Scripture
James 3:1-2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, also able to bridle his whole body.
Observation
Teachers are held accountable and judged by God and man with a more stringent standard than those who do not teach God's Word. All of us stumble, especially when we open our mouths more than we should. We aren't perfect, only God is perfect. If we were perfect, we'd get things right. But being imperfect as we are - we mess up.
Application
When we declare God's Word, whether it's from a pulpit, teaching in Sunday School class, or sitting around a table with friends, we better be 'walking our talk' because people see right through a facade, a superficial appearance or illusion of being spiritual or seeming like we have it more together than we really do.
Prayer
Father, thank You for opportunities to proclaim Your truths and to be transparent to those hungry for You. Help me to 'walk my talk.' Thank You for showing me areas I need Your touch. I avail myself to You for adjustment and correction. I humble myself before You and may I take discipline with a quiet and submitted spirit and godly attitude. Deal with me according to Your will and purpose because You love me. Help me to speak Your Word accurately, and may my actions and attitudes reflect the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in me. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
God Breathed
Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Observation
The Word of God, the 'B I B L E' is inspired by God, and it is His Word to us. The Bible is good for teaching us all about God and His ways. It's profitable and useful in bringing correction into our lives and exposing rebellious attitudes and behaviors. It instructs, trains, and teaches us how to live a life doing what is right and good. It demonstrates to us how to love God and people. It speaks to us about being reconciled to God and that in being in relationship with Him, He will make us complete and competent; shaped to do the tasks He has given us to do. As we read God's Word, we will have all we need to finish well.
Application
God's Word is alive with His very breath, His plan, and His invitation to me to be fully equipped for what my life will be. Reading the Bible is the most important thing I can do to be ready for what God has purposed for me today. When I read His Word, I can know He's wanting to talk to me, and I'm telling Him I want to hear what He has to say.
Prayer
Father, You are important to me and everything You have to say is significant in my walk with You.
May Your Word influence how I walk out today and how I treat others. You are the ultimate authority in my life and I desire to obey Your Word as well as have it adjust me where it is needed: whether it's in my actions or attitude, Your Word will not return void.
Thank You that You love me enough to teach, reprove, correct, and train me in doing right. In Jesus Name, A-men.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Observation
The Word of God, the 'B I B L E' is inspired by God, and it is His Word to us. The Bible is good for teaching us all about God and His ways. It's profitable and useful in bringing correction into our lives and exposing rebellious attitudes and behaviors. It instructs, trains, and teaches us how to live a life doing what is right and good. It demonstrates to us how to love God and people. It speaks to us about being reconciled to God and that in being in relationship with Him, He will make us complete and competent; shaped to do the tasks He has given us to do. As we read God's Word, we will have all we need to finish well.
Application
God's Word is alive with His very breath, His plan, and His invitation to me to be fully equipped for what my life will be. Reading the Bible is the most important thing I can do to be ready for what God has purposed for me today. When I read His Word, I can know He's wanting to talk to me, and I'm telling Him I want to hear what He has to say.
Prayer
Father, You are important to me and everything You have to say is significant in my walk with You.
May Your Word influence how I walk out today and how I treat others. You are the ultimate authority in my life and I desire to obey Your Word as well as have it adjust me where it is needed: whether it's in my actions or attitude, Your Word will not return void.
Thank You that You love me enough to teach, reprove, correct, and train me in doing right. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Throwing Stones at God's Anointed
Scripture
2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the King did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said 'May the Lord see and avenge.'
Observation
Joash forgot Jehoiada's kindness to him and how Jehoiada had mentored, trained and served him from the time he was 7 years old, until Jehoiada's death.
Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, prophesied to the people under the anointing of God to tell them they had 'forsaken the Lord and that He has forsaken them.' Their response was to conspire against him and eventually King Joash had him killed. They threw stones at God's anointed! God saw and did avenge.
Application
I must not forget where I have come from and how God has brought people into my life to love, care for, and even correct me. Throwing stones can be like hurling criticisms at anointed leaders and is not pleasing to the Lord. Zechariah was speaking God's word to the people and instead of repenting they conspired to shut his mouth permanently! God gives us a choice when He confronts us with our sin. Repent and turn back to Him for life, or stop our ears and hum a little tune and throw stones at those who speak God's word, which leads to death.
As for me, I choose life everlasting, and I'm putting my stones down.
Prayer
Father, let me hear your word and not reject it or the one You send to deliver it. Never let me 'throw stones' at Your messengers and leaders. Help me to remember my beginnings and the wonderful servants of God You have sent in my path to stay the course and keep the faith. In Jesus Name, A-men.
2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the King did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said 'May the Lord see and avenge.'
Observation
Joash forgot Jehoiada's kindness to him and how Jehoiada had mentored, trained and served him from the time he was 7 years old, until Jehoiada's death.
Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, prophesied to the people under the anointing of God to tell them they had 'forsaken the Lord and that He has forsaken them.' Their response was to conspire against him and eventually King Joash had him killed. They threw stones at God's anointed! God saw and did avenge.
Application
I must not forget where I have come from and how God has brought people into my life to love, care for, and even correct me. Throwing stones can be like hurling criticisms at anointed leaders and is not pleasing to the Lord. Zechariah was speaking God's word to the people and instead of repenting they conspired to shut his mouth permanently! God gives us a choice when He confronts us with our sin. Repent and turn back to Him for life, or stop our ears and hum a little tune and throw stones at those who speak God's word, which leads to death.
As for me, I choose life everlasting, and I'm putting my stones down.
Prayer
Father, let me hear your word and not reject it or the one You send to deliver it. Never let me 'throw stones' at Your messengers and leaders. Help me to remember my beginnings and the wonderful servants of God You have sent in my path to stay the course and keep the faith. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
God's Word
I love God’s Word. I love reading it, hearing it read, journaling it, but most of all I love that it is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).
Last October, I received an invitation (for ladies only) from a well-known speaker, author, and friend, Margaret Feinberg, to accompany her on a 50mile hike in the Scottish Highlands. There were only 10 spots open for the trip and it was a first come, first serve basis. My dear husband, Louie, encouraged me to fill out an application to be a part of the team. So I did.
For months now I have been ‘in training’ with pilates, hiking, tread mill, bicycle, eating right; trying to condition this 61 year old body to get into shape! But I have to say, it’s an uphill battle and physical conditioning profits little – and it doesn’t last long if you don’t keep it up!
The other morning, I was feeling very weak and worried that I just didn’t have it in me to do this. I was basically having a very difficult time. I ached, my hip was out, my feet hurt, and I was tired and hungry for a big fat pizza! I cried out to the Lord, ‘What did I get myself into? What was I thinking? How can I do this?’
It was a few minutes later when I quit complaining and got quiet before the Lord; that I laid down on our bed. A small ‘scripture pillow’ a friend made for me that I keep on our bed was in my way, so I picked it up and looked at it, and read the verse she had sewn into it. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10)
Tears filled my eyes as I was gently reminded, that God is with me. He will give me the strength I need – He will help me. He will hold my hand. I need not fear, I need not be anxious, for He is my God!
God’s Word sustains, uplifts, encourages, exhorts, comforts, strengthens, edifies, convicts, blesses, promises, . . . so no matter what I’m going through, just knowing that God is in control and is with me, is more than enough. Thank You Lord.
Last October, I received an invitation (for ladies only) from a well-known speaker, author, and friend, Margaret Feinberg, to accompany her on a 50mile hike in the Scottish Highlands. There were only 10 spots open for the trip and it was a first come, first serve basis. My dear husband, Louie, encouraged me to fill out an application to be a part of the team. So I did.
For months now I have been ‘in training’ with pilates, hiking, tread mill, bicycle, eating right; trying to condition this 61 year old body to get into shape! But I have to say, it’s an uphill battle and physical conditioning profits little – and it doesn’t last long if you don’t keep it up!
The other morning, I was feeling very weak and worried that I just didn’t have it in me to do this. I was basically having a very difficult time. I ached, my hip was out, my feet hurt, and I was tired and hungry for a big fat pizza! I cried out to the Lord, ‘What did I get myself into? What was I thinking? How can I do this?’
It was a few minutes later when I quit complaining and got quiet before the Lord; that I laid down on our bed. A small ‘scripture pillow’ a friend made for me that I keep on our bed was in my way, so I picked it up and looked at it, and read the verse she had sewn into it. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10)
Tears filled my eyes as I was gently reminded, that God is with me. He will give me the strength I need – He will help me. He will hold my hand. I need not fear, I need not be anxious, for He is my God!
God’s Word sustains, uplifts, encourages, exhorts, comforts, strengthens, edifies, convicts, blesses, promises, . . . so no matter what I’m going through, just knowing that God is in control and is with me, is more than enough. Thank You Lord.
Monday, May 23, 2011
For All Time
Scripture
2 Chronicles 7:14-16
14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.
Observation
Jerusalem and the temple of God. I've been to Israel and walked on the Temple Mount, but the Bible also says in 1 Corinthians 6:19, that my body is the temple of God's Holy Spirit. When I read these verses, 'if my people who are called by my name, (the name of Jesus - that's me, I'm called by His name, I'm a Christian), will humble themselves (which means to me to fast, to deny myself), and pray and seek my face (something I am trying to do every day) and turn from their wicked ways, then God will hear our prayers, forgive our sin, and heal our land.
Now the Lord's eyes are open and His ears are attentive to my prayers, for where His temple is (which is me) He is listening and His eyes are open all the time because I am His chosen and consecrated house where His name is. His eyes and heart will be with me for all time!
Application
So I will humble myself and pray and seek the Lord and turn from any evil, wicked, or vile thing that separates me from God; and ask forgiveness and intercede on behalf of our land. God hears and sees and His heart is with me for all time . . . because I belong to Him. I've been bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, You have chosen and consecrated me. You have made me holy by the blood of Your Son. Help me keep this temple according to Your word and purpose for honor. Keep me focused upon You; do not let me turn to the right or to the left.
Thank You for Your reassurance that You will never leave me nor forsake me; that Your eyes and heart are with me for all time. I am not alone.
In Jesus Name,
A-men.
2 Chronicles 7:14-16
14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.
Observation
Jerusalem and the temple of God. I've been to Israel and walked on the Temple Mount, but the Bible also says in 1 Corinthians 6:19, that my body is the temple of God's Holy Spirit. When I read these verses, 'if my people who are called by my name, (the name of Jesus - that's me, I'm called by His name, I'm a Christian), will humble themselves (which means to me to fast, to deny myself), and pray and seek my face (something I am trying to do every day) and turn from their wicked ways, then God will hear our prayers, forgive our sin, and heal our land.
Now the Lord's eyes are open and His ears are attentive to my prayers, for where His temple is (which is me) He is listening and His eyes are open all the time because I am His chosen and consecrated house where His name is. His eyes and heart will be with me for all time!
Application
So I will humble myself and pray and seek the Lord and turn from any evil, wicked, or vile thing that separates me from God; and ask forgiveness and intercede on behalf of our land. God hears and sees and His heart is with me for all time . . . because I belong to Him. I've been bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, You have chosen and consecrated me. You have made me holy by the blood of Your Son. Help me keep this temple according to Your word and purpose for honor. Keep me focused upon You; do not let me turn to the right or to the left.
Thank You for Your reassurance that You will never leave me nor forsake me; that Your eyes and heart are with me for all time. I am not alone.
In Jesus Name,
A-men.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Becoming Real
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her children. Having a fond affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.Observation
Gently imparting truth into the lives of others . . . Relationship is key to having a place of trust in others lives; to pour your own life and the gospel into theirs. Proving takes time too - so there is a commitment involved as well as a nurturing relationship with those we serve. A fond affection like a mama to her young is something God will give us as we align our heart with His heart.
Application
I'm not always gentle - but God is working gentleness in me. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and only God can make it happen in me. Developing a loving, caring relationship with those we influence and mentor means not being distant, aloof, or patronizing, or condescending. It's not just passing on the 'good news' of Jesus Christ but rather, giving and sharing my life to those God has placed in my care. That's what God wants me to do; pour myself into the lives of those I serve and love; like a 'mama tenderly caring for her own children'. Prayer
Father God, oh how I come up short on all counts! I need You Lord, I need Your Holy Spirit to help me love like You love. Teach me Your ways, show me Your heart O God, and let there come a gentleness and love that flows from me to the lost, the brokenhearted, the wounded, and the shattered souls You have allowed me to serve - those who desperately need Your touch! Let me reach even just one!
Sometimes Lord, I feel like the old skin horse in the story of the Velveteen Rabbit when he said, "those with sharp edges, or those who break easily won't become real". I want to become REAL Lord and not get sharp or edgy or grumpy doing Your work. Make me BECOME a vessel fit for Your use with all the sharp edges rubbed out. Let Your love have it's perfect work.
In Jesus Name, A-men.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I Cry Out
Scripture
Psalm 55:16-17 & v.22
16-17As for me, I shall call upon God and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice. 22Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.Observation
I can call out to God anytime, morning, noon, and night, and He will hear me. I can cry, complain, murmur, be loud, be quiet and still, sigh deeply, or whatever way I come to Him, He hears me. I'm to give my burden to the Lord and He will sustain me - He will maintain, nourish, provide food, bear, hold up, protect, support, and defend me. He won't allow His children to be shaken or moved. I can trust in Him no matter what's happening in my life.
Application
As for me . . . I will come to the Lord and lay my burdens down and cast all my cares on Him for I know He cares for me and will sustain me. I need not be concerned about how I lay my burdens down. I can come 'just as I am' and vent it all to Him, and He hears me. He hears my voice, my heart, my innermost being. And He still cares for me and loves me. I will trust Him and not be shaken!
Prayer
Father, I thank You because You hear me when I call to You. Whether it's a formulated prayer of thanks and praise, or a sob in the night, or even just a deep sigh or scream of anguish; You hear me and You sustain me. You get me through the hard times. You have saved me and rescued me! You are my God and Strength! My heart is steadfast O God, My heart is steadfast! I will sing praises to You!
In Jesus Name,
A-men.
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