2 Sam 6:5
5 David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.
When David finally got to bring back the ark of the Lord to Israel, he danced and sang praises with all his might.
I have to ask myself if I give God praise with all my might. Do I put all my effort and really mean it when I praise God?
Father, I pray that I may give you all the glory and worship you with all my might. I ask that my heart be truthful and to give your worship in spirit and in truth. I thank you. In Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Hating On Sin
Psalms 139:19-22
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
David is crying out the the Lord. His heart shows his distaste for his enemy. He hates them so much.
God's enemy is my enemy. My sin is distaste and He hates it. I need to hate my sin like how God hates it.
Father, Lord I pray that my heart is like yours. I pray that I may hate my sins like how you hate it. I pray that I may be delivered by Jesus to turn away from my wicked ways, and I ask for your forgiveness to make me whole. I ask for your strength and your Holy Spirit power. Thank you Lord.
Amen.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
David is crying out the the Lord. His heart shows his distaste for his enemy. He hates them so much.
God's enemy is my enemy. My sin is distaste and He hates it. I need to hate my sin like how God hates it.
Father, Lord I pray that my heart is like yours. I pray that I may hate my sins like how you hate it. I pray that I may be delivered by Jesus to turn away from my wicked ways, and I ask for your forgiveness to make me whole. I ask for your strength and your Holy Spirit power. Thank you Lord.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Reaching Out To All People
Matt 15:24-28
24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
27"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
28Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Jesus did not hear the woman's daughter, but when she kept asking for grace, Jesus healed her daughter.
Jesus said that he was there for Israel, but he also healed the daughter of this Canaanite woman. Sometimes, we all have our own ministry, but whoever comes in my life must also be reached out to. I should not be picky in who needs God, because Jesus died for all.
Father God, I thank you for this humble reminder that you died for all people. I thank you for your grace and your mercy on my life. I ask that I may see with your eyes and love from your heart, that I may reach out to all. I want to glorify you in all this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.
24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
27"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
28Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Jesus did not hear the woman's daughter, but when she kept asking for grace, Jesus healed her daughter.
Jesus said that he was there for Israel, but he also healed the daughter of this Canaanite woman. Sometimes, we all have our own ministry, but whoever comes in my life must also be reached out to. I should not be picky in who needs God, because Jesus died for all.
Father God, I thank you for this humble reminder that you died for all people. I thank you for your grace and your mercy on my life. I ask that I may see with your eyes and love from your heart, that I may reach out to all. I want to glorify you in all this in Jesus mighty name.
Amen.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wisdom And Maturity In Our Christian Life
Matt 14:6-11
6On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
Here, Herod was being wooed by this daughter and gave her a promise to give her anything she wanted. She then asked for something that he did not want to do, to kill John the Baptist.
There are many times we get ourselves in sticky situations. We speak before we think things through. We act before we inquire of the Lord. We need to be smart about our lives, and live a mature Christian life that is pleasing to the Lord.
Father God, I pray for your greatness on me. I ask for wisdom and maturity in my life, that I may live it according to your words. I ask for forgiveness, for disobeying you and for not including you in my life as I should. I pray that I may be smart in my Christian walk, and that Your Holy Spirit guide me in all that I do. I thank you and give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
6On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
Here, Herod was being wooed by this daughter and gave her a promise to give her anything she wanted. She then asked for something that he did not want to do, to kill John the Baptist.
There are many times we get ourselves in sticky situations. We speak before we think things through. We act before we inquire of the Lord. We need to be smart about our lives, and live a mature Christian life that is pleasing to the Lord.
Father God, I pray for your greatness on me. I ask for wisdom and maturity in my life, that I may live it according to your words. I ask for forgiveness, for disobeying you and for not including you in my life as I should. I pray that I may be smart in my Christian walk, and that Your Holy Spirit guide me in all that I do. I thank you and give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
To Understand What I hear, To Receive God's Words
Matt 13:13-15
13This is why I speak to them in parables:
"Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
God speaks in great parables, and Jesus uses these parables to explain certain teachings that he wants to convey to those who are really listening.
We have to open our hearts and our spirits to receive what God's words says. Just like what Jesus said, that some people were not understanding and perceiving, thought they where hearing and seeing. God wants us to receive it into our lives.
Father God, I pray that I may receive your words and turn it into action in my life. I pray that I may do what your words want for me. I ask this so that I may live my life in according to your word. I thank you for your goodness. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
13This is why I speak to them in parables:
"Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
God speaks in great parables, and Jesus uses these parables to explain certain teachings that he wants to convey to those who are really listening.
We have to open our hearts and our spirits to receive what God's words says. Just like what Jesus said, that some people were not understanding and perceiving, thought they where hearing and seeing. God wants us to receive it into our lives.
Father God, I pray that I may receive your words and turn it into action in my life. I pray that I may do what your words want for me. I ask this so that I may live my life in according to your word. I thank you for your goodness. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Not Letting Greed Get The Best Of Me
1 Sam 30:18-25
18 David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. 20 He took all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying, "This is David's plunder."
21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them. 22 But all the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go."
23 David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
David and his men had their things taken, but while pursuing the Amalekites, some men got tired, so they stayed behind. Now after defeating the Amalekites and returning to the men, some of them asked not to share because the tired men didn't help. God gave David wisdom in how to handle this, saying that they should take their share as well.
Sometimes, greed take us like these men. It may be that some people didn't help out as much as I did, and that I feel they might not deserve as much, but God may think otherwise. I need to stop thinking with a greedy heart, but with a servant's heart and a heart after God's own heart.
Father God, I pray that I may not be greedy, that I may not want, that I may not desire more, that I may not feel that others deserve less, but I pray for a heart after your own heart. I ask that you change me from the inside out. Greed is such a hard thing to work on, but I pray for Your strength to do so. I thank you and ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
18 David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. 20 He took all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying, "This is David's plunder."
21 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them. 22 But all the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go."
23 David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike." 25 David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
David and his men had their things taken, but while pursuing the Amalekites, some men got tired, so they stayed behind. Now after defeating the Amalekites and returning to the men, some of them asked not to share because the tired men didn't help. God gave David wisdom in how to handle this, saying that they should take their share as well.
Sometimes, greed take us like these men. It may be that some people didn't help out as much as I did, and that I feel they might not deserve as much, but God may think otherwise. I need to stop thinking with a greedy heart, but with a servant's heart and a heart after God's own heart.
Father God, I pray that I may not be greedy, that I may not want, that I may not desire more, that I may not feel that others deserve less, but I pray for a heart after your own heart. I ask that you change me from the inside out. Greed is such a hard thing to work on, but I pray for Your strength to do so. I thank you and ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Friday, April 24, 2009
John Declare Before, We Declare After
Matt 11:7-10
7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written:
" 'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'
Jesus was saying that John the baptist was the person who was a prophet to declare the coming of the Christ.
While John was to declare the coming, we are the one's who share the news that he came. It is our role to declare that Christ has come, and that he wants to bridge the gap to form the relationship that we lost.
Father God, I pray that you may empower me to do what is good in your eyes. I pray that I may get strength from you that I may declare that Christ has come. I ask that I may be bold, and that You be glorified. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written:
" 'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'
Jesus was saying that John the baptist was the person who was a prophet to declare the coming of the Christ.
While John was to declare the coming, we are the one's who share the news that he came. It is our role to declare that Christ has come, and that he wants to bridge the gap to form the relationship that we lost.
Father God, I pray that you may empower me to do what is good in your eyes. I pray that I may get strength from you that I may declare that Christ has come. I ask that I may be bold, and that You be glorified. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Be A Blessing To Others
1 Sam 25:4-13
4 While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, "Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!
7 " 'Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my young men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.' "
9 When David's men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David's name. Then they waited.
10 Nabal answered David's servants, "Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 11 Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?"
12 David's men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word. 13 David said to his men, "Put on your swords!" So they put on their swords, and David put on his. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.
Nabal mistreated the people that David sent to him. He was rude to them and was not a blessing to them. In the end, Nabal was judged by God and was killed.
Being kind to someone goes so far. It may get you into trouble if you don't. It may not get you killed, but being kind to someone and a blessing to someone is to be able to show love to others.
Father God, I pray that you may allow me to be kind to others, even when I don't feel like it. I ask that your love be able to shine through me to others. I pray that more of you and your love be shown in my life, that you may be glorified. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
4 While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, "Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!
7 " 'Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my young men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.' "
9 When David's men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David's name. Then they waited.
10 Nabal answered David's servants, "Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 11 Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?"
12 David's men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word. 13 David said to his men, "Put on your swords!" So they put on their swords, and David put on his. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.
Nabal mistreated the people that David sent to him. He was rude to them and was not a blessing to them. In the end, Nabal was judged by God and was killed.
Being kind to someone goes so far. It may get you into trouble if you don't. It may not get you killed, but being kind to someone and a blessing to someone is to be able to show love to others.
Father God, I pray that you may allow me to be kind to others, even when I don't feel like it. I ask that your love be able to shine through me to others. I pray that more of you and your love be shown in my life, that you may be glorified. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Jesus Showed Love Over The Law
Matt 8:2-3
2A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
A person with leprosy, who is outcast from the town, came up to Jesus and Jesus touched him, though it is against the law to touch anything unclean, such as a person with leprosy.
Two things was revealed to me. One, though the person with leprosy was outcast, he still went up to Jesus. Second, Jesus touched the man, though he was "unclean". Jesus was not legalistic. He showed love to others even though the law prohibited touching the person. There are times where love comes second, but God showed love to us in everything that He did.
Father God, I thank you for your love for me and everyone else who has fallen short of your glory. I pray that I may not be like the legalistic people of do and don't, but I want to be able to love like how You loved. I pray for your compassion for others, that I may be moved by your Spirit to love on others. I ask this in Jesus name.
Amen.
2A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
A person with leprosy, who is outcast from the town, came up to Jesus and Jesus touched him, though it is against the law to touch anything unclean, such as a person with leprosy.
Two things was revealed to me. One, though the person with leprosy was outcast, he still went up to Jesus. Second, Jesus touched the man, though he was "unclean". Jesus was not legalistic. He showed love to others even though the law prohibited touching the person. There are times where love comes second, but God showed love to us in everything that He did.
Father God, I thank you for your love for me and everyone else who has fallen short of your glory. I pray that I may not be like the legalistic people of do and don't, but I want to be able to love like how You loved. I pray for your compassion for others, that I may be moved by your Spirit to love on others. I ask this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, April 20, 2009
When You Lose Trust In Others, Trust In God
Psalm 31:11-16
11 Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors;
I am a dread to my friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side;
they conspire against me
and plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
David is running for his life. He is crying out to God to save him. He doesn't know who to trust, even his friends may be his enemy. He can only trust in God to be there for him.
There are many times when people don't know who they can trust. I sometimes feel like that. Especially when people do not do what they are suppose to do, when people do things against you, your friends may be talking behind your back. David went to the extreme where his friends may give him up to be killed, but we still can relate to what he went through. We need God in these situations. He is our protector and our Savior. We need to trust in Him.
Father God, I can only imagine having a best friend give you up to be killed like David did. Yet, he still trusted in You. I pray that I may have that kind of faith. I pray that those dire situations, that I may trust in You, and have Your strength. I ask this because I am weak and You are made strong in me. I thank you, and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
11 Because of all my enemies,
I am the utter contempt of my neighbors;
I am a dread to my friends—
those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear the slander of many;
there is terror on every side;
they conspire against me
and plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
David is running for his life. He is crying out to God to save him. He doesn't know who to trust, even his friends may be his enemy. He can only trust in God to be there for him.
There are many times when people don't know who they can trust. I sometimes feel like that. Especially when people do not do what they are suppose to do, when people do things against you, your friends may be talking behind your back. David went to the extreme where his friends may give him up to be killed, but we still can relate to what he went through. We need God in these situations. He is our protector and our Savior. We need to trust in Him.
Father God, I can only imagine having a best friend give you up to be killed like David did. Yet, he still trusted in You. I pray that I may have that kind of faith. I pray that those dire situations, that I may trust in You, and have Your strength. I ask this because I am weak and You are made strong in me. I thank you, and pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Walking Right So No One Has A Thing Against You
1 Sam 19:4-5
4 Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. 5 He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?"
Jonathan was speaking to his father Saul, and was speaking good things about David. He showed that David didn't do anything wrong, trying to persuade Saul not to kill David.
David is a man after God's heart. We can learn by his character what we should make ourselves like. Here, he didn't do anything wrong to cause Saul to kill him. With the same thing, I should not do anything to cause others to "kill" me, or have something bad against me. I should not do anything so that others have something against me.
Father God, I pray that you watch over me. Allow me to do good and to not cause others to have anything against me. I pray that I may walk right in Your ways. I ask that you guide me and protect me. Give me your wisdom and your discipline. Thank you Lord. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
4 Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. 5 He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?"
Jonathan was speaking to his father Saul, and was speaking good things about David. He showed that David didn't do anything wrong, trying to persuade Saul not to kill David.
David is a man after God's heart. We can learn by his character what we should make ourselves like. Here, he didn't do anything wrong to cause Saul to kill him. With the same thing, I should not do anything to cause others to "kill" me, or have something bad against me. I should not do anything so that others have something against me.
Father God, I pray that you watch over me. Allow me to do good and to not cause others to have anything against me. I pray that I may walk right in Your ways. I ask that you guide me and protect me. Give me your wisdom and your discipline. Thank you Lord. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Watching Out For Our Pride
1 Sam 18:6-9
6 When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes. 7 As they danced, they sang:
"Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands."
8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" 9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
Saul was very prideful here. All the people were cheering more for David than for him. Saul got angry at this.
Pride is something that is a big stumbling block for people. The devil first fell because of his pride. We are also vulnerable to this. I need to watch my pride in all that I do and say, because it can cause me to sin.
Father, I pray that I humble myself to You. I ask that you make me less, and have more of You. I know that I can get prideful in myself, but I pray against that in Jesus name. I ask that I may give You all the glory, and that You be the focus of my attention. I want to praise You and You alone.
Amen.
6 When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes. 7 As they danced, they sang:
"Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands."
8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" 9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
Saul was very prideful here. All the people were cheering more for David than for him. Saul got angry at this.
Pride is something that is a big stumbling block for people. The devil first fell because of his pride. We are also vulnerable to this. I need to watch my pride in all that I do and say, because it can cause me to sin.
Father, I pray that I humble myself to You. I ask that you make me less, and have more of You. I know that I can get prideful in myself, but I pray against that in Jesus name. I ask that I may give You all the glory, and that You be the focus of my attention. I want to praise You and You alone.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
God Enables You To Do Greater Things
1 Sam 17:8-11
8 Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." 10 Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." 11 On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
The Philistines came out and defied the Israelites. Goliath was the person who came and terrified the soldiers of Israel.
There are so many things in life that terrify me. Many things are fears that stop me from doing things, just like here in this passage. What i get out of this passage is that God wants us to look beyond our fears. Our fear hinder us, but God enables us.
Father, I pray that you may enable me to do great things in Christ who strengthens me. I know that I am human, and I will have many things that stop me from serving you, but I pray that You may enable me to overcome those things, that I may glorify you. I pray all this to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
8 Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." 10 Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." 11 On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.
The Philistines came out and defied the Israelites. Goliath was the person who came and terrified the soldiers of Israel.
There are so many things in life that terrify me. Many things are fears that stop me from doing things, just like here in this passage. What i get out of this passage is that God wants us to look beyond our fears. Our fear hinder us, but God enables us.
Father, I pray that you may enable me to do great things in Christ who strengthens me. I know that I am human, and I will have many things that stop me from serving you, but I pray that You may enable me to overcome those things, that I may glorify you. I pray all this to give you all the glory in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
God Of Love, The Unchanging One
1 Sam 15:29
29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."
Samuel is speaking of the Lord, who is the Unchanging One. He does not change His mind like how men always keep changing their choices and decisions.
I'm so glad that God is the Unchanging One. If He were like me, I would change my mind a lot and decide not to help and save men. It reminds me that God's love is Unconditional, Unchanging.
Father, I thank you so much for your grace and your mercy. You are the Unchanging One, the God of this Universe, and I thank you for loving me. I can't imagine how it must be to continue to love a sinner like me, even though I am not always obedient. I pray that I may be like you, not to waver in my decisions, but to keep in line with Your will and Your ways. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."
Samuel is speaking of the Lord, who is the Unchanging One. He does not change His mind like how men always keep changing their choices and decisions.
I'm so glad that God is the Unchanging One. If He were like me, I would change my mind a lot and decide not to help and save men. It reminds me that God's love is Unconditional, Unchanging.
Father, I thank you so much for your grace and your mercy. You are the Unchanging One, the God of this Universe, and I thank you for loving me. I can't imagine how it must be to continue to love a sinner like me, even though I am not always obedient. I pray that I may be like you, not to waver in my decisions, but to keep in line with Your will and Your ways. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Stop And Ask The Lord
1 Sam 14:36-37
36 Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave one of them alive."
"Do whatever seems best to you," they replied.
But the priest said, "Let us inquire of God here."
37 So Saul asked God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel's hand?" But God did not answer him that day.
Saul is trying to take over the land. He asks the army to go, but the priest stop him, and suggest to ask God.
Many times, we are so caught up with what we are doing, that we forget to include God in our lives. We are focused, not on God, but on our own goals. We need to stop and ask the Lord for what His will is, so that things may go accordingly.
Father, I pray for your will in my life. I know that I get caught up with my own life that I forget to include you in my decisions, but Lord, I pray that I may remember you. I ask you for direction in my life. I pray that I may be able to stop and include You in my decisions. I want You to lead me. I want You to take me to your path. I ask this in prayer to you, in Jesus name.
Amen.
36 Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them till dawn, and let us not leave one of them alive."
"Do whatever seems best to you," they replied.
But the priest said, "Let us inquire of God here."
37 So Saul asked God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into Israel's hand?" But God did not answer him that day.
Saul is trying to take over the land. He asks the army to go, but the priest stop him, and suggest to ask God.
Many times, we are so caught up with what we are doing, that we forget to include God in our lives. We are focused, not on God, but on our own goals. We need to stop and ask the Lord for what His will is, so that things may go accordingly.
Father, I pray for your will in my life. I know that I get caught up with my own life that I forget to include you in my decisions, but Lord, I pray that I may remember you. I ask you for direction in my life. I pray that I may be able to stop and include You in my decisions. I want You to lead me. I want You to take me to your path. I ask this in prayer to you, in Jesus name.
Amen.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
What The Power Of The Cross Really Means
1 Cor 1:18
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Paul writes to the people of Corinth that the Cross and the power that it identifies is nothing that can be intellectually grasped. It is a foolishness to think logically what it means, and how it works, because those who don't know what it means will not understand it. It is by the power of the cross that I am who I am. I can understand what it means to be saved by the blood of Christ Jesus. Those who do not believe in it will only think of it in foolishness. For those who are saved, it means everything.
Because I know what the cross means, I need to share this message to those who do not. Many of them will think it is foolish, but by God's wisdom, some may be saved and know what it truly means to have Jesus as Savior of our lives.
Father, I thank you for the Cross. I thank you for what you have done for me. I pray that you may be glorified in this. I pray that your message of the cross may penetrate the hearts of those who do not know you. I pray for the lost. I pray for the needy. I ask that you give them to your people, that we may share your message to the ends of the earth. I thank you and I pray that your words do great things.
Amen.
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Paul writes to the people of Corinth that the Cross and the power that it identifies is nothing that can be intellectually grasped. It is a foolishness to think logically what it means, and how it works, because those who don't know what it means will not understand it. It is by the power of the cross that I am who I am. I can understand what it means to be saved by the blood of Christ Jesus. Those who do not believe in it will only think of it in foolishness. For those who are saved, it means everything.
Because I know what the cross means, I need to share this message to those who do not. Many of them will think it is foolish, but by God's wisdom, some may be saved and know what it truly means to have Jesus as Savior of our lives.
Father, I thank you for the Cross. I thank you for what you have done for me. I pray that you may be glorified in this. I pray that your message of the cross may penetrate the hearts of those who do not know you. I pray for the lost. I pray for the needy. I ask that you give them to your people, that we may share your message to the ends of the earth. I thank you and I pray that your words do great things.
Amen.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Even The Least Can Be Used In Great Things
1 Sam 9:5-8
5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, "Come, let's go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us."
6 But the servant replied, "Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let's go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take."
7 Saul said to his servant, "If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?"
8 The servant answered him again. "Look," he said, "I have a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take."
When I look at this passage, I see the view of the servant, and how he is being used to direct Saul in the way that God is leading. This shows that even the least of those can be used by God.
I am only one person, and I am so little compared to what God is, but He is able to use me in small ways, through great things, to do great miracles in this generation.
Father God, I pray that I may be used for you. I pray that you may take me and use me to do small or great things, whatever you want. I pray that you may allow me to focus and obey your words for me. Lord, I want to give you praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, "Come, let's go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us."
6 But the servant replied, "Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let's go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take."
7 Saul said to his servant, "If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?"
8 The servant answered him again. "Look," he said, "I have a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take."
When I look at this passage, I see the view of the servant, and how he is being used to direct Saul in the way that God is leading. This shows that even the least of those can be used by God.
I am only one person, and I am so little compared to what God is, but He is able to use me in small ways, through great things, to do great miracles in this generation.
Father God, I pray that I may be used for you. I pray that you may take me and use me to do small or great things, whatever you want. I pray that you may allow me to focus and obey your words for me. Lord, I want to give you praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
The Importance Of Giving To Missions
2 Cor 9:10-15
10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Paul is speaking about the gifts that these people are giving. They are giving to missions, so that the gospel can be preached to others. He indicates the importance of giving to missions, as well as the heart that the people should have when giving.
Sometimes, it may feel that giving money may be very little, but as Paul said, giving releases God's works to be done in all the ministries. Giving is just as important as going, and both should be done. As I give to missions, I must give with a heart that it will be used by God in great ways.
Father, Lord I pray that the little that I may give, let it be used for the greatness of your kingdom. I pray that the hands that hold the gifts use it wisely for great things to be done in Your name. I know that You are the awesome One, and I thank you for being able to give what I have. I pray this all that You may be gloried.
Amen.
10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Paul is speaking about the gifts that these people are giving. They are giving to missions, so that the gospel can be preached to others. He indicates the importance of giving to missions, as well as the heart that the people should have when giving.
Sometimes, it may feel that giving money may be very little, but as Paul said, giving releases God's works to be done in all the ministries. Giving is just as important as going, and both should be done. As I give to missions, I must give with a heart that it will be used by God in great ways.
Father, Lord I pray that the little that I may give, let it be used for the greatness of your kingdom. I pray that the hands that hold the gifts use it wisely for great things to be done in Your name. I know that You are the awesome One, and I thank you for being able to give what I have. I pray this all that You may be gloried.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The Power Of Words From God
1 Sam 3:19
19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.
Samuel was very young when he started to be used by the Lord. God was with him in everything, and the words that Samuel said for the Lord came to pass. Words are so powerful. The words that are from the Lord are especially more powerful. Words can change, uplifting, or destroying. It is even greater that God was with Samuel, and his words came to pass.
Our words, though some may be from the Lord, some not, are still powerful and are able to do great things. I must be able to discern what words to use, and what words not to use. All my words should come from God's will.
Father God, I pray for words from you. Allow my words to be only your will, that it may do great things, to uplift, to anoint, to speak life into others. I pray that I may be used by you. I want to have you speak life into the people here. I give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.
Samuel was very young when he started to be used by the Lord. God was with him in everything, and the words that Samuel said for the Lord came to pass. Words are so powerful. The words that are from the Lord are especially more powerful. Words can change, uplifting, or destroying. It is even greater that God was with Samuel, and his words came to pass.
Our words, though some may be from the Lord, some not, are still powerful and are able to do great things. I must be able to discern what words to use, and what words not to use. All my words should come from God's will.
Father God, I pray for words from you. Allow my words to be only your will, that it may do great things, to uplift, to anoint, to speak life into others. I pray that I may be used by you. I want to have you speak life into the people here. I give you all the praise in Jesus name.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Keeping Your Promise To The Lord
1 Sam 1:21-22
21 When the man Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always."
Hannah had made a promise to the Lord to give her son to Him if the Lord had allowed her to have a son. When she did have a son, she kept to her promise and offered him to be used by God.
I look at this passage and I see the heart of Hannah. I can't imagine giving up your only son. Her heart was right with the Lord, because she knew that she will keep her promise to God.
Father Lord, I pray for a heart and a faith like Hannah. It is so hard to live truthfully and holy in this life, and yet it would be even harder to do it when we are given much. I want to pray for strength to be able to put my faith in You. Lord, I ask that I may keep my promises and my life to be a offering to You. I want to live holy and righteous. I want to live a life according to Your will. I ask that you seal this in Jesus name.
Amen.
21 When the man Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always."
Hannah had made a promise to the Lord to give her son to Him if the Lord had allowed her to have a son. When she did have a son, she kept to her promise and offered him to be used by God.
I look at this passage and I see the heart of Hannah. I can't imagine giving up your only son. Her heart was right with the Lord, because she knew that she will keep her promise to God.
Father Lord, I pray for a heart and a faith like Hannah. It is so hard to live truthfully and holy in this life, and yet it would be even harder to do it when we are given much. I want to pray for strength to be able to put my faith in You. Lord, I ask that I may keep my promises and my life to be a offering to You. I want to live holy and righteous. I want to live a life according to Your will. I ask that you seal this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Monday, April 06, 2009
The Road That Must Be Endured For Christ
2 Cor 6:3-10
3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Paul shows the people of Corinth the situations that must be endured in order to go through with the teaching of the Gospel. He states the hardships that he has endured, and that it may encourage others in Christ.
Many of the things that Paul states are things that I have, or I know I will, go through. These are enduring times that I must trust in God and lean not on my own. In sharing the gospel, I know I must endure much.
Father God, I pray for your hand over me. I know that I can not do things on my own, but that I need You. I pray that you may give me strength to endure. I want your good news to be heard all over, but in doing so, I pray for strength from You. Let your name be glorified in Jesus mighty and awesome name.
Amen.
3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Paul shows the people of Corinth the situations that must be endured in order to go through with the teaching of the Gospel. He states the hardships that he has endured, and that it may encourage others in Christ.
Many of the things that Paul states are things that I have, or I know I will, go through. These are enduring times that I must trust in God and lean not on my own. In sharing the gospel, I know I must endure much.
Father God, I pray for your hand over me. I know that I can not do things on my own, but that I need You. I pray that you may give me strength to endure. I want your good news to be heard all over, but in doing so, I pray for strength from You. Let your name be glorified in Jesus mighty and awesome name.
Amen.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Being A Minister Of Christ Jesus
2 Cor 3:5-6
5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Paul teaches us that we are all ministers. We minister the new covenant, not the one that was taught in the Laws of Moses, though we do not forget about it, but the new covenant that was established through Christ Jesus.
I am a minister. I am one who speaks and shows the covenant that Christ Jesus has made with us. As a minister, I need to have the Spirit that gives life.
Father God, I pray for your Spirit. I know that you are the Life that flows through me, and I pray that I be able to overflow with your Spirit that gives life. I pray for your anointing, and I pray for your life in me. I want you more. I give you all that I am in Jesus name.
Amen.
5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Paul teaches us that we are all ministers. We minister the new covenant, not the one that was taught in the Laws of Moses, though we do not forget about it, but the new covenant that was established through Christ Jesus.
I am a minister. I am one who speaks and shows the covenant that Christ Jesus has made with us. As a minister, I need to have the Spirit that gives life.
Father God, I pray for your Spirit. I know that you are the Life that flows through me, and I pray that I be able to overflow with your Spirit that gives life. I pray for your anointing, and I pray for your life in me. I want you more. I give you all that I am in Jesus name.
Amen.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Forgive Others, As Christ Has Forgiven
2 Cor 2:9-11
9The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Forgiveness is a powerful thing. Here, Paul urges the people to forgive, and to do so in obedience.
The most forgiveness is when Christ forgave us for our sins. How much more are we to forgive others.
Father God, I pray for your forgiveness for myself. I know that my sins are putting me farther from your grace and your Spirit, but I pray by the blood of Christ, that you may forgive me. I also pray for forgiveness of others. I know that I need to forgive others, so I ask that you give me the heart to forgive those who need forgiveness. I want to be right in Your eyes. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
9The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Forgiveness is a powerful thing. Here, Paul urges the people to forgive, and to do so in obedience.
The most forgiveness is when Christ forgave us for our sins. How much more are we to forgive others.
Father God, I pray for your forgiveness for myself. I know that my sins are putting me farther from your grace and your Spirit, but I pray by the blood of Christ, that you may forgive me. I also pray for forgiveness of others. I know that I need to forgive others, so I ask that you give me the heart to forgive those who need forgiveness. I want to be right in Your eyes. I pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Do Everything In Love
1 Cor 16:13
13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love.
This is words of encouragement from Paul to other believers. He shows us to draw strength from the Lord, but I like how it says, in the end, to do everything in Love.
God is Love and He is the one who showed it through the death on the Cross. We are to do everything in Love, because without Love, there in nothing.
Father, I pray for the Love of the Father, that I may get a glimpse of it to be instilled in my life. Lord, I know that You Loved me so much that You died on the Cross for me. Allow me to show Your love through me. I pray this so that Your name may be honored.
Amen.
13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love.
This is words of encouragement from Paul to other believers. He shows us to draw strength from the Lord, but I like how it says, in the end, to do everything in Love.
God is Love and He is the one who showed it through the death on the Cross. We are to do everything in Love, because without Love, there in nothing.
Father, I pray for the Love of the Father, that I may get a glimpse of it to be instilled in my life. Lord, I know that You Loved me so much that You died on the Cross for me. Allow me to show Your love through me. I pray this so that Your name may be honored.
Amen.
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