S - Like 4:1 Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness...14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region.
O - Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus returned FILLED with the Holy Spirit's power. The significance to Jesus returning from the wilderness with the Holy Spirit's power is that means that He must not have had this power before going to the wilderness and being tempted. Jesus gained even more power when He was filled with the Holy Spirit's power.
A - When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, I too gained the Holy Spirit's power. This doesn't mean that I am able to do everything that Jesus was able to do as He was perfect, but it does mean that I am able to more than I think many times. Jesus himself said just before He ascended into heaven that He was leaving but that He would send the Holy Spirit to them and that they would do even greater things than He did. Because I'm a child of God, as well as my wife and children, I need to expect and look for great and miracluous things to happen in my life and through my hands/actions. The reason why these things may not happen more frequently is because of the way I talk and expect things to turn out.
P - God, I praise you and thank you this morning for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I ask for your forgiveness when I do not fully expect great and wonderful things to happen in my life. This lack of belief and expectation is a sin as I have been given the most wonderful gift from you and have squandered it at time. I turn from this lack of belief and ask for your forgiveness. Help me to speak in a way that my family also expects these things to happen and strengthens their faith as well. I praise you today! You are amazing! Bless my family and me today.
Soap Suds
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Talk to Others About Jesus - Luke 2
S - Luke 2:38b She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
O - Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to do all that was required by the law of Moses when a child is born. While they were there Simeon and Anna both realized who this child was and spoke words over the child. Here it shows that Anna went even beyond this by talking about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for the savior.
A - Anna wasn't afraid of talking to others about Jesus and what this child would do. I too need to have this same level of confidence to expose Jesus to those that are looking for a solution to life and what comes after life. This includes most people as almost everyone is looking for at least some level of solution in their life currently and if they have thought about what happenes after they die for even a few minutes, there is most likely a concern for what happens. People may not be open to hearing but it doesn't mean that I shouldn't share because of this small percentage of people that might not listen.
P - God you are amazing! You are wonderful and all powerful! I praise your name this morning and stand in awe of everything that you do and continue to do for me, my family, and all people. I pray for wisdom, discernment, strength, and courage to be a bold witness for your kingdom. I pray for words to fill my mouth that convey your mighty power and to be able to explain why they should put their faith and trust in you. I pray for health and blessing over my family and me today.
O - Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to do all that was required by the law of Moses when a child is born. While they were there Simeon and Anna both realized who this child was and spoke words over the child. Here it shows that Anna went even beyond this by talking about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for the savior.
A - Anna wasn't afraid of talking to others about Jesus and what this child would do. I too need to have this same level of confidence to expose Jesus to those that are looking for a solution to life and what comes after life. This includes most people as almost everyone is looking for at least some level of solution in their life currently and if they have thought about what happenes after they die for even a few minutes, there is most likely a concern for what happens. People may not be open to hearing but it doesn't mean that I shouldn't share because of this small percentage of people that might not listen.
P - God you are amazing! You are wonderful and all powerful! I praise your name this morning and stand in awe of everything that you do and continue to do for me, my family, and all people. I pray for wisdom, discernment, strength, and courage to be a bold witness for your kingdom. I pray for words to fill my mouth that convey your mighty power and to be able to explain why they should put their faith and trust in you. I pray for health and blessing over my family and me today.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Blessed Becuase You Believed the Lord - Luke 1
S - Luke 1:45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.
O - Elizabeth told Mary that she was blessed because Mary believed what the Lord told her. Elizabeth would know this as well because her husband, Zacheriah, questioned the Lord with the similar news that he received. Becuase he questioned this news, he was unable to speak for 9 months.
A - God has told me things as well and I have questioned and/or doubted if/when these things would actually happen. Today I change my thinking to no longer question the word that I receive from God but I 100% believe and trust those words. I will work to accomplish these words and believe that the hand of the Lord will be upon my words and actions and bless them.
P - God, thank you for the words that you have given me. I ask you for forgiveness when I too have questioned these words or go and try to do what I feel is right even if it is contrary to what you said or even varies a little. Bless my words and actions today and let me be a Godly example for my children to emulate.
O - Elizabeth told Mary that she was blessed because Mary believed what the Lord told her. Elizabeth would know this as well because her husband, Zacheriah, questioned the Lord with the similar news that he received. Becuase he questioned this news, he was unable to speak for 9 months.
A - God has told me things as well and I have questioned and/or doubted if/when these things would actually happen. Today I change my thinking to no longer question the word that I receive from God but I 100% believe and trust those words. I will work to accomplish these words and believe that the hand of the Lord will be upon my words and actions and bless them.
P - God, thank you for the words that you have given me. I ask you for forgiveness when I too have questioned these words or go and try to do what I feel is right even if it is contrary to what you said or even varies a little. Bless my words and actions today and let me be a Godly example for my children to emulate.
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Power of the Holy Spirit - Judges 14
S - Judges 14:6 At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat.
O - Sampson faced a lion and the Spirit of the Lord came on him giving him the strength and power to rip the lion's jaw apart. Even though we know Sampson was a very strong man by stories that come later, this text doesn't say that it was his strength that caused him to defeat the lion but instead the Spirit of the Lord.
A - I may not face physical struggles to the extent that Sampson did but I will indeed face trials and troubles. When these come up, I too need the Spirit of the Lord to come down on me to help me through these situations. I may be strong but the Spirit of the Lord is all powerful and having that on my side will be better than my very best strength alone.
P - God, I praise you this morning for all of the wonderful things that you have given me and for the family that I have and for the protection you have promised us. I pray today that your Holy Spirit come down on me and provide strength and wisdom throughout my day today and every day. Bless my family and me today and I pray specially for my brothers and their families and Christa's sisters and their families today. Keep all of us safe and help us all to desire you with everything in our bones.
O - Sampson faced a lion and the Spirit of the Lord came on him giving him the strength and power to rip the lion's jaw apart. Even though we know Sampson was a very strong man by stories that come later, this text doesn't say that it was his strength that caused him to defeat the lion but instead the Spirit of the Lord.
A - I may not face physical struggles to the extent that Sampson did but I will indeed face trials and troubles. When these come up, I too need the Spirit of the Lord to come down on me to help me through these situations. I may be strong but the Spirit of the Lord is all powerful and having that on my side will be better than my very best strength alone.
P - God, I praise you this morning for all of the wonderful things that you have given me and for the family that I have and for the protection you have promised us. I pray today that your Holy Spirit come down on me and provide strength and wisdom throughout my day today and every day. Bless my family and me today and I pray specially for my brothers and their families and Christa's sisters and their families today. Keep all of us safe and help us all to desire you with everything in our bones.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The Lord Speaks - Judges 13
S - Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the Lord, saying, “Lord, please let the man of God come back to us again and give us more instructions about this son who is to be born.” 9 God answered Manoah’s prayer, and the angel of God appeared once again to his wife as she was sitting in the field. But her husband, Manoah, was not with her.
O - Sampson's father, Manoah, was not present the first time the angel of the Lord appeared to his wife and told her she would become pregnant. So he prayed that this "man" return to them so he too could see him and learn more of what they were to do. And the angel of the Lord did come back and appear to them.
A - Just like Manoah, I too have the ability to ask the Lord to clarrify His plans for my life. This verse says nothing about how quickly He returned but it does say that He didn't return for a third time. This means to me that I need to be patient in waiting on the Lord. He may speak quickly or He may speak with some delay. I can wait patiently on the Lord and know that He will bring light to my path in His time which is always the perfect timing.
P - God, I pray that you could to me quickly and help me understand what you have for our lives and this adoption. I pray that you give both Christa and I strength as we wait and understanding that this too will pass. Bless my family and me today and help us to do what you have set out for us to do.
O - Sampson's father, Manoah, was not present the first time the angel of the Lord appeared to his wife and told her she would become pregnant. So he prayed that this "man" return to them so he too could see him and learn more of what they were to do. And the angel of the Lord did come back and appear to them.
A - Just like Manoah, I too have the ability to ask the Lord to clarrify His plans for my life. This verse says nothing about how quickly He returned but it does say that He didn't return for a third time. This means to me that I need to be patient in waiting on the Lord. He may speak quickly or He may speak with some delay. I can wait patiently on the Lord and know that He will bring light to my path in His time which is always the perfect timing.
P - God, I pray that you could to me quickly and help me understand what you have for our lives and this adoption. I pray that you give both Christa and I strength as we wait and understanding that this too will pass. Bless my family and me today and help us to do what you have set out for us to do.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
God Is My Ruler - Judges 8
S - Judges 8:23 But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The Lord will rule over you!
O - After Gideon and his army defeated all of Mideon, the Israelites asked him to be the ruler over them. But Gideon deflected this and said that God would rule over them.
A - I too will have success and even though people most likely will not ask me to rule over them like Gideon was asked, I can have the same response as Gideon had. Gideon had the wisdom to say that he wasn't qualified to rule over the people, only God had that much wisdom. I can also make it about God as He is the one that is prospering my life and giving me success. To forget about God or to make Him secondary in my success would be a great mistake.
P - God, you are the provider and protector in my life and in my family's life. I thank you for your goodness and your protection. Help me to never forget that it is you that puts the wind in my sails and provides the wisdom and strength to succeed in the calling you have put on my life. I praise you for your goodness. I praise you for your power. I praise you for your love and peace. Thank you so very much for all that you are and all that you have and will do. I ask for continued blessing and healing in my life and in my family's life.
O - After Gideon and his army defeated all of Mideon, the Israelites asked him to be the ruler over them. But Gideon deflected this and said that God would rule over them.
A - I too will have success and even though people most likely will not ask me to rule over them like Gideon was asked, I can have the same response as Gideon had. Gideon had the wisdom to say that he wasn't qualified to rule over the people, only God had that much wisdom. I can also make it about God as He is the one that is prospering my life and giving me success. To forget about God or to make Him secondary in my success would be a great mistake.
P - God, you are the provider and protector in my life and in my family's life. I thank you for your goodness and your protection. Help me to never forget that it is you that puts the wind in my sails and provides the wisdom and strength to succeed in the calling you have put on my life. I praise you for your goodness. I praise you for your power. I praise you for your love and peace. Thank you so very much for all that you are and all that you have and will do. I ask for continued blessing and healing in my life and in my family's life.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
God Gives Signs - Judges 7
S - Judges 7:10 But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. 11 Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack. 15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord.
O - Gideon was coming against the Mideonites and the Lord had taken hiw army from 32000 and left him with only 300 men. God knew that Gideon was afraid and therefore had him go down to their camp and here he heard men talking about a dream and the interpretation of the dream was that the Israelites were going to destroy the Mideonites. This gave Gideon strength and courage.
A - I am afraid of things from time to time and also need guidence in my life. God is the same today as he was yesterday and will not change, so the strength and courage that Gideon received by a sign from God can and will be the same strength and courage that I will also receive in a sign from God. Gideon was bold enough to ask for a sign when he was originally called to lead the Israelites and God gave him two signs. I think he was bold enough too in this scripture to ask for a sign as well. Because I am a child of God, I too can have this same boldness and expectancy to receive a sign from God.
P - God, you are truly God and the only one worthy of praise. I thank you for your son Jesus Christ and the work, words, and suffering that He did for me and my family and for all mankind. I pray that you give me and my wife a sign; a very vivid and descriptive sign as to how this adoption journey is to unfold and which path we should be taking. Bless our words and actions today and help me to be a man, husband, and father that shows honor and glory to you. Thank you for you eternal presence in my life and for the protection and blessings that you give me and my family daily.
O - Gideon was coming against the Mideonites and the Lord had taken hiw army from 32000 and left him with only 300 men. God knew that Gideon was afraid and therefore had him go down to their camp and here he heard men talking about a dream and the interpretation of the dream was that the Israelites were going to destroy the Mideonites. This gave Gideon strength and courage.
A - I am afraid of things from time to time and also need guidence in my life. God is the same today as he was yesterday and will not change, so the strength and courage that Gideon received by a sign from God can and will be the same strength and courage that I will also receive in a sign from God. Gideon was bold enough to ask for a sign when he was originally called to lead the Israelites and God gave him two signs. I think he was bold enough too in this scripture to ask for a sign as well. Because I am a child of God, I too can have this same boldness and expectancy to receive a sign from God.
P - God, you are truly God and the only one worthy of praise. I thank you for your son Jesus Christ and the work, words, and suffering that He did for me and my family and for all mankind. I pray that you give me and my wife a sign; a very vivid and descriptive sign as to how this adoption journey is to unfold and which path we should be taking. Bless our words and actions today and help me to be a man, husband, and father that shows honor and glory to you. Thank you for you eternal presence in my life and for the protection and blessings that you give me and my family daily.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Be Strong And Courageous - Joshua 1
S - Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
O - Moses had just died and God is talking with Joshua and commanding him to go into Cannan and possess the land. 3 times including this verse God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Then later on, the warriers for the 2 1/2 tribes that were settling on the east side of the Jordan also tell Joshua to be strong and courageous. God was promising to be with Joshua and would provide and protect him.
A - This same promise is applicable to me and my family. I have God's favor, blessing, protection and presence with me every single day. With Him on my side and with me, who can could against me and beat me? No one! Because of this, I too can be strong and courageous. I can fight the battles that God has placed in front of me to get to the promise land that he has given me.
P - God, you are amazing and worthy of all the praise that I can and will give you. You have protected me and bless me more than I could have imagined and I thank you for that. I ask that you continue to protect me and to give out even more favor and blessings as we move forward and step out to do what you have called us to do with this child you have for us and with our business. Use our actions and bless them to touch other peoples lives, to bless us, and to increase your kingdom. Let our children see these action and hear our words to know the path that they too should take as they mature. Bless my family and me today.
O - Moses had just died and God is talking with Joshua and commanding him to go into Cannan and possess the land. 3 times including this verse God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Then later on, the warriers for the 2 1/2 tribes that were settling on the east side of the Jordan also tell Joshua to be strong and courageous. God was promising to be with Joshua and would provide and protect him.
A - This same promise is applicable to me and my family. I have God's favor, blessing, protection and presence with me every single day. With Him on my side and with me, who can could against me and beat me? No one! Because of this, I too can be strong and courageous. I can fight the battles that God has placed in front of me to get to the promise land that he has given me.
P - God, you are amazing and worthy of all the praise that I can and will give you. You have protected me and bless me more than I could have imagined and I thank you for that. I ask that you continue to protect me and to give out even more favor and blessings as we move forward and step out to do what you have called us to do with this child you have for us and with our business. Use our actions and bless them to touch other peoples lives, to bless us, and to increase your kingdom. Let our children see these action and hear our words to know the path that they too should take as they mature. Bless my family and me today.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Ask For Forgiveness - Proverb 14
S - Proverbs 14:9 Fools make fun of guilt,
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
O - Everyone has guilt in their life at some times. Those that ignore it or make fun of it are fools, while those that sense it and look to make ammends and/or right the wrong are godly and wise.
A - This is an area that I can be a bit foolish. When others have guilt and look to make things right, when I do the same thing, instead of looking to always make things right, I justify my actions or convince myself and/or others that it is not a big deal. I will strive for godly living in all areas of my life. This includes acknowledging guilt and seeking forgiveness and/or reconciliation for what I did wrong.
P - God, I ask for your forgiveness today for those things that I have done wrong in my life and especially those sins that I may have brushed aside or justified. Give me wisdom and understanding to not only recongnize and ask for forgiveness when I do something wrong but to also steer clear from this wrong in the first place. I praise you today and give you honor and glory! You alone are God and I stand before you today and thank you for your sacrifice of your only Son for me good and forgiveness. Help me today to do what is right and to live my life for your glory and to protect and provide for my family. I ask that you bless my family and me today and give us all continued health.
but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
O - Everyone has guilt in their life at some times. Those that ignore it or make fun of it are fools, while those that sense it and look to make ammends and/or right the wrong are godly and wise.
A - This is an area that I can be a bit foolish. When others have guilt and look to make things right, when I do the same thing, instead of looking to always make things right, I justify my actions or convince myself and/or others that it is not a big deal. I will strive for godly living in all areas of my life. This includes acknowledging guilt and seeking forgiveness and/or reconciliation for what I did wrong.
P - God, I ask for your forgiveness today for those things that I have done wrong in my life and especially those sins that I may have brushed aside or justified. Give me wisdom and understanding to not only recongnize and ask for forgiveness when I do something wrong but to also steer clear from this wrong in the first place. I praise you today and give you honor and glory! You alone are God and I stand before you today and thank you for your sacrifice of your only Son for me good and forgiveness. Help me today to do what is right and to live my life for your glory and to protect and provide for my family. I ask that you bless my family and me today and give us all continued health.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Fulfill My Dream - Proverbs 13
S - Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
O - Fulfilling a dream makes life fulfilled, but by not fulfilling a dream the heart grows sick.
A - God has placed a dream and a purpose in my life and when I don't work to achieve this purpose, my life is ho-hum and my heart, and especially Christa's heart, grows sick. Even when tempting and inviting dream alternatives are brought up and discussed, I need to stay the course and know that the dream and purpose that I have is the one that God placed on my heart and life. I will work and work hard until that dream and purpose is fulfilled; not only for me but my wife, children, and most importantly God.
P - God, I thank you so very much for all that you have done for me and my family. I pray a blessing over Sara and Mike and that you give them a very happy and rejuvenating honeymoon. I pray that you be with me and my family today and place people in my life that I can touch and help with this life and eternity. Give me the strength and determination to complete the task and purpose that you have put on my life. Bless my family and me today and keep us all healthy.
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
O - Fulfilling a dream makes life fulfilled, but by not fulfilling a dream the heart grows sick.
A - God has placed a dream and a purpose in my life and when I don't work to achieve this purpose, my life is ho-hum and my heart, and especially Christa's heart, grows sick. Even when tempting and inviting dream alternatives are brought up and discussed, I need to stay the course and know that the dream and purpose that I have is the one that God placed on my heart and life. I will work and work hard until that dream and purpose is fulfilled; not only for me but my wife, children, and most importantly God.
P - God, I thank you so very much for all that you have done for me and my family. I pray a blessing over Sara and Mike and that you give them a very happy and rejuvenating honeymoon. I pray that you be with me and my family today and place people in my life that I can touch and help with this life and eternity. Give me the strength and determination to complete the task and purpose that you have put on my life. Bless my family and me today and keep us all healthy.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Be Positive and Uplifting - Titus 3
S - Titus 3:2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
O - Believers are to avoid slandering anyone and avoid quarreling.
A - I need to take this to heart. Anything and everything that I say I am accountable for and talking badly about anyone is NOT acceptable. It does no good for them and certainly doesn't do any good for me as I just turn my attitude to be negative. Instead, I need to speak positively and avoid any talk that is quarrelsome or slanderous. Uplift people instead of cutting them down as this is what Jesus would have done.
P - Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning and give you honor. Thank you for this wonderful day and for blessing it and giving us a safe journey to Sara's wedding. I pray that you help me with my attitude and help me to focus on the positive things instead of dwelling on negative. Help me to be a servant leader and to pour my life out to those around me, especially my family. Bless my family and me today.
O - Believers are to avoid slandering anyone and avoid quarreling.
A - I need to take this to heart. Anything and everything that I say I am accountable for and talking badly about anyone is NOT acceptable. It does no good for them and certainly doesn't do any good for me as I just turn my attitude to be negative. Instead, I need to speak positively and avoid any talk that is quarrelsome or slanderous. Uplift people instead of cutting them down as this is what Jesus would have done.
P - Heavenly Father, I praise you this morning and give you honor. Thank you for this wonderful day and for blessing it and giving us a safe journey to Sara's wedding. I pray that you help me with my attitude and help me to focus on the positive things instead of dwelling on negative. Help me to be a servant leader and to pour my life out to those around me, especially my family. Bless my family and me today.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Fulfill My Ministry - 2 Timothy 4
S - 2 Timothy 4:5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
O - Paul is urging Timothy to stay the course in his teaching and living as he is warning him of the false teaching that will take place as the people just want to be taught that which they want to hear. This is an encouragement to him to not be afraid while preaching the good news and to carry out what God had set him up to do.
A - We live in the same environment today, if not worse, in that a person can find any teaching that they want instead of just the true good news. I need to keep my mind clear everyday and not be afraid of anything or anyone that may come against me as I proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. In doing this, I will be fulfilling have of the call and ministry that God has put on my life. The other half is helping people on this earth to achieve and therefore help thousands of people to not have the level of stress in their lives to free up mind space to help them accomplish what God has called them to do.
P - God, I pray that you give me daily strength and courage to fight the good fight and to proclaim your goodness everywhere I go. Give me a clear mind and wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to you and to fulfill the ministry that you have given me. I pray protection, blessing, and health over my family and me today.
O - Paul is urging Timothy to stay the course in his teaching and living as he is warning him of the false teaching that will take place as the people just want to be taught that which they want to hear. This is an encouragement to him to not be afraid while preaching the good news and to carry out what God had set him up to do.
A - We live in the same environment today, if not worse, in that a person can find any teaching that they want instead of just the true good news. I need to keep my mind clear everyday and not be afraid of anything or anyone that may come against me as I proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. In doing this, I will be fulfilling have of the call and ministry that God has put on my life. The other half is helping people on this earth to achieve and therefore help thousands of people to not have the level of stress in their lives to free up mind space to help them accomplish what God has called them to do.
P - God, I pray that you give me daily strength and courage to fight the good fight and to proclaim your goodness everywhere I go. Give me a clear mind and wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to you and to fulfill the ministry that you have given me. I pray protection, blessing, and health over my family and me today.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Living Life Directed By God - 2 Timothy 3
S - 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
O - Paul is telling Timothy about the dangers that will come with the end of the world and the godlessness that will be endured. However, the Word of God will stand for the truth and correct when we are wrong and teach us to do what is right.
A - I have a spirit of pride right now and I have difficulty letting God's word or anyone, especially, Christa, speak into my life and tell me what is right. I need to lay this down and realize that God's word is insired by God and that can speak into my life and direct me along with the direct voice of God and also other believers. Without these three sources of counsel in my life I am just a man aimlessly and/or directionless man trying to live a life that pleases God and shows others what a true follower of Christ is really like.
P - God, I confess that I have been living a life without guidence and mentorship for awhile and I have been trying to live life the way that I think is right without really searching for your approval of guidence. Forgive me for this and help me to really search out your will and your desires. Speak ever so clearly to me and help me through every day. Also, I lay down my pride and will listen to those that are in my life and that are following you to hear your wisdom for my life. I'm sorry Lord. I pray this in Jesus' name.
O - Paul is telling Timothy about the dangers that will come with the end of the world and the godlessness that will be endured. However, the Word of God will stand for the truth and correct when we are wrong and teach us to do what is right.
A - I have a spirit of pride right now and I have difficulty letting God's word or anyone, especially, Christa, speak into my life and tell me what is right. I need to lay this down and realize that God's word is insired by God and that can speak into my life and direct me along with the direct voice of God and also other believers. Without these three sources of counsel in my life I am just a man aimlessly and/or directionless man trying to live a life that pleases God and shows others what a true follower of Christ is really like.
P - God, I confess that I have been living a life without guidence and mentorship for awhile and I have been trying to live life the way that I think is right without really searching for your approval of guidence. Forgive me for this and help me to really search out your will and your desires. Speak ever so clearly to me and help me through every day. Also, I lay down my pride and will listen to those that are in my life and that are following you to hear your wisdom for my life. I'm sorry Lord. I pray this in Jesus' name.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Live A Godly Life - 2 Timothy 2
S - 2 Timothy 2:22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
O - Timothy was to stay away from those things that were not good and instead he was to live a righteous life and be around those that also call on the name of the Lord.
A - I need to strive for a righteous life full of faithfulness, love and peace. This type of life can only come from following and being near to Jesus. Another way to make sure that I live this way is to have companions that also fear God and follow His path.
P - God, I praise you today and look to you for protection and blessings on my day and my family's day. Bless us and give us the courage to stand firm in your word. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you and to give you honor and glory. Lord, I pray for companions that also walk in your truth and give me encouragement and a desire to be even closer to you.
O - Timothy was to stay away from those things that were not good and instead he was to live a righteous life and be around those that also call on the name of the Lord.
A - I need to strive for a righteous life full of faithfulness, love and peace. This type of life can only come from following and being near to Jesus. Another way to make sure that I live this way is to have companions that also fear God and follow His path.
P - God, I praise you today and look to you for protection and blessings on my day and my family's day. Bless us and give us the courage to stand firm in your word. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you and to give you honor and glory. Lord, I pray for companions that also walk in your truth and give me encouragement and a desire to be even closer to you.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Good and Bad Will Eventually Be Found Out - 1 Timothy 5
S - 1 Timothy 5:24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
O - Some sins and some good are very outward and very obvious to others, while some good and bad are done in secret and are not seen right away. However, these secret acts will someday be brought to light and others will see them.
A - Just like yesterday's reading, I need to think, act, and talk as if someone is physically next to me as those thoughts, actions, and words will someday be brought to light and others will see them. And even if someone doesn't see them, God sees them. I think many times these secret thoughts, actions, and words will also bring a bigger reaction as well as people know that what you say or do in private is truly who you are as most people can control there words and actions better when someone is with them.
P - Heavenly Father, I come to you today in praise and thanksgiving. I thank you for this week and the blessings that you have poured out on me and my family. I pray that you help me to control my thoughts, actions, and words today and everyday. Give me a constant reminder that you are with me and that I need to strive for perfection in all areas of my life. Help me to get outside of my comfort zone today and to excel in every area of my life. I pray healing and health over my family and me and I pray for blessings as well.
O - Some sins and some good are very outward and very obvious to others, while some good and bad are done in secret and are not seen right away. However, these secret acts will someday be brought to light and others will see them.
A - Just like yesterday's reading, I need to think, act, and talk as if someone is physically next to me as those thoughts, actions, and words will someday be brought to light and others will see them. And even if someone doesn't see them, God sees them. I think many times these secret thoughts, actions, and words will also bring a bigger reaction as well as people know that what you say or do in private is truly who you are as most people can control there words and actions better when someone is with them.
P - Heavenly Father, I come to you today in praise and thanksgiving. I thank you for this week and the blessings that you have poured out on me and my family. I pray that you help me to control my thoughts, actions, and words today and everyday. Give me a constant reminder that you are with me and that I need to strive for perfection in all areas of my life. Help me to get outside of my comfort zone today and to excel in every area of my life. I pray healing and health over my family and me and I pray for blessings as well.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Live As If Someone Is Watching - 1 Timothy 4
S - 1 Timothy 4:16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
O - Timothy is to be careful in what he teaches and how he lives because not only does his salvation depend on it but the salvation of those that are following and hearing him does as well.
A - As a leader myself, I too need to pay close attention to what I say and teach and also, maybe just as important or more important, how I live. Most of the time, what I am doing is being watched by someone that I am leading or looked to as a leader. The sheer number of hours that I am just living versus teaching or sharing the word is huge, and that is probably where most people understand who and what I stand for and believe in. If they look at my living as an excuse to fail or fall off the path, their salvation could be in jepordy and I as the leader am responsible for it. Instead of having to live one way when someone is looking and another when there is someone nearby, I resolve to 100% live a life and talk like someone is always near or listening.
P - God, You are magnificent! I praise you today and give you my heart. I ask you to be with me today and keep me on your path always. Help me to live a life of integrity, honesty, and humility. Help me to be the husband, father, man, and leader that you have called me to be and that those around me depend on me to be. Bless my family and me today and give me wisdom and strength to carry on and do what is right.
O - Timothy is to be careful in what he teaches and how he lives because not only does his salvation depend on it but the salvation of those that are following and hearing him does as well.
A - As a leader myself, I too need to pay close attention to what I say and teach and also, maybe just as important or more important, how I live. Most of the time, what I am doing is being watched by someone that I am leading or looked to as a leader. The sheer number of hours that I am just living versus teaching or sharing the word is huge, and that is probably where most people understand who and what I stand for and believe in. If they look at my living as an excuse to fail or fall off the path, their salvation could be in jepordy and I as the leader am responsible for it. Instead of having to live one way when someone is looking and another when there is someone nearby, I resolve to 100% live a life and talk like someone is always near or listening.
P - God, You are magnificent! I praise you today and give you my heart. I ask you to be with me today and keep me on your path always. Help me to live a life of integrity, honesty, and humility. Help me to be the husband, father, man, and leader that you have called me to be and that those around me depend on me to be. Bless my family and me today and give me wisdom and strength to carry on and do what is right.
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