Scripture
Acts 2:42-47
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Observation
What does the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ looks like? In this verse it says that they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Word, had fellowship together, participated in the Lord's table, and in prayer. They felt a sense of awe at the wonders and signs that were being done. They had all things in common and even sold their property and possessions to share with those in need. They preferred one another, served one another, and were giving and sharing with each other - they went to the temple, (church), and went house to house, ate meals together, and praised God . . . and the end result is that more and more were being saved everyday.
Application
I'm challenged by this verse to once again invite new friends to our home for dinner. Hospitality is an important part of showing people love and kindness. Eating is a fun part of life for me - I love to eat a good meal and enjoy it in the company of friends and family! It's a bit awkward though to hang out with someone who we are just getting to know. But as for me, I'm pressing past the awkwardness, the shyness, the condition of my home if things aren't quite perfect, and invite new folks over to get to know them, love on them, and have them get to know us. It's a Biblical thing! It's a Christ follower characteristic. So, I'm going to do it!
Prayer
Father, I want to please You in all things. I know You are reminding me to open my heart more and more to people. Help me overcome some of the excuses I make and just do it! I know You are with me to help me grow in some very important areas - and this one is a s t r e t c h! Thank You for gently speaking to me about this and help me do all things well. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Doing Things God's Way!
Scripture
Nehemiah 4:1-3, 9, 14
1 Now it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews. 2 He spoke in the presence of his brothers and the wealthy men of Samaria and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to restore it for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish in a day? Can they revive the stones from the dusty rubble even the burned ones? 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was near him and he said, “Even what they are building--if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!”
9 But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.
14 When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
Observation
Coming home from camp this last weekend was a high time for me with God and the ladies from our church. The theme for this year's Ladies Retreat was 'Our House, His Home.' I was asked to present one of the workshops which was such an honor and privilege for me. "The Wise Woman Builds Her House" was my title, and this reading in Nehemiah about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem - reminds me that I need to mindful that the enemy does not want me to succeed at 'building my house' and making the repairs and adjustments that need to be made. The enemy is angry at the 'rebuilding' we are doing. He mocks and despises our efforts in trying to do things God's way. The enemy comes to bring confusion and disturbances to demoralize us and bring us to the place of giving up. Yet, the response of the Jews is to pray to God and set up a guard against the enemy. When fear comes, Nehemiah exhorts the Jews to "not be afraid, remember the Lord, He is GREAT and AWESOME! And FIGHT for your families and homes!" The Holy Spirit comes in the same way and whispers to my heart, 'Do not be afraid dear one - remember the Lord! Fight for your family, Fight for your home. I am with you! You are not alone! Keep doing things God's way! You will succeed and have victory!
Application
Don't quit - keep building. Keep obeying God - stay the course. Do the things I know to do that are right! Fear NOT! The Lord is with me! Fight on my knees with prayer for my family and be on my guard against the confusion the enemy brings. Don't listen to the accusations of the enemy! Instead I will hum or sing, and occupy my thoughts with praise to the Lord who alone is GREAT and AWESOME!
Prayer
Father, You are God Most High, my Master Builder, my Watchman, my defender, my protector, and the One Who gives me success. Without You, I can do nothing. I know it's not by my power, or my might, but only by Your Holy Spirit power that victory can come. Thank You for loving me and showing me the way! In Jesus Name, A-men.
Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. Psalm 127:1
The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1
Nehemiah 4:1-3, 9, 14
1 Now it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews. 2 He spoke in the presence of his brothers and the wealthy men of Samaria and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to restore it for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish in a day? Can they revive the stones from the dusty rubble even the burned ones? 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was near him and he said, “Even what they are building--if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!”
9 But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.
14 When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
Observation
Coming home from camp this last weekend was a high time for me with God and the ladies from our church. The theme for this year's Ladies Retreat was 'Our House, His Home.' I was asked to present one of the workshops which was such an honor and privilege for me. "The Wise Woman Builds Her House" was my title, and this reading in Nehemiah about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem - reminds me that I need to mindful that the enemy does not want me to succeed at 'building my house' and making the repairs and adjustments that need to be made. The enemy is angry at the 'rebuilding' we are doing. He mocks and despises our efforts in trying to do things God's way. The enemy comes to bring confusion and disturbances to demoralize us and bring us to the place of giving up. Yet, the response of the Jews is to pray to God and set up a guard against the enemy. When fear comes, Nehemiah exhorts the Jews to "not be afraid, remember the Lord, He is GREAT and AWESOME! And FIGHT for your families and homes!" The Holy Spirit comes in the same way and whispers to my heart, 'Do not be afraid dear one - remember the Lord! Fight for your family, Fight for your home. I am with you! You are not alone! Keep doing things God's way! You will succeed and have victory!
Application
Don't quit - keep building. Keep obeying God - stay the course. Do the things I know to do that are right! Fear NOT! The Lord is with me! Fight on my knees with prayer for my family and be on my guard against the confusion the enemy brings. Don't listen to the accusations of the enemy! Instead I will hum or sing, and occupy my thoughts with praise to the Lord who alone is GREAT and AWESOME!
Prayer
Father, You are God Most High, my Master Builder, my Watchman, my defender, my protector, and the One Who gives me success. Without You, I can do nothing. I know it's not by my power, or my might, but only by Your Holy Spirit power that victory can come. Thank You for loving me and showing me the way! In Jesus Name, A-men.
Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. Psalm 127:1
The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Proverbs 14:1
Thursday, October 6, 2011
God Is Always On Time
Scripture
Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.
Observation
The Jews were going to be annihilated - utterly destroyed and it was the final hour. D day. It was time. It came 'down to the wire'. It looks like the Jews enemies are going to win this one. But on the day that it's supposed to all take place, the tables are turned, and the Jews gain the victory against their enemies. They are able to get the upper hand and no one could stand against them!
Application
Sometimes it seems that God is late to 'show His hand.' But I know that God is never late, He's always on time. If that's true, then why do I worry about things? Is it that I don't trust Him? Or am I afraid of what His answer might be?
I love the book of Esther. I love how she responds to Mordecai and says - 'have everyone fast for me' . . . I love that she doesn't disconnect herself from her people but is willing to go before the king on behalf of her people. She doesn't isolate herself thinking that she is safe and sound in the palace of the king. If she perishes, she perishes. Wow! What a great story with such a great ending! Through God we will do valiantly! It is He who will tread down our enemies. And He will come through for me too. Because He loves me.
Prayer
You are God in heaven, and here am I on earth - so I will let my words be few. I love You Lord. I trust You. You are always on time and I can live with that. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.
Observation
The Jews were going to be annihilated - utterly destroyed and it was the final hour. D day. It was time. It came 'down to the wire'. It looks like the Jews enemies are going to win this one. But on the day that it's supposed to all take place, the tables are turned, and the Jews gain the victory against their enemies. They are able to get the upper hand and no one could stand against them!
Application
Sometimes it seems that God is late to 'show His hand.' But I know that God is never late, He's always on time. If that's true, then why do I worry about things? Is it that I don't trust Him? Or am I afraid of what His answer might be?
I love the book of Esther. I love how she responds to Mordecai and says - 'have everyone fast for me' . . . I love that she doesn't disconnect herself from her people but is willing to go before the king on behalf of her people. She doesn't isolate herself thinking that she is safe and sound in the palace of the king. If she perishes, she perishes. Wow! What a great story with such a great ending! Through God we will do valiantly! It is He who will tread down our enemies. And He will come through for me too. Because He loves me.
Prayer
You are God in heaven, and here am I on earth - so I will let my words be few. I love You Lord. I trust You. You are always on time and I can live with that. In Jesus Name, A-men.
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