Be it a child visiting for the weekend. Be it a child graduating from high school. Be it a child heading off to college in a couple months. Be it your parents leaving in a couple days. Whatever the case, we need to be good stewards of our time and make the most out of it.
Ever heard from people with terminal illnesses and how they start to live each day like it could be their last? Ever considered living every day like it will be your last in order to make the most of it? Do you think it would change your priorities? your schedule? your focus? your life? Realistically we all have a limited time left here on this planet, no matter if we are a baby or a senior, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, and are called to make the most of our today!
So here we go, it’s Saturday morning! How will you choose to live out your today? What is a priority to you that you want and need to accomplish? What things are within your control and what things aren’t? What things would make it the best today ever? What would it take to make it a reality? What if you could do that every day?
Let’s make good choices today, being a good steward of the time we have, and choosing to thrive for the glory of God in and through it all!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ‘
Where are you at today? How will you use the time you have left today? How will you choose to use the time you have? Are you ready to ask God for wisdom and direction? Are you ready to ask God for discernment and instruction? Invite Jesus into your heart! Invite Jesus into your life! Pursue Him and His will and His purpose for your life and decide to live life to the full!
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
Happy Friday-eve everyone! That’s right, tomorrow is Friday, can you believe it? Or is the week going slow for you? When I look at the kids in school, the seniors are finding things are going super fast. When I look at the younger kids, the feedback varies. Either way, most kids have less than a couple of weeks of school remaining for the year. With the work world and probably depending on what’s going on in various companies, the speed of time may seem or feel different. For some, they are in a waiting pattern that seems to be taking forever. For others, there is so much to do that time just flies. For others, the days are super long and exhausting. Wow, how time flies!
Can you believe how fast your kids have and are growing up? Can you believe how fast the years of marriage have gone by? Can you believe how fast time seems to be going?
Where are you focusing? Are you stuck in the past and so missing out on the present? Are you focusing on the future and missing out on the present? Are you making the most of your today because you have learned from the past and know that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed? Where are you focusing? Is that impacting your perception of time? and the speed at which time is going?
Ever considered what the Bible has to say about time? I found this list:
Time is but another dimension of this life we live. We have length, width, height, and time, and who knows how many others. So let’s choose to use what we have today to the best of our ability, being good stewards so that one day we will get to hear “well done, good and faithful servant“.
TODAY’S VERSE OF THE DAY:
‘ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ‘
Are you ready? How is your time? Are you making time? Are you prioritizing and taking time for the right things? Are you using your influence for good? Are you feeling your heart is troubled? Are you finding obstacles in your way? Are you running into stumbling blocks? Invite Jesus into your heart! Invite Jesus into your situation! Ask Him for wisdom and discernment! Ask Him for help and direction!
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
After another incredible workweek is done, we need to be wise in how we choose to spend our time. We all have a limited amount of time and so we need to use it wisely. As I look back and consider all the time I got to spend with my oldest before they went off this year into a new world in which to serve, I am grateful to have made the choice even as part of taking the offer for that job back in 2013 to have chosen to request time off to get to spend with her. As I look back and consider all the time I got to spend with my middle as they are preparing to complete high school and head off to college and pursue a degree while getting to play collegiate soccer, I am grateful to have made the choices and even requesting the time off to be able to bring her to school this year. As I look back and look forward, I realize how important it is for me to spend as much time as I can with my youngest because he is in high school which means the clock is ticking for him to be graduating in a few years and so I need to spend my time wisely and make good choices around how I will spend my time with him. So this weekend I need to put first things first, seeking first the kingdom of God and allowing Him to take care of anything else on the list. He has provided me the opportunity and blessing of getting to be a husband of nearly 25 years and a dad of 3 incredible kids, so I know I need to choose to use this week in a way that will not only allow me to thrive but my family to thrive for the glory of God! Let’s make choices today that will be wise usages of our time!
‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. ‘
What are you carrying? What are you needing? What are you doing? Are you ready to be a good steward of your time? Are you ready to be a good steward of your heart? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your situation? Are you ready to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, instruct and direct you? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
As we hit mid-workweek the words God’s timing is perfect came to mind. In the midst of the meetings and the conversations, the waiting and the delays, my hope and my trust are in God because even when I don’t see it He does. God’s never late! God’s rarely early! God’s timing is perfect!
As I consider where things are at, I look to God to help those who are being driven by fear and worry and pray they will cast their cares upon Him. The responses took place out of worry and fear that create ripple effects to others who hadn’t felt much effect to this point and had been able to focus on getting their work done. The fear and worry over the unknown and trying to align with a view, a vision, a perspective that may not fully align with reality will produce even more ripple effects on more people.
Today rather than focusing on the unknowns and the uncertainties, let’s focus on God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Let’s focus on how He is trustworthy and dependable! Let’s focus on how He loves us and will never leave us nor abandon us! Let’s focus on how much we can trust Him, even in uncertain, unclear, and volatile times! Let’s lean in on what God’s Word has taught us about THRIVing and decide to pick the right battles! Let’s lean in on what God’s Word has taught us about THRIVing in the midst of struggles! Let’s lean in on what God’s Word tells us when it comes to perseverance!
‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ‘
‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. ‘
‘But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ‘
‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. ‘
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ‘
‘My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. ‘
So where are you today? Are you ready to lean in on God? Are you ready to trust God? Are you ready to wait on God? Let’s invite Him into our situation to help us to find peace in the midst of the struggles. Let’s invite Him into our situation to help us be patient in the midst of the challenges. Let’s invite Him into our situation to help us to persevere till His timing is right.
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
A day of joy! A day of celebration! A day of love! A day of hope! A day of generosity! A time of giving! A time of receiving! A time to forgive! A time to reconcile! A time to make it count!
Are you ready to make the most of your today? Are you ready to be the person God created you to be? Are you ready to become the person God purposed for you to be? Are you ready to experience the fullness of life? Are you ready to let perseverance through the trials of life finish its work so that through God you will be complete and lacking nothing? Are you ready to be the catalyst for positive change? Are you ready to be the ambassador of peace God created you to be? Are you ready to be light to shine through the darkness in this world? Are you ready to receive the gift of God that is Jesus Christ and be and live a redeemed life? Are you ready to be adopted into the family of God and God’s child? Are you ready to be salt and spice up this world?
Candlelight Service – demonstrates how by raising our lights and letting our lights shine we can bring light into a dark world.
Will you use the time you have today to make a difference? Will you use the time you get today to be the difference? Will you use the time you get today to celebrate? Will you use the time you get today to strengthen one another? Will you use the time you have today to make it a Happy Today? Will you use the time you have to not only make a difference but also be the difference? Let’s lead with love! Let’s be the light! Let’s make today the best today it can be! Let’s finish strong! Let’s be prepared! Let’s decide to follow Jesus! Let’s choose love!
‘Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.’
Let’s take this and expand on it to have better context as well as more details by using the Amplified version to be able to better grasp being a child of God through Jesus Christ our Lord:
‘Now what I mean [when I talk about children and their guardians] is this: as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave even though he is the [future owner and] master of all [the estate]; but he is under [the authority of] guardians and household administrators or managers until the date set by his father [when he is of legal age]. So also we [whether Jews or Gentiles], when we were children (spiritually immature), were kept like slaves under the elementary [man-made religious or philosophical] teachings of the world. But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law, so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family]. And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ]. But at that time, when you did not know [the true] God and were unacquainted with Him, you [Gentiles] were slaves to those [pagan] things which by [their very] nature were not and could not be gods at all. Now, however, since you have come to know [the true] God [through personal experience], or rather to be known by God, how is it that you are turning back again to the weak and worthless elemental principles [of religions and philosophies], to which you want to be enslaved all over again? [For example,] you observe [particular] days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored [to the point of exhaustion] over you in vain. Believers, I beg of you, become as I am [free from the bondage of Jewish ritualism and ordinances], for I have become as you are [a Gentile]. You did me no wrong [when I first came to you; do not do it now]. On the contrary, you know that it was because of a physical illness that I [remained and] preached the gospel to you the first time; and even though my physical condition was a trial to you, you did not regard it with contempt, or scorn and reject me; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus Himself. What then has become of that sense of blessing and the joy that you once had [from your salvation and your relationship with Christ]? For I testify of you that, if possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me [ to replace mine]. So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? These men [the Judaizers] eagerly seek you [to entrap you with honeyed words and attention, to win you over to their philosophy], not honorably [for their purpose is not honorable or worthy of consideration]. They want to isolate you [from us who oppose them] so that you will seek them. Now it is always pleasant to be eagerly sought after [provided that it is] for a good purpose, and not just when I am with you [seeking you myself—but beware of the others doing it]. My little children, for whom I am again in [the pains of] labor until Christ is [completely and permanently] formed within you— how I wish that I were with you now and could change my tone, because I am perplexed in regard to you. ‘
How many prophesies would it take for you to want for it?
The promise of the Messiah was propesied may times over many years by many people.
Many people lived and died hearing about the Messiah and yet never getting to know or witness Him.
God’s timing is perfect and He wouldn’t be rushed throughout the thousands of years of prophecy.
When the moment was right, He sent Jesus who stepped out of heaven, out of eternity, and into this world at the right time in the right place to be able to come and give Himself as the final payment, the ultimate payment to rescue and reconcile us to God!
God’s timing is perfect and the why at that exact moment will be something we will need to ask Him when we get to see Him face to face.
God’s timing brings together a situation where the Roman empire had conquered most of the known world which created connections that didn’t exist when most people had been living in their own little communities and tribes for so long.
Today’s devotional points out how some amazing “coincidences” came to be duing the first-century Palestine.
Today’s devotional calls out three factors that they call CPR:
Communication
Pax Romana
Roads
Communication:
Before the Roman Empire, life was a group of tribes and roaming bands of hunter-gatherers.
After the Roman Empire, life was connected with Rome being stamped into and onto every culture through languages like Latin and Greek which made it possible for people to communicate across tribes and bands.
Pax Romana:
The Roman Peace
Rome’s millitary came in and conquered because of their superior armor, weapons, tactics, and leaders.
Rome’s conquering brought about peace throughout the land as fighting ceased.
Roads:
The Roman roads created the opportunity and ability for trade and commerce to happen and grow.
The Roman roads created a way for messages to flow across regions, areas, tribes, and bands.
The Roman roads were built so well that there are still many in existance and being used today in parts of the ancient empire.
Jesus Christ came, lived, and died at a time and place where the gospel message could explode across geography and cultures.
Jesus Christ came, lived, and died at a time and place where the message could reach every person.
Jesus Christ could have come at any time in history and yet He chose that exact time which offered so many advantages and opportunities for the message of hope, the message of love, the message of God, the Good News to spread the world over!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Why are these three factors important to the spread of the gospel after Jesus came?
What are some similar factors today that make it convenient to tell people about Him?
It’s Christmas day! Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus! I would be missing something if I didn’t just close today’s post by asking you if you have received Jesus yet. I remember that first aha Christmas back in 2000 when the reality of having a relationship with Jesus was revealed. Knowing the reality that it isn’t about rituals and routines but rather about having a living and intimate relationship with God! So if you haven’t accepted the gift of a relationship with Jesus yet, why not decide today on Christmas to invite Jesus into your heart? If you have been putting off starting a relationship with Jesus for that right moment, why not decide today to make it that moment? If you were looking for a reason, a season, a day, a time to invite Jesus into your heart why not make it today? Are you ready to make the rest of your life the best it can be? Are you ready to live a life that is transformed by the grace of God for the better? Are you ready to grab hold of God’s plans for you which are good? Are you ready to grab hold of God’s plans for you of hope and a future? Are you ready to never have to go through anything alone ever again because Emmanuel, God with us, will be with You every step of every day through the Holy Spirit?
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
So you find out the time has come and today is the day. How will you respond? Are you ready? Are you prepared? Will you choose to act? The decision is yours! You can do it or not do it! You can choose to not decide which is the same as choosing not to do it! Your choice matters! Your response makes a difference! It will impact your destiny and final destination!
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. — Matthew 24:44
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, — 1 Peter 3:15
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. — Matthew 25:13
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. — Luke 12:40
Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. — Luke 21:28
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. — Proverbs 20:4
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. — John 14:3
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. … — Matthew 25:1-13
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. — Matthew 24:42
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. — John 16:33
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” — Revelation 19:7-9
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. — 1 John 2:27
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. — 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. — Revelation 1:7
Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you. — Hosea 10:12
“Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’” — Mark 13:33-37
How will you choose to live out today with purpose? How will you choose to live out today on purpose? How will you choose to live out today on purpose? God created each of us on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose, so today let’s decide to live with it!
Are you ready for the day of deliverance? Are you ready for the day of salvation? Are you ready for the day of redemption? Are you ready for the day of remission of sin?
Let’s praise God! Let’s celebrate with joy and exceeding gladness! Let’s rejoice with all of our heart to God for all He has done, He is doing, and will do! Let’s rejoice in God’s blessings! Let’s be jumping for joy! Let’s be walking with a spring in our step! Let’s be overflowing with joy to the point of skipping along! As I was looking into this verse, I came across a recommendation for things we can do today: (Psalm 118:24 Commentary-This is the Day)
Rejoice in the Lord
Accentuate the Positive and Count Your Blessings
Get Proper Rest
Do Something for Someone Else
Listen to Happy Music
Exercise
Make up your Mind to be Happy & Enthusiastic
Take a Break and Do a Little Something for Yourself Every Day
Claim the Promises of God
And Cast your Burden on Lord
This is the day! Are you ready? Will you grab hold of God’s Word and promises and look to live out your today doing these 10 things?
‘Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”’
Let’s expand on this to get more context and use the Amplified version to grasp more details too:
‘The beginning of the [facts regarding the] good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written and forever remains in the [writings of the] prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Y our way— A voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight !’ ” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness]. And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a [wide] leather band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals [even as His slave]. As for me, I baptized you [who came to me] with water [only]; but He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up out of the water, he (John) saw the heavens torn open, and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus); and a voice came out of heaven saying: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” Immediately the [Holy] Spirit forced Him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted [to do evil] by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered continually to Him.
Now after John [the Baptist] was arrested and taken into custody, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of [the kingdom of] God, and saying, “The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation].” As Jesus was walking by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Simon’s brother, Andrew, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “ Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending and cleaning the nets. Immediately Jesus called to them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers, and went away to follow Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. They were completely amazed at His teaching; because He was teaching them as one having [God-given] authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out [terribly from the depths of his throat], saying, “ What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet (muzzled, silenced), and come out of him!” The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all so amazed that they debated and questioned each other, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits (demons), and they obey Him.” Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere throughout the district surrounding Galilee. ‘
Reflecting on the past, when do you think would have been the best time for Jesus to come?
Considering God knows the beginning and the end, what do you think made Him choose that time to send Jesus?
Isn’t it interesting how God chose to pick a time over 2000 years ago without all the ability to communicate we have today in an isolated place?
Imagine if we could have gotten Jesus to show up now with all the TV, Internet, and worldwide broadcasting abilities but God had a different plan that requires us to be involved (people to be involved).
When Jesus stepped out of eternity and into our space/time continuum people got the opportunity to choose to believe in Him.
Since that time everyone gets a time where they get the opportunity to receive the gospel and the choice is offered up to them.
Paul in Romans 1:19-20 shares how everyone gets enough light to decide or reject the Good News and so nobody has an excuse.
‘For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. ‘ — Romans 1:18-20
Jesus came humbly to this earth to give up Himself for the lives of others.
Jesus wasn’t some slick salesman with some flashy marketing campaign!
Jesus came as an iterant preacher to share the Good News.
Jesus came with his group of followers that He found along the way.
Today He comes through friends and family members, even strangers on the street
Today He comes through people reaching out to show they care about you.
Today He comes through people who reach out to pour love into the lives of others.
Today He comes through people who share the Good News they have heard and how it transformed their life!
Today He comes through people who share God’s love with them and then it is decision time if they will choose to receive it, accept it, embrace it, and move forward in it.
How about you? Do you have it? Do you share it? Do you want it? Do you need it?
If you want to get started today, skip to the bottom of this post and join me in the prayer, you can jump back up to this section to continue reading if you want.
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Do you believe God orchestrates a momen (or several of them) for people to hear the gospel and respond, or is it just by chance?
How will you know if it’s time for your family members and friends to hear?
So where are you today? Are you ready? Is it your turn? Is it your time? Will you decide to invite Jesus into your heart? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
How are you choosing to spend your time? Are you cautious with your time? Are you careful with your time? Are you guarded with your time? Are you watchful of your time? Are you alert of how fast time is going? Are you attentive to your time? With but a short number of hours in a day, how do you choose to use them? How do you choose to prioritize what you will spend your time on? You may have heard that time is money, showing the value of your time? You may have a job and are working for some of that time and getting paid. You may be married and should be spending time with your spouse. You may have kids and so you need to make time for them because as much as some think quality time is enough, quantity time is just as important. How do you spend your day and time with God? Are you walking through life with Him so that He is a priority and gets a lot of your time or do you schedule out some time for Him and so need to figure and balance out His time too? Rest, you need to make sure you have time for rest! Be it your evening of sleep of 6-12 hours, your body needs rest to rejuvenate and restore. So how will you spend your time?
There are similarities between time and money in that you need to be a good steward of both. There are differences between time and money too though as you can’t make more time. One is finite and limited and the other is able to be generated and produced. Both require good stewardship though. Both require prioritization too. So you need to make a plan for both your time and your money. Time may have a value comparable to money or demonstrated by the amount of money you make over time but it is limited as we only get so many trips around the sun before our time on earth is up. So we need to consider how to make the biggest impact with that time in order to glorify God by accomplishing the cause He has created us to accomplish.
How will you use your time today? this coming week? this coming month? this coming year? and those yet to come?
How will you use your time to show the value of others in your life? God? Spouse? Kids? Family? Friends? Neighbors? Coworkers? Strangers? Workers at the stores and restaurants? etc.?
What will it take for you to make the most of your time today?
I missed 2 days and when I went to post on the 15th, I just realized I grabbed the devotional for the 14th and so updated the date above. I am going to have to catch up on 13th and 15th at some point.
Keeping Track of Time
MEMORY VERSE OF THE DAY:
‘See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’
Are you making the most of your time or are you wasting it?
Does your time have purpose or is it being wasted?
Are you using your time to the full or are you procrastinating?
Are you using your time to the full or are you putting off your chores or responsibilities?
Are you using your time to accomplish God’s purpose and cause for you and your life?
Are you using your time to accomplish something else? Are you using your time on the wrong pursuits?
Are you using your time to accomplish God’s purpose and cause or are you using your time to achieve selfish goals?
Are you using your time to accomplish your calling or are you using your time to get to the top and steamrolling over everything and anyone who gets in your way?
Are you using your time doing or worrying?
Are you using your time doing or worrying about what others are thinking?
Are you using your time doing or worrying about what might happen?
Are you using your time doing or worrying about things that were said in the past?
Are you using your time doing or allowing fears of what could happen to hold you back?
Are you using your time doing or just measuring your time by how full your calendar is?
Are you using your time building and strengthening relationships?
So will you use the time you have, in this battle of good vs evil, to accomplish God’s will rather than wasting it away?
Will you use your time for good in this battle through time?
Will you use your time to learn and know God’s will so that you can get it done for His glory?
How are you using your time?
Are you able to discern or analyze how well you are using your time?
Let’s use our time wisely! That doesn’t mean to use it all up so you can say you are busy!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean to accomplish God’s will in God’s timing!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment we have as a gift from God!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment in order to honor and glorify God!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment with an eternal focus and purpose in mind!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment to have a positive impact on those we love and He loves! That’s right let’s love everybody!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Wat are the most common ways you see people wasting time?
How would it change your life to realize that every moment is a gift from God to be redeemed and use to honor Him?
So where are you at today? How are you using time time? Are you using it for good or are you wasting it? Are you using it to do God’s will or your’s? Are you ready to invite God into your life to walk it out with you and help you to live it to the full like His purpose and plan for you are? Remember the plans from Jeremiah 29:11 to give us a hope and a future? Remember the plans from John 10:10 comparing the devil’s plans vs Jesus’s plans? (“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”) So how will you choose to live your life? Will you invite Jesus in so that you can enjoy the time you have left? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Do you realize how important it is to love others with your time? Do you realize how important it is to bless others with your time? Do you realize how important it is to build relationship and make connections with your time?
Our time on this planet is finite and so we have to be good stewards of it. Imagine when you look at your calendar how much you could do to make an impact on and in the lives of others in just 30 minutes. Imagine showing your love for God and for others by actively doing something for others. Imagine blessing others with your time by making time to check in on them and help them if and when they have a need. Imagine making time to connect with not only your inner circle of friends but others God puts on your heart to check in on and share life together with. Do you realize that your half hour might be the difference maker that day? Do you realize that God put that person in your mind or on your heart because He needs you to be His hands and arms extended for that person? Do you realize you reaching might be the one thing that helps them realize they are important and are valued? Do you realize your tone and words could be the turning point in their lives and help them realize they are not alone? How will you use your 30 minutes today? How many 30 minute blocks are there for you to impact the lives of others? Will you make the time or waste the time? Will you use it or lose it? The choice is yours! How many people need your voice, your connection, your love, and your blessings today? Will you choose to be the one? Will you choose to care? Will you choose to share? Will you choose to dare? This is the day that the Lord has made so let’s rejoice and be glad in it! Be aware of your surroundings! Watch for those God would have you start, build, strengthen relationships with today!
Do you live your life the same when people are and aren’t watching?
Do you do the right thing even when nobody is watching?
Do you live behind a mask of lies?
With the pandemic and so many people wearing masks, we know how it hides things, what about the masks we can’t see that people may have been wearing for years?
What are you scare of people finding out and hence your reason for wearing a mask?
Are you willing to live the truth?
Are you willing to live a life of integrity? Even when it gets hard?
Last weekend in the message about Stephen, we learned about his integrity but we also witnessed falsehoods being said about him and his stoning and death.
Some stay on track and occasionally fall off with lies but others have lied so much that they aren’t sure of the truth anymore.
Do you have the treasure of a clear conscience?
Are you able to live with the peace that surpasses all understanding because you live with integrity?
Are you committed to living a life of and with integrity?
Are you letting Jesus clean up your heart?
Are you letting Jesus clean up your mind?
Are you living your life with the reality that God sees everything?
Are you living your life with a quick return to God when you get tripped up?
Are you ready to do the right thing because you know that God always sees what you are doing?
Are you living your life in relationship with God and so can hear the Holy Spirit’s still quiet voice when you start to stray or go off track?
We are human and so we aren’t perfect and so there will be times when we go off track.
When we do we are faced with a decision. Will you ignore and reject it, turning away from God? Will you accept and admit it and turn back to God?
Do you take hold of God’s forgiveness and forgiving power in those moments?
God knows everything we do – what we watch or see, what we do, and even what we are thinking.
So let’s take hold of today’s memory verse and choose to walk with integrity!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
What happens to you and your relationships when you try to wear a mask to hide your sin?
causes fear and worry of being found out
causes anxiety and missteps
it makes conversations hesitant or shallow
What would it (or does it) take for you to live with a clear conscience?
give it – whatever it happens to be this time – over to God and ask for forgiveness
How will you choose to use your time? Will you choose to spend it or lose it? Will you choose to use it or have it taken away from you? Will you use it wisely and with integrity? Will you use it to bless others? Will you use it to love others? Will you use it to build connections with others? Will you use it to build connections and relationship with God?
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
What comes to your mind when you hear or see or read the words Prime Time? Do you think TV hours from 8pm-11pm? Do you think of it as the optimal or best possible time to do something? Do you think of it as the highest priority time? Do you think of it as the best years of your life? Or are you like me who likes math and it resonates around prime numbers (numbers that can only be divided by 1 and itself)?
Today is prime time in my life as I consider ages and even a special birthday. 13 is a prime number. 17 is a prime number. 47 is a prime number. But 20 is 10×2, 4×5 and 51 is 3×17 and so aren’t prime. Happy 17th little one!
Let’s consider what John 19 is saying in the moment:
‘After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.’ — John 19:28-30
He took the pain of the cross – crucifixion, one of the most excruciating forms of torture in human history. Painful. Gasping for air. Tremendous thirst.
Jesus knew everything that was going on and being fulfilled.
Nobody killed Jesus, He gave up His life for you and for me to make a way when there didn’t seem to be a way.
Jesus took on the pain and suffering of the cross in order to pay the just penalty of our sins, the sins of humanity so that everyone who would turn to Him and receive the gift of Grace from God would be able to be saved and reconciled to God.
He conquered both sin and death by not only dying on the cross but also resurrecting three days later.
He became the substitute, our redeemer
He took the death that we deserve because of our sins
Jesus made sure every i was dotted and t was crossed in the prophesies so that when He said “It is finished” it was.
That is how important we are to God!
That is how much God loves us!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Why was it important to Jesus — and to us — that every detail of prophesy be fulfilled?
He didn’t want any detail to be missed or and requirement to be missed.
To us we know that everything was done in a way that we can be fully reconciled to God through Jesus
How do these fulfilled prophecies strengthen our faith?
It is amazing to consider the hundreds and thousands of years that they all took part of or were spoken in and yet, they all were fulfilled through Jesus!
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
As I start this day and consider what day it is as well as some of the messages that I have heard through the books I have been reading today’s topic came to mind. Be it Death Row Chaplain by Rev. Earl Smith and the people on death row and knowing their end was near and getting the opportunity to decide where they will spend eternity set before them. The interesting thing in that book was the people who were the family of the victims of the crimes who similarly knowing the end was near and getting the opportunity to find closure through forgiveness since watching the death doesn’t bring closure and definitely doesn’t bring healing to the person or the family. So seeing the signs of the times how would you respond? Would you miss your opportunity?
As I was reading today and started to consider how I can use my time better, Tommy Barnett’s book The Power of a Half Hour: Take Back Your Life Thirty Minutes At A Time, I started considering the signs of the times and the things I need to change to be a better steward of my time. I started considering my calling and special talent(s) and vision and purpose from God and how if I don’t do that special thing then it won’t get done God’s way – as He had intended. So I need to take hold of the signs of the times! I need to take this opportunity to complete the good works God prepared in advance for me to accomplish!
And with yesterday having been Good Friday, the idea of Jesus on the cross between two criminals and similar to the people on death row, they both knew it was their end, they could see the signs of the times, and yet they had different responses towards Jesus. Let’s grab a snapshot of what took place:
‘Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”’
‘With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.’
‘Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.’
We see in Luke how the two criminals, robbers, thieves responded to Jesus. One joined in with the people in the crowd but the other realized the signs of the time and humbled himself to Jesus. Like the people on death row, these men had to make a decision of where they were going to end up when their execution was done.
We may not be sentenced to the death penalty but the reality is that we will all die one day. And on that day when our physical body dies, where will our spiritual being end up? We need to realize the signs of the times! We need to take the opportunity set before us to accept the grace of God through Jesus so that we can be forgiven and get to spend eternity with God rather than the alternative of spending eternity in Hell, apart from God! We each have to make that decision for ourselves, nobody else can make it for us! Being Easter weekend, can you think of a better time if you haven’t already made the decision to make the decision? Will you make your decision before it is too late and you find yourself at the Judgement Seat of God and get sent to spend eternity apart from Him?
‘And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”’
POINTS FROM THE DEVOTIONAL:
Three people put on crosses – 2 thieves and Jesus
One joined in with all the screaming at Jesus and said ‘Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”’ — Luke 23:39
One must have heard and knew about Jesus because he gave a different response: ‘But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” ‘ — Luke 23:40-41
The second one must have known about and believed in Jesus because he added to his comment to his partner in crime when he turned to Jesus: ‘Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”’ — Luke 23:42
Remember how Jesus was abandoned when things were going down?
Remember how people denied knowing Jesus when things were going down?
Remember how Jesus was betrayed when things were going down?
Now imagine a criminal sentenced to crucifixion turning to Jesus and how that made Jesus feel.
Now consider how Jesus responded to him: ‘And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”’ — Luke 23:43
Imagine the peace, the joy, the hope that would have come over that criminal from hearing Jesus’ promise.
Imagine the transformation of heart and mind between before meeting Jesus and after meeting Jesus. Imagine the testimony this man would give to people about how his life was transformed by Jesus.
Don’t let your past define you, what matters is your identity in Christ and your eternal destination in heaven with God.
Are you ready for such a change today?
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
How does the promise of paradise affect your perspective about death?
It is not only a sign of what is to come for those who believe and receive Jesus but a promise of how eternity with God will be.
Paradise, looking up the definition and synonyms brings up some very interesting things – all positive and most pointing to God.
Will you accept the gift of grace from God that is Jesus?
Will you share how God transformed your life through Jesus by telling people your testimony of life before and after your encounter with Jesus?
How does it shape your view of life today?
It is important to make the right decision here today rather than run the risk of missing out on paradise when it is time for us to die in our physical bodies and move into our spiritual bodies for eternity.
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Today is Good Friday. My phone’s verse of the day ended up being Luke 23:34 AMPC. My devotional for today’s verse of the day ended up being Luke 23:34 NKJV. The phone can adjust because it is software. The book was printed years ago and hence would always have this verse on April 2nd. And yet they both showed up today on Good Friday!
Do you have any plans for Good Friday? Will you do something different than a normal Friday? Might you find a church service that is taking place in person or even online? Might you make time to spend it with family and friends to remember the sacrifice that was made for us? Might you reflect on or read through the scripture that describes Good Friday’s activities?
Ever realize how God’s timing is perfect? He is rarely early and He is never late, He is right on time! So what are you in need of today? How will you spend your time? Will you be a good steward of your time today? Do you realize that it is the most valuable, non-renewal resource in your life? You will either spend it or use it or lose it and you will never get it back again. So will you make the most of your today? Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so how will you make the most of your today so that you can live it without regret? How will you live it so that you can produce good fruit in and through it? Will you take time, make time to do something that will make a difference? Will you do something that will make a difference in the lives of those closest to you? Will you do something that will make a difference in the lives of those God brings across your path today? Will you live today with purpose?
Some days are fixed by date but others are based on a different calendar and hence move around on our calendars today. So how will today be fruitful and useful? Happy Today!
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
As the first quarter of 2021 draws to a close I reflect on where we are at. I reflect on my first quarter nearly done on the job. I reflect on my incredible team I get to be a part of. I reflect on my peers and leaders and all they have done that has been a part of this first quarter. I reflect on accomplishments and the bumps in the road, the lessons learned and relationships built. I reflect on the time that has gone by and the reality of time. Time can’t be saved. Time is either spent or used or lost. I reflect on the importance of stewardship of our time. I reflect on how when I was going to take a break from reading a new book that a book from the pile called to me and so I will spend a half an hour a day to read and learn from it. As I reflect on relationships and the doors of opportunity God has opened to build stronger relationships with some great men right where they are at and making the time and purposing the time to build it up and support them. I reflect on how fragile life is as people get injured or sick and how we need to appreciate every moment we have because we never know which will be our last. I reflect on how getting to spend time with my wife, talking, reading a devotional, and praying together is so powerful. I reflect on how with COVID it changes the time we have with each other and where we can find time that wasn’t available before or isn’t there now like the commute. As Q1 of 2021 draws to a close, let’s reflect on it and consider if there are things we need to do to make Q2 better, to make better use of our time and efforts, to make a bigger impact in our lives and our community, to become healthier and stronger physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What can we do? What should we do? What will we do?
The troubles can come from many directions. The troubles can come from may sources. The troubles can come in many ways.
Before we get to the end of our ropes or hit rock bottom, let’s turn to God and invite Him into the situation.
We don’t need to get to rock bottom before we turn to God!
We don’t need to get to the point of feeling hopeless, abandoned, misunderstood, betrayed, or incompetent to turn to God and definitely we can and should turn to Him before all of them set in!
Be encouraged by remembering everything God has done in and through you and your life.
Do you realize what you have? Do you realize what you need? Do you know what to do about it? Will you take time to reflect on it? Will you choose to be a good steward of your time?
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
How do you decide your top priority? How do you decide what you will give your time to today? How do you decide which requests is more important than another? With only 24 hours in a day, we need to be good stewards and use it to its full potential! How much time does your body need for rest? How much time does your body need for nutrients? How much time does that leave? How will you decide what to work on first? What is top of mind? What is top of the list? Ever seen the prioritization videos where you put the big rocks, little pebbles, sand, and then there is still room for water? So we need to understand the big rocks are for today in order to know where to start. We need to understand our first priority in order for everything else to fall into place. I remember many years ago listening to an audio book during my commutes titled First Things First and how important it is to make sure you get it in the right order. I later remember many of my devotional times when the topic of First Things First came up for me to blog about. So as this shortened work week is coming to a close and with wanting to finish the week strong, I want to make sure that I use my time efficiently and effectively in order to get everything that needs to be done finished.
‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ‘
POINTS FROM THE DEVOTIONAL:
If we consider today’s verse in combination with the Love Commandments: Love God and Love People, does that change how you view what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33?
By trying to force all the pieces together, even when they are supposed to go together will cause us to become frustrated and exhausted!
Ever heard the saying “work smarter not harder”? Ever considered that the key is to be receiving wisdom and discernment from God in order to walk out this day smarter?
Let’s put Jesus in the center of our lives!
Let’s allow Jesus to be the center and the rest of our life to be spokes to the tire that makes things go!
So when you look at your calendar today are you willing to give it over to God so that it becomes His calendar and if there is something to be added or removed He can help you make it work?
Are you willing to allow God to multiply your time and effort?
Are you willing to trust Him in the midst of your busy day?
When something comes to try and add itself to your day, will you turn to Jesus first to make sure it is His will rather than allowing a distraction to come into your day?
Will you be willing to take Jesus’ advice about how to make today work?
Will you be willing to receive Jesus’ promises to lead you through this life and in particular today?
Will you be willing to receive Jesus’ blessings in order be a blessing to others today?
Will you be willing to receive what Jesus has to give? What if it would give you more meaning?
Will you be willing to take the risk of turning to Jesus first?
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
What do you think it means to put Jesus first in your life?
Start your day with Him in order to receive wisdom and guidance for the day
Allow Him to be in charge of your calendar because He knows every need and His timing is perfect!
Take captive every thought and make them obedient to Jesus! Don’t allow yourself to be robbed by inner monologues or what others are saying, comparing them to Scripture and proclaiming the truth over your life!
Be sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit through this journey called life.
walk out your days with God and He will bless you and allow you to be a blessing to others
thanks to God we will find favor
our success, our appearance, … may cause others to try to take advantage of it but we need to stand firm on the principles and truth of God
even if we are obedient and flee from the attacks or grips, others may twist the truth to punish us for doing what is right or good
God sees all and can use what others mean for evil and turn it for good in order to position us and accomplish in and through us, His perfect will and plan.
Even when it looks or feels like you are in the bad place, God can use you and help you
You may be in a that circumstance for reasons you don’t yet understand or know
Your gifts and talents may be just what is needed and why God allow you to be put or positioned in that spot
Be aware of what is going on and be attentive to those God brings into your life
We need to care for others as God cares for us
We need to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves
We need to speak the truth in love, even if the truth may be hard to deliver
God’s timing is perfect and so don’t lose hope because you have to wait or you think you have been forgiven
So are you reading this post at a time when you have a lot on your plate? Are you reading this post at a time where you are needing to prioritize your time and effort? Are you reading this post at a time when there are a lot of demands on you? Will you put first things first?
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Do you realize what time it is? Are you preparing for it? Are you ready for it? When it happens will you be surprised or ready? When it happens will you be shock or excited? Can you see the signs of the times? Are you able to tell what time it is and what you are supposed to be doing? Are you able to tell what time it is and respond accordingly? What is the way you are living and behaving and speaking telling people? Where is it pointing them to? Who is it pointing them towards?
Are you going to live today as a living sacrifice to God? Are your words, thoughts, and deeds going to bring praise, honor and glory to God? Will your response and reactions speak to who God is and what time it is?
If timing is everything, do you know what time it is and what your position and role are? Don’t lose sight of what matters just because life gets difficult or challenging or troubling! Let’s pause before we respond so that we can be ready to accomplish the good works God has prepared in advance for us to accomplish!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.”
Let’s get started in prayer! Let’s allow our hope and trust in God to overflow from our lives by being first filled up with God’s Spirit and then rejoice in hope. Let’s keep on praying so that when trial or tribulations or suffering come we can be resolute, dutifully firm and unwavering, steadfast and patient. Let’s seek God to fill us to overflowing with love because we know that when it overflows, we will overflow will patience, kindness, without being boastful nor envious, without dishonoring others, without becoming self seeking and boastful, so we can overflow with forgiveness rather than keeping records of wrong. Let’s keep praying and overflowing in love so that we can rejoice in the truth and be disgusted and rejecting evil. Let’s be so filled with love because of our constant conversations with God that h love of God that fills us helps to protect, build trust, shares hope, and preserves because love never fails.
Let’s turn to God and rejoice in hope, be patient in times of trouble, and never stop talking with Him. Let’s pray without ceasing. Be it on our knees or or just talking to God like a friend who is walking through this life with us because we are never alone! Let’s allow the love of Jesus define our lives!
Don’t be so focused on the past that you miss out on the present! Don’t be so stuck looking in the rearview mirror that you end up missing the signs of the times! Don’t allow what is in front of you to be blurring because your focus is on what is already passed. Some say hindsight is 2020 but that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Let’s receive the gift of the present! Let’s rejoice because this is the day that the Lord has made! Let’s be ready for what today will have in store! We can learn from the past in order to prevent repeating it but we shouldn’t get stuck there. Let’s take the lessons learned and be prepared for the day ahead!
Want to join me in the challenge? Click Day 232 link to join me and sign up. It is never too late. The 49 week challenge has 6 days in which to notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in and 1 day to reflect on what you’re learning and to share it with others, to think back over the week’s readings, to see connections between the various passages of the week. Each day we have time to talk to God and contemplate what is being said through His Word, and even more so on the 7th day.
How interested are you in what will happen today? How interested are you in what will be required of you today? How interested are you in what decisions you will need to make today? How interested are you in hearing from God today? How interested are you in accomplishing what God is calling you to do today? What if it were life and death decision? What if it were everlasting life and everlasting death decision? What if the decision that you make today will determine how you will spend the rest of eternity? Would it make a difference?
If you are interested in getting together or sharing the information together, please let me know through the comment section below, through email, or even through text messages.
make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification
the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
from the rising of the sun to its going down the name of the Lord is to be praised.
hear the truth from God and know what is good.
turn to the Lord, God and be saved!
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord
don’t be deceived by pride.
pride comes before the fall.
the day of the Lord is coming.
As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.
‘Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister ? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.’ — Romans 14:1-23
‘“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains ; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord , the God of Israel, who summons you by name. For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. I am the Lord , and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord , and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord , do all these things. “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord , have created it. “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’? Woe to the one who says to a father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to a mother, ‘What have you brought to birth?’ “This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the Lord Almighty.” This is what the Lord says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and those tall Sabeans— they will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you, coming over to you in chains. They will bow down before you and plead with you, saying, ‘Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no other god.’ ” Truly you are a God who has been hiding himself, the God and Savior of Israel. All the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced; they will go off into disgrace together. But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting. For this is what the Lord says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the Lord , and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the Lord , speak the truth; I declare what is right. “Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. Declare what is to be, present it— let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord ? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, ‘In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength.’ ” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But all the descendants of Israel will find deliverance in the Lord and will make their boast in him.’ — Isaiah 45:1-25
‘The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Sovereign Lord says about Edom— We have heard a message from the Lord : An envoy was sent to the nations to say, “Rise, let us go against her for battle”— “See, I will make you small among the nations; you will be utterly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord . “If thieves came to you, if robbers in the night— oh, what a disaster awaits you!— would they not steal only as much as they wanted? If grape pickers came to you, would they not leave a few grapes? But how Esau will be ransacked, his hidden treasures pillaged! All your allies will force you to the border; your friends will deceive and overpower you; those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, but you will not detect it. “In that day,” declares the Lord , “will I not destroy the wise men of Edom, those of understanding in the mountains of Esau? Your warriors, Teman, will be terrified, and everyone in Esau’s mountains will be cut down in the slaughter. Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. You should not march through the gates of my people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over them in their calamity in the day of their disaster, nor seize their wealth in the day of their disaster. You should not wait at the crossroads to cut down their fugitives, nor hand over their survivors in the day of their trouble. “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. Just as you drank on my holy hill, so all the nations will drink continually; they will drink and drink and be as if they had never been. But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance. Jacob will be a fire and Joseph a flame; Esau will be stubble, and they will set him on fire and destroy him. There will be no survivors from Esau.” The Lord has spoken. People from the Negev will occupy the mountains of Esau, and people from the foothills will possess the land of the Philistines. They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead. This company of Israelite exiles who are in Canaan will possess the land as far as Zarephath; the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad will possess the towns of the Negev. Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the Lord ’s.’ — Obadiah 1:1-21
As day 232 begins, I would hate to miss giving the opportunity to anyone who hasn’t received Jesus into their lives as their Lord and Savior an opportunity to make the decision today and the blessing to get to live out the rest of the year in that power and that truth and that hope.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not join me in this prayer?
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Today’s devotional that I am following is The 49-Week Challenge comes from Life.Church. For more information, please visit www.life.church — Thank you Life.Church for sharing this reading plan through Bible.com
Consider the plan you have to follow. Do you have 1 plan or multiple plans? Do you have 1 plan or multiple options to choose from? What is the implication of following the plan? What is the purpose of the plans creator? Is it a good plan? Is it a plan that is sturdy? strict? predictable? reliable? realistic? goals driven? specific? timely? actionable? risky? Whose plan are you following?
How did this plan come to be? Was there a methodology that was followed? Was there a firm foundation for it to be based on? Is it measurable? Is it repeatable? Is it predictable? Is it a methodology that has worked in the past? Is it a methodology that is new and revolutionary? Is it a methodology that will help you succeed? Is it a methodology that will help you achieve? Is it a methodology that will ensure progress? Is it a methodology that will help not just you but others? Is it a methodology with a lot of risk? Is it a methodology with a bunch of dependencies? What methodology are you practicing?
Does you plan and your methodology work irrespective of time? Does it take into consider the timeline? Does it take into consideration the time or times we are living in? Does it take into consideration how much or how little time is available to do it? What if your methodology would require too much time? What if your plan requires more time than you have available? What impact to time and timing have on which plan and which methodology you select? What if you learned there will be no delay? Will what you are planning and doing be or become bitter sweet? Do you understand or realize the long term impact of such a plan or such a methodology? Will it taste sweet to start but then become bitter over time? Consider your ways! Consider your plans! Consider your methodologies! Consider where you hope and help come from!
What will you do with the message of God for you today? Will you receive it? Will you hear it? Will you do something about it? Will you obey it? Will you accomplish His plan? Will you follow His methodology?
Will you speak the words that God gives you to speak? Will you speak words of encouragement to help people have the return to God? Will you take the warnings God provides you and turn back to Him? Will you be obedient or a rebellious person?
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘ Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] [Josh. 1:5.]’
They say hindsight is 2020 but that is because you’ve been there and done that by the time you get there. As we draw to the end of November and closer to Thanksgiving season and Christmas season, how will you take the lessons learned to ensure that your plan for finishing the year strong and starting the new year on the right foot is in place and right? Where will you turn to in order to get the right plan? Who will you turn to in order to ensure the right way is being followed? Let’s put God’s Word at the top of the list and lean in on Him who will never leave us and never forsake us in order to walk out today and every day we are blessed to receive as a gift or some say the present to and for the glory of God.
Want to join me in the challenge? Click Day 325 link to join me and sign up. It is never too late. The 49 week challenge has 6 days in which to notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in and 1 day to reflect on what you’re learning and to share it with others, to think back over the week’s readings, to see connections between the various passages of the week. Each day we have time to talk to God and contemplate what is being said through His Word, and even more so on the 7th day.
How interested are you in what will happen today? How interested are you in what will be required of you today? How interested are you in what decisions you will need to make today? How interested are you in hearing from God today? How interested are you in accomplishing what God is calling you to do today? What if it were life and death decision? What if it were everlasting life and everlasting death decision? What if the decision that you make today will determine how you will spend the rest of eternity? Would it make a difference?
If you are interested in getting together or sharing the information together, please let me know through the comment section below, through email, or even through text messages.
‘Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.” Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but ‘in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’ ” I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”’ — Revelation 10:1-11
‘He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe.’ — Ezekiel 2:1-10
‘And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel— not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.” And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.” Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing. It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a loud rumbling sound. The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the Lord on me. I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed. At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself. “Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself.” The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, “Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” So I got up and went out to the plain. And the glory of the Lord was standing there, like the glory I had seen by the Kebar River, and I fell facedown. Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said: “Go, shut yourself inside your house. And you, son of man, they will tie with ropes; you will be bound so that you cannot go out among the people. I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, for they are a rebellious people. But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ Whoever will listen let them listen, and whoever will refuse let them refuse; for they are a rebellious people.’ — Ezekiel 3:1-27
As day 325 begins, I would hate to miss giving the opportunity to anyone who hasn’t received Jesus into their lives as their Lord and Savior an opportunity to make the decision today and the blessing to get to live out the rest of the year in that power and that truth and that hope.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not join me in this prayer?
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Today’s devotional that I am following is The 49-Week Challenge comes from Life.Church. For more information, please visit www.life.church — Thank you Life.Church for sharing this reading plan through Bible.com
Looking for change? Looking for God’s hand? Looking for God’s provision? Looking for the world to change? Looking for the world to turn back to God? It begins in you! It begins with you! Do you have a small circle of friends who will join you in believing and praying for revival? Do they have a small circle of friends who will join them in believing and praying for revival? Do you want it enough that you will get on your knees and pray for it? This world needs God! This city, this state or province, this country, the entire world is in need of an encounter with God!
Will you stand in the gap? Will you let it start with you? Will you be the seed to get it started? Will you start it today?
Imagine being a foreigner and hearing someone prophecy over you Ezekiel 22:30-31. Imagine years later having stayed in this country and become a citizen. Will you still stand in the gap? Will you fill the gap that God has called you out from your old place, your comfort place, into a new place where you were able to hear from God and pursue Him and His plans and purposes for your life? Will you stand in the gap that God has asked you to?
Imagine being in a room and two other verses were prophesied over you. Imagine them being Psalm 90:17 and Lamentations 3:22-23. Will you take hold of them and allow God to shine in and through your life? Will you allow God’s love and promises to fill and overflow in and through your life?
Today’s verse of the day comes to us from 2 Corinthians 5:7 which says:
‘ For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance.’
So let’s walk out our lives overflowing with faith in order to overcome fear and doubt and anxiety. Let’s walk out our lives filled to overflowing with faith so that we won’t be swayed or misdirected by what we see or notice. Let’s allow our lives and our conduct be driven and regulated by our convictions and belief in God and our relationship with Him. Let’s allow our lives and our conduct be a living testimony of our trust and holy fervor for God!
Do you realize that we need a revival? Consider Psalm 85:6 where the psalmist realizes and confesses the need for revival. Do you realize how there is a multitude of people in need of God and a revival and so let us reflect on Ephesians 2:12. Do you realize how there is a need for revival in the church too – as we saw warnings through the book of Revelation – as there are many who are more interested in filling a building than sharing the Word and truth of God? We need a revival in our churches in order to restore a spiritual renewal, vitality, and power that can spread into the streets. But it all comes back to needing to start with us. We need to have a revival in our hearts first so that it can then start to spread into the world around us. Until we have the revival in us, we won’t have power to be effective in sharing our testimonies of God working in and through our lives.
Do you realize that we need a revival? Do you believe it is possible? Consider Psalm 85:1-3 and how the psalmist emphasizes this truth and reality. The psalmist reminds God of everything He had done and how He had sent revivals in the past and how we need Him to do it again! What would it take for you to admit and believe that a revival is possible in such a day and such a time as this? If you are not sure, why not reflect on some of God’s Word to encourage and speak life into your spirit? Let’s take a moment to reflect upon 2 Chronicles 7:14, Jeremiah 33:3, and Malachi 3:10.
Do you realize we need a revival? Do you realize the source of revival? Do you realize it needs to start with you as we learned in Psalm 85:6? Consider the words of Psalm 62:11 where we hear that God has the power, will we choose to be the catalyst and ask Him to use that power to start a revival? To start a revival first in us and then to overflowing into the lives of all those He has put around us? It isn’t something we can work up to but rather it is something that God pours out through His Spirit. We can’t try to do make it happen in our own strength or some cool new technique that man has come up with but rather we need to turn to the source who is God and ask for Him to start a revival in us and in the world around us. Rather than trying to do it through people or money or organizations or politicians, let’s turn to God and look to receive what only God is able to do! Don’t forget what we read in Psalm 62:5.
Do you realize we need a revival? Do you realize that the key is for us to humble ourselves and start praying for it? Not some written up prayer but a prayer of urgency, a prayer filled with passionate belief and need for God to step in, a prayer said believing that God will hear it and answer it, a prayer said with urgency because we can’t wait any longer for a revival to begin and for a transformation to take place in order to save us from ourselves and our own ways.
Do you realize we need a revival? Do you realize that we need to be ready to be conduits for God? Do you realize we need to clean out the pipes in order that He can flow through us in a powerful and mighty way? Do you realize that as channels for the Holy Spirit to work in and work through, we can’t be closed fisted or closed minded but open handed and open minded to hear from God and be obedient to His Word, His Spirit, and His promptings. We need to be ready and prepared to receive the full blessing and power God has for us to receive and deliver to the world around us. Let us not try to do it in our own strength but let’s reflect on God and His Word like that found in John 7:38-39.
Do you realize we need a revival? Do you remember above how I mentioned we need to clean out the pipes to ensure we are good conduits? Let’s search and ask God to search our hearts and minds to help us remove any obstacles that could block the flow of the Holy Spirit in and through us. Let’s look to remove any obstacles that would keep us from being of one mind with God! Let’s consider the importance to alignment and reflect on God’s Word from Amos 3:3. Let’s seek out any sin that could trip us up or block God’s plans and purposes from flowing through us. Let’s consider if there is any disobedience that is getting in the way of us being fully used by God. Will you fully surrender yourself to God?
Do you realize we need a revival? Do you realize we need the results that come from a revival? Have you ever considered the results expressed and explained in Psalms 85? To list a few:
We don’t need a revolution, we need a revival! Will you allow it start today in and with and through you?
With September in the rearview mirror how will you live out your today? They say hindsight is 2020 – so what lessons will you learn from in order to make today be the beginning of something greater than yourself?
The 49 week challenge has 6 days in which to notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in and 1 day to reflect on what you’re learning and to share it with others, to think back over the week’s readings, to see connections between the various passages of the week. Each day we have time to talk to God and contemplate what is being said through His Word, and even more so on the 7th day.
How interested are you in what will happen today? How interested are you in what will be required of you today? How interested are you in what decisions you will need to make today? How interested are you in hearing from God today? How interested are you in accomplishing what God is calling you to do today? What if it were life and death decision? What if it were everlasting life and everlasting death decision? What if the decision that you make today will determine how you will spend the rest of eternity? Would it make a difference?
If you are interested in getting together or sharing the information together, please let me know through the comment section below, through email, or even through text messages.
Today’s reading fromGOD’S WORD – THE BIBLEcomes to us from:
‘When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order. But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.’ — Hebrews 9:6-28
‘Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord , you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, but Moses alone is to approach the Lord ; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.” When Moses went and told the people all the Lord ’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord . Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splashed against the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.” Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank. The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.” Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. He said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.” When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.’ — Exodus 24:1-18
‘The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites and say to them: ‘This is what the Lord has commanded: Any Israelite who sacrifices an ox, a lamb or a goat in the camp or outside of it instead of bringing it to the entrance to the tent of meeting to present it as an offering to the Lord in front of the tabernacle of the Lord —that person shall be considered guilty of bloodshed; they have shed blood and must be cut off from their people. This is so the Israelites will bring to the Lord the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the Lord , at the entrance to the tent of meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings. The priest is to splash the blood against the altar of the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting and burn the fat as an aroma pleasing to the Lord . They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols to whom they prostitute themselves. This is to be a lasting ordinance for them and for the generations to come.’ “Say to them: ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice and does not bring it to the entrance to the tent of meeting to sacrifice it to the Lord must be cut off from the people of Israel. “ ‘I will set my face against any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who eats blood, and I will cut them off from the people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, “None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner residing among you eat blood.” “ ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth, because the life of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, “You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.” “ ‘Anyone, whether native-born or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or torn by wild animals must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be ceremonially unclean till evening; then they will be clean. But if they do not wash their clothes and bathe themselves, they will be held responsible.’ ”’ — Leviticus 17:1-16
‘The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “This is a requirement of the law that the Lord has commanded: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer without defect or blemish and that has never been under a yoke. Give it to Eleazar the priest; it is to be taken outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. Then Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the tent of meeting. While he watches, the heifer is to be burned—its hide, flesh, blood and intestines. The priest is to take some cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer. After that, the priest must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water. He may then come into the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean till evening. The man who burns it must also wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he too will be unclean till evening. “A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin. The man who gathers up the ashes of the heifer must also wash his clothes, and he too will be unclean till evening. This will be a lasting ordinance both for the Israelites and for the foreigners residing among them. “Whoever touches a human corpse will be unclean for seven days. They must purify themselves with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then they will be clean. But if they do not purify themselves on the third and seventh days, they will not be clean. If they fail to purify themselves after touching a human corpse, they defile the Lord ’s tabernacle. They must be cut off from Israel. Because the water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, they are unclean; their uncleanness remains on them. “This is the law that applies when a person dies in a tent: Anyone who enters the tent and anyone who is in it will be unclean for seven days, and every open container without a lid fastened on it will be unclean. “Anyone out in the open who touches someone who has been killed with a sword or someone who has died a natural death, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. “For the unclean person, put some ashes from the burned purification offering into a jar and pour fresh water over them. Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings and the people who were there. He must also sprinkle anyone who has touched a human bone or a grave or anyone who has been killed or anyone who has died a natural death. The man who is clean is to sprinkle those who are unclean on the third and seventh days, and on the seventh day he is to purify them. Those who are being cleansed must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and that evening they will be clean. But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the Lord . The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, and they are unclean. This is a lasting ordinance for them. “The man who sprinkles the water of cleansing must also wash his clothes, and anyone who touches the water of cleansing will be unclean till evening. Anything that an unclean person touches becomes unclean, and anyone who touches it becomes unclean till evening.”’ — Numbers 19:1-22
As day 285 begins, I would hate to miss giving the opportunity to anyone who hasn’t received Jesus into their lives as their Lord and Savior an opportunity to make the decision today and the blessing to get to live out the rest of the year in that power and that truth and that hope.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not join me in this prayer?
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Today’s devotional that I am following is The 49-Week Challenge comes from Life.Church. For more information, please visit www.life.church — Thank you Life.Church for sharing this reading plan through Bible.com
What do you believe? What have you decided? Where does your hope come from? Do you have faith to overcome fear? If today were the last day of your life, do you know what would happen? Where would you end up? Is there anything that would be able to change that destination? What do you expect? What do you believe? What is the truth? What is just rumors? What is real? What is fake? If you woke up and in the news you see a headline of “Election Eve Asteroid” or “Disaster Declaration” or “Two Storms to hit Gulf” or “Middle East peace with Israel“ what would you do? what would you think? Would it cause worry? Would it cause hope? Would it cause fear? Would it cause faith? In whom will you put your trust?
If Jesus were to come back to today would you be ready? If you were to be lifted up into heaven with Jesus would you have any regrets of things you could have or should have said or done? If you were left behind after millions of people disappeared would there be anything you would have hoped you would have known or heard or believed?
If you hear the truth will you believe it? Do you have to see it to believe it? What would you have to see for you to believe it? Would anything that anyone could show you or tell you about that God has done in and through their lives help change your mind and save your life? The decision of receiving the gift of Jesus as your Lord and Savior will give you eternal life with God. The decision to wait or reject the gift of Jesus as your Lord and Savior will give you eternal life apart from God. Indecision is a decision that will produce the same outcome as rejection. We know that before Jesus comes back the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
So will today be your day? Will today be the day you share your faith with others because you love deeply? God loves you so much that He sent Jesus! Will you love enough to point others to Jesus?
Hindsight is 2020 so they say. So will you learn from the past or be doomed to repeat it? Will you learn through the lessons of others or will you be doomed to go through them all on your own? Will you make a decision that will determine for future for the better or the worse? Will you make time and take time to hear from God and allow Him to give you wisdom and direction today? Will you choose to receive Jesus and lock in your final destination? Don’t you want to know clearly where you are going and will end up?
The 49 week challenge has 6 days in which to notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in and 1 day to reflect on what you’re learning and to share it with others, to think back over the week’s readings, to see connections between the various passages of the week. Each day we have time to talk to God and contemplate what is being said through His Word, and even more so on the 7th day.
2020 is continuing to be in the theme of hindsight is 2020. 2020 is continuing with the previous month being in the rearview mirror. 2020 is a year like no other in my lifetime. 2020 is a year in which many are trying to use it for their own purposes and plans.
Last night was an incredible drive-in service on the topic of loving deeply! There are so many events taking place in the world that are trying to stir up bitterness and anger rather than love and hope. God’s Word from 1 Peter 3:1-11 that was shared last night spoke of how deep challenges and struggles provide opportunity for us all to love more deeply. There was a 5pm service yesterday too and there will be a 9am and 11am set of services today where people will get to hear and receive the message too. What will be your part in helping the world love more deeply? Where are you on your journey today? Finish strong!
If you are interested in getting together or sharing the information together, please let me know through the comment section below, through email, or even through text messages.
Today’s reading from God’s Word – the Bible comes to us from:
‘After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples. When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them. When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.) The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?” Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic :’ — Acts 21:1-40
‘“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ “ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. “ ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’ “ ‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.’ — Acts 22:1-30
As we look into God’s Word today’s reading connects the new with the old starting with Numbers 6:
‘The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the Lord as a Nazirite, they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. As long as they remain under their Nazirite vow, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins. “ ‘During the entire period of their Nazirite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the Lord is over; they must let their hair grow long. “ ‘Throughout the period of their dedication to the Lord , the Nazirite must not go near a dead body. Even if their own father or mother or brother or sister dies, they must not make themselves ceremonially unclean on account of them, because the symbol of their dedication to God is on their head. Throughout the period of their dedication, they are consecrated to the Lord . “ ‘If someone dies suddenly in the Nazirite’s presence, thus defiling the hair that symbolizes their dedication, they must shave their head on the seventh day—the day of their cleansing. Then on the eighth day they must bring two doves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting. The priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for the Nazirite because they sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. That same day they are to consecrate their head again. They must rededicate themselves to the Lord for the same period of dedication and must bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. The previous days do not count, because they became defiled during their period of dedication. “ ‘Now this is the law of the Nazirite when the period of their dedication is over. They are to be brought to the entrance to the tent of meeting. There they are to present their offerings to the Lord : a year-old male lamb without defect for a burnt offering, a year-old ewe lamb without defect for a sin offering, a ram without defect for a fellowship offering, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and a basket of bread made with the finest flour and without yeast—thick loaves with olive oil mixed in, and thin loaves brushed with olive oil. “ ‘The priest is to present all these before the Lord and make the sin offering and the burnt offering. He is to present the basket of unleavened bread and is to sacrifice the ram as a fellowship offering to the Lord , together with its grain offering and drink offering. “ ‘Then at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the Nazirite must shave off the hair that symbolizes their dedication. They are to take the hair and put it in the fire that is under the sacrifice of the fellowship offering. “ ‘After the Nazirite has shaved off the hair that symbolizes their dedication, the priest is to place in their hands a boiled shoulder of the ram, and one thick loaf and one thin loaf from the basket, both made without yeast. The priest shall then wave these before the Lord as a wave offering; they are holy and belong to the priest, together with the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine. “ ‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows offerings to the Lord in accordance with their dedication, in addition to whatever else they can afford. They must fulfill the vows they have made, according to the law of the Nazirite.’ ” The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”’ — Numbers 6:1-27
‘Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord : “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord ’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord . Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse among all the nations of the earth.’ ” The priests, the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the Lord . But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! Why do you prophesy in the Lord ’s name that this house will be like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted?” And all the people crowded around Jeremiah in the house of the Lord . When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they went up from the royal palace to the house of the Lord and took their places at the entrance of the New Gate of the Lord ’s house. Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man should be sentenced to death because he has prophesied against this city. You have heard it with your own ears!” Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.” Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man should not be sentenced to death! He has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.” Some of the elders of the land stepped forward and said to the entire assembly of people, “Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. He told all the people of Judah, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: “ ‘Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.’ “Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the Lord and seek his favor? And did not the Lord relent, so that he did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them? We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!” (Now Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath Jearim was another man who prophesied in the name of the Lord ; he prophesied the same things against this city and this land as Jeremiah did. When King Jehoiakim and all his officers and officials heard his words, the king was determined to put him to death. But Uriah heard of it and fled in fear to Egypt. King Jehoiakim, however, sent Elnathan son of Akbor to Egypt, along with some other men. They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him struck down with a sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people.) Furthermore, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, and so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.’ — Jeremiah 26:1-24
As day 236 begins, I would hate to miss giving the opportunity to anyone who hasn’t received Jesus into their lives as their Lord and Savior an opportunity to make the decision today and the blessing to get to live out the rest of the year in that power and that truth and that hope.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not join me in this prayer?
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do to save myself. I confess my complete helplessness to forgive my own sin or to work my way to heaven. At this moment I trust Christ alone as the One who bore my sin when He died on the cross. I believe that He did all that will ever be necessary for me to stand in your holy presence. I thank you that Christ was raised from the dead as a guarantee of my own resurrection. As best as I can, I now transfer my trust to Him. I am grateful that He has promised to receive me despite my many sins and failures. Father, I take you at your word. I thank you that I can face death now that you are my Savior. Thank you for the assurance that you will walk with me through the deep valley. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
When you think of time, how do you value it? When you think of time, you realize that we each only get 24hrs a day right? And how we spend our time during those 24hrs speaks to its value. If you think of part of your day spent working, you have found that your time has monetary value. If you think of part of your day spent with your family or friends, you have found that your time has emotional and relational value. If you think of part of your day spent with God, you have found your time has spiritual value. If you think of part of your day spent sleeping, you have found your time has rest and rejuvenation value.
Now if you ask others what your time means to them, would quantity or quality time have a higher value? If you ask your kids, it is probably quantity. If you ask others they may say both since 2 minutes of quality time vs 30 minutes of quality time, you the more quality time the better.
Ever considered how you prioritize your fixed amount of time? You only get 24hrs/day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, and a limited number of years in your life. Does the time you put aside for specific relationships and connections speak to their priority in your life? So if you consider your life priorities and compare them against how/where you spend your time, do they line up? I have heard people use a similar comparison around money. Are you putting first things first?
Do you bring God with you everywhere you go? He is going with you but are you inviting Him in to be a part of your all day? Remember how we are to be praying without ceasing? If we are able to do this then God will get 100% of our time and based on the above have top priority. So where is your highest amount of quality time being spent? Does it align with your priorities? Is someone getting your leftover time instead of your quality time? How will you choose to invest your time? Will you consider it with as much attention as you do your finances in order to be a good steward and receive a reward or a return?
Would it matter if you knew you were getting close to the end? Ever heard of people regretting the time they didn’t get to spend? Ever heard of people who when they get the news they live their life differently, they choose to live it to the full? God’s plan is for us to live life and live it to the full! The devil comes to rob, kill, and destroy where Jesus came that we could have life and life more abundantly. So how will you choose to live your today?
Hindsight is 20/20 — How is your vision for the future? Does it feel like a blur? Do you know why?
With June in the rear view mirror, let’s share our takeaways from today’s reading! Did you catch and promises to trust? Did you catch any commands to obey? Did you catch any truths to embrace? Did you catch any warnings to heed? Did you catch any encouragement to rest in? What did you learn about God? What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about the world? What verse stood out most to you today?
If you are interested in getting together or sharing the information together, please let me know through the comment section below, through email, or even through text messages.
Today’s reading from God’s Word – the Bible comes to us from:
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Do everything in love.
Is there anything you can supply for the needs of others?
Is there anything you can do to help refresh the spirit of others?
Will you bring the grace of the Lord into every time and situation?
Will you leave each situation and time giving or leaving them with grace?
Will you receive the call God has put / placed on your life?
Will you lead as a servant leader to those God gives you as followers?
Will you lead as a servant leader with God as the head?
Will you lead out of obedience to God’s purpose and plan?
Will you take hold of God’s command to leaders to be bold and courageous?
Will you take hold of God’s instruction as the leader to accomplish His purpose and plan without worry or doubt or fear but rather walking out your trust and faith in God with boldness and courage?
Will you put all your hope and trust in God who will never leave your nor abandon you?
Will you then be strong and courageous as you step up and step into what God is about to do in and through your life?
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Will you get everyone prepared or give them time to get prepared for what God is calling all of you to accomplish?
Are people in authority over you able to tell when something is wrong?
Are you bold and courageous enough to share it when they ask?
Are you prepared to give an answer to them if they ask what they can do to help or make you feel better?
Will you turn to God for wisdom and discernment into how you should respond?
Will you be bold and courageous enough to share with them what God has spoken to you?
Will you go if God calls you to go? Will you stay if God calls you to stay? Will you stand in the gap if God is looking for someone to stand in the gap?
As day 195 of 2020 begins, I would hate to miss giving the opportunity to anyone who hasn’t received Jesus into their lives as their Lord and Savior an opportunity to make the decision this early into 2020 and the blessing to get to live out the rest of 2020 in that power and that truth and that hope.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not join me in this prayer?
“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do to save myself. I confess my complete helplessness to forgive my own sin or to work my way to heaven. At this moment I trust Christ alone as the One who bore my sin when He died on the cross. I believe that He did all that will ever be necessary for me to stand in your holy presence. I thank you that Christ was raised from the dead as a guarantee of my own resurrection. As best as I can, I now transfer my trust to Him. I am grateful that He has promised to receive me despite my many sins and failures. Father, I take you at your word. I thank you that I can face death now that you are my Savior. Thank you for the assurance that you will walk with me through the deep valley. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.” —The Sinner’s Prayer
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Do you realize in a time of instant gratification, immediate response, and always on that there are still things that take time? Do you realize that when your focus is on the instant gratification that you can miss out on the longer term, more meaningful goals? Do you realize that there are things that take time and people are willing to wait for? Do you realize how instant gratification is causing people to become less patient or even impatient? Do you realize how instant gratification is causing us to lose our ability to focus? Do you realize how instant gratification is causing us to lose our connection with others? Do you realize how instant gratification is causing us to make bad decisions and even change the impressions of people on one another?
Ever heard the statement patience is a virtue? Ever considered what a virtue is? Ever considered what the Bible says about patience?
A virtue is…
God’s Word in James 5:7-8 tells us…
7Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the LORD’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the LORD’s coming is near.
So if we weigh out the pros and the cons of patience vs instant gratification, what would we find? If we are going to need time for something to be accomplished, can we speak openly and honestly about it so that we set the proper expectations? Might there be something towards that longer term goal that we can deliver in pieces so that progress is evident? Might there be something we can do to help others become more patient and less erratic or aggressive? Do you have any ideas that might or have worked for you? Ever considered sharing them with others?
We need to realize and be able to communicate that some things just take time! We need to be able to communicate a plan and a schedule to help them understand it! We need to be able to help them become ok with it both through patience as well as being able to deliver some type of visual evidence of progress over time.
With April in the rear view mirror, let’s share our takeaways from today’s reading! Did you catch and promises to trust? Did you catch any commands to obey? Did you catch any truths to embrace? Did you catch any warnings to heed? Did you catch any encouragement to rest in? What did you learn about God? What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about the world? What verse stood out most to you today?
If you are interested in getting together or sharing the information together, please let me know through the comment section below, through email, or even through text messages.
Today’s reading from God’s Word – the Bible comes to us from:
Would you rather walk in obedience of God or deal with the consequences?
How can you help those who haven’t been a part of or witnessed the trials and troubles of the past and the faithfulness of God?
Do you realize that if they don’t know or realize it that they could go it their own ways and do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord?
Is there a way for people to not forget? Is there a way that when a deliverer and a savior have been given that we can share the truth and help everyone stay connected to God?
What if the deliverer and savior were temporary like in today’s reading, is there anything that could have been done that wouldn’t have cause people to back slide?
What if the deliverer and savior was permanent like Jesus? What can we do to help people to turn back to God and stay on track?
Who will you be in God’s purpose and plan?
What calling will you accept and receive from God and accomplish in your life?
As I read the closing of today’s reading what came to my mind was Gideon and how the people were hungry and thirsting for a hero, a savior, a deliverer and would set goals that if someone could/would step up they would follow.
People are still hungering and thirsting for a deliverer and savior. People are still setting up criteria that if met they would follow. People in the midst of trials and troubles cry out to God for help.
Jesus came once for all! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! So let’s not grow weary in doing His good work and sharing the light and the truth of Jesus in the midst of this dark world!
Let’s point people back to God and to His savior and deliverer Jesus.
As day 143 of 2020 begins, I would hate to miss giving the opportunity to anyone who hasn’t received Jesus into their lives as their Lord and Savior an opportunity to make the decision this early into 2020 and the blessing to get to live out the rest of 2020 in that power and that truth and that hope.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not join me in this prayer?
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Today’s devotional that I am following is The 49-Week Challenge comes from Life.Church. For more information, please visit www.life.church — Thank you Life.Church for sharing this reading plan through Bible.com
God is rarely early. God is never late. God’s timing is perfect!
You may have a plan or think that things should happen on your schedule but is that for your glory or the glory of God? Remember we setup a plan and God directs our footsteps. God knows the beginning from the end! God’s knows the exact time, the exact circumstance, the exact response, and the exact outcome required for the exact glory that is to occur.
13“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
Take a look around! Are you willing to humble yourself? Are you willing to pray to God? Are you willing to seek the face of God? Are you willing to turn back to God?
Do you say you are a believer? Do you say that you are part of the “people, who are called by my name”? Then will you start the turning point? Will you be the start of the revival? Will you be the one to be a catalyst for the people to turn back to God? Will you be the one to be a catalyst for people to start seeking God’s face? Will you be the one to be a catalyst for people to start living humbly? Will you be the one to be a catalyst for people to start praying to the one and only true God?
If not you then who? If not now then when? If not here then where? If not for this time and situation then what? If not for the glory of God then why? If not by following God’s commands then how?
God’s Word speaks of the people becoming proud and walking away from Him. God’s Word speaks of the people becoming self-sufficient or selfish and walking away from Him. We also learn how as the people walked away and out from under the protection and cover of God the troubles they ran into. We also see the pendulum swing back when the people realize what they have done and turn back to God and cry out to Him and God’s response. We see the miracles that take place for the glory of God! So what about right here, right now, we choose to turn back and call out to God!
God’s timing is perfect! Even consider from today’s reading about Lazarus and his death! His sisters thought Jesus came too late. His sisters thought that if Jesus had come earlier He could have saved Lazarus from death. But God had a different plan to bring even greater glory to Himself by bringing Lazarus back to life even after having been in the tomb. Jesus wasn’t late! Jesus wasn’t early! Jesus showed up right on time to be able to accomplish the exact thing God desired for the glory of His kingdom, or as we read the words of Jesus:
‘When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” ‘
‘Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” ‘
So how about you? Are you willing to believe and trust in God’s timing? Are you willing to believe and trust God enough to turn back to Him in humility and pray and seek His face?
With February in the rear view mirror, let’s share our takeaways from today’s reading! Did you catch and promises to trust? Did you catch any commands to obey? Did you catch any truths to embrace? Did you catch any warnings to heed? Did you catch any encouragement to rest in? What did you learn about God? What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about the world? What verse stood out most to you today?
If you are interested in getting together or sharing the information together, please let me know through the comment section below, through email, or even through text messages.
Today’s reading from God’s Word – the Bible comes to us from:
(I have chosen to use NIV translation, but feel free to choose whichever version you feel more comfortable with)
God’s plan includes perfect timing! We need to trust God’s timing!
It’s not over till Jesus says it is over! Jesus needed to teach His disciples! Jesus needed to teach Mary and Martha. Jesus knew what He was doing! What is it we need to learn?
Jesus even knew the time and the place where He would give up His life for our sake.
Jesus even knew that He would conquer the grave and as such break the chains of death on our lives too!
Jesus is the resurrection and the life! Jesus is the messiah!
Jesus is deeply moved when we are in pain and sorrow!
Jesus loves us so much that He would give up His life for us!
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life!
What do you fear more? Do you fear man or fear God?
God’s Spirit is able to speak through man to tell and speak of what is yet to come:
‘He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. ‘
There is a reason and a season for each time to be giving God the praise, the honor, and the glory
We need to return to God as we hear in today’s reading:
‘At the king’s command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials, which read: “People of Israel, return to the Lord , the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your parents and your fellow Israelites, who were unfaithful to the Lord , the God of their ancestors, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord . Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. If you return to the Lord , then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” ‘
Let’s not allow our integrity to be tarnished because of suffering we must endure!
Jesus was willing to show His love for us by suffering and enduring the cross for us, to make a way when there didn’t seem to be a way for us to be reconciled to God!
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death– even death on a cross!
Let’s walk in humility! Let’s walk in obedience! Let’s live out lives of integrity! Let’s not stop the good work we are doing that God has prepared in advance for us to accomplish! Let’s consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds! Let’s take hope when we face troubles of this world because we know that Jesus has overcome the world!
As day 76 of 2020 begins, I would hate to miss giving the opportunity to anyone who hasn’t received Jesus into their lives as their Lord and Savior an opportunity to make the decision this early into 2020 and the blessing to get to live out the rest of 2020 in that power and that truth and that hope.
If you would like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not join me in this prayer?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 
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