2 Cor 1:9-11
9Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
There is so much struggle and things that come against us, but it says here that prayer was made, through many, and it helped, since God has answered.
This is an account of corporate prayer, and the prayers of many, that God can move through intercession of prayers. This is just a reminder of the importance of prayer, and how God answers prayers.
Father God, I thank you for this reminder. I know that our prayers are heard by You. I know that You are the one that wants us to seek you, to intercede, and to pray. I ask that the importance of prayer gets instilled in my life, and that I continue to pray and seek you. I give you glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
I Am What I Am Through God's Grace
1 Cor 15:9-11
9For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
By the grace of God, I am what I am. Paul shows that his life is a reflection of what God has put in his heart, that he is no longer a sinner, but one who is saved through the grace of God.
This is such an awesome reminder that God is so good. His grace and mercy makes me who I am. I am no longer in sin, but I am who I am because of God.
Father, You are the giver of life. You are the One who allows me to have salvation. I thank you, Lord, for who You are, and that I am a servant of yours. I pray for my life to be pure and holy in Your name. Forgive my sins with your blood, that I am a forgiven child of God. I thank you for my life. I pray for blessings and glory that can be given to You. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
9For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
By the grace of God, I am what I am. Paul shows that his life is a reflection of what God has put in his heart, that he is no longer a sinner, but one who is saved through the grace of God.
This is such an awesome reminder that God is so good. His grace and mercy makes me who I am. I am no longer in sin, but I am who I am because of God.
Father, You are the giver of life. You are the One who allows me to have salvation. I thank you, Lord, for who You are, and that I am a servant of yours. I pray for my life to be pure and holy in Your name. Forgive my sins with your blood, that I am a forgiven child of God. I thank you for my life. I pray for blessings and glory that can be given to You. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Do You Need Proof, Or Do You Need More Faith?
Judges 6:11-22
11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."
13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."
14 The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"
15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
16 The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. 18 Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you."
And the LORD said, "I will wait until you return."
19 Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak.
20 The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And Gideon did so. 21 With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. 22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!"
Here, the angel of the Lord shows Himself to Gideon. Gideon's reaction to the angel is very doubtful. He asks in disbelief where God was, he asks for proof, his trust in the Lord was not there. The angel had to prove to Gideon that he was who he said he was.
In this generation, we are a people of disbelief. We are lacking in faith, and we need proof in all things, science or explanation. What I get is to challenge my faith in Christ. To know and to follow Him even though it doesn't seem like it is possible, because through God, all things are possible.
Father God, I pray for faith, faith to move mountains, faith to do great and mighty things through Christ who strengthens me. I pray for your Holy Spirit anointing to guide and lead me and to allow me to have faith in You as i continue to grow in You. I thank you and pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."
13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."
14 The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"
15 "But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
16 The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
17 Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. 18 Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you."
And the LORD said, "I will wait until you return."
19 Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak.
20 The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And Gideon did so. 21 With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. 22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!"
Here, the angel of the Lord shows Himself to Gideon. Gideon's reaction to the angel is very doubtful. He asks in disbelief where God was, he asks for proof, his trust in the Lord was not there. The angel had to prove to Gideon that he was who he said he was.
In this generation, we are a people of disbelief. We are lacking in faith, and we need proof in all things, science or explanation. What I get is to challenge my faith in Christ. To know and to follow Him even though it doesn't seem like it is possible, because through God, all things are possible.
Father God, I pray for faith, faith to move mountains, faith to do great and mighty things through Christ who strengthens me. I pray for your Holy Spirit anointing to guide and lead me and to allow me to have faith in You as i continue to grow in You. I thank you and pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Trust In God And What He Will Do
Judges 4:4-9
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided. 6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: 'Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. 7 I will lure Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.' "
8 Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go."
9 "Very well," Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman." So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh
Here in this time, a woman is leading the people of Israel. Even when things are going bad, people are still needing God to intervene for them. Here, the commander did not 100% trust God in His words, so he asks Deborah to go with him.
God wants us to trust Him in all that He does. It doesn't matter if the person who God speaks through is a woman, a man, a child, but to trust God in everything.
Father, You are the Lord of my life. You are the awesome God, the creator of all things. I need to trust you, to trust in Your plans for me, to allow you to move in my life. I pray for your Holy Spirit to continue to guide me in what I do. I pray for your leading hand. I thank you. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided. 6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: 'Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. 7 I will lure Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.' "
8 Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go."
9 "Very well," Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman." So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh
Here in this time, a woman is leading the people of Israel. Even when things are going bad, people are still needing God to intervene for them. Here, the commander did not 100% trust God in His words, so he asks Deborah to go with him.
God wants us to trust Him in all that He does. It doesn't matter if the person who God speaks through is a woman, a man, a child, but to trust God in everything.
Father, You are the Lord of my life. You are the awesome God, the creator of all things. I need to trust you, to trust in Your plans for me, to allow you to move in my life. I pray for your Holy Spirit to continue to guide me in what I do. I pray for your leading hand. I thank you. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Witness Stone, Our Lives As Witnesses
Joshua 24:24-27
24 And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws. 26 And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the LORD.
27 "See!" he said to all the people. "This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God."
When Joshua was talking to the people of Israel, and recorded the events of the Lord there. What speaks to me is the stone that represented the witness of this event.
Stones last a long time. They show the endurance of time through ages. Even till now, certain historic artifacts that were written in stone are still readable. The stone represents longevity. We are like stones that represent the love of Christ. We are to last a long time, representing He who died for us.
Father, God of the heavens and the earth. I thank you for life and life so abundantly. I pray for your anointing, and I pray that I may be able to represent you in all that I do. Let me be the witness stone that lasts for ages. I want to be Christ-like. I give you all the glory in what you did at Dominate808 youth convention. It was totally awesome in how you used me with helping out. I pray that represent more of you everyday. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name.
Amen.
24 And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."
25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws. 26 And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the LORD.
27 "See!" he said to all the people. "This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God."
When Joshua was talking to the people of Israel, and recorded the events of the Lord there. What speaks to me is the stone that represented the witness of this event.
Stones last a long time. They show the endurance of time through ages. Even till now, certain historic artifacts that were written in stone are still readable. The stone represents longevity. We are like stones that represent the love of Christ. We are to last a long time, representing He who died for us.
Father, God of the heavens and the earth. I thank you for life and life so abundantly. I pray for your anointing, and I pray that I may be able to represent you in all that I do. Let me be the witness stone that lasts for ages. I want to be Christ-like. I give you all the glory in what you did at Dominate808 youth convention. It was totally awesome in how you used me with helping out. I pray that represent more of you everyday. Thank you Lord. In Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Free Man Making A Slave To Everyone
1 Cor 9:19-22
19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Paul is speaking of being relate able to those that he is preaching to and sharing to. What I wanted to point out is the first verse, where it says "though I am free, I make myself a slave to everyone."
This is so awesome of a verse to be given to me today. With so much stress and work in relation to Dominate, and how it feels that no other church is helping out, it shows that God sees the work of the workers, and that it is not for works sake, but for the glory of God.
Father, I thank you for this verse, a reminder that I am serving You. Lord, let you take up all the glory in all that I do. I pray that you may be honored in the work that is put in. Allow me to change my heart to be according to Your will. I thank you, and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Paul is speaking of being relate able to those that he is preaching to and sharing to. What I wanted to point out is the first verse, where it says "though I am free, I make myself a slave to everyone."
This is so awesome of a verse to be given to me today. With so much stress and work in relation to Dominate, and how it feels that no other church is helping out, it shows that God sees the work of the workers, and that it is not for works sake, but for the glory of God.
Father, I thank you for this verse, a reminder that I am serving You. Lord, let you take up all the glory in all that I do. I pray that you may be honored in the work that is put in. Allow me to change my heart to be according to Your will. I thank you, and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Living Beyond Reproach
1 Cor 8:9-13
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
Paul speaks to this church about the actions that they do and how it effects others. He says that, if your actions, though is not a stumbling block to yourself in sin, that it may be to others as they see you.
I am not my own. I was bought by Jesus by His blood. I am also a influence to others, that they may see me and grow or stumble. I need to be aware of my actions and be beyond approach, that those that see me may not stumble, but be lifted up.
Father God, I pray for your words that you have spoken to me. Let me be beyond reproach and living a standard that is for You. I give you all that I do as a sacrifice to honor you. Let me lift up others instead of being a stumbling block to them. I pray that I can do this by your strength. I praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
Paul speaks to this church about the actions that they do and how it effects others. He says that, if your actions, though is not a stumbling block to yourself in sin, that it may be to others as they see you.
I am not my own. I was bought by Jesus by His blood. I am also a influence to others, that they may see me and grow or stumble. I need to be aware of my actions and be beyond approach, that those that see me may not stumble, but be lifted up.
Father God, I pray for your words that you have spoken to me. Let me be beyond reproach and living a standard that is for You. I give you all that I do as a sacrifice to honor you. Let me lift up others instead of being a stumbling block to them. I pray that I can do this by your strength. I praise you in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
My Body As A Living Sacrifice To The Lord
1 Cor 6:19-20
19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
God shows us that we are paid by the death of Jesus. If we say that our body and lives is an offering to Him, then we are to treat our lives and our bodies in honor of Him.
I must not dishonor God, but to live my life in a way pleasing to Him. I must also treat my body in a right way. This includes sexually pure, but also to be healthy.
Father, I pray for your spirit to come down from heaven and come over my life. I give to you my body as a living sacrifice. Allow me to be strong in You, serving you in all that I do. Let me be pure and holy, healthy and living. I give thank and honor to you in Jesus name.
Amen.
19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
God shows us that we are paid by the death of Jesus. If we say that our body and lives is an offering to Him, then we are to treat our lives and our bodies in honor of Him.
I must not dishonor God, but to live my life in a way pleasing to Him. I must also treat my body in a right way. This includes sexually pure, but also to be healthy.
Father, I pray for your spirit to come down from heaven and come over my life. I give to you my body as a living sacrifice. Allow me to be strong in You, serving you in all that I do. Let me be pure and holy, healthy and living. I give thank and honor to you in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Let Me Be Satisfied With All You Have Blessed Me With
Joshua 7:19-21
19 Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."
20 Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."
The people of Israel went up to take over the land over the Jordan, but the Lord was not with them. Because of one person's greed, who had taken what the Lord said not to, the Lord removed His presence from them.
Greed is a huge weight on one's life. It is very difficult to overcome greed. America is full of greed, consuming much, wanting much, and that is why the U.S. is in such a recession. We need to not be greedy as the Lord has given us much and blessed us with much. Is it not enough?
Father, I want to thank you for the blessings that you have poured out on my life. I thank you for my breath of life, I thank you for the healthy body that I have, I thank you for peace, joy, a great family, a awesome girlfriend, a future, a car, enough to eat each day, a place where I can worship You, knowledge to go through life and be smart, a laptop to write this devotion, a warm bed that is comfortable to me, and many more blessings. Thank you Lord. I want to pray that greed not take over me, but that You are enough for me. Keep me from wanting more, but let me be satisfied. I want to glorify you in all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
19 Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."
20 Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."
The people of Israel went up to take over the land over the Jordan, but the Lord was not with them. Because of one person's greed, who had taken what the Lord said not to, the Lord removed His presence from them.
Greed is a huge weight on one's life. It is very difficult to overcome greed. America is full of greed, consuming much, wanting much, and that is why the U.S. is in such a recession. We need to not be greedy as the Lord has given us much and blessed us with much. Is it not enough?
Father, I want to thank you for the blessings that you have poured out on my life. I thank you for my breath of life, I thank you for the healthy body that I have, I thank you for peace, joy, a great family, a awesome girlfriend, a future, a car, enough to eat each day, a place where I can worship You, knowledge to go through life and be smart, a laptop to write this devotion, a warm bed that is comfortable to me, and many more blessings. Thank you Lord. I want to pray that greed not take over me, but that You are enough for me. Keep me from wanting more, but let me be satisfied. I want to glorify you in all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
God is With Us, But We Still Need To Follow Him
Joshua 1:4-7
4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
God is speaking to Joshua to take lead of the people of Israel to lead them into the promise land. He tells Joshua to be strong for He is always with him. What spoke to me about this passage is that, though God is telling Joshua that He will be with him, no worry, He still tells Joshua that he must be strong, he must not turn from God's path for him.
It is interesting to see that, though God is always in control, he gives us the choice to follow Him. He encourages us to seek Him and obey His commands, so that we may be blessed. God will always be with us, but it is our choice to be strong, to take action, to follow Him.
Lord, I pray that this word of yours speaks to me. I know that you have given me a choice in my life, a choice to either follow you and take action, or to not. I know that you are always with me, encouraging me and leading me. I pray that I can be led by you, and to follow you and your will for me. Allow me to change who I am to be more like You. I thank you for this. I give you praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
God is speaking to Joshua to take lead of the people of Israel to lead them into the promise land. He tells Joshua to be strong for He is always with him. What spoke to me about this passage is that, though God is telling Joshua that He will be with him, no worry, He still tells Joshua that he must be strong, he must not turn from God's path for him.
It is interesting to see that, though God is always in control, he gives us the choice to follow Him. He encourages us to seek Him and obey His commands, so that we may be blessed. God will always be with us, but it is our choice to be strong, to take action, to follow Him.
Lord, I pray that this word of yours speaks to me. I know that you have given me a choice in my life, a choice to either follow you and take action, or to not. I know that you are always with me, encouraging me and leading me. I pray that I can be led by you, and to follow you and your will for me. Allow me to change who I am to be more like You. I thank you for this. I give you praise and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Be Full Of God's Spirit To Allow Him To Move
1 Cor 2:11-15
11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
Paul is speaking to the people about the Spirit. He mentions the spirit that each person has, as well as God's Spirit and how it is instilled in us to be moved by Him
The Holy Spirit is so important to the life of a Christian. He is the guidance that comes to us, to lead us, to empower us, to spur our own spirit with God. It is vital to be aware of the Spirit so that we may be led by Him.
Father, I pray for your anointing and your Holy Spirit to guide me in your ways. I know that I need you in my life, to lead me, to guide me, to empower me, so Lord, I pray that you do that in a mighty way. Have your Holy Spirit move greatly. I pray that I can be so close to you that I can discern the Spirit of God. Humble me and I pray for your leading. I give you honor and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
Paul is speaking to the people about the Spirit. He mentions the spirit that each person has, as well as God's Spirit and how it is instilled in us to be moved by Him
The Holy Spirit is so important to the life of a Christian. He is the guidance that comes to us, to lead us, to empower us, to spur our own spirit with God. It is vital to be aware of the Spirit so that we may be led by Him.
Father, I pray for your anointing and your Holy Spirit to guide me in your ways. I know that I need you in my life, to lead me, to guide me, to empower me, so Lord, I pray that you do that in a mighty way. Have your Holy Spirit move greatly. I pray that I can be so close to you that I can discern the Spirit of God. Humble me and I pray for your leading. I give you honor and glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, March 16, 2009
God Has Warned Us To Keep From Sin, It Is Our Choice
Deuteronomy 31:15-18
15 Then the LORD appeared at the Tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the Tent. 16 And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. 17 On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, 'Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us?' 18 And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.
God is telling Moses that the people of Israel will turn from God and will be placed in many disasters. When they cry out to God, He will hide His face because they have turned to other gods.
God is warning the people to stay away from sin and to follow Him. He shows them that He will not be there for them if they turn their backs on Him. It is the choice of Israel to follow God or not to. It has always been human choice.
Father, Lord of the heavens and the earth, I pray for your words that it may speak life into me. I know that you love me so much. Lord, you said that you will be there for me. I pray that you be there for me in all that I go through. Lord, forgive me for turning my back on you, and I pray for you to reveal yourself to me. I know that it is my choice, and I choose You. Lord, lead me and guide me. Give me direction and vision to live for you. Let my choice always be You.
Amen.
15 Then the LORD appeared at the Tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the Tent. 16 And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. 17 On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, 'Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us?' 18 And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.
God is telling Moses that the people of Israel will turn from God and will be placed in many disasters. When they cry out to God, He will hide His face because they have turned to other gods.
God is warning the people to stay away from sin and to follow Him. He shows them that He will not be there for them if they turn their backs on Him. It is the choice of Israel to follow God or not to. It has always been human choice.
Father, Lord of the heavens and the earth, I pray for your words that it may speak life into me. I know that you love me so much. Lord, you said that you will be there for me. I pray that you be there for me in all that I go through. Lord, forgive me for turning my back on you, and I pray for you to reveal yourself to me. I know that it is my choice, and I choose You. Lord, lead me and guide me. Give me direction and vision to live for you. Let my choice always be You.
Amen.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Getting Rid Of The Root Of Sin And Follow God
Deuteronomy 29:18
18 Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.
Moses is speaking to the Israelite people to follow the Lord their God. Do not follow other false idols, but to keep away and follow God.
Moses points out a critical rhema for me. He shows that there is a cause, or a root, to such sins, and that we are to make sure there is no root among it. Meaning, to find the core reason and to cut it out and to take it away. In doing so, we may be able to follow God wholeheartedly.
Father God, I pray for your anointing. I pray that you may move among my life and my spirit to be living for you. I pray that I may search deep into my life and I pray against the root of the sins that are hidden in me. Lord, let your light shine from the inside out. Instill in my life your words and your Holy Spirit. I thank you for all this. I pray that I die to myself and follow you each day. I give you honor and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
18 Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.
Moses is speaking to the Israelite people to follow the Lord their God. Do not follow other false idols, but to keep away and follow God.
Moses points out a critical rhema for me. He shows that there is a cause, or a root, to such sins, and that we are to make sure there is no root among it. Meaning, to find the core reason and to cut it out and to take it away. In doing so, we may be able to follow God wholeheartedly.
Father God, I pray for your anointing. I pray that you may move among my life and my spirit to be living for you. I pray that I may search deep into my life and I pray against the root of the sins that are hidden in me. Lord, let your light shine from the inside out. Instill in my life your words and your Holy Spirit. I thank you for all this. I pray that I die to myself and follow you each day. I give you honor and praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Christ Has Set Us Free, Standing Firm In Him
Galatians 5:1
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
God wants us to be free from our sins, free from slavery. He urges us to stand firm in His ways and live free.
This is such an encouraging verse when trying to live a life pleasing and holy for God. Every time I fall short of God's will for me, I am astonished by how gracious and merciful He is. In His words, I can have strength to live for Him.
Father God, Lord of the heavens and the earth. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for all that you have done in my life and I pray that I gain strength to live for you. I thank you for this word that is given to me. Lord, let it be instilled in my life that I can keep living for You. Thank you. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
God wants us to be free from our sins, free from slavery. He urges us to stand firm in His ways and live free.
This is such an encouraging verse when trying to live a life pleasing and holy for God. Every time I fall short of God's will for me, I am astonished by how gracious and merciful He is. In His words, I can have strength to live for Him.
Father God, Lord of the heavens and the earth. I thank you for your grace and mercy. I thank you for all that you have done in my life and I pray that I gain strength to live for you. I thank you for this word that is given to me. Lord, let it be instilled in my life that I can keep living for You. Thank you. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Living A Righteous And Selfless Life According To The Lord
Deuteronomy 24:10-15
10 When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into his house to get what he is offering as a pledge. 11 Stay outside and let the man to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. 12 If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. 13 Return his cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God.
14 Do not take advantage of a hired man who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother Israelite or an alien living in one of your towns. 15 Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. Otherwise he may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.
The Lord is speaking to His people about laws that He wants them to obey. These two speak about the heart of a person, and the selflessness that God seeks in our lives.
We are not to be greedy, but to give and to love and to be a righteous person in the eyes of the Lord. It's tough to do this, but through the Lord's strength, we can be Christ-like.
Father, Lord of my life, I pray for my character that you have instilled in my life. I know that you want my heart to be right with yours. I pray that I may live a life that is not selfish, but to give and to love as You have loved and gave. I thank you for a God who gave His Son for my sins. I thank you for all that you have done in my life. I want to honor your name. I pray all this in Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.
10 When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbor, do not go into his house to get what he is offering as a pledge. 11 Stay outside and let the man to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. 12 If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. 13 Return his cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God.
14 Do not take advantage of a hired man who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother Israelite or an alien living in one of your towns. 15 Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. Otherwise he may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.
The Lord is speaking to His people about laws that He wants them to obey. These two speak about the heart of a person, and the selflessness that God seeks in our lives.
We are not to be greedy, but to give and to love and to be a righteous person in the eyes of the Lord. It's tough to do this, but through the Lord's strength, we can be Christ-like.
Father, Lord of my life, I pray for my character that you have instilled in my life. I know that you want my heart to be right with yours. I pray that I may live a life that is not selfish, but to give and to love as You have loved and gave. I thank you for a God who gave His Son for my sins. I thank you for all that you have done in my life. I want to honor your name. I pray all this in Jesus Mighty name.
Amen.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Declaring Hawaii For God Comes Through Obedience
Deuteronomy 11:22-24
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him- 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24 Every place where you set your foot will be yours
This is God's promise to His people. He will give us and bless us as we obey His commands.
This rhema reminds me of what God is doing here in Hawaii. We as his followers need to repent and follow His commands. I can see a move of His spirit here. He is giving this land of Hawaii to us as we declare it to give God glory.
Father, Lord I pray for your declaring words right now. I pray for this place called Hawaii. Let your people follow your words and your commands. I pray for intercession for this place. I declare this land to be yours in Jesus name. Move among this land. I pray this to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him- 23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24 Every place where you set your foot will be yours
This is God's promise to His people. He will give us and bless us as we obey His commands.
This rhema reminds me of what God is doing here in Hawaii. We as his followers need to repent and follow His commands. I can see a move of His spirit here. He is giving this land of Hawaii to us as we declare it to give God glory.
Father, Lord I pray for your declaring words right now. I pray for this place called Hawaii. Let your people follow your words and your commands. I pray for intercession for this place. I declare this land to be yours in Jesus name. Move among this land. I pray this to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
A Reminder That God Is The One Who Has Given Much
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
God is reminding the people of Israel not to forget what God has done in their lives. He was their provider, He was their shepherd, He was their leader, and to continue to remind them that they did not get through all those years without Him.
God is also reminding me, not to be proud or boastful, but to live with humility, because it is He who has provided and blessed me. I am not who I am without Him.
Father God, I thank you for this word, that you may remind me to trust in You. I know that you have blessed me so much. I pray that I give thanks to You. I give you all that I have. You are the supplier of my needs, the one who gave me much. I thank you. I thank you more so for your gift of Salvation. I thank you for giving me life and lie everlasting. I want to thank you so much. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
God is reminding the people of Israel not to forget what God has done in their lives. He was their provider, He was their shepherd, He was their leader, and to continue to remind them that they did not get through all those years without Him.
God is also reminding me, not to be proud or boastful, but to live with humility, because it is He who has provided and blessed me. I am not who I am without Him.
Father God, I thank you for this word, that you may remind me to trust in You. I know that you have blessed me so much. I pray that I give thanks to You. I give you all that I have. You are the supplier of my needs, the one who gave me much. I thank you. I thank you more so for your gift of Salvation. I thank you for giving me life and lie everlasting. I want to thank you so much. I pray all this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Jesus Changing The World Through His Body And His Blood
Mark 14:22-24
22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
23Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
24"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.
Jesus celebrates the passover with his disciples. He takes bread and wine, which represents the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, and he does something that changes the world. Jesus now uses the bread and the cup to represent the deliverance of sin.
Jesus turns things upside down in the world. Instead of showing the deliverance from Egypt, he shows how his sacrifice represents release from slavery to sin. If I was a Jew, I would be astounded by what Jesus is doing.
Father, Lord of my life, I thank you for this passage, to remind me of who You are. I pray that my life represents the life that you have sacrificed yourself on the cross for. I pray for a life according to your words. I can only do this by your grace and mercy, for your have delivered me from my sins, and have paid the price of death for me. I thank you Lord. I give thanks to you.
Amen.
22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
23Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
24"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.
Jesus celebrates the passover with his disciples. He takes bread and wine, which represents the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, and he does something that changes the world. Jesus now uses the bread and the cup to represent the deliverance of sin.
Jesus turns things upside down in the world. Instead of showing the deliverance from Egypt, he shows how his sacrifice represents release from slavery to sin. If I was a Jew, I would be astounded by what Jesus is doing.
Father, Lord of my life, I thank you for this passage, to remind me of who You are. I pray that my life represents the life that you have sacrificed yourself on the cross for. I pray for a life according to your words. I can only do this by your grace and mercy, for your have delivered me from my sins, and have paid the price of death for me. I thank you Lord. I give thanks to you.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Having The Passion And Faith To Meet Jesus
Mark 10:46-48
46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
This blind man has so much passion and faith in him, that he didn't just want to see Jesus, he felt that he needed to see him. Even when people get in his way, he was persistent and kept pursuing Jesus.
I can learn from this blind man. His faith and his passion to meet Jesus reflects how our hearts and our lives need to be. I need to seek God like this.
Father, Lord of my life. I want to thank you. I want to give you glory and honor and praise. You are incredible. You do great miracles. I want to thank you. I pray that my heart be like this blind man, seeking you in all things. I want to meet you face to face. I pray that I may know you more and more each day. Reveal yourself to me. Thank you so much for what you have done in my life. I thank you for bringing a successful surgery for Jen. I thank you for my family. I pray that more of you in my life. I want to pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
This blind man has so much passion and faith in him, that he didn't just want to see Jesus, he felt that he needed to see him. Even when people get in his way, he was persistent and kept pursuing Jesus.
I can learn from this blind man. His faith and his passion to meet Jesus reflects how our hearts and our lives need to be. I need to seek God like this.
Father, Lord of my life. I want to thank you. I want to give you glory and honor and praise. You are incredible. You do great miracles. I want to thank you. I pray that my heart be like this blind man, seeking you in all things. I want to meet you face to face. I pray that I may know you more and more each day. Reveal yourself to me. Thank you so much for what you have done in my life. I thank you for bringing a successful surgery for Jen. I thank you for my family. I pray that more of you in my life. I want to pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Allowing God To Move Through Prayer
Mark 9:25-29
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil[a] spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."
The power of prayer can allow God to do so much. Jesus says that some things, we can only pray for.
I need to be covering all things in prayer. I need to pray more. God does not want me to pray so that I can talk to Him, but to also intercede, to pray through things, to pray for things, to be covering in prayer.
Father, Lord of this Universe, I pray to you. I ask of you, and I intercede to you, that through prayer, you can do great things. I pray for discipline, so that I can come you you in all things. I thank you for moving. I want to give you the glory and honor in Jesus name.
Amen.
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil[a] spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."
The power of prayer can allow God to do so much. Jesus says that some things, we can only pray for.
I need to be covering all things in prayer. I need to pray more. God does not want me to pray so that I can talk to Him, but to also intercede, to pray through things, to pray for things, to be covering in prayer.
Father, Lord of this Universe, I pray to you. I ask of you, and I intercede to you, that through prayer, you can do great things. I pray for discipline, so that I can come you you in all things. I thank you for moving. I want to give you the glory and honor in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
I Am Not Ashamed
Mark 8:38
38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
Jesus speaks of not being ashamed of the gospel. It is through it that we may life for God.
I must not be ashamed of Jesus. He is my Lord and my Savior, and in this world who doesn't know Him, I must declare the Salvation of Christ.
Father God, I thank you for your words. Let it speak into my life and change me of who I am. I pray that your anointed words may spur me on to speak the gospel for You. I want to give you glory. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
Jesus speaks of not being ashamed of the gospel. It is through it that we may life for God.
I must not be ashamed of Jesus. He is my Lord and my Savior, and in this world who doesn't know Him, I must declare the Salvation of Christ.
Father God, I thank you for your words. Let it speak into my life and change me of who I am. I pray that your anointed words may spur me on to speak the gospel for You. I want to give you glory. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
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