you. I pray that my heart be changed to love even the least of those. I thank you Lord and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
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.
God wants us all to love each other like how he has loved us, unconditionally. God is love and love is in all of us. God emphasizes love as an important aspect of our faith and relationship with Christ and others.
There is no comparison on how much love you can have. It shows here in God's words that the most important thing is love. We need to love one another as much as we should love the Lord our God. We need love in our lives and show love to others.
Love is the most important thing that one person can do. I know that we must love you, Lord, but also let me love one another. I know that it will be hard at times, but give me the strength to have a loving heart. Let me be like you. I pray that my heart be changed to love even the least of those. I thank you Lord and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Next Generation
Judges 2:8-12
8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of a hundred and ten. 9 And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger
Here, a whole generation passes away and the next generation is lost without the Lord. They don't know of what the Lord has done for their family because the people that passed away did not teach their children the way of the Lord. They succumbed to the worldly ways that surrounded them.
This next generation of young people have a fire to serve the Lord and make a difference in this world. We can't neglect them or they will fall like how the Israelites did. They will fail to teach the next generation of how good the Lord is. We can't have the young people not know God. We need to continue to feed them and teach them the Word of God.
The Lord needs to be taught to all people. This generation that is coming can only be on fire for the Lord if they are taught His words. I want to pray that I may be part of that, that I will help share the good news of the Lord to this new generation. I know that you want me to be a blessing to these people and I pray that you may give me the wisdom and strength to do so. I thank you and pray this with your Holy and Glorious name.
Amen.
8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of a hundred and ten. 9 And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger
Here, a whole generation passes away and the next generation is lost without the Lord. They don't know of what the Lord has done for their family because the people that passed away did not teach their children the way of the Lord. They succumbed to the worldly ways that surrounded them.
This next generation of young people have a fire to serve the Lord and make a difference in this world. We can't neglect them or they will fall like how the Israelites did. They will fail to teach the next generation of how good the Lord is. We can't have the young people not know God. We need to continue to feed them and teach them the Word of God.
The Lord needs to be taught to all people. This generation that is coming can only be on fire for the Lord if they are taught His words. I want to pray that I may be part of that, that I will help share the good news of the Lord to this new generation. I know that you want me to be a blessing to these people and I pray that you may give me the wisdom and strength to do so. I thank you and pray this with your Holy and Glorious name.
Amen.
Monday, March 24, 2008
A Blessing To Serve
1 Cor 9:19-23
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 shows here that it takes a lot of effort to share the gospel. He caters to the means of each individual. It is hard work to tell others about Christ, but like he says here, it is also a blessing. Let us be blessed when we work hard to build the Kingdom of God.
As I continue to serve the Lord, I know that it is tough and it is hard, but let me be encouraged to do so knowing that I will be blessed by God. I know that God has a purpose for me and that He will bless me. I know that all my efforts to serve the Lord is for the glory of God.
Father, I thank you for all the opportunities to serve you. I know that sometimes it is tough, and Lord give me strength, but I know that it is to glorify you. I know that it is a blessing to serve you and to glorify your name in all things. Let me be a servant for you. Let me share in your blessings of others. I thank you for all these things and I pray all this in Your Holy name.
Amen.
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 shows here that it takes a lot of effort to share the gospel. He caters to the means of each individual. It is hard work to tell others about Christ, but like he says here, it is also a blessing. Let us be blessed when we work hard to build the Kingdom of God.
As I continue to serve the Lord, I know that it is tough and it is hard, but let me be encouraged to do so knowing that I will be blessed by God. I know that God has a purpose for me and that He will bless me. I know that all my efforts to serve the Lord is for the glory of God.
Father, I thank you for all the opportunities to serve you. I know that sometimes it is tough, and Lord give me strength, but I know that it is to glorify you. I know that it is a blessing to serve you and to glorify your name in all things. Let me be a servant for you. Let me share in your blessings of others. I thank you for all these things and I pray all this in Your Holy name.
Amen.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Not To Cause A Brother To Sin
1 Cor 8:8-13
8But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
To some people, some activities will cause them to sin, whiles others other things. God's words show me here that I am not just for myself, but also for my brother. If anything I do will cause them to sin, then I have sinned myself.
Let me not be a hinderer to my brothers in Christ, so that I can build up and not break down. Things such as going to the club; if I will cause someone to sin through that, then let me not do it, so that I can not cause my brother to sin. I need to watch what I do not for myself, but for the Lord and the Body of Christ.
Father, I thank you for these words that you have given to me. Let me take it in and build the Church. If I have ever caused any one of my brothers to sin through my own actions, then Lord forgive me. I pray that I may show others your truth and not anything that may be sinful in their eyes. Lord, I thank you. Give me the wisdom and spirit to do this in Jesus name.
Amen.
8But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
To some people, some activities will cause them to sin, whiles others other things. God's words show me here that I am not just for myself, but also for my brother. If anything I do will cause them to sin, then I have sinned myself.
Let me not be a hinderer to my brothers in Christ, so that I can build up and not break down. Things such as going to the club; if I will cause someone to sin through that, then let me not do it, so that I can not cause my brother to sin. I need to watch what I do not for myself, but for the Lord and the Body of Christ.
Father, I thank you for these words that you have given to me. Let me take it in and build the Church. If I have ever caused any one of my brothers to sin through my own actions, then Lord forgive me. I pray that I may show others your truth and not anything that may be sinful in their eyes. Lord, I thank you. Give me the wisdom and spirit to do this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
No Place Like God's Place Of Calling
1 Cor 7:17-19
17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts.
God wants our attitudes to be right with Him. We shouldn't be needing anything more than what He has placed in our lives. We don't need to have the need for more than this life, because God has blessed our lives.
God has called me into this world for this place that He gave into my life. I know that my heart is in this place. There is no need to chase after the things of this world because the Lord has blessed me. I need to follow God's heart and His will in my life.
Father, I thank you for all your blessings that you have given me. I know that you have placed me here so that I may do your will. Lord, use me as I live a life Holy in your name. I pray that you be with me in this place. I thank you for your strength and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts.
God wants our attitudes to be right with Him. We shouldn't be needing anything more than what He has placed in our lives. We don't need to have the need for more than this life, because God has blessed our lives.
God has called me into this world for this place that He gave into my life. I know that my heart is in this place. There is no need to chase after the things of this world because the Lord has blessed me. I need to follow God's heart and His will in my life.
Father, I thank you for all your blessings that you have given me. I know that you have placed me here so that I may do your will. Lord, use me as I live a life Holy in your name. I pray that you be with me in this place. I thank you for your strength and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
God Will Punish
Psalm 69:23-28
23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.
24 Pour out your wrath on them;
let your fierce anger overtake them.
25 May their place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute those you wound
and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
27 Charge them with crime upon crime;
do not let them share in your salvation.
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life
and not be listed with the righteous.
Sometimes we feel these ways too when we get angry against people. We want to take revenge for ourselves. We start to take up anger in our hearts. We want to pray that God punishes these wicked people that tick us off. But, it is not us that judges, but the Lord.
He is the one that will punish the wicked. We must remember that God is ultimately in control and that give up all situations into His hands.
Father, I thank you for these words from your servant David. I pray that your spirit be overflowing into my life. I pray against the sin of anger and revenge. I cast that out in Jesus name. I know that you are in control and that you will punish the wicked for the sins that are done. I let you have control and give it all to you. I pray all these things in your glorious name.
Amen.
23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
and their backs be bent forever.
24 Pour out your wrath on them;
let your fierce anger overtake them.
25 May their place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute those you wound
and talk about the pain of those you hurt.
27 Charge them with crime upon crime;
do not let them share in your salvation.
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life
and not be listed with the righteous.
Sometimes we feel these ways too when we get angry against people. We want to take revenge for ourselves. We start to take up anger in our hearts. We want to pray that God punishes these wicked people that tick us off. But, it is not us that judges, but the Lord.
He is the one that will punish the wicked. We must remember that God is ultimately in control and that give up all situations into His hands.
Father, I thank you for these words from your servant David. I pray that your spirit be overflowing into my life. I pray against the sin of anger and revenge. I cast that out in Jesus name. I know that you are in control and that you will punish the wicked for the sins that are done. I let you have control and give it all to you. I pray all these things in your glorious name.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Only The Judgement of the Lord
1 Cor 4:1-5
1So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Every man is human, but we judge things and people left and right. Only God is the one who should judge because all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. We need to be Christ-like and not pass judgement on people, because the day will come when God judges us.
Lets not judge others because they are just like me. God will judge all people when the time comes. When we judge others, we are sinning. We should also not be stopped by others that judge us, because they are not the one will judge, but God the Father.
Father, I thank you for this great word. I know that you a great God. Let me not judge or pass judgement to others because I know that you will be judging me on the day of Judgement. Also let me not be offended by others when they judge me, because it is only you who Judges me on that day. Let my heart be more Christ-like, so that I may know you and be in your Spirit. I thank you and give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
1So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Every man is human, but we judge things and people left and right. Only God is the one who should judge because all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. We need to be Christ-like and not pass judgement on people, because the day will come when God judges us.
Lets not judge others because they are just like me. God will judge all people when the time comes. When we judge others, we are sinning. We should also not be stopped by others that judge us, because they are not the one will judge, but God the Father.
Father, I thank you for this great word. I know that you a great God. Let me not judge or pass judgement to others because I know that you will be judging me on the day of Judgement. Also let me not be offended by others when they judge me, because it is only you who Judges me on that day. Let my heart be more Christ-like, so that I may know you and be in your Spirit. I thank you and give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Answering To Authority
Joshua 1:16-18
16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"
Just like soldiers, we must listen to our spiritual authorities. This tribe follows what Joshua tells them to do. We must follow our leaders in what God tells them to do.
Sometimes it is going to be tough to listen to our leaders, but God's spirit is with them, and has given them the position to lead. We must listen to our spiritual authority in what they tell us to do for the Lord.
Father, I thank you for this word of authority. I pray that your words hold in my heart to be humble to those that you put to lead me. I thank you for their lives and I pray that your Spirit guide those in these position to be in sync with your spirit. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"
Just like soldiers, we must listen to our spiritual authorities. This tribe follows what Joshua tells them to do. We must follow our leaders in what God tells them to do.
Sometimes it is going to be tough to listen to our leaders, but God's spirit is with them, and has given them the position to lead. We must listen to our spiritual authority in what they tell us to do for the Lord.
Father, I thank you for this word of authority. I pray that your words hold in my heart to be humble to those that you put to lead me. I thank you for their lives and I pray that your Spirit guide those in these position to be in sync with your spirit. I thank you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, March 17, 2008
My Words In God's Spirit
1 Corth 2:11-14
11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Only God's spirit knows what God is thinking about. He is the one that gives us the word, not through man, but through Him. I speak words not from men, but from the Holy Spirit.
I need to be giving my messages on God's words. Only through His spirit can He work through us. If it was my words, then it would not be God's Spirit. Let not my words come from my flesh, but from the Spirit of the Lord.
Father, I pray that these words from my mouth be Holy in your name. I thank you for your Spirit to guide me and to give me strength. You are my rock that I stand on for truth. I pray that my words be only Your words, and that I be in Your Spirit. I thank you again and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Only God's spirit knows what God is thinking about. He is the one that gives us the word, not through man, but through Him. I speak words not from men, but from the Holy Spirit.
I need to be giving my messages on God's words. Only through His spirit can He work through us. If it was my words, then it would not be God's Spirit. Let not my words come from my flesh, but from the Spirit of the Lord.
Father, I pray that these words from my mouth be Holy in your name. I thank you for your Spirit to guide me and to give me strength. You are my rock that I stand on for truth. I pray that my words be only Your words, and that I be in Your Spirit. I thank you again and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
To Be Clothed In Christ
Gal 3:26-28
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
To be clothed by Christ is a symbol that we are all showing our trust in the Lord. Like the clothes that we wear and the logos that we show, we may also show others what we wear, the salvation of Christ Jesus.
We all come to Christ through faith in Him. We all clothes ourselves with what He is. Realize that everyone clothed in Christ is Christ-like, that we should act like Him and be like Him. Can others see that we are clothed in Christ?
I know that your grace and glory shines in the heavens. Through faith I may live and be clothed in your glory. I pray that I can be surrounded by your Spirit, clothed in your majesty. I pray for more of your Spirit, so that I may know you more. Draw me closer to you I pray.
Amen.
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
To be clothed by Christ is a symbol that we are all showing our trust in the Lord. Like the clothes that we wear and the logos that we show, we may also show others what we wear, the salvation of Christ Jesus.
We all come to Christ through faith in Him. We all clothes ourselves with what He is. Realize that everyone clothed in Christ is Christ-like, that we should act like Him and be like Him. Can others see that we are clothed in Christ?
I know that your grace and glory shines in the heavens. Through faith I may live and be clothed in your glory. I pray that I can be surrounded by your Spirit, clothed in your majesty. I pray for more of your Spirit, so that I may know you more. Draw me closer to you I pray.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Acting In Line
Gal 2:14-16
14When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
15"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
Even some of the highest apostles can not stand up to God's standard. Here, Paul tells Peter that he is not acting in line with the truth of the gospel. Sometimes, we need someone to show us the truth. Paul spoke truth in to Peter, so that he may know the the law.
Sometimes, we don't see ourselves getting out of line so we need someone to show us that we are not in like with the truth. It can be tough. The truth can hurt sometimes, but only through Christ Jesus can we be justified.
Father, I thank you for your words, your law. I thank you for showing us the law so that we recognize how far we are from it. I pray that my faith in Christ not be masked by sin, but with your light, so that I may have Salvation in your name. I pray that I show others that need to be told the truth of your gospel. I thank you for your word and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
14When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
15"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
Even some of the highest apostles can not stand up to God's standard. Here, Paul tells Peter that he is not acting in line with the truth of the gospel. Sometimes, we need someone to show us the truth. Paul spoke truth in to Peter, so that he may know the the law.
Sometimes, we don't see ourselves getting out of line so we need someone to show us that we are not in like with the truth. It can be tough. The truth can hurt sometimes, but only through Christ Jesus can we be justified.
Father, I thank you for your words, your law. I thank you for showing us the law so that we recognize how far we are from it. I pray that my faith in Christ not be masked by sin, but with your light, so that I may have Salvation in your name. I pray that I show others that need to be told the truth of your gospel. I thank you for your word and I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, March 10, 2008
A Testimony
Gal 1:11-17
11I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Paul is preaching through the words of God, but also through His own testimony here. he speaks of his own experience with the Lord as conviction to those he is sharing the gospel to.
I believe that our experiences and personal testimonies of the Lord are a way to show how much God has changed our lives. Let us use it with the word of the Lord to testify of the Lord's goodness.
Father, I thank you for what you have blessed me with. Let my experience with you be a testimony to others. I want to share with others how great you are in my life and how you have worked in my life. I pray that I may testify of your goodness through your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
11I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
13For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Paul is preaching through the words of God, but also through His own testimony here. he speaks of his own experience with the Lord as conviction to those he is sharing the gospel to.
I believe that our experiences and personal testimonies of the Lord are a way to show how much God has changed our lives. Let us use it with the word of the Lord to testify of the Lord's goodness.
Father, I thank you for what you have blessed me with. Let my experience with you be a testimony to others. I want to share with others how great you are in my life and how you have worked in my life. I pray that I may testify of your goodness through your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Choosing Jesus
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.
Here the Jews chose to release a murderer instead of Jesus. The Jews chose this sinful person over Jesus. Often times, we choose sin over Jesus. We are no better than these Jews when we don't make Jesus our decision.
I want to choose Jesus. I want to make Him my choice. I want to choose Him over other things that get in my way of living for Christ. Instead of falling short of His standards, I want to choose to live my life for Him.
Father, I choose you. Let me not be like the Jews that chose a murderer instead of choosing you. Lord, I thank you for your death on the cross, because you died for my sins. I thank you Lord. I pray that I choose you in my decisions and I pray that you be with me. In Jesus name I pray all these things.
Amen.
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.
Here the Jews chose to release a murderer instead of Jesus. The Jews chose this sinful person over Jesus. Often times, we choose sin over Jesus. We are no better than these Jews when we don't make Jesus our decision.
I want to choose Jesus. I want to make Him my choice. I want to choose Him over other things that get in my way of living for Christ. Instead of falling short of His standards, I want to choose to live my life for Him.
Father, I choose you. Let me not be like the Jews that chose a murderer instead of choosing you. Lord, I thank you for your death on the cross, because you died for my sins. I thank you Lord. I pray that I choose you in my decisions and I pray that you be with me. In Jesus name I pray all these things.
Amen.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Over Flatter
Psalm 36:1-3
1 An oracle is within my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: [a]
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much to detect or hate his sin.
3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and to do good.
It is a sin to think of yourself with a big head. You will only leave God out of your life. When you self-flatter yourself, you will lose sight of what God wants in your life.
We must live a life that exults God. When we think of ourselves to much, we leave no account for God to do anything in our lives. We must put our confidence not in ourselves, but in Christ Jesus.
Father, I thank you for your words. I pray that I may trust in you and you alone. Lord, I know that there are times that I am over confident in myself, so break me down and make me humble. Give me a new attitude to serve you with all my heart. I pray that I may have the confidence in You. I thank you for this and I pray that your Holy Spirit work in my life.
Amen.
1 An oracle is within my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: [a]
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much to detect or hate his sin.
3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and to do good.
It is a sin to think of yourself with a big head. You will only leave God out of your life. When you self-flatter yourself, you will lose sight of what God wants in your life.
We must live a life that exults God. When we think of ourselves to much, we leave no account for God to do anything in our lives. We must put our confidence not in ourselves, but in Christ Jesus.
Father, I thank you for your words. I pray that I may trust in you and you alone. Lord, I know that there are times that I am over confident in myself, so break me down and make me humble. Give me a new attitude to serve you with all my heart. I pray that I may have the confidence in You. I thank you for this and I pray that your Holy Spirit work in my life.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
All-Powerful Faith
Mark 11:20-25
20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Jesus explains that faith is enough to move mountains. Our faith in our God is all-powerful. With faith, we are able to do so much in the name of the Lord Jesus. Faith leaves room for God to take over and do what His will is.
My faith in the Lord is something that I should consider important. How much faith do I put in myself and how much faith do I put in God? I need to give Him my everything and have faith enough for Him to work in my life.
Father, I thank you for this word of faith. I trust in You with all that you are. I want you to take over because I have faith that you will be able to move mountains in my life. Holy Spirit be with me today in Jesus name.
Amen.
20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Jesus explains that faith is enough to move mountains. Our faith in our God is all-powerful. With faith, we are able to do so much in the name of the Lord Jesus. Faith leaves room for God to take over and do what His will is.
My faith in the Lord is something that I should consider important. How much faith do I put in myself and how much faith do I put in God? I need to give Him my everything and have faith enough for Him to work in my life.
Father, I thank you for this word of faith. I trust in You with all that you are. I want you to take over because I have faith that you will be able to move mountains in my life. Holy Spirit be with me today in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
T5+: Finish What God Started
When Pastor Steve spoke about getting rid of things that bring you down, Jesse's heart began to pound. He could see the covers of CD's he knew depressed him. Upon returning home, Jesse went straight to his CD case and threw away every one that had come to mind.
A month later, as Jesse was listening to his MP3 player, a song from one of those CD's began to play. Immediately his heart pounded again and he knew he needed to delete it. Instead he told himself, It isn't a big deal; it's only one song. Within a matter of weeks, he had repurchased all the CDs he had thrown away. Months later, his depression worsened to the point that Jesse's mother pursued professional psychological help for him.
Jesse's life could have been different had he finished what he started. it can be difficult to give up something when God asks you, but often the consequences of disobeying Him are far worse.
The Holy Spirit shows me the truth and the way. The flesh is strong and temptation can be hard to fight, but with the Spirit of God; trust in Him and you will be saved.
Father God, I trust you will all my heart and all my mind and all my strength. Lead me not into temptation but let me be delivered so that I can live in the truth. Keep me Holy so that I may live for You. I thank you Lord for your grace from all the times that I have fallen short of your glory. I pray for your forgiveness, Jesus. Let me live in your Spirit I pray, in Jesus name.
Amen.
A month later, as Jesse was listening to his MP3 player, a song from one of those CD's began to play. Immediately his heart pounded again and he knew he needed to delete it. Instead he told himself, It isn't a big deal; it's only one song. Within a matter of weeks, he had repurchased all the CDs he had thrown away. Months later, his depression worsened to the point that Jesse's mother pursued professional psychological help for him.
I said, "...You shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break their alters." Yet you have disobeyed me... They will be [thorns] in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you (Judges 2:1-30.
Jesse's life could have been different had he finished what he started. it can be difficult to give up something when God asks you, but often the consequences of disobeying Him are far worse.
The Holy Spirit shows me the truth and the way. The flesh is strong and temptation can be hard to fight, but with the Spirit of God; trust in Him and you will be saved.
Father God, I trust you will all my heart and all my mind and all my strength. Lead me not into temptation but let me be delivered so that I can live in the truth. Keep me Holy so that I may live for You. I thank you Lord for your grace from all the times that I have fallen short of your glory. I pray for your forgiveness, Jesus. Let me live in your Spirit I pray, in Jesus name.
Amen.
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