S - 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
O - Paul is telling Timothy that God has given us the ability to overcome fear.
A - In our lives, we too have this same spirit. When fear grips us, I need to remember that this has now power against the Spirit of God that lives inside us as "Greater is He that lives in me than he that lives in this world". The Spirit is greater and full of power and love and a sound mind that we can tap into and beat fear right out of us. We are victorious because of Christ and we need to live in that victory instead of cowering in fear.
P - Heavenly Father, Thank you so very much for your Holy Spirit that lives inside of me. Help me to remember daily that fear has no place in my life. Help me to live 100% in your power and love and to tap into the sound mind that you have given me.
Soap Suds
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Act Without Partiality - 1 Timothy 5
S - 1 Timothy 5:21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.
O - Paul is talking about how to treat the elders of the church in this section. In the previous verse he talks about bringing accusations against the elders with two or more witnesses so that they would be able to determine if the accusation was valid or not.
A - I am also put in situations where I need to "judge" whether or not something was an issue. I need to first of all listen to what is said, then listen to the Lord, and finally remove any prejudice or partiality from the situation. By removing any prejudice, I will be able to hear the still small voice of God openly and will be able to make a fair and "right" decision.
P - God, Help me to hear your voice continually. I want to be even nearer to you and to "know" you more. Be with me in times that decisions are made so that I can lean on your wisdom and understanding and away from any prejudice or partiality I may have in the situation. Bless my family and I today and be with us.
O - Paul is talking about how to treat the elders of the church in this section. In the previous verse he talks about bringing accusations against the elders with two or more witnesses so that they would be able to determine if the accusation was valid or not.
A - I am also put in situations where I need to "judge" whether or not something was an issue. I need to first of all listen to what is said, then listen to the Lord, and finally remove any prejudice or partiality from the situation. By removing any prejudice, I will be able to hear the still small voice of God openly and will be able to make a fair and "right" decision.
P - God, Help me to hear your voice continually. I want to be even nearer to you and to "know" you more. Be with me in times that decisions are made so that I can lean on your wisdom and understanding and away from any prejudice or partiality I may have in the situation. Bless my family and I today and be with us.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Commandments Regarding Food - 1 Timothy 4
S - 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith... and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
O - Near the end of time, he is saying that there will be people who depart from the faith and a few other signs including that people with COMMAND to abstain from certain foods. The list of the items that people will be doing are obviously not in agreement with God's will.
A - There are some, including me at times, that now try to make rules out of what type of food we should be eating. We need to be thinking of this verse in that we do not COMMAND to abstain from certain foods as it also says that "every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving." This to me sounds like if there are certain foods that may not be a nourishing as others, if we give thanks for the food it is good to eat.
P - Heavenly Father, Help me to minimize the number of rules that I make when you have not descriptively made the rule. Also help me to abstain from judging people and the choices that they make when they may do something that is not against your word. You have broken the chains of the law and I want to live in your grace and be able to also give that same grace to everyone that I meet and especially to my wife and children.
O - Near the end of time, he is saying that there will be people who depart from the faith and a few other signs including that people with COMMAND to abstain from certain foods. The list of the items that people will be doing are obviously not in agreement with God's will.
A - There are some, including me at times, that now try to make rules out of what type of food we should be eating. We need to be thinking of this verse in that we do not COMMAND to abstain from certain foods as it also says that "every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving." This to me sounds like if there are certain foods that may not be a nourishing as others, if we give thanks for the food it is good to eat.
P - Heavenly Father, Help me to minimize the number of rules that I make when you have not descriptively made the rule. Also help me to abstain from judging people and the choices that they make when they may do something that is not against your word. You have broken the chains of the law and I want to live in your grace and be able to also give that same grace to everyone that I meet and especially to my wife and children.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Associating with the Unchurched - 2 Thessalonians 3
S - 2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
O - Paul is wrapping up his letter and is pointing out that the Thessalonians should be very careful about what they do and to make sure that they do not keep company with those that do not follow what he has been talking about in this epistle.
A - At first glance this makes me think that I should be careful to not associate with people that are not Christians at all, but looking into this further this epistle takes a lot of time talking about the end times and that there will people that come and tell them that the end is coming when indeed it is not. This makes it more clear that we are to not keep company with those people that are spending false witnesses or false religions, not those that just don't know who God is. It is imperative that we do indeed take time with unbelievers so that we can be a light and a witness for God and His glory. However, there are still times that we do need to remove ourselves from unbelievers to renew our spirits and to be encouraged by believers. I just can't spend all of my time away from those that don't know God otherwise I can't spend the gospel.
P - God, help me to be a shining light to the world. Forgive me for the times that I have not treated my wife and family in a way that is right and that others would look at and want to know what and who I know and follow. Help me to be aware of the eyes that are watching me, both my family and unbelievers, so that I can be an example and a breath of fresh air that they want to follow and imitate.
O - Paul is wrapping up his letter and is pointing out that the Thessalonians should be very careful about what they do and to make sure that they do not keep company with those that do not follow what he has been talking about in this epistle.
A - At first glance this makes me think that I should be careful to not associate with people that are not Christians at all, but looking into this further this epistle takes a lot of time talking about the end times and that there will people that come and tell them that the end is coming when indeed it is not. This makes it more clear that we are to not keep company with those people that are spending false witnesses or false religions, not those that just don't know who God is. It is imperative that we do indeed take time with unbelievers so that we can be a light and a witness for God and His glory. However, there are still times that we do need to remove ourselves from unbelievers to renew our spirits and to be encouraged by believers. I just can't spend all of my time away from those that don't know God otherwise I can't spend the gospel.
P - God, help me to be a shining light to the world. Forgive me for the times that I have not treated my wife and family in a way that is right and that others would look at and want to know what and who I know and follow. Help me to be aware of the eyes that are watching me, both my family and unbelievers, so that I can be an example and a breath of fresh air that they want to follow and imitate.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Unbelievers' Punishment
S - 2 Thessalonians 2:8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power
O - Paul is talking about the people that do not believe in God and what the everlasting consequences will be for them. He paints the picture with phrases like flaming fire and everlasting destruction.
A - God is very serious about the fact that people should follow and accept Him as Lord and Savior. The consequences of not making Him Lord is eternal damnation. This makes me think of two things. First, for those outspoken atheist individuals that try to "convince" us believers that God isn't real and that we are being sucked into something that is made up, if they are unwilling to change their mindset and accept Jesus into their hearts, I don't need to prove anything to them; in the last day they will be faced with eternal damnation that will "convince" them that they were wrong after all. Second, even though individuals like that really rub me the wrong way, I need to have compassion on them and display actions of love toward them to try and explain the true love and grace of God. I need to show that same grace to people that Jesus did when He died on the cross so that they don't ignorantly go to their grave and face this type of punishment.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for the sacrifice that your Son Jesus gave for all of us when He died on the cross. I long to be near you in eternity and want my whole family to be their with me. Help me to have a heart for those that are turning their backs on you and to show and say things that help them understand the truth. Use me as your vessel to enlarge your kingdom.
O - Paul is talking about the people that do not believe in God and what the everlasting consequences will be for them. He paints the picture with phrases like flaming fire and everlasting destruction.
A - God is very serious about the fact that people should follow and accept Him as Lord and Savior. The consequences of not making Him Lord is eternal damnation. This makes me think of two things. First, for those outspoken atheist individuals that try to "convince" us believers that God isn't real and that we are being sucked into something that is made up, if they are unwilling to change their mindset and accept Jesus into their hearts, I don't need to prove anything to them; in the last day they will be faced with eternal damnation that will "convince" them that they were wrong after all. Second, even though individuals like that really rub me the wrong way, I need to have compassion on them and display actions of love toward them to try and explain the true love and grace of God. I need to show that same grace to people that Jesus did when He died on the cross so that they don't ignorantly go to their grave and face this type of punishment.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for the sacrifice that your Son Jesus gave for all of us when He died on the cross. I long to be near you in eternity and want my whole family to be their with me. Help me to have a heart for those that are turning their backs on you and to show and say things that help them understand the truth. Use me as your vessel to enlarge your kingdom.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Living Holy
S - 1Thessalonians 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given[a] us His Holy Spirit.
O - Paul is talking about sexual purity in this section and has told the Thessalonians that they are to be holy.
A - I am no different than the Thessalonians. God expects and wants me to live in holiness in every area of my life. He has given me the Holy Spirit to guide me through this walk and to speak to me. When I veer away from the course that he has mapped out for me I am rejecting Him and not man. It is vitally important that I hear the still small voice of God and then follow His message. Fight the old man daily! Jesus has overcome the grave and the devil and has given me this same power!
P - God, thank you so very much for your Son and the work He did on this earth to redeem us and to show us the example to live by. I think you for the Holy Spirit that you has placed inside of me. Help me to heed the call and to live a life that others will look at and want to know what I know. Bless my family and me every single day. I love you Lord!
O - Paul is talking about sexual purity in this section and has told the Thessalonians that they are to be holy.
A - I am no different than the Thessalonians. God expects and wants me to live in holiness in every area of my life. He has given me the Holy Spirit to guide me through this walk and to speak to me. When I veer away from the course that he has mapped out for me I am rejecting Him and not man. It is vitally important that I hear the still small voice of God and then follow His message. Fight the old man daily! Jesus has overcome the grave and the devil and has given me this same power!
P - God, thank you so very much for your Son and the work He did on this earth to redeem us and to show us the example to live by. I think you for the Holy Spirit that you has placed inside of me. Help me to heed the call and to live a life that others will look at and want to know what I know. Bless my family and me every single day. I love you Lord!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Living Your Faith
s - 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
O - Paul is recounting what took place when they first talked with the Thessalonians and how they accepted Jesus. He says that He does not even need to explain or tell others about their faith as they must have been showing it so much that words were not necessary.
A - My faith too should be so strong that no one needs to question or explain who and what I believe in. There is a difference in living your life as a good person and obeying the commandments and in living a radical life for Jesus. I have the power and grace from Him and I not only need to show that I obey His commands but that I can rise above the crowd and live abundantly. When I do this, I need to verbalize how I got here and be bold with the name of Jesus.
P - God, I praise you and worship you for who you are and what you have done for my family and I. Bless our lives and help us to live abundantly. Help me to be bold with your name and be confident in the life that I am living for your glory.
O - Paul is recounting what took place when they first talked with the Thessalonians and how they accepted Jesus. He says that He does not even need to explain or tell others about their faith as they must have been showing it so much that words were not necessary.
A - My faith too should be so strong that no one needs to question or explain who and what I believe in. There is a difference in living your life as a good person and obeying the commandments and in living a radical life for Jesus. I have the power and grace from Him and I not only need to show that I obey His commands but that I can rise above the crowd and live abundantly. When I do this, I need to verbalize how I got here and be bold with the name of Jesus.
P - God, I praise you and worship you for who you are and what you have done for my family and I. Bless our lives and help us to live abundantly. Help me to be bold with your name and be confident in the life that I am living for your glory.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Laziness Kills
S - Proverbs 22:13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be slain in the streets!”
O - A lion was a larger threat to society back in the days of Solomon and would easily kill people. The lazy man that he is talking about is the man that knew the lion was near but instead of fleeing or finding a weapon to defend himself, he says to himself, "Why bother, I'm just going to die anyhow".
A - There are many situations in my life similar to this life-threatening situation with a lion in Biblical times. I may feel that there is no way to win or it doesn't matter, therefore, why even try to do something to make it better. These are the times that I need to look to God for clarification about the situation. He will help me to understand when The situation calls for a fight and when it doesn't. I need to be ready and willing to fight when He says to even when I'm tired or maybe don't want to. Also, I need to head His voice when He says not to fight when I really want to take on the challenge. This may be a situation that He is protecting me from some unwanted outcome.
P - Heavenly Father, I desperately need and want you near me daily. These daily decisions and questions that I have I need your guidance. Speak ever-so clearly to me and guide me every step of the day. Help me to overcome the laziness that tries to creep into me on a daily basis. I cast that out in the name of Jesus.
I shall be slain in the streets!”
O - A lion was a larger threat to society back in the days of Solomon and would easily kill people. The lazy man that he is talking about is the man that knew the lion was near but instead of fleeing or finding a weapon to defend himself, he says to himself, "Why bother, I'm just going to die anyhow".
A - There are many situations in my life similar to this life-threatening situation with a lion in Biblical times. I may feel that there is no way to win or it doesn't matter, therefore, why even try to do something to make it better. These are the times that I need to look to God for clarification about the situation. He will help me to understand when The situation calls for a fight and when it doesn't. I need to be ready and willing to fight when He says to even when I'm tired or maybe don't want to. Also, I need to head His voice when He says not to fight when I really want to take on the challenge. This may be a situation that He is protecting me from some unwanted outcome.
P - Heavenly Father, I desperately need and want you near me daily. These daily decisions and questions that I have I need your guidance. Speak ever-so clearly to me and guide me every step of the day. Help me to overcome the laziness that tries to creep into me on a daily basis. I cast that out in the name of Jesus.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Heart Behind Actions
S - 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts.
O - Solomon is talking about the fact that every single person feels that what they do is right. However, God is the only one that truly can determine why something is being done.
A - There are two things that I can apply to my life. First, I shouldn't be judging people as I don't know what is going on in someone's life and/or heart. Judging someone based on a single act may not be the wisest decision as the heart is really what I would need to understand. This is extremely important as I train our children; focus on the heart not as much about the actions that can be seen. Once the heart is right, the actions will follow. Second, when I am making decisions I need to step back and look for God's guidance as He may be leading me in a direction that goes against what I feel is right. Paying attention to and seeking God's direction will save a lot of heartache as He will never lead me down a path that I can't handle.
P - Heavenly Father, I love and adore you! Bless my ways today and speak to me. Help me to not judge others but to instead learn and search for what may be in their heart instead so I can better help or love them. I pray for healing today for my family and I, 100% restoration in our health.
But the LORD weighs the hearts.
O - Solomon is talking about the fact that every single person feels that what they do is right. However, God is the only one that truly can determine why something is being done.
A - There are two things that I can apply to my life. First, I shouldn't be judging people as I don't know what is going on in someone's life and/or heart. Judging someone based on a single act may not be the wisest decision as the heart is really what I would need to understand. This is extremely important as I train our children; focus on the heart not as much about the actions that can be seen. Once the heart is right, the actions will follow. Second, when I am making decisions I need to step back and look for God's guidance as He may be leading me in a direction that goes against what I feel is right. Paying attention to and seeking God's direction will save a lot of heartache as He will never lead me down a path that I can't handle.
P - Heavenly Father, I love and adore you! Bless my ways today and speak to me. Help me to not judge others but to instead learn and search for what may be in their heart instead so I can better help or love them. I pray for healing today for my family and I, 100% restoration in our health.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Letting God Speak Through Me
S - 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate[c] what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
O - The disciples were asking Jesus about the end of times and He was describing the events that would take place before the end would come. He mentioned that they would be persecuting because of Him. When this was to happen he warned them not to worry or practice what they would say but to rely on the Holy Spirit for the words to say.
A - Most likely I won't have the same level of persecution that the apostles did but I will still have opportunities to talk about Jesus. In these instances, I need to also rely on the Holy Spirit for the words to speak that will be affective. In order for me to hear these words I need to be even closer to Him and "know" Him at an even deeper level.
P - Heavenly Father, I long for a deeper understanding of you and to be intimate with you. Fill my heart with your wisdom and understanding. Thank you for all of the blessings that you have showered on my life and the lives of my family. Be with us as we go about our days and let us always feel your presence.
O - The disciples were asking Jesus about the end of times and He was describing the events that would take place before the end would come. He mentioned that they would be persecuting because of Him. When this was to happen he warned them not to worry or practice what they would say but to rely on the Holy Spirit for the words to say.
A - Most likely I won't have the same level of persecution that the apostles did but I will still have opportunities to talk about Jesus. In these instances, I need to also rely on the Holy Spirit for the words to speak that will be affective. In order for me to hear these words I need to be even closer to Him and "know" Him at an even deeper level.
P - Heavenly Father, I long for a deeper understanding of you and to be intimate with you. Fill my heart with your wisdom and understanding. Thank you for all of the blessings that you have showered on my life and the lives of my family. Be with us as we go about our days and let us always feel your presence.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Rigtheous Anger
S - 15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.
A - After Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem he came into the temple and found that there were many merchants selling things there. He became angry and started driving those people out and over-turning tables. When Jesus did this, I'm sure there were many people that were shocked at his behavior and probably many that thought it was wrong. However, the Bible has said that Jesus never sinned so even in this incident He also did not sin.
O - There are things worth fighting for in life. I need to realize when these cases come up and have the courage and strength to fight for what is right. When I do fight, I also need to remember to have a righteous anger and not one that is based in jealousy or envy or selfishness. I need to check my anger and make sure that it also falls in line with what God has told us through the Bible and what He has told me personally.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for sending you Son to save us and to show us the example that we can strive to live like. Help me to fight for those things that are important to me and my family and when I need to stick up for you. Give me the strength and courage to do that and give me a heart that loves people even if/when I may be angry with them.
A - After Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem he came into the temple and found that there were many merchants selling things there. He became angry and started driving those people out and over-turning tables. When Jesus did this, I'm sure there were many people that were shocked at his behavior and probably many that thought it was wrong. However, the Bible has said that Jesus never sinned so even in this incident He also did not sin.
O - There are things worth fighting for in life. I need to realize when these cases come up and have the courage and strength to fight for what is right. When I do fight, I also need to remember to have a righteous anger and not one that is based in jealousy or envy or selfishness. I need to check my anger and make sure that it also falls in line with what God has told us through the Bible and what He has told me personally.
P - Heavenly Father, thank you so very much for sending you Son to save us and to show us the example that we can strive to live like. Help me to fight for those things that are important to me and my family and when I need to stick up for you. Give me the strength and courage to do that and give me a heart that loves people even if/when I may be angry with them.
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