Proverbs 17:17
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
Here God is talking about true friendship. There are so many "fake" friends that people have, including myself, that would not really be considered true friendship. They may be acquaintances, or just friends, which is good and all, but it does not compare to true friends. This verse contrasts true friends with fake friends that are suppose to be real friends in your life. They are the ones that are there through thick and thin and will be there for you. Also, they are the ones that will tell you the truth because they care for you.
Let the Lord change me to be a true friend to those around me. Also to show me who my true friends are compared to those who are "fake". I need to be true friends to those that need me and those that can count on me.
Father God, I thank you for my friends that I have. I know that they have blessed me in so many ways. I pray that I may be a true friend to others, that I do not quit on them or be fake in any way. I also pray that my friends are friends that are real to me, that I know will be there for me. I thank you for these people. I know that you will bless them so much. I thank you Lord, and pray this in Jesus Holy name.
Amen.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Not Works But Grace
Romans 11:5-6
5So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
God's love and salvation is only by His grace. We don't deserve it and nothing we can do can earn it. But God's love for us was shown with the death of His Son on the cross for our sin, so that we may connect with Him.
This passage is so great and it reminds me that I can do nothing, but it was all the Father who gave, even though I was still in sin. I know that His love for me is great and that I don't have to do, do, do, but remember that He loves me, not from me doing anything, but just because He does.
Father God, I thank you for your love for me. I know that you loved me even before I was born. I know that you loved me so much, that when your Son died for me, You were thinking of me. I thank you for your grace. I know that I am a sinner, but because You love me, I am not bound by sin, but brought into salvation. I thank you so much. I give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
5So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
God's love and salvation is only by His grace. We don't deserve it and nothing we can do can earn it. But God's love for us was shown with the death of His Son on the cross for our sin, so that we may connect with Him.
This passage is so great and it reminds me that I can do nothing, but it was all the Father who gave, even though I was still in sin. I know that His love for me is great and that I don't have to do, do, do, but remember that He loves me, not from me doing anything, but just because He does.
Father God, I thank you for your love for me. I know that you loved me even before I was born. I know that you loved me so much, that when your Son died for me, You were thinking of me. I thank you for your grace. I know that I am a sinner, but because You love me, I am not bound by sin, but brought into salvation. I thank you so much. I give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Seeking Wisdom
Proverbs 8:10-14
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have understanding and power.
Wisdom is an essential characteristic that Jesus and God wants to shape in us. Wisdom is much more than wealth, because wealth can not purchase character, and it can not buy yourself a relationship with God, to seek after that which God wants for you and that which is eternal.
To seek God is to know Him and to be like Him. God shows favor in us and gives us wisdom and a discerning heart. I want to seek after these things more than precious gold or silver. I know that my character that follows God is worth way more than any thing money can buy.
Father, I know that you love me and I know that you have great plans for me, plans to prosper and abundant in life. I pray right now that I may seek after you and after your wisdom that you blessed me with. I pray that I use it in a way that is pleasing in your eyes. Let me be a vessel in which you may have me lead others. I thank you for all these blessings and it is an honor to give you all the praise. In Jesus name.
Amen.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have understanding and power.
Wisdom is an essential characteristic that Jesus and God wants to shape in us. Wisdom is much more than wealth, because wealth can not purchase character, and it can not buy yourself a relationship with God, to seek after that which God wants for you and that which is eternal.
To seek God is to know Him and to be like Him. God shows favor in us and gives us wisdom and a discerning heart. I want to seek after these things more than precious gold or silver. I know that my character that follows God is worth way more than any thing money can buy.
Father, I know that you love me and I know that you have great plans for me, plans to prosper and abundant in life. I pray right now that I may seek after you and after your wisdom that you blessed me with. I pray that I use it in a way that is pleasing in your eyes. Let me be a vessel in which you may have me lead others. I thank you for all these blessings and it is an honor to give you all the praise. In Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
God's Spirit Overcomes Sin
Romans 8:5-10
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
It is the mind that draws people to sin. Temptation is strong and it is the weakness of our minds that lets us give into sin. As God says, only though the Spirit in Christ are we able to overcome sin.
Only through God's grace are we able to have Salvation. We must trust in His spirit and His words that we may overcome sin and our sinful ways.
Father, I thank you for your strength. I am weak but you are strong. I know that only through you may I overcome sin. I give my self to you so that You may take over. I thank you Lord and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
5Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.
It is the mind that draws people to sin. Temptation is strong and it is the weakness of our minds that lets us give into sin. As God says, only though the Spirit in Christ are we able to overcome sin.
Only through God's grace are we able to have Salvation. We must trust in His spirit and His words that we may overcome sin and our sinful ways.
Father, I thank you for your strength. I am weak but you are strong. I know that only through you may I overcome sin. I give my self to you so that You may take over. I thank you Lord and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Strength To Resist Enticement
Proverbs 1:8-19
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They will be a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for someone's blood,
let's waylay some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, [b]
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us,
and we will share a common purse"-
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into sin,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net
in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they waylay only themselves!
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the lives of those who get it.
God is speaking through this passage to me. When I am struggling with temptation and just giving up, here He speaks to me of not giving in to temptation. It is so clear on what to do to resist temptation, yet it is so hard to do it.
God's words strengthens me to resist the temptation of this world. Though it is hard, I know that the Lord is with me and is rooting me on to no fall into sin. I must resist the world and hold onto what is right, onto the truth, onto the Lord.
Father, I thank you for the Love of your Son Jesus Christ. Let Him be a reminder to me that it is for sin that He has given up His life for me, so that I may be out of sin an in Salvation. Lord, I thank you for that. Help me as I go through a time to resist the world and all that it offers. I know that it is bad for me, so I pray that you be with me in this time when I am weak, and let you be the strong one. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They will be a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us;
let's lie in wait for someone's blood,
let's waylay some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, [b]
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us,
and we will share a common purse"-
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into sin,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net
in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they waylay only themselves!
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the lives of those who get it.
God is speaking through this passage to me. When I am struggling with temptation and just giving up, here He speaks to me of not giving in to temptation. It is so clear on what to do to resist temptation, yet it is so hard to do it.
God's words strengthens me to resist the temptation of this world. Though it is hard, I know that the Lord is with me and is rooting me on to no fall into sin. I must resist the world and hold onto what is right, onto the truth, onto the Lord.
Father, I thank you for the Love of your Son Jesus Christ. Let Him be a reminder to me that it is for sin that He has given up His life for me, so that I may be out of sin an in Salvation. Lord, I thank you for that. Help me as I go through a time to resist the world and all that it offers. I know that it is bad for me, so I pray that you be with me in this time when I am weak, and let you be the strong one. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Christ Died For Sinners
Romans 5:6-8
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God's love is so awesome. Here, the passage is trying to compare the greatness of His love for us in terms that humanity can resemble it. How much more will God love us and die for us than us humans wanting to die for a righteous man. And how awesome is He to die for us when we are in sin.
God is good. He died for me even when I was in sin. He loves me even when I am against Him. I need to be more like Christ in this manner. That I may love someone even though they would hate me. That is how great God's love is.
Lord, I thank you for your love. If it wasn't for your love for me, I would still be in sin. I thank you for salvation through your blood on the cross. Lord, I thank you for dying for a sinner like myself. I know that you are an awesome God who I can't compare. Let me be more like you I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God's love is so awesome. Here, the passage is trying to compare the greatness of His love for us in terms that humanity can resemble it. How much more will God love us and die for us than us humans wanting to die for a righteous man. And how awesome is He to die for us when we are in sin.
God is good. He died for me even when I was in sin. He loves me even when I am against Him. I need to be more like Christ in this manner. That I may love someone even though they would hate me. That is how great God's love is.
Lord, I thank you for your love. If it wasn't for your love for me, I would still be in sin. I thank you for salvation through your blood on the cross. Lord, I thank you for dying for a sinner like myself. I know that you are an awesome God who I can't compare. Let me be more like you I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, May 23, 2008
One Month of God!!
2 Chron 7:8-10
8 So Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. 10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel.
Imagine, celebrating God's presence for about a whole month. Now that is something that I can look forward to. To know that God is there and just see his glory in a cloud and fire, that would be magnificent. That is how they did it back in the days.
I want to see His glory like how they saw it back then. I know God works in His own ways, and shows Himself to me in ways that I can't imagine. To love the Lord is to want to celebrate Him all the time. I need to continue to love the Lord and to walk in His ways.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your Love for me. I can't imagine living a life where I wouldn't be able to celebrate your Love for me. I know that your presence is surrounding me just like that cloud and fire. Lord, fill my life with your spirit and your glory. Let it continually be in celebration of your presence. I thank you and praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
8 So Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. 10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel.
Imagine, celebrating God's presence for about a whole month. Now that is something that I can look forward to. To know that God is there and just see his glory in a cloud and fire, that would be magnificent. That is how they did it back in the days.
I want to see His glory like how they saw it back then. I know God works in His own ways, and shows Himself to me in ways that I can't imagine. To love the Lord is to want to celebrate Him all the time. I need to continue to love the Lord and to walk in His ways.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your Love for me. I can't imagine living a life where I wouldn't be able to celebrate your Love for me. I know that your presence is surrounding me just like that cloud and fire. Lord, fill my life with your spirit and your glory. Let it continually be in celebration of your presence. I thank you and praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Conscious Of My Sin
Romans 3:19-20
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
God's law is there to show us how much we need Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The law does not show us that we are above it, because no one is above the law, but how far away we are from it. It shows us our flaws, our sins, and that we need Jesus.
I know that I am a sinner. I am not righteous in the sight of God. It is only by His grace and mercy that I am able to come before the Lord and proclaim His goodness. It is only through Christ Jesus that I have salvation.
Father, I want to thank you for your love for me. Only you could send a perfect Son to a sinful world to die for us. I know that you are Lord of all and that it is by your grace and mercy that I can come to you. I thank you Lord for showing me my faults. Let me turn away from my sins and come to you saved through Christ. I thank you and praise your name in Jesus Holy name I pray.
Amen.
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
God's law is there to show us how much we need Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The law does not show us that we are above it, because no one is above the law, but how far away we are from it. It shows us our flaws, our sins, and that we need Jesus.
I know that I am a sinner. I am not righteous in the sight of God. It is only by His grace and mercy that I am able to come before the Lord and proclaim His goodness. It is only through Christ Jesus that I have salvation.
Father, I want to thank you for your love for me. Only you could send a perfect Son to a sinful world to die for us. I know that you are Lord of all and that it is by your grace and mercy that I can come to you. I thank you Lord for showing me my faults. Let me turn away from my sins and come to you saved through Christ. I thank you and praise your name in Jesus Holy name I pray.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Love The Lord, Hate Evil
Psalms 97:10
10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
This is the degree that we must feel against that the Lord does not like. Sin and evil can not be in the presence of God, and as one who follows Christ, we should also hate that which is evil.
We must hate that which is evil and sinful. We should not indulge in the fact of it or play with the situation of sin, but to hate it like how God hates sin. We should not even want to be tempted by it so that we may not falter in the way of the Lord.
Father, let my heart be like you heart. I pray against all these things which may cause me to sin against you. Lord, I pray that the heart of mines hate all these wickedness and guard my heart against such things. I thank you Lord for being with me and guiding me through tough times. I pray for forgiveness for my sins and for not hating such evil things, and I pray for your blood of forgiveness. I thank you Lord for your grace and your mercy. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
This is the degree that we must feel against that the Lord does not like. Sin and evil can not be in the presence of God, and as one who follows Christ, we should also hate that which is evil.
We must hate that which is evil and sinful. We should not indulge in the fact of it or play with the situation of sin, but to hate it like how God hates sin. We should not even want to be tempted by it so that we may not falter in the way of the Lord.
Father, let my heart be like you heart. I pray against all these things which may cause me to sin against you. Lord, I pray that the heart of mines hate all these wickedness and guard my heart against such things. I thank you Lord for being with me and guiding me through tough times. I pray for forgiveness for my sins and for not hating such evil things, and I pray for your blood of forgiveness. I thank you Lord for your grace and your mercy. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, May 19, 2008
An Underserving Temple
2 Chron 2:5-6
5 "The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. 6 But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?
Our God is great and greatly to be praised. Who can contain such an awesome God. We are God's temple's. Our bodies resides that of the Holy Spirit. Me, who am I that he stays in me. But I know that God loves me so much that he died to have that relationship with me.
I know that I am a sinner. I have fallen short of God's glory. But he chooses to reside in the temple of my body. He who is greater than the heavens has chosen to love me so much.
Father, I thank you for your love for me. I know that you have loved me so much that you gave your Son to die for my sins. Lord, let your spirit reign in my life. I don't deserve it, but I pray that you show grace and mercy in my life. I pray that the God of all be a personal God who is able to dwell in this temple. I thank you Lord. I pray all of these in Jesus name.
Amen.
5 "The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. 6 But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?
Our God is great and greatly to be praised. Who can contain such an awesome God. We are God's temple's. Our bodies resides that of the Holy Spirit. Me, who am I that he stays in me. But I know that God loves me so much that he died to have that relationship with me.
I know that I am a sinner. I have fallen short of God's glory. But he chooses to reside in the temple of my body. He who is greater than the heavens has chosen to love me so much.
Father, I thank you for your love for me. I know that you have loved me so much that you gave your Son to die for my sins. Lord, let your spirit reign in my life. I don't deserve it, but I pray that you show grace and mercy in my life. I pray that the God of all be a personal God who is able to dwell in this temple. I thank you Lord. I pray all of these in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Pray Against Hardened Hearts
2 Thess 2:9-12
9The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Paul speaks about those who do not have Christ in their lives, and those that refuse to have Him in their lives. He says that those people who are perishing are those that do not want to know God.
We must pray for those that refuse the truth, God's truth. We know that they hearts are hardened, but through prayer, we can intercede and pray for a softening of those hearts that they they may receive the love of Christ.
Father, I thank you for a heart of compassion for those that don't know you. Lord, I pray for those that refuse to hear your words and have hardened their hearts to your truth. Lord, I pray that their hearts be softened and that your Holy spirit move in their lives. Let this word of yours speak straight into their lives. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
9The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Paul speaks about those who do not have Christ in their lives, and those that refuse to have Him in their lives. He says that those people who are perishing are those that do not want to know God.
We must pray for those that refuse the truth, God's truth. We know that they hearts are hardened, but through prayer, we can intercede and pray for a softening of those hearts that they they may receive the love of Christ.
Father, I thank you for a heart of compassion for those that don't know you. Lord, I pray for those that refuse to hear your words and have hardened their hearts to your truth. Lord, I pray that their hearts be softened and that your Holy spirit move in their lives. Let this word of yours speak straight into their lives. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Who Am I That You Bless Me So Much
1 Chron 29:6-14
6 Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave willingly. 7 They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron. 8 Any who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite. 9 The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
David's Prayer
10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
God is so good and He has blessed me with so much. I should praise Him through giving. It shows here that all thing come from the Lord, even the thing that we give.
We must thank the Lord God with all our hearts because He has blessed us tremendously. The Lord gives all things.
Father, I thank you for all these blessings that you have passed my way. I praise your name for all your love. Lord, as shown in this passage, who am I that you bless me so much. Who am I that your grace has fallen on me. Lord, I thank you for you for your everlasting love for me. I praise your name and honor you with my life. Thank you. In all these things I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
6 Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave willingly. 7 They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron. 8 Any who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite. 9 The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
David's Prayer
10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
God is so good and He has blessed me with so much. I should praise Him through giving. It shows here that all thing come from the Lord, even the thing that we give.
We must thank the Lord God with all our hearts because He has blessed us tremendously. The Lord gives all things.
Father, I thank you for all these blessings that you have passed my way. I praise your name for all your love. Lord, as shown in this passage, who am I that you bless me so much. Who am I that your grace has fallen on me. Lord, I thank you for you for your everlasting love for me. I praise your name and honor you with my life. Thank you. In all these things I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, May 16, 2008
T5+: Surprise By God's Call
Do you know anyone called to ministry? Some people experience that call from the time they are very young. Other people, however, get established in another career before God speaks to them about full-time service.
God has every right to call a person into the ministry. He created us in the first place. He gave His Son so everyone who believes in Him can receive eternal life. Since everything we have come from Him, He has the right to "surprise" individuals as He surprised Amos.
Those who receive His calling may be both surprised and a little scared, wondering how they'll move into a life of ministry. However, the god who calls us can be trusted to work out the details. keep your life open to hearing the voice of God leading you in whatever direction He chooses. he can use you powerfully, whether He works through you on staff in a church or in some other career.
We need to give God the attention in prayer. We shouldn't just talk to Him, but spend time in listening to Him speak to us. I need to spend more time doing that, so that God may speak to me. I need to open up myself for His to speak so that I can better know His will.
Father, I thank you for your love and your grace and mercy. I know that you have plans for me, plans to prosper me. I trust in your ways and I pray that I may open up my life for your change to happen. I pray that I may seek you and listen to your words so that you may direct me in your ways. I pray all these in Jesus Holy name.
Amen.
Amos answered Amaziah, "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel'" (Amos 7:14)
God has every right to call a person into the ministry. He created us in the first place. He gave His Son so everyone who believes in Him can receive eternal life. Since everything we have come from Him, He has the right to "surprise" individuals as He surprised Amos.
Those who receive His calling may be both surprised and a little scared, wondering how they'll move into a life of ministry. However, the god who calls us can be trusted to work out the details. keep your life open to hearing the voice of God leading you in whatever direction He chooses. he can use you powerfully, whether He works through you on staff in a church or in some other career.
We need to give God the attention in prayer. We shouldn't just talk to Him, but spend time in listening to Him speak to us. I need to spend more time doing that, so that God may speak to me. I need to open up myself for His to speak so that I can better know His will.
Father, I thank you for your love and your grace and mercy. I know that you have plans for me, plans to prosper me. I trust in your ways and I pray that I may open up my life for your change to happen. I pray that I may seek you and listen to your words so that you may direct me in your ways. I pray all these in Jesus Holy name.
Amen.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Through Christ I Am Made Anew
1 Thess 4:13-14
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
There has always been something inside of me that shows me to God. This part of me knows that I am more than what I seem to be, because Christ has made me new and has made a purpose for me. I am not like those without hope, because my hope is in Christ Jesus.
This verse reminds me of others. It makes my heart sink when others "grieve like the rest of men" who don't know Jesus. The Lord has come to give salvation, and salvation is for the whole, making me new in all things, so that my life does not lead to death. I don't need to grieve that life sucks, because through Jesus, life is purposeful and made new.
Father, I thank you for these Holy words of yours. I know that it has spoken to me that for a heart towards others. I know that those who don't know you are sheep without a shepard. I pray that those people will come to know you and fulfill the life that you have them to have. I pray that you use me in your ways and also make me anew so that I may grow to be the person that you meant me to be. I thank you for everything and I pray this in your Awesome name.
Amen.
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
There has always been something inside of me that shows me to God. This part of me knows that I am more than what I seem to be, because Christ has made me new and has made a purpose for me. I am not like those without hope, because my hope is in Christ Jesus.
This verse reminds me of others. It makes my heart sink when others "grieve like the rest of men" who don't know Jesus. The Lord has come to give salvation, and salvation is for the whole, making me new in all things, so that my life does not lead to death. I don't need to grieve that life sucks, because through Jesus, life is purposeful and made new.
Father, I thank you for these Holy words of yours. I know that it has spoken to me that for a heart towards others. I know that those who don't know you are sheep without a shepard. I pray that those people will come to know you and fulfill the life that you have them to have. I pray that you use me in your ways and also make me anew so that I may grow to be the person that you meant me to be. I thank you for everything and I pray this in your Awesome name.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Love Outwards
1 Thess 3:12
12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
We've been focusing so much on the Love of God and to draw closer to Him. We need to also remember to love those around us. To continue to draw close to others in love through Christ Jesus.
We need to love upward, outward, and inward. I know that I have been lacking in my love for others and I know that God is working in me to be more love towards others.
Father, I thank you for this reminder to continue to love others just like how you love me. I know that you are Love and that I can not say that I love you but not my brother. So work in my heart and let me be open to others even when they are my enemies. I pray that you break my heart and my pride to show your true love for others. I thank you Lord and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
We've been focusing so much on the Love of God and to draw closer to Him. We need to also remember to love those around us. To continue to draw close to others in love through Christ Jesus.
We need to love upward, outward, and inward. I know that I have been lacking in my love for others and I know that God is working in me to be more love towards others.
Father, I thank you for this reminder to continue to love others just like how you love me. I know that you are Love and that I can not say that I love you but not my brother. So work in my heart and let me be open to others even when they are my enemies. I pray that you break my heart and my pride to show your true love for others. I thank you Lord and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Through Christ, I Will Never Be Shaken
Psalm 30:6-10
6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."
7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain [c] stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9 "What gain is there in my destruction, [d]
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."
There are so many times that I feel the way David feels in this psalm. Whenever we stand on ourselves, we feel that we can hold on to God, but we must always remember to trust in Him. We must remember God's mercy for what he does for us.
When I think that I am secure in the Lord, I must humble myself and remember that it is only through the strength of God that I am standing firm. He is merciful and graceful. I will praise Him for all that He does.
Father, I love you Lord, and I praise your name. I know that you are my rock. Even when I acknowledge your strength, let me keep leaning on You. I pray that I never leave my trust from You. I want to keep humble before you and rely on your strength and not my own. I thank you Lord, and I pray all this in Your Holy name.
Amen.
6 When I felt secure, I said,
"I will never be shaken."
7 O LORD, when you favored me,
you made my mountain [c] stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9 "What gain is there in my destruction, [d]
in my going down into the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help."
There are so many times that I feel the way David feels in this psalm. Whenever we stand on ourselves, we feel that we can hold on to God, but we must always remember to trust in Him. We must remember God's mercy for what he does for us.
When I think that I am secure in the Lord, I must humble myself and remember that it is only through the strength of God that I am standing firm. He is merciful and graceful. I will praise Him for all that He does.
Father, I love you Lord, and I praise your name. I know that you are my rock. Even when I acknowledge your strength, let me keep leaning on You. I pray that I never leave my trust from You. I want to keep humble before you and rely on your strength and not my own. I thank you Lord, and I pray all this in Your Holy name.
Amen.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Prayer To The Spirit
2 Sam 23:1-5
1 These are the last words of David:
"The oracle of David son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
Israel's singer of songs [a] :
2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
the Rock of Israel said to me:
'When one rules over men in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth.'
5 "Is not my house right with God?
Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part?
Will he not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire?
David was a mighty man exulted by the Lord. His heart was one after the Lord's heart, and as we come into a time to seek God's heart, we can learn a lot from the life of David. Through his prayer, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through him, just like it was on his tongue.
This passage from David is really inspiring to just draw closer to the Lord. I need to let the Lord speak through me and to use me. It is like a lasting relationship with the Lord, and all that He does will draw you close to Him.
Heavenly Father, Lord of my life, I give you honor and glory. I want to praise you in all that I am, so that you will be lifted up. I want to praise your name and just seek your face. I want to know your heart, so that you may do a work in my life. I want to glorify you, so that your glory shines in my life. You are the Lord, my God, whom I trust, and I want to KNOW you. I want to be right before you, Lord, and be made in your own image. I want to have the heart that you wanted me to have. Make me anew in your ways. Let that be my prayer in Jesus name.
Amen.
1 These are the last words of David:
"The oracle of David son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
Israel's singer of songs [a] :
2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
the Rock of Israel said to me:
'When one rules over men in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings the grass from the earth.'
5 "Is not my house right with God?
Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part?
Will he not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire?
David was a mighty man exulted by the Lord. His heart was one after the Lord's heart, and as we come into a time to seek God's heart, we can learn a lot from the life of David. Through his prayer, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through him, just like it was on his tongue.
This passage from David is really inspiring to just draw closer to the Lord. I need to let the Lord speak through me and to use me. It is like a lasting relationship with the Lord, and all that He does will draw you close to Him.
Heavenly Father, Lord of my life, I give you honor and glory. I want to praise you in all that I am, so that you will be lifted up. I want to praise your name and just seek your face. I want to know your heart, so that you may do a work in my life. I want to glorify you, so that your glory shines in my life. You are the Lord, my God, whom I trust, and I want to KNOW you. I want to be right before you, Lord, and be made in your own image. I want to have the heart that you wanted me to have. Make me anew in your ways. Let that be my prayer in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Trust In God Through Our Troubles
Psalms 55:12-14
12 If an enemy were insulting me,
I could endure it;
if a foe were raising himself against me,
I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man like myself,
my companion, my close friend,
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
as we walked with the throng at the house of God.
This verse speaks of the harshness of reality and the world. In this instance, David's feeling of betrayal from those that he finds close to him is grave to the point of crying to the Lord. Sometimes, our enemies will be those that are closest to us, but the Lord is good and we can trust in Him.
We need to trust in you in all things. It would be the worst to be betrayed by your closest friend or brother, but you said to trust in You. You will deal with our enemies and our problems.
Father, I thank you for this verse that you are speaking to me about. I know that being betrayed is one of the worst feelings in the world. I know that we can stumble in our lives through tough times, but you promised us to take care of it. You promised us, if we trust in you, we will be set free from all these troubles. So Lord, I trust in you. I give all my troubles to you and I know that you will take care of it. I give you praises in Jesus name.
Amen.
12 If an enemy were insulting me,
I could endure it;
if a foe were raising himself against me,
I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man like myself,
my companion, my close friend,
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship
as we walked with the throng at the house of God.
This verse speaks of the harshness of reality and the world. In this instance, David's feeling of betrayal from those that he finds close to him is grave to the point of crying to the Lord. Sometimes, our enemies will be those that are closest to us, but the Lord is good and we can trust in Him.
We need to trust in you in all things. It would be the worst to be betrayed by your closest friend or brother, but you said to trust in You. You will deal with our enemies and our problems.
Father, I thank you for this verse that you are speaking to me about. I know that being betrayed is one of the worst feelings in the world. I know that we can stumble in our lives through tough times, but you promised us to take care of it. You promised us, if we trust in you, we will be set free from all these troubles. So Lord, I trust in you. I give all my troubles to you and I know that you will take care of it. I give you praises in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Spending Beautiful Time With God
Matt 26:8-13
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
As Jesus says, the woman who poured the perfume on Him has done a beautiful thing. He was spending the time that she had with Jesus as He was on earth. Jesus wants us to spend time with Him, the time that we spend with Him is beautiful in God's eyes.
We need to be in God's presence. As we spend time with Him, He will be pleased with it. God delights in the time with Him.
Father, I thank you for this word from you. I know that you are wanting to spend time with us. It is tough with all of the things that goes on in life, but let me spend that time to quiet myself and spend it with you. I pray that it may be a beautiful time in your presence. In your Holy name.
Amen.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
As Jesus says, the woman who poured the perfume on Him has done a beautiful thing. He was spending the time that she had with Jesus as He was on earth. Jesus wants us to spend time with Him, the time that we spend with Him is beautiful in God's eyes.
We need to be in God's presence. As we spend time with Him, He will be pleased with it. God delights in the time with Him.
Father, I thank you for this word from you. I know that you are wanting to spend time with us. It is tough with all of the things that goes on in life, but let me spend that time to quiet myself and spend it with you. I pray that it may be a beautiful time in your presence. In your Holy name.
Amen.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Guidance and Trust
Psalms 32:8-11
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
God's counsel is the best counsel anyone can have. He is the one that will teach and will guide. The Holy Spirit is the counsel that is from God. He wants our trust to be in Him.
I need to give God my trust. It says in His words that His 'unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.' I need to put my all into Him and his words and His counsel and give Him everything.
Father, I praise you for words of wisdom. I thank you for Godly counsel. I praise you for all that you have done to bless me and to let me walk in your path which you have set before me. Let me not be stubborn as a mule. Mold me into a shape that is pleasing to you Lord. I give you all these in your Holy name.
Amen.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
God's counsel is the best counsel anyone can have. He is the one that will teach and will guide. The Holy Spirit is the counsel that is from God. He wants our trust to be in Him.
I need to give God my trust. It says in His words that His 'unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.' I need to put my all into Him and his words and His counsel and give Him everything.
Father, I praise you for words of wisdom. I thank you for Godly counsel. I praise you for all that you have done to bless me and to let me walk in your path which you have set before me. Let me not be stubborn as a mule. Mold me into a shape that is pleasing to you Lord. I give you all these in your Holy name.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
T5+: Wisdom of the Elders
Most cultures hold the advice of their elders in very high regard. Young people go to an older person for wisdom and guidance in all areas of their lives. This is the offer of an organization called Elder Wisdom Circle. According to their Web site, the organization is made up of senior citizens from all over North America who answer requests for advice. it's like having a cyber grandparent to go to for help on everything from relationships to money problems.
Sadly, not all young people value the advice and wisdom of elders.
King Rehoboam's choice cost him dearly. Because he didn't listen to the wisdom of his elders, much of his kingdom rejected him as king.
God has placed elders in your life to help guide you into making good decisions. They've experienced and learned from life; you can learn from their successes and failures. The catch is that you have to ask them for the advice and then choose to take it. Think about the people you know who are older than you. Consider what you can learn from them.
There are so many elders that I look up to and that I have been mentored by that I may go to when I need advice. Aside from the Lord God, He has placed people in my life that I may be covered under.
Father God, I thank you for my elders. These people are such as my parents, Pastor Ray, Delray, Danford, Dustin, and any other people that you have placed in my life. I thank you for them, and I know you have blessed me so much through them. Continue to put Godly people in my life and use them to guide me in your will. I thank you for this word that you have spoken to me and I give you all the praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sadly, not all young people value the advice and wisdom of elders.
The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders (1 King 12:13).
King Rehoboam's choice cost him dearly. Because he didn't listen to the wisdom of his elders, much of his kingdom rejected him as king.
God has placed elders in your life to help guide you into making good decisions. They've experienced and learned from life; you can learn from their successes and failures. The catch is that you have to ask them for the advice and then choose to take it. Think about the people you know who are older than you. Consider what you can learn from them.
There are so many elders that I look up to and that I have been mentored by that I may go to when I need advice. Aside from the Lord God, He has placed people in my life that I may be covered under.
Father God, I thank you for my elders. These people are such as my parents, Pastor Ray, Delray, Danford, Dustin, and any other people that you have placed in my life. I thank you for them, and I know you have blessed me so much through them. Continue to put Godly people in my life and use them to guide me in your will. I thank you for this word that you have spoken to me and I give you all the praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Jesus Paid For Us
Matt 22:17-22
17Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
21"Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
22When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.
Jesus showed them through an object lesson of paying taxes, but the scripture speaks more truth than just taxes. Jesus shows that Caesar is instilled in the coin, just like how Jesus is instilled in our lives.
Because we have Jesus in our lives, we should be like living sacrifices to Him. We should give of ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. He has bought us with His blood and redeemed us for salvation.
Father, I love you Lord with all my heart and soul and mind. I know that you are a gracious God and that you have sacrificed your Son Christ Jesus for us. I thank you for your blood. Let my life be yours because I owe it to you. I give it to you as a living sacrifice. Use me in your will I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
17Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
21"Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
22When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.
Jesus showed them through an object lesson of paying taxes, but the scripture speaks more truth than just taxes. Jesus shows that Caesar is instilled in the coin, just like how Jesus is instilled in our lives.
Because we have Jesus in our lives, we should be like living sacrifices to Him. We should give of ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ. He has bought us with His blood and redeemed us for salvation.
Father, I love you Lord with all my heart and soul and mind. I know that you are a gracious God and that you have sacrificed your Son Christ Jesus for us. I thank you for your blood. Let my life be yours because I owe it to you. I give it to you as a living sacrifice. Use me in your will I pray in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Jesus The Rock
Matt 21:
42Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
" 'The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Jesus is my capstone. He is the foundation what my faith. Because He died and rose on the third day, I put my faith in Him and Him alone.
There is no one else that we put our faith in than Christ Jesus. It is because of His grace and mercy that we are free from sin. I need to reaffirm this great verse that Jesus is the foundation of our faith.
Father, I thank you for your words of encouragement. I pray that your words never return void. I know that your are my Lord and my Savior. You are all that I stand on, and you are a great God, one that is powerful. I thank you for all these things and I pray that you continue to be the foundation of my life. I pray all these in Jesus name.
Amen.
42Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
" 'The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Jesus is my capstone. He is the foundation what my faith. Because He died and rose on the third day, I put my faith in Him and Him alone.
There is no one else that we put our faith in than Christ Jesus. It is because of His grace and mercy that we are free from sin. I need to reaffirm this great verse that Jesus is the foundation of our faith.
Father, I thank you for your words of encouragement. I pray that your words never return void. I know that your are my Lord and my Savior. You are all that I stand on, and you are a great God, one that is powerful. I thank you for all these things and I pray that you continue to be the foundation of my life. I pray all these in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
A Servant's Heart
Matt 20:25-28
25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus uses the object lesson of slavery to point out the importance of humility. Like slaves, we must be willing to humble ourselves before the Lord and submit to the will of the Father. Jesus showed us this by His ultimate example on the cross, going even till death.
I must have the humility to humble myself before the Lord and to serve Him like a servant serves His master. It is with the heart that God wants us to do His will. I believe that our hearts intent to serve shows that we are able to be humble in God's eyes.
Father, Lord God Almighty, I know that you are the Lord of my life. I state that you are the God of all and the God of all that is to come. Take over in my life. I give my life to you. Let all things that I do be humble and be pleasing to you. I pray against anything that is not pleasing to you. Let my heart have a heart after your own. Let not self and flesh overcome the will I have to serve you. I pray that you be with me and bless me in this area of my life. I give you praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus uses the object lesson of slavery to point out the importance of humility. Like slaves, we must be willing to humble ourselves before the Lord and submit to the will of the Father. Jesus showed us this by His ultimate example on the cross, going even till death.
I must have the humility to humble myself before the Lord and to serve Him like a servant serves His master. It is with the heart that God wants us to do His will. I believe that our hearts intent to serve shows that we are able to be humble in God's eyes.
Father, Lord God Almighty, I know that you are the Lord of my life. I state that you are the God of all and the God of all that is to come. Take over in my life. I give my life to you. Let all things that I do be humble and be pleasing to you. I pray against anything that is not pleasing to you. Let my heart have a heart after your own. Let not self and flesh overcome the will I have to serve you. I pray that you be with me and bless me in this area of my life. I give you praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Inquire The Lord God
1 Chron 15:12-15
12 He said to them, "You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 13 It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way." 14 So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.
There is so much wisdom that is spoken through God. He knows the right ways of doing things. A lot of times, we are seeking advise, but we never ask God about it. Only if we follow His ways and seek His advise, then things will go according to His plans.
I need to ask the Lord what to do in all of my decisions. Many times things will go wrong because we rush into plans not directed by God. He knows the right path for us and we are foolish not to listen to Him.
Father, I know that you are abounding in wisdom. You know the way for my life. I pray in all my decisions that I seek you first. I want to have you lead in my life. I want to pray that your ways will guide me into a fruitful and fulfilling life. I thank you for your words. I pray all these in Jesus name.
Amen.
12 He said to them, "You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 13 It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way." 14 So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.
There is so much wisdom that is spoken through God. He knows the right ways of doing things. A lot of times, we are seeking advise, but we never ask God about it. Only if we follow His ways and seek His advise, then things will go according to His plans.
I need to ask the Lord what to do in all of my decisions. Many times things will go wrong because we rush into plans not directed by God. He knows the right path for us and we are foolish not to listen to Him.
Father, I know that you are abounding in wisdom. You know the way for my life. I pray in all my decisions that I seek you first. I want to have you lead in my life. I want to pray that your ways will guide me into a fruitful and fulfilling life. I thank you for your words. I pray all these in Jesus name.
Amen.
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