S - Matthew 3:10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
O - John the baptist is talking to the Pharisees here and telling them that they are a brood of vipers and that they do not bear the fruit of belief but instead of the birthright of Abraham. Because of this, he says they will be cut down because they lack the fruit of belief and repentance.
A - I need to look at my life daily and ask the question am I bearing the fruit of belief and repentance. Do I truly have both of these in my heart? I believe that Jesus came to this earth and that He died for my sins and to bless my life; but do I truly believe this in the bottom of my gut? This should be flowing from deep down inside me and coming out as fruit in everything I do. Additionally, I should be repenting of the sins I commit without being prompted to be someone else. I should desire to do this to be right with Him that didn't just humble Himself with admitting a mistake but in giving His life for me.
P - Heavenly Father, I truly love and adore you. Thank you for the extreme sacrifice that you gave for me and my household. Let me proclaim your great deeds through and in my life daily. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live a holy life in you. Bless me and my family today and be with us.
Soap Suds
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Am I Willing to Die for Him? - Daniel 3
S - Daniel 3:17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
O - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn't bow down to the statue of the king and explained to him that God could save them from the furnace but even if He didn't they were not going to bow down and worship anyone or anything other than God Himself.
A - Am I willing to go into a fiery furnace for God even if He doesn't spare me from it? More than likely I will never have to face the fiery furnace for Him but the challenge I face is how people react to my faith which is 100% easier these these men had to face. I need to continue to grow in my faith and willingness to stand up for Him in times that others may laugh at me for my beliefs.
P - God, I want to be that light for you and show people that I'm willing to stand up for you even if I endure some persecution. Give me the strength and courage to do that and strengthen my faith in you daily. Bless my family and me today.
O - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn't bow down to the statue of the king and explained to him that God could save them from the furnace but even if He didn't they were not going to bow down and worship anyone or anything other than God Himself.
A - Am I willing to go into a fiery furnace for God even if He doesn't spare me from it? More than likely I will never have to face the fiery furnace for Him but the challenge I face is how people react to my faith which is 100% easier these these men had to face. I need to continue to grow in my faith and willingness to stand up for Him in times that others may laugh at me for my beliefs.
P - God, I want to be that light for you and show people that I'm willing to stand up for you even if I endure some persecution. Give me the strength and courage to do that and strengthen my faith in you daily. Bless my family and me today.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Confidently Expecting God's Voice - Daniel 2
S - Daniel 2:16 So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation. 17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
O - The king had a dream and wanted the interpretation of the dream as he was very bothered by the dream. He called all of his magicians and they were unable to tell him the dream and the interpretation so the king made a decree that all of the magicians and wise men in Babylon would be killed. When Daniel heard this he told the king he would tell him the interpretation of the dream before he had the revelation of the dream. He and three others sought mercies from God for the dream and the interpretation of the dream to save Daniel.
A - Daniel was so confident that God would tell him the dream and the interpretation that he went to the king and told him that he could reveal his dream and the interpretation of it before he knew for sure that he would get this wisdom. I too can feel this same confidence as God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Daniel was a man of God and prayed and talked with Him constantly. That is why Daniel could feel so confident as he had heard God's voice and had visions before. I need to spend that same time with God and encourage and expect to hear Him. This is not for my glory but for the glory of God to shine through me.
P - God, Use me and my life for your glory. Speak to me daily and give me the same wisdom that you had given Daniel. Let me use that wisdom for you and your kingdom and to touch people's lives so that they can see you through my words and actions. Bless my family today and give healing to everyone in my house.
O - The king had a dream and wanted the interpretation of the dream as he was very bothered by the dream. He called all of his magicians and they were unable to tell him the dream and the interpretation so the king made a decree that all of the magicians and wise men in Babylon would be killed. When Daniel heard this he told the king he would tell him the interpretation of the dream before he had the revelation of the dream. He and three others sought mercies from God for the dream and the interpretation of the dream to save Daniel.
A - Daniel was so confident that God would tell him the dream and the interpretation that he went to the king and told him that he could reveal his dream and the interpretation of it before he knew for sure that he would get this wisdom. I too can feel this same confidence as God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Daniel was a man of God and prayed and talked with Him constantly. That is why Daniel could feel so confident as he had heard God's voice and had visions before. I need to spend that same time with God and encourage and expect to hear Him. This is not for my glory but for the glory of God to shine through me.
P - God, Use me and my life for your glory. Speak to me daily and give me the same wisdom that you had given Daniel. Let me use that wisdom for you and your kingdom and to touch people's lives so that they can see you through my words and actions. Bless my family today and give healing to everyone in my house.
Friday, November 18, 2011
We are Healed - Isaiah 53
S - Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
O - This is one of the most prophetic books in the Bible regarding Jesus' coming and what He will do for mankind. He was to be wounded and bruise with chastisement and stripes. All this was for our good.
A - Jesus was to come and take the worst form of punishment possible for our sins. In addition to forgiving our sins, the last verse talks about healing. Because of what He did for me, I can expect healing as well. This healing is physical healing and also emotional healing. I can thoroughly expect healing to happen because of the love of Jesus and the sacrifice that He did for me. By not expecting healing I am squandering away some of the benefits that He died for me; I need to proclaim this to my family and those that may be in need of healing.
O - God, Thank you so very much for the sacrifice that your son endured for me. I walk in faith that my family and I have everlasting life with you and also that you will be with us during this life and will heal us. I love you and want to be with you always and show others your light through my life.
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
O - This is one of the most prophetic books in the Bible regarding Jesus' coming and what He will do for mankind. He was to be wounded and bruise with chastisement and stripes. All this was for our good.
A - Jesus was to come and take the worst form of punishment possible for our sins. In addition to forgiving our sins, the last verse talks about healing. Because of what He did for me, I can expect healing as well. This healing is physical healing and also emotional healing. I can thoroughly expect healing to happen because of the love of Jesus and the sacrifice that He did for me. By not expecting healing I am squandering away some of the benefits that He died for me; I need to proclaim this to my family and those that may be in need of healing.
O - God, Thank you so very much for the sacrifice that your son endured for me. I walk in faith that my family and I have everlasting life with you and also that you will be with us during this life and will heal us. I love you and want to be with you always and show others your light through my life.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Don't Wait - 2 Kings 7
S - 2 Kings 7:3 Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die?
O - Israel was under siege and many people were dying in the city. These lepers were also dying they because they couldn't go to the city for any food and they couldn't go to the Syrians as they would kill them. Finally they decided they had to do something otherwise they would die were they were.
A - I too sometimes feel as though I am paralyzed and stay were I am because I don't think there is another option. I need to look at this as a reminder that God is there with me and will provide for me. All I need to do is to decide to do what He's called me to do and carry this out and He will provide, just as He did for these lepers.
P - Heavenly Father, I desperately need your help and your guidance. I know without your help I am just wandering through life that you are the only provider and protector. Give me your word to follow in my journey and give me courage and strength to follow the path that you have laid out for me. Protect and bless my family and me today and everyday.
O - Israel was under siege and many people were dying in the city. These lepers were also dying they because they couldn't go to the city for any food and they couldn't go to the Syrians as they would kill them. Finally they decided they had to do something otherwise they would die were they were.
A - I too sometimes feel as though I am paralyzed and stay were I am because I don't think there is another option. I need to look at this as a reminder that God is there with me and will provide for me. All I need to do is to decide to do what He's called me to do and carry this out and He will provide, just as He did for these lepers.
P - Heavenly Father, I desperately need your help and your guidance. I know without your help I am just wandering through life that you are the only provider and protector. Give me your word to follow in my journey and give me courage and strength to follow the path that you have laid out for me. Protect and bless my family and me today and everyday.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Showing God - 1 Kings 18
S - 1 Kings 18:37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.
O - This verse takes place after Elijah has built an alter to the LORD and after the prophets of Baal did all they could to have Baal send fire down on their offering. Elijah is seeking the Lord's hand to show and prove the He is truly God.
A - There are times in my life where I will be facing an enormous obstacle and I too can boldly come to the Lord and ask for His favor and help. Just as He had helped Elijah and went even beyond what he had asked, He too will do the same for me. The key was that God told Elijah to get up and go to Ahab and Elijah listened. It doesn't mention any other word that he was given but he did follow the guidance that he was given. I too need to follow God's guidance and then I can feel comforted knowing that He will provide and help. All of this that He does for me should be a testimony of His goodness and His grace. No one looking should be able to question whether or not this came from the Lord.
P - God, I need you in every area in my life and need your guidance and grace. Let your help be so obvious and apparent that no one can deny that it was because of you. Be with my family and me today and guide us all. I worship you today and your goodness.
O - This verse takes place after Elijah has built an alter to the LORD and after the prophets of Baal did all they could to have Baal send fire down on their offering. Elijah is seeking the Lord's hand to show and prove the He is truly God.
A - There are times in my life where I will be facing an enormous obstacle and I too can boldly come to the Lord and ask for His favor and help. Just as He had helped Elijah and went even beyond what he had asked, He too will do the same for me. The key was that God told Elijah to get up and go to Ahab and Elijah listened. It doesn't mention any other word that he was given but he did follow the guidance that he was given. I too need to follow God's guidance and then I can feel comforted knowing that He will provide and help. All of this that He does for me should be a testimony of His goodness and His grace. No one looking should be able to question whether or not this came from the Lord.
P - God, I need you in every area in my life and need your guidance and grace. Let your help be so obvious and apparent that no one can deny that it was because of you. Be with my family and me today and guide us all. I worship you today and your goodness.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
God will provide - 1 Kings 17
S - 1 Kings 17: 4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.
O - God has told Elijah that there will be a famine in the land and that he is to go east and find a brook and there the ravens will bring him food to eat.
A - Elijah was about to go into a very, very trying and scary time with this severe famine that was coming and the thought of how to survive was the biggest worry. God did indeed provide for him through a raven, which is an animal that definitely wouldn't do this normally. God is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow and therefore He will also provide for me and my household during our time of need. Just as Elijah has his needs met, we to will have our needs met if/when we follow His commands. Elijah had to obey this somewhat crazy command in order to be under God's blessings; so do we.
P - God, You truly are amazing and have promised to take care of us as well. I come to you today asking for that blessing, specifically for financial blessings for this adoption. We need your help and guidance in this area as well as every area in our lives. Bless my family and me today and use us for your glory.
O - God has told Elijah that there will be a famine in the land and that he is to go east and find a brook and there the ravens will bring him food to eat.
A - Elijah was about to go into a very, very trying and scary time with this severe famine that was coming and the thought of how to survive was the biggest worry. God did indeed provide for him through a raven, which is an animal that definitely wouldn't do this normally. God is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow and therefore He will also provide for me and my household during our time of need. Just as Elijah has his needs met, we to will have our needs met if/when we follow His commands. Elijah had to obey this somewhat crazy command in order to be under God's blessings; so do we.
P - God, You truly are amazing and have promised to take care of us as well. I come to you today asking for that blessing, specifically for financial blessings for this adoption. We need your help and guidance in this area as well as every area in our lives. Bless my family and me today and use us for your glory.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
God's Word is Pure - Proverbs 30
S - Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
O - God's word is pure and He is a shield for those that trust in Him
A - God's word is pure. When doubts or fears come into my life, this phrase reminds me that God is good and is providing and protecting me. Psalm 91 talks about being my refuge and fortress and that He will always protect me. Since in this verse he says that God's word is pure, this means that God's promises in Psalms 91 as true. I need to put my trust in Him and know that He will always provide and protect me. As I do place my trust in Him He will be a shield for me. This shield will help deter attacks from the devil and deflect the fiery darts that he is hurling at me.
P - God, You are amazing! Thank you for your word that you have given to me, directly and through the Bible. Help me to always place my trust in you for all areas in my life and to give you control. You have promised protection and that you will provide for my family and me, so I give you control of my life and I will follow where you lead me. Use me to advance your kingdom. Bless my family and me today in everything that we do.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
O - God's word is pure and He is a shield for those that trust in Him
A - God's word is pure. When doubts or fears come into my life, this phrase reminds me that God is good and is providing and protecting me. Psalm 91 talks about being my refuge and fortress and that He will always protect me. Since in this verse he says that God's word is pure, this means that God's promises in Psalms 91 as true. I need to put my trust in Him and know that He will always provide and protect me. As I do place my trust in Him He will be a shield for me. This shield will help deter attacks from the devil and deflect the fiery darts that he is hurling at me.
P - God, You are amazing! Thank you for your word that you have given to me, directly and through the Bible. Help me to always place my trust in you for all areas in my life and to give you control. You have promised protection and that you will provide for my family and me, so I give you control of my life and I will follow where you lead me. Use me to advance your kingdom. Bless my family and me today in everything that we do.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Venting Feelings - Proverbs 29
S - Proverbs29:11 A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.
O - Someone who airs out every feeling is labeled a fool.
A - There are some things that are better off unsaid. The way I feel shouldn't direct everything that I do in life. I need sometimes to do things even though I don't feel like doing it because it is the right thing to do. Also, others don't need to hear that I don't want to do it or that I feel like doing something else. I need to hold my tongue and instead show that I am a wise man by doing what is right.
But a wise man holds them back.
O - Someone who airs out every feeling is labeled a fool.
A - There are some things that are better off unsaid. The way I feel shouldn't direct everything that I do in life. I need sometimes to do things even though I don't feel like doing it because it is the right thing to do. Also, others don't need to hear that I don't want to do it or that I feel like doing something else. I need to hold my tongue and instead show that I am a wise man by doing what is right.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
How the World See Us - 1 John 3
S - 1 John3:13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.
O - John is talking about how the children of God should be living in love and without sin. Those that are not children of God will not walk in these and therefore may not understand the children of God even to the point of hating them.
A - I, like almost everyone in the world, care at least a little of what people think of me. There should be no surprise if I'm really living my life according to the word of God that some people may not like me and/or even hate me. If I'm not seeing this, it may mean that I'm not living my life in a way that is bold enough for him or reaching those people that are lost. I don't need to be weird and someone that no one can relate to but I do need to stand up for what is right and love unconditionally, just as Jesus did everyday that He was on this earth.
P - God, help me to stay up for what is right regardless of how others may look at me. Give me the heart of your Son so that I can view people with the same love that Jesus did. Bless my family and me today as we go about living our lives for you and being a peculiar people.
O - John is talking about how the children of God should be living in love and without sin. Those that are not children of God will not walk in these and therefore may not understand the children of God even to the point of hating them.
A - I, like almost everyone in the world, care at least a little of what people think of me. There should be no surprise if I'm really living my life according to the word of God that some people may not like me and/or even hate me. If I'm not seeing this, it may mean that I'm not living my life in a way that is bold enough for him or reaching those people that are lost. I don't need to be weird and someone that no one can relate to but I do need to stand up for what is right and love unconditionally, just as Jesus did everyday that He was on this earth.
P - God, help me to stay up for what is right regardless of how others may look at me. Give me the heart of your Son so that I can view people with the same love that Jesus did. Bless my family and me today as we go about living our lives for you and being a peculiar people.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
We Are in Him - 1 John 2
S - 1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.
O - Whoever keeps God's word is in Him.
A - I have the love of God perfected in me! Because I keep His word I know that I am in Him! What comforting statement these are. Because I am in God and have the love of God in me I should be a shining light for others to see. Also, I need not be concerned with challenges that I may face in life as He that is in me is greater than he that lives in this world. However, the first part of this scripture has a condition to receiving these promises; keeping His word. I need to be ever diligent in keeping His word and living a life full of honor and integrity. This is a calling on my life and on my children's lives that I need to display daily.
P - Thank you so much for giving me your perfect love Heavenly Father. I need you more than ever and am comforted to know that you are with me. Help me to diligently keep your word and to train my children with this as well. Be with us today and speak to us Lord.
O - Whoever keeps God's word is in Him.
A - I have the love of God perfected in me! Because I keep His word I know that I am in Him! What comforting statement these are. Because I am in God and have the love of God in me I should be a shining light for others to see. Also, I need not be concerned with challenges that I may face in life as He that is in me is greater than he that lives in this world. However, the first part of this scripture has a condition to receiving these promises; keeping His word. I need to be ever diligent in keeping His word and living a life full of honor and integrity. This is a calling on my life and on my children's lives that I need to display daily.
P - Thank you so much for giving me your perfect love Heavenly Father. I need you more than ever and am comforted to know that you are with me. Help me to diligently keep your word and to train my children with this as well. Be with us today and speak to us Lord.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
We are Sinners - 1 John 1
S - 1 John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
O - Everyone is a sinner and is in need of confessing their sins.
A - As much as I'd like to say that I'm not a sinner, I sin daily and am in need of confessing these sins as He has promised to forgive these. To pretend that I am perfect makes me a liar and the second part of verse 10 says that His word is not in me. This doesn't give me the right to do whatever I want to do because I now have a "get out of jail free" card with confessing my sins and receiving forgiveness. Instead, He tells us to be holy as He is holy. I can only do this with God's help though and I need to continually strive to attain this and be the example to my children and my wife.
P - Heavenly Father, Please forgive me for the sins that I commit daily. Help me to reach for holiness and to be more like you. I want to be the example for my family so that they can have a tangible representation of you in me. I love you and want to hear your voice daily. Fill my life and my heart!
O - Everyone is a sinner and is in need of confessing their sins.
A - As much as I'd like to say that I'm not a sinner, I sin daily and am in need of confessing these sins as He has promised to forgive these. To pretend that I am perfect makes me a liar and the second part of verse 10 says that His word is not in me. This doesn't give me the right to do whatever I want to do because I now have a "get out of jail free" card with confessing my sins and receiving forgiveness. Instead, He tells us to be holy as He is holy. I can only do this with God's help though and I need to continually strive to attain this and be the example to my children and my wife.
P - Heavenly Father, Please forgive me for the sins that I commit daily. Help me to reach for holiness and to be more like you. I want to be the example for my family so that they can have a tangible representation of you in me. I love you and want to hear your voice daily. Fill my life and my heart!
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