It's Now or Never

5.2.12 Title: It's Now or Never Scripture: We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. (John 9:4 NLT) Observation: Jesus disciples were trying to talk him into taking a "safe" route. But He told them that there wasn't enough time left to play it safe, but to work then before the night came. Application: The same is certainly true in our day as we are so near the coming of the Lord for His church. We must work now to accomplish what God has called us to accomplish. We certainly walk in the "rest" of the Lord and aren't called to be frantic or panicked, but we're called to be about the Father's business without delay. Even when it's to the safe route. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of my Lord Jesus. Please help me obey the urgency of the Holy Spirit to be about Your work on this earth - in my sphere of influence. Hep me not to fear the "unsafe" route, but to trust and obey You. Amen.

Because of Mercy

4.20.12

Title: Because of mercy

Scripture:

But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7 NLT)

Observation:

I am saved, because of God's mercy and not because of any righteous things I have done. This is as clear as it can be in the bible. Because of this, I have the confidence that I will inherit eternal life - because of His mercy. It took mercy because without it, I'd be condemned and hopeless.

Application:

I don't ever want to think, walk, or act like I'm saved because of how great I am. I want to share with those in my sphere of influence and the world that it's ONLY due to the mercy of God!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit fill my life today that I'll be humble, grateful to You and share with others, the great story of Your mercy, amen.

Beloved & Faithful

4.16.12

Title: Beloved & Faithful

Scripture:

To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. (Ephesians 6:21 NLT)

Observation:

Paul called Tychicus a "beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord's work". I can't think of many things more awesome than being thought of that way by God and His Apostles. He must have been a incredible follower of Jesus, he left a great name and legacy.

Application:

Beyond being a faithful husband and father, I desire these 2 titles as much as any. I hope to be known as "beloved & faithful", as a helper in the Lord's work. We don't read a lot of words about Tychicus but we read ALOT about him in the few word we read. That's how I want to serve the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, I pray that I will be a faithful servant, that I will honor You, my family & Your church with my life. Grant me the help of Your Holy Spirit, in Christ Jesus' name, amen.

God's Love is everlasting

4.13.12

Title: God's love is everlasting

Scripture:

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 NLT)

Observation:

Paul makes it clear that trials and tribulations in this life will be used by the enemy to try and separate us from God. The devil tries to convince us to turn from God. But the Word says that NOTHING can or will separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Even if we turn away from God, His love for us remains constant.

Because of faith

4.11.12

Title: Because of faith

Scripture:

He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. (Romans 4:21-25 NLT)

Observation:

In Paul's discourse to the Romans, he made it expressly clear that Abraham was declared righteous before God (the Jews held to this). However, Paul excellently presented the case that it was because of Abraham's faith and not his ability to keep the law. The phrase "because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous" says it all.

Application:

Paul further explains that the same is true for everyone, regardless of Jew or Gentile. He says, "It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." I am declared righteous before God because of my faith in Christ AND NOTHING else. So I must be thankful, humble, and share this message with others.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. Thank You for declaring me righteous based on faith in the work of Your Son. Thank You Jesus for redeeming me. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to share this incredible offer to all that are in my sphere of influence, in Jesus name, amen.

Live in a way that pleases God

4.10.12

Title: Live pleasing to God

Scripture:

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. (1 Thessalonians 4:1 NLT)

Observation:

Paul is writing to the Thessalonians and all out of love. He "urges" them/us in the name of Jesus to live in a way, or a life that pleases God. This was/is the way taught by Paul & the disciples. If there is a way of life that pleases God, then there is a way that doesn't.

Application:

My heart's desire is to please God with my life. So, I must live in a way that pleases Him. I find this way in the principles of the Word of God. I can surely be encouraged and advised by others, but ultimately I find the way of the Lord in His Word. As Wayne Cordeiro says, "wisdom doesn't come in a day, but it does comes daily", as I study & live the Word.

Prayer:

Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, help me to make Your Word a priority in my life greater than ever before. May the Holy Spirit empower me to read, study, learn, apply and live the Word that I may live in a way that pleases You, amen.

If I'm so smart...

3.22.12

Title: If i'm so smart - love!

Scripture:

...But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT)

Observation:

It's definitely a scriptural principle that we should strive for knowledge, this is part of the personal spiritual growth process. The enemy will defeat us if we do not know the Word of God. Jesus rebuked Satan with the Word. So, knowledge of scripture is a good, needed thing. But the Word here says that knowledge may make us feel important but love strengthens the church. And we certainly can't miss the part that gets in the so called "know it all's" face so to speak. The one who thinks he has all the answers really doesn't know that much. Finally this text says that God recognizes those that love Him. (that's a lot said in 2 verses!)

Application:

So, we know that God is certainly not making a plea for ignorance here, He is saying that love is the principle thing. That when our knowledge is built upon our love for God and others, then it's powerful useful knowledge. But if our knowledge is "without the foundation of love" it's useless. So, if I'm so smart, I'll love God & others!!!!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, I want to be recognized of & by You. Help me to love You and others that I might gain knowledge upon the correct foundation that will prosper my life and that ill be able to fulfill Your will. Amen.

What kind of work am I building?

3.20.12

Title: What kind of work am I building?

Scripture:

But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. (1 Corinthians 3:13 NLT)

Observation:

The scripture is clear that Jesus Christ is the only foundation for lives. It's also clear that as we work for the Lord, we are building on that foundation. It is also clear that it's possible to build works that have no value and will be burned up in the judgment seat of Christ. What's the key to building works that are fireproof? Motive.

Application:

The old saying goes, "God knows my heart"; the often alarming thing about that statement is that it's true!!! The "why" behind the things I'm doing for God is the real issue. If they are for selfish reasons or if they are hypocritical acts (such as to be seen of others), they will burn up & not stand the test. Works done for the Lord from a pure motive - to glorify God by serving Him & others - these works are fireproof and will be rewarded.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, please help me to sincerely and honestly evaluate my motives as I serve You. May the illumination of the Holy Spirit cast light upon my heart. Forgive me of any selfish motives and may the goal of my heart be to glorify You. Amen.

Am I so different form Peter?

3.15.12

Title: Am I so different from Peter?

Scripture:

And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72 NLT)

Observation:

Peter is known, better yet, famous for bold brash over confident statements. He blurted out things that many around wanted to say, like, "I'll die before I deny you Jesus!" Maybe he was caught up in the moment, over zealous, or just thinking out loud, but Peter said what most of us feel in our hearts. Then, he did exactly what he said he wouldn't do, he betrayed Jesus.

Application:

Am I so different from Peter? I hate to admit it, but no. Maybe my life has never been threatened over my faith, but I've missed opportunities to stand up for Christ. Times that I could have, should have stood or or spoke up and declared my allegiance to Jesus, that I chose to just slip through the crowd or quietly move on. In essence, I did just as Peter, I denied my implied promise to "die before I denied Christ". Ok, maybe I'm pushing the similarities here just a little bit but the point is made. The awesome thing about Jesus is that He forgave and restored Peter; He's done the same for me countless times. Later, Peter, filled with the Spirit, older, wiser, seasoned, and more resolute, faced the challenge and passed. He refused to deny Christ, even when it cost him his life. Am I so different from Peter? I hope not.

Witness continued

3.7.12

Scripture:

Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future. (Acts 26:16 NLT)

Observation:

This verse is part of Paul's testimony to Agrippa concerning his conversion. Paul says that Jesus told him to witness of the things Paul had seen and would see. He was appointed by Jesus as a witness to the world & specifically the Gentiles. Jesus also told him to get up - and I'll add, get to it!

Application:

As Acts 1:8 says, we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill our call to be a witness for Christ. Just as Paul, we can only be a truly credible witness of that which we have firsthand experience. Paul could testify about Jesus because he knew and experienced Him personally. We often recount others experiences to people and that's good, but we are a witness of and for Jesus when we testify of our firsthand experience with Him. So, I think He says to me, "get up!" & "get after it!"

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me personally and saving me from my sins. Thank You for calling me to be Your witness and filling me with Your Spirit & power. I pray that You empower me afresh and anew today to fulfill this call, to witness of my firsthand experience with You! Amen!

Called to be a witness

3.6.12

Scripture:

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” (Acts 23:11 NLT)

Observation:

God's plan for Paul was that Paul would be a witness for Him. Jesus encouraged Paul to stay true to this purpose, even in the midst of confusing and tumultuous times.

Application:

Acts 1:8 says that we receive the power of the Holy Spirit to be a witness of Christ. This IS the purpose of the power. Before we are called to do anything else, we are called to be a witness for Jesus. And we are called to be a witness and declare the gospel even in confusing times and seasons.

Prayer:

Jesus, I feel Your encouragement to continue being a witness of You, to live and preach the gospel to all and any that will hear. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit and power, in Christ's name, Amen.