Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Seeking The One Who Bless, Not The Blessing

Rev 19:10
10At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Sometimes we get so caught up with the blessings of the Lord, that we forget about the person who gives us our blessing, God. We are so awe struck by what God is doing, and the OUTCOME of everything, that we forget to give glory to the creator of all the heaven and the earth.

Do not seek the blessing, seek Him who bless, the One True God Almighty.

Father God, I thank you for your blessings on my life. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Light. Though I may have good health, and I have good friends and family, I must still remember You who have blessed me so much. Lord, I give you all the honor and glory. I give you all the praise and worship which only You deserve.
Amen.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

God Has The Victory In The End

Rev 17:17-18
17"For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled. 18The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."


This passage speaks about the things that are yet to come. In this passage, it says that the beast is given power to rule, BUT, it doesn't stop there. It keeps going by saying that the beast is given power UNTIL God's words are fulfilled.

This is something to be joyful about. I am not speaking of the prophecy to come, but the fact that God is in control. In the end, when all is looking like the Devil is in control, Almighty God takes back everything and makes everything right again. It is by His words that give hope that we have Victory in Christ Jesus.

Father, Lord of the heavens and the earth. I know that you are in control of all things. You win in the end, and THAT is awesome news for us. Lord, you take back power that was given to the devil, and Lord, you gave us the same authority to do such things in Christ Jesus. Lord, we are not to be afraid of the devil because you are on my side, the Great God. So Lord, I pray that you work through my life and be glorified. I give you all the praise and honor in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Through Trial And Turmoil, Still Give God Glory

Rev 11:11-13
11But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.

13At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.


This is Revelations. There are so many prophetic events that is revealed, such as this passage. It is prophesied that an earthquake will kill many people, but yet, glory was still given to God.

There are many times that there will be things going against us, even murder, death, disease, and killings; but yet, in the end, Glory must still be given to God, who is with us.

Father God, you are the one that I put my life in. I know that you are in all things, and all that is happening. I pray that your grace and your mercy be with me, and that your blessings continue to pour into my life. I know sometimes you want to strengthen me, allowing me to go through tough times, but yet, I will still give glory to You. I know that it will be tough at times, but give me strength, Lord. I pray that I always give you glory. I thank you, Lord, and I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

You Are Worthy, Through Your Blood

Rev 5:9
9And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.


This passage is talking about the one who was sacrificed for our sins, Jesus Christ. He is the only one worthy, because He came from heaven, lived a life of man, and died for our sins, so that we may be saved. With His blood, we are saved; all are saved through Christ Jesus.

This reminder of the one who saved me is to realize that no one is worthy but Him. I can not do anything, but only through Christ who strengthens me. In this passage, no one was worthy in heaven or on earth to open the scrolls, but only Jesus Christ.

Father God, You are Worthy. You alone are worthy to be praised. You were the one who died for me and all sinners. Lord, thank you for what you did for me on the cross. Humble my heart and my spirit to know that you are God, the One and Holy God. I lift you up and give you all the honor and glory.
Amen.

Friday, December 26, 2008

The Heart Of What God Is, Love

2 John 1:5-6
5And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.


At the heart of all that God is, is Love. That is why John speaks of how important it is to love. Love God, love others, and love yourself.

It is always a blessing to love others. Sometimes we forget to do so, even in the time of these holidays, but this passage reminds me to continue to love. I need to remember the heart of God, which is love.

Father God, I thank you for your love first of all. Your love for those in sin, that you gave your Son to save us. I thank you, Lord. I want to pray for others. I want to pray for this in need. That you be their provider. That you may be there for them. That you may guide them and show them your Holy love. I pray for those that don't know you, that they may experience who you are. That you open up their spirit to recognize the love that you bring. That you speak into their lives so that they may have salvation in you. And Lord, I pray for myself. Sometimes I can feel myself not being in Your Spirit. Lord, allow me to be in your blessing. Allow me to be covered by your blood, that I may have the joy that comes from really knowing you. I thank you, Lord. Continue to be with me and others. I give you all the glory and honor in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Living A Life That Shares The Gospel With Others

John 20:15-17
15"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

16Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

17Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "


Here in this passage, Mary comes to realize that the person whom she is talking to is Jesus. She is so happy to see Him, that in her heart, she goes to Him, but Jesus says not to hold on, but to share with others the news.

The news of Jesus Christ is not meant to be held by my own, but to be shared. It is awesome news that Christ Jesus was raised from the dead, and living in heaven. This is something that we need to tell others. I need to make it a point to let others know what the gospel is.

Father God, allow my life to be a missions living life, one that is living for You. I pray for your Spirit to be over mines. Forgive me for my sins, and cover me with your Holiness. I pray that my life will be covered under your blessings. Let me be fruitful in all that I do, for I do it to glorify your name. Thank you Lord, and use me. I give you honor and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Remain In The Father, And He Will Complete You

John 15:9-11
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.


God's love is so awesome. Here he tells us to stay with Him and His love. Keep in Him, and all that He commands. His joy will be with us, and make our joy complete.

Sometimes it is so hard to feel complete. I know many people go through so many things, do so many things to try to fulfill a void in their lives, but God tells us to remain in Him and His love, and His joy will complete us. I need to follow that command. I need to remain in God's Holiness and all that He is. Then I will be complete.

Father God, I pray for your Holy Spirit. Let it fall down and fill your presence. I pray that I may remain in You and follow your commands. Let your joy complete me. I pray that you will be all that I am, and fill the void that is missing in my life. I thank you so much. Be with me and bless me. Allow me to take you all in. I give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Choosing The Will Of The Father, So That He May Be Honored

John 7:16-18
16Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. 17If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.


Jesus was doing the will of the Father. He was teaching the people and showing them the truth. He speaks that which God wants from Him.

It is true that anyone who speaks for himself is speaking to honor himself, but to speak that which God wants and His will is to glorify the Lord. In everything that I say or do, I need to do it to glorify the Lord. I do not say or do things for my own will, but to work for the honor of the one who sent me, my Lord Jesus Christ.

Father God, I thank you for this word that you have given me. It is your words that I give glory to. It is for You that I give honor to. Lord, I pray over my own actions and words that come from me. Let it be pleasing to you. Let it be in Your love an Your compassion that drives me to do all things, so that You may be glorified. Be with me I pray and watch over me. I thank you, Lord, and I pray all these things in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Sent So That None May Be Lost, But Be Raised Up

John 6:39-40
39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."


This is a mission statement that declares what Jesus wants of us from the Father. He wants us to be missionaries for those without him. He wants us to have a heart, just like how He did, for the lost.

God loves all, and all have been died for from Jesus Christ. We are to take up His mission to bring the lost to Him, that they may believe and live eternally.

Father God, I thank you for this message that you have put in my heart. I pray for your anointing and your Holy Spirit to breath your heart into me. I pray that I may take action in my life and live for you. I give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Humbleness Of The Heart

John 3:26-30
26They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

27To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' 29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must become greater; I must become less.


Imagine you have a job that you have been doing for so long. This job has made you famous, and you built a reputation from it. Not many people have this job. Then, along comes another. This person is someone you speak highly of, and he is starting to do the same job you do. He is taking over. I feel like the same thing is happening here. John finds out that Jesus is also baptizing people, and I love his response. He says that Jesus must become greater, and that he must become less. This shows his true humbleness and servant hood to God.

I also must be like John, where my heart is in the right place. I must not be boastful, and I must not be prideful, but I must let the Holy Spirit be glorified. I must become less, so that God can become more in my life.

Lord God, I thank you for this verse to remind me of who you are. This verse reminds me of the place that you have in my life, that I should make room for you to rule in my life. So do that right now, I give you permission to reign in my life. Lord, let me be humble and have you be first in my life. I want to give you glory. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Understanding God's Words Revealed Through The Holy Spirit

2 Peter 3:15-16
15Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.


There are many people who do not understand the words of God. Sometimes I don' understand them myself. That is why it is important not to distort His words to our own understanding, but to understand it from God.

As I read the word of God, I need to have His understanding in what He wants to reveal to me through the scriptures. I need to pray over His words, that God gives me rhema through it.

Father God, I thank you for your words. It gives me direction, hope, strength, and your heart. I pray for your understanding and now my own understanding. I pray for your spirit and not my own. I pray for a revealing of your words, that I may take what you want to give to me. I pray that it gives me a fresh take on how to live the way you want me to live. I thank you for all this and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Living A Life That Makes Jesus As Lord

1 Peter 3:15-16
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.


This passage reminds me of Pastor Terry's story of when he went back to his high school reunion. He set Jesus as Lord of his life, and no one else could say anything against him in doing that.

I need to live my life according to this passage, by setting Christ as my Lord, not just my Savior. He is Lord of my life and all that I am. In doing so, and living the way He wants me to live, I can be an example for those without.

Father God, I pray for your Holy Spirit to come down and be poured out in my life. Let it be so full of your grace and mercy, that your Spirit be known in my life. I pray that I make you Lord of my life. Be in all my decisions. Be in all my actions. I pray for your anointing. Let my life be a witness to those around me. I thank you and give you all the glory and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Confidence That The Lord Is With You, Providing In All Things

Heb 13:5-6
5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." 6So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"


This verse speaks of confidence in the Lord. He is always with you, even when you may not know that He is there. Know that the Lord is your helper, your provider through it all.

Sometime I would feel lacking in my life. Sometimes I would not know through the situations that God is with me, but this verse speaks to me to show that I have confidence in my Lord Jesus Christ. I know that He is with me. I know He will not leave me. I know that He will provide.

Father God, I thank you for your Love for me. I pray that, though times may get tough, that you will be there for me. I pray that you will be present in all that I do, showing me the confidence that I have in You. Lord, continue to bless me and give me strength to persevere through trials. I pray for your strength and your hand in it. I give you all the glory in Jesus Holy and Mighty name.
Amen.

Ask And He Will Give Without Finding Fault

James 1:5
5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.


God is good. As I read this verse, I am reminded that, not only does God give generously, but He also gives to those like myself who don't deserve it because of our sins. He gives through mercy without finding fault. He gives because He loves us.

This is not to say that I may sin and ask God for wisdom and blessing, but that in my sin, I may still be blessed by God, convicting me of His love, and turning from all that not pleasing to Him. I must stay in His Holiness, that I may have His covering over me.

Father God, I thank you for your mercy to sinners like myself. I pray for your forgiveness, and that I may again find favor in your eyes. Lord, I pray that your Spirit guide me. I ask for your wisdom and knowledge for this coming week of finals, that I may retain the material and do good in my education. But Lord, more so I pray for your wisdom in these decisions and actions in life, that it may be according to your will. That I may do as you say and obey. Lord, be with me and let your Holy Spirit lead in my life. I give it all to you. I give you honor and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Faith That Is Tested And Stretched

Heb 11:1
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.


Here in the book of Hebrews, the authors describes what true faith is. There is two folds to this statement. One is to be sure of what we hope for, or that God is in control of all future things. The second is to be certain of what we do not see, or that God plays a part in all the things going on. All these people that are mentioned were examples of such as these.

When reading this, I reflect upon my own faith, and how it is tested, and how it is stretched, to reach the level that is suitable for such an awesome and great God. I think about the faith that I say that I have, and that through the testing of my faith through the actions that are shown through my life, I realize that I am always challenged to have more faith in the Lord.

Lord, I pray that you test me. I know that sometimes my faith in you is weary, and that I may not have complete trust and faith in what you are doing in my life. So, Lord, I pray that my faith in you become immovable and rooted in you. I pray for your strength through trails of tests of faith. I pray that you may be my rock and salvation. Lord, I thank you for strengthening me. To allow me to go through things to build me up. I thank you. I pray for all these Christmas events and activities, that you may be glorified and lifted up. That you may bless it for your kingdom. I give you all the glory, honor, and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Godliness With Contentment

1 Tim 6:6-8
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.


Paul is talking about being satisfied with what God has to offer, and what He wants from us, to be holy and pure like Him. To achieve this is to be self-sufficient, and content, yielding peace of mind.

I need to be more godly and pure and holy in my life. There are times that I am not focusing on the Lord, where my mind strays and I am not running the good race, but I need to focus on He who is with me. I need to live my life please to glorify the Lord.

Father God, I pray for your strength and endurance to finish this good race. Keep me pure and holy, living a life that is according to your will. Let me not stray away with temptation, but to keep my eyes on You. Give me strength and allow me to be blameless. I thank you and pray this in Your holy name.
Amen.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Persevere In God's Doctrine And His Words

1 Tim 4:16
16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.


It is so important to conduct myself in a manner that is above reproach, so that I may not cause those to stumble. I need to watch my life, that it is holy and let it not fallen into temptation, but to be pleasing to God.

As someone who may have others hear what I have to say, I must really watch out that I may not live a life and say things that are not according to God. I must save, not only myself, but others that hear my testimony.

Father God, I pray that you are the Lord of my life, that I may not be a stumbler to others. Allow me to encourage and lift others up, not to cause others to stumble, that you may be glorified; and that your body of Christ be strong. I pray all these things that you may reign in my life, and that it be a pleasing sacrifice to you. I give you all the glory and honor in Jesus name.
Amen.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Without Complaining Or Arguing, But In Appreciation

Philp 2:14-15
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe


God wants a heart that will serve willingly. If we are constantly complaining and arguing about life, about the things that we have, about the situations that we are in, we are doing this to God. We are saying to Him that this is not good enough for us.

Who are we to complain to God for the great blessings that we have. Sometimes we look at all the negative so much, that we forget that we are so blessed. This generation is so numb to the fact that God is Good, and He has blessed us with so much. We need to not complain or argue, but be humble and have a heart of thanksgiving for the appreciation of what God has done in our lives.

Father, you are awesome. You, the maker of heaven and earth, the God of this wonderful Universe. You are so great, why do we complain and argue? You have blessed us and given us so much, life and an abundant life. Who are we to complain against you for the situations that you place us in? Lord, give me a heart to understand and to humble myself to appreciate you more. Let me love more and more everyday. Though that may be hard at times, I pray for that. Again, I thank you for all that you have done. I give you all the glory and honor in Jesus Christ name.
Amen.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Jesus Made The Cornerstone Of My Life

Eph 2:19-22
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.


This passage speaks of Jesus as our center, our cornerstone, in our life. He is the one which our lives is surrounded around. Our salvation and life is built on Him, who dwells in our hearts.

I must live a life according to that which God wants of me. Am I living a life that shows God as my center of my life? I want to reflect on that statement, and think about the things in my life that show this truth, and shows this lie. He is dwelling in my spirit. I should live a life that is pleasing in every way to Him.

Father God, I praise you in all that I do, in the breath that I take, in the places that I go, in the conversations that I have. Let me live a life that shows you as the center of it. I pray that whatever things that does not do this, allow me to be molded and changed so that I can show you as my Christ. Let my spirit yearn for your cornerstone in my life. I pray that you be made the center. I praise you and give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The Continuing Debt To Love One Another

Rom 13:7-10
7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

This is an awesome passage of the importance of love, that it is owed as a continuing debt to one another. This means that, by default, we should be loving everyone, our fellowman, as to fulfill the law.

Again, we are encouraged to give what is due to us, but more importantly, we should love as it is automatically due to us. Love is the sum of what we need to do, just as God has loved us, we too should love one another.

Father God, I pray that your spirit of love just be so present in my life. I pray for it more and more, that you allow me to have more love and compassion for those around me, for those that are in my life, for those that I encounter daily. I pray for your Spirit of love, because that is the best love one can know. I thank you for this continuing work in my life. I give thanks to you in Jesus name.
Amen.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Your Heart Believe And Your Mouth Confess

Rom 10:9-10
9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.


I have gone through many times where the question is asked, "How do you know that you are saved?" Many times I ask that of myself too. Here, it states the reason why we can say that, through faith, we are saved.

As Christians, we must have an assurance that we are saved under the blood of Christ. Many people doubt that they are really saved, but it is simpler than people believe. Only through salvation can we really reach new levels for God. If we are always doubting, then the devil is doing a number on us. We must believe and know that Jesus is Lord.

Father God, I thank you for your salvation. I pray that your words of salvation speak into my life. Let my spirit know and constantly remind me of who you are and who I am in you. Lord, I lift you up and I want to glorify your name. I give you all the glory and honor and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.

Monday, December 01, 2008

Sin And Death Do Not Reign, But I Am Made Righteous Through Grace

Romans 6:11-14
11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.


Sometimes I feel like sin can take over my life. Sometimes sin is so great, that it feels like God is not present in my life.

We are to count ourselves dead to sin, because we are living in Christ Jesus. We are not under the master of sin, but under the covering of grace by God. We do not have to worry about sin, but instead giving ourselves to the fullness of God. That is when we are made alive in Christ.

Father God, I praise you for your grace that has fallen upon my life. I thank you for that, Lord. Lord, let sin not overtake my life, but to overcome it by your grace on the Cross. I pray that I may not obey that sinful nature of my flesh, but to follow and obey what you have said. Give me strength to go through trials and temptations. Give me your hand in my life. I need you. Thank you, Lord. I give you all the glory and honor in Jesus name.
Amen.