S - Acts 25:9 Then Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked him, “Are you willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there?” 10 But Paul replied, “No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty of harming the Jews. 11 If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!”
O - The Jews had brought Paul in front of Festus demanding that he be sent to Jerusalem for a trial. They were planning to ambush and kill him on his way to Jerusalem. When Festus asked Paul if he was willing to be tried in Jerusalem Paul stood his ground and knew his rights and wouldn't just let them do whatever they wanted to do.
A - Jesus has said that we should turn the other cheek if done wrong. However, He didn't say that we couldn't and shouldn't defend ourselves when being wrongly accused. I have the right just as Paul did to stand up for what my rights are and not let people, even those in authority, try to make me do something that violates my rights. There is a very fine line and I need to look to God for guidance on when I should turn the other cheek and when I should defend myself.
P - God, I praise you and thank you that you are my ultimate provider and protector. I pray for your wisdom and guidance every single day and every single minute especially in times when being accused or mistreated. Help me to always turn toward you and wait on your word as I know that following your will and your word will ultimately be the best for me. I love you Heavenly Father! I want to live a life that gives you honor and praise and a life that fulfills the plan that you have created in me. I pray a blessing and protection over everyone in my household today.
Soap Suds
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Respect Your Authorities - Acts 23
S - Acts 23:5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”
O - Paul talked back to the High Priest after the priest had ordered Paul slapped. When he did this, other believers told him that he shouldn't talk to the High Priest like this. Paul immediately knew that he shouldn't do that because the priest was an authority to him.
A - I too need to speak will to and of my authorities. Even if I disagree with the authorities, I can talk to them in a way that shows respect but still disagree with them. Speaking to and of them in this way shows that I am a child of God and one that respects his authorities as God has placed them in power for one reason or another.
P - God, I come to you today and ask that you would bless, guide, and protect all of the authorities in my life today. I ask that you would give them wisdom in their leading and that your will would be done through them. I also pray for your wisdom, guidance and protection on my life today and of my entire family's life. Protect us and bless us and heal us today and everyday. I love you God! I praise you and give you all the glory and honor that you so rightly deserve. Thanks for sacrificing your son, Jesus, for me and my family. Help me to spread this good news to everyone that I have contact with.
O - Paul talked back to the High Priest after the priest had ordered Paul slapped. When he did this, other believers told him that he shouldn't talk to the High Priest like this. Paul immediately knew that he shouldn't do that because the priest was an authority to him.
A - I too need to speak will to and of my authorities. Even if I disagree with the authorities, I can talk to them in a way that shows respect but still disagree with them. Speaking to and of them in this way shows that I am a child of God and one that respects his authorities as God has placed them in power for one reason or another.
P - God, I come to you today and ask that you would bless, guide, and protect all of the authorities in my life today. I ask that you would give them wisdom in their leading and that your will would be done through them. I also pray for your wisdom, guidance and protection on my life today and of my entire family's life. Protect us and bless us and heal us today and everyday. I love you God! I praise you and give you all the glory and honor that you so rightly deserve. Thanks for sacrificing your son, Jesus, for me and my family. Help me to spread this good news to everyone that I have contact with.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Life a Life of Purpose - Acts 20
S - Acts 20:24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
O - Paul was talking to the elders of Ephesus on his way through and told them that this was the last time that they were going to see him. He was recapping his time with them and in this verse expressed his heart toward his life. He was willing to do what God called him to do regardless of the price that he might endure because of it. He said his life was worth nothing if he didn't do what he was called to do, telling others of Jesus.
A - I, and everyone else, has also been called to this same task, telling others of Jesus. I need to have this same mindset towards my life as Paul had. I am not here to live a life of fun and pleasure but of laying my life down to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. The first people that I need to tell this to, and frequently, are my children. We have told this to them before but I need to be instructing them daily. Also, I need to be living my life as an example of how they should be living as they will do what I do not what I say. In addition to telling others of Jesus, I have also been called to this business as this is a tool that will bring people out of financial bondage and will ultimately prepare their minds and hearts for the good news of Jesus. I need to surrender my life to these two purposes and never shrink from any fear or pain that may come from doing this.
P - God, I love you and want to live a life that fulfills these two calls on my life. I pray for your wisdom and your protection as I go about living my life to spread these good news to others. Bless my words and actions and let them be profitable, not for my own glory, but for yours, Lord. I ask that you would protect, heal, and bless my entire family today and everyday.
O - Paul was talking to the elders of Ephesus on his way through and told them that this was the last time that they were going to see him. He was recapping his time with them and in this verse expressed his heart toward his life. He was willing to do what God called him to do regardless of the price that he might endure because of it. He said his life was worth nothing if he didn't do what he was called to do, telling others of Jesus.
A - I, and everyone else, has also been called to this same task, telling others of Jesus. I need to have this same mindset towards my life as Paul had. I am not here to live a life of fun and pleasure but of laying my life down to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. The first people that I need to tell this to, and frequently, are my children. We have told this to them before but I need to be instructing them daily. Also, I need to be living my life as an example of how they should be living as they will do what I do not what I say. In addition to telling others of Jesus, I have also been called to this business as this is a tool that will bring people out of financial bondage and will ultimately prepare their minds and hearts for the good news of Jesus. I need to surrender my life to these two purposes and never shrink from any fear or pain that may come from doing this.
P - God, I love you and want to live a life that fulfills these two calls on my life. I pray for your wisdom and your protection as I go about living my life to spread these good news to others. Bless my words and actions and let them be profitable, not for my own glory, but for yours, Lord. I ask that you would protect, heal, and bless my entire family today and everyday.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Correcting Correctly - Acts 18
S - ACTS18:26 When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
O - A man named Apollos was preaching in Ephesus about Jesus with great accuracy but he didn't know everything about Jesus. Therefore, Priscilla and Aquila took him aside, away from the people, and explained about God even more accurately. By taking him aside they weren't discrediting everything that he had said to that point.
A - If someone has a good heart and is trying to do good, I should be slow to correct the person in front of others. I should take them aside and let their reputation stand and not cast any question on what they have said or done up to that point. This goes for Christians and non-Christians alike as long as what they are saying or doing does not go against what God has commanded us to do.
P - God, I pray that you would give me wisdom and perception in dealing with people, my children and those that report to me. I pray that you would give me your eyes to see them through and to guide and correct in a way that is uplifting and effective, without crushing their spirit or putting them down in front of others. I pray that your will and your guidance would be ever so clear to me and that I would be blessed in following your will. I pray for your blessings, healing and protection today over me and my entire household.
O - A man named Apollos was preaching in Ephesus about Jesus with great accuracy but he didn't know everything about Jesus. Therefore, Priscilla and Aquila took him aside, away from the people, and explained about God even more accurately. By taking him aside they weren't discrediting everything that he had said to that point.
A - If someone has a good heart and is trying to do good, I should be slow to correct the person in front of others. I should take them aside and let their reputation stand and not cast any question on what they have said or done up to that point. This goes for Christians and non-Christians alike as long as what they are saying or doing does not go against what God has commanded us to do.
P - God, I pray that you would give me wisdom and perception in dealing with people, my children and those that report to me. I pray that you would give me your eyes to see them through and to guide and correct in a way that is uplifting and effective, without crushing their spirit or putting them down in front of others. I pray that your will and your guidance would be ever so clear to me and that I would be blessed in following your will. I pray for your blessings, healing and protection today over me and my entire household.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Find Common Ground - Acts 17
S - Acts 17:22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.
O - Paul wanted to share with the people the good news of Jesus Christ. He used terms and items that they were familiar with to show them that there was a God that they didn't know.
A - When I am speaking to others about Jesus or about another topic that I am trying to win them over to, I need to keep this in mind. I need to use terms and objects that they are familiar with to help build the case for Jesus or whatever I am talking about. In doing this, I have found something to build on in which they are comfortable with and familiar with that will make that step to acceptance that much smaller and easier.
P - God, I want to spread your good news to many people because of the wonderful and amazing things that you have done in my life. I praise you this morning and I lay down my life to you. Help me to do what is right in everything today and to pursue the calling that you have placed in my life. I pray for protection and good health for my entire family, especially Christa, and I pray a blessing over them all. Be with me and guide me today and everyday.
O - Paul wanted to share with the people the good news of Jesus Christ. He used terms and items that they were familiar with to show them that there was a God that they didn't know.
A - When I am speaking to others about Jesus or about another topic that I am trying to win them over to, I need to keep this in mind. I need to use terms and objects that they are familiar with to help build the case for Jesus or whatever I am talking about. In doing this, I have found something to build on in which they are comfortable with and familiar with that will make that step to acceptance that much smaller and easier.
P - God, I want to spread your good news to many people because of the wonderful and amazing things that you have done in my life. I praise you this morning and I lay down my life to you. Help me to do what is right in everything today and to pursue the calling that you have placed in my life. I pray for protection and good health for my entire family, especially Christa, and I pray a blessing over them all. Be with me and guide me today and everyday.
Monday, July 22, 2013
God's Guidence - Acts 16
S - Acts 16:6 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.
O - Paul and Silas were traveling and preaching the Word of God. However, they were not blindly preaching to whomever they could but instead were listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit in where they should go.
A - Just because I am doing the calling of my life, I still need to listen to God's voice and His direction. He will ensure that I'm in the right place and the right time to touch the right people. Being under His guidance is way more important and profitable than stepping out under my own guidance.
P - God, I pray that your voice would be so very clear to me in everything that I do. I want to follow your guidance and your will every single day. I pray a blessing over my house and everyone inside it. I also pray for healing and protection every single day. I praise you this morning and I submit myself to you.
O - Paul and Silas were traveling and preaching the Word of God. However, they were not blindly preaching to whomever they could but instead were listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit in where they should go.
A - Just because I am doing the calling of my life, I still need to listen to God's voice and His direction. He will ensure that I'm in the right place and the right time to touch the right people. Being under His guidance is way more important and profitable than stepping out under my own guidance.
P - God, I pray that your voice would be so very clear to me in everything that I do. I want to follow your guidance and your will every single day. I pray a blessing over my house and everyone inside it. I also pray for healing and protection every single day. I praise you this morning and I submit myself to you.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Accepting God's Will - Acts 11
S - Acts 11:17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?
O - Peter had gone to the Gentiles and preached to them. Others were criticizing him for preaching and eating with them so he relayed his vision to them as well as what happened when he preached to the Gentiles. When they received the Holy Spirit Peter realized that God was giving the same gift that they had received on Pentecost to the Gentiles and at that point he understood that they too could be saved and receive eternal life. If this was the case, he wasn't going to stand in God's way.
A - I too may have thoughts and feelings about a situation and may not understand what God is doing or why He is doing something. However, since God is the creator of everything He also has the right and ability to do whatever He feels is right. Since this is the case, who am I to say He should or shouldn't be doing something? I will accept and even welcome things that I don't understand when I realize that God is truly in charge.
P - God, I come to you today and lay down my ideas and my thoughts of how things should work and I look to you for your word on what you are doing in my life and other's around me. I want to live in obedience to your will and even if I don't understand something I submit myself to you and your will. I pray that you will protect, heal and bless myself and my family today and let me be a shining light for your kingdom.
O - Peter had gone to the Gentiles and preached to them. Others were criticizing him for preaching and eating with them so he relayed his vision to them as well as what happened when he preached to the Gentiles. When they received the Holy Spirit Peter realized that God was giving the same gift that they had received on Pentecost to the Gentiles and at that point he understood that they too could be saved and receive eternal life. If this was the case, he wasn't going to stand in God's way.
A - I too may have thoughts and feelings about a situation and may not understand what God is doing or why He is doing something. However, since God is the creator of everything He also has the right and ability to do whatever He feels is right. Since this is the case, who am I to say He should or shouldn't be doing something? I will accept and even welcome things that I don't understand when I realize that God is truly in charge.
P - God, I come to you today and lay down my ideas and my thoughts of how things should work and I look to you for your word on what you are doing in my life and other's around me. I want to live in obedience to your will and even if I don't understand something I submit myself to you and your will. I pray that you will protect, heal and bless myself and my family today and let me be a shining light for your kingdom.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Follow God's Direction - Acts 9
S - Acts 9:11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul"...13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!"...15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel...17 So Ananias went and found Saul.
O - Ananias was told to do an almost outrageous and dangerous task. He questioned the Lord once and when God told him to go, he went. He must have been afraid but since the Lord told him to do it and confirmed it with him, he went regardless of the dangers that he was to meet.
A - I am given direction sometimes in my life to do things that I think are outrageous or dangerous or maybe just frightning to me. Just like Ananias, it is OK for me to question this direction and have the Lord repeat it to me to ensure that this is indeed from Him. If the answer is again "Yes" then, just like Ananias, I should set out immediately and do it.
P - God, I ask for your very clear direction in my life right now. I boldly come to you today and pray that you bring this direction to me ever so clearly so that there is no mistake in the direction you what me and my family to take. I pray that you would bless me and my family today and bring healing and protection to each and every one of us. Use us Lord for your purposes and for your kingdom. I love you Lord and praise you this morning!
O - Ananias was told to do an almost outrageous and dangerous task. He questioned the Lord once and when God told him to go, he went. He must have been afraid but since the Lord told him to do it and confirmed it with him, he went regardless of the dangers that he was to meet.
A - I am given direction sometimes in my life to do things that I think are outrageous or dangerous or maybe just frightning to me. Just like Ananias, it is OK for me to question this direction and have the Lord repeat it to me to ensure that this is indeed from Him. If the answer is again "Yes" then, just like Ananias, I should set out immediately and do it.
P - God, I ask for your very clear direction in my life right now. I boldly come to you today and pray that you bring this direction to me ever so clearly so that there is no mistake in the direction you what me and my family to take. I pray that you would bless me and my family today and bring healing and protection to each and every one of us. Use us Lord for your purposes and for your kingdom. I love you Lord and praise you this morning!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Stand Firm For God - 2 Thessalonians
S - 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.
O - There were people that were saying that the end of the world was hear. This clarifies that before the end of the world comes there will be a great rebellion against God and the anti-Christ will be revealed.
A - There is almost a sense of anxiety and hopelessness that I have had sense the last election and the godless morals that were portrayed in America and Minnesota. I need to remember this verse and understand that there will be a great rebellion against God. Even when this takes place, it doesn't mean that I need to join in this rebellion or that anything has changed for me and my family. I will continue to ground myself and my household in the wisdom and understanding of God so that we can stand firm when this happens. We can continue to be a light to the world even when this rebellion comes about.
P - God, I know that you are the creator and protector of all things. I praise you and thank you for all that you have done and continue to do in my life and in the lives of my family. I pray that you give me and my entire household strength to live a life that is pleasing and honoring to you even when this great rebellion comes against you. Help me and give me strength and wisdom in how to not only withstand but to also influence others around me for your kingdom. I love you Lord. Please bless and heal everyone of us.
O - There were people that were saying that the end of the world was hear. This clarifies that before the end of the world comes there will be a great rebellion against God and the anti-Christ will be revealed.
A - There is almost a sense of anxiety and hopelessness that I have had sense the last election and the godless morals that were portrayed in America and Minnesota. I need to remember this verse and understand that there will be a great rebellion against God. Even when this takes place, it doesn't mean that I need to join in this rebellion or that anything has changed for me and my family. I will continue to ground myself and my household in the wisdom and understanding of God so that we can stand firm when this happens. We can continue to be a light to the world even when this rebellion comes about.
P - God, I know that you are the creator and protector of all things. I praise you and thank you for all that you have done and continue to do in my life and in the lives of my family. I pray that you give me and my entire household strength to live a life that is pleasing and honoring to you even when this great rebellion comes against you. Help me and give me strength and wisdom in how to not only withstand but to also influence others around me for your kingdom. I love you Lord. Please bless and heal everyone of us.
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