Holiday stress

It is so easy to get stressed out over things, especially in this time of year on a normal year when you are going over when and how are you celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years? How you are getting to the places you want to celebrate each of those Holidays and where you will stay when you get there? This year we have upped the stakes a little. On top of the normal holiday stuff and work, we have been trying to refinance our house for almost three months and on the day before Thanksgiving my Nine-month pregnant wife gets in a car accident and the car gets totaled. 

Our second child has a due date of the 26th and we don’t know if we are going to be able to celebrate much. To culminate everything some of the money we were going to use to refinance the house we found out that it may take longer to get and that our time frame for the loan in quickly closing. When I find our that our information shows they received my stuff on a date and that the person I talked to said that they have not received anything and are not paying us until they have this from us. I got very stressed and said things i shouldn’t have.

I get home pull together all the information we have to verify that we are doing what we should and have proof that we sent off what we need (at this time I'm fuming and rushing around like a bull). When I get a little reminder from my wife God has us, He loves us and wants to take care of us always. He has provided so many things to us and has blessed us more then we could know. There are so many things that he has protected us from without us even knowing that wee need it. 

In this last couple weeks I been finding it hard to spend time with God and in his word. I want to encourage you to seek God even when everything is going good and when it goes sideways. Jeremiah 12:5a says, “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses?” and a great pastor from Fresh Life Church in Montana put it this way “We need to prepare for the trials we are not yet in.” Yes I flipped out a little when I heard that because of things getting lost or misplaced I may not be able to refinance my house when I though I was. My wife and I are a great team when I'm freaking out she is my rock pointing back to God and there are times when the roles are reversed and I get to be the rock. 

Father I thank you for all that you give to me and provide for us each and every day, work, family and friends. I am thankful that you send your help in all its forms. As the normal stresses of the holidays get to people help us to love our neighbors and spread your love. 

November 30, 2016 Watchmen are you out there?

Reading: 1 Timothy 2, Ezekiel 33-34 and Psalm 114

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:1-6, The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.

Observation: As I was going though the reading this entire section stuck out at me. I have always had a hard time speaking to people face to face about God. I speak worse then I write. The idea that God not only watches what we do but also what we don’t do. Yes we are saved by the grace given to us by Christ Jesus but we do have a responsibility to call others. 

Application: Ezekiel said that if we share the knowledge we have been given with others and they choose not to change then its on them but is we keep it to our selves then their blood is on our hands. God desires all to be saved and come to know the great gift of God though his son Jesus. We are to be his watchmen, we have the knowledge that God has forgiven us and that he has a place for us in Heaven. Penn Jillette a devout atheist had this to say after a man gave him a Bible, “If you believe in heaven and hell or eternal life, how much do you have to hate someone to not share it with them.” We have been called to love this world to God though sharing the knowledge we have and to great gift of salvation. 

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful I stand amazed by your love and grace extended to me and I'm blown away that you can have that for everyone. I thank you that you have given us that grace, I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you give us each day. I ask that you help me to open my mouth to those who need to hear your love and your greatness. help me to be a light at my work and to those around me.

November 28, 2016 Where is your Joy now??

Reading: Philippians 4, Danial 1-2 and Psalm 137

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, 12, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 

Observation: It is hard to rejoice and find the joy when things are going sideways. This last week here in the USA we celebrated Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving was started as a way to each year to remember the prosperity or even just making it though the last year. In this last couple weeks I have been going though some rough times with work scheduling stuff, my pregnant wife having a car accident, the holiday and finding part of my fence knocked down from a wind storm. In this it would be easy to just throw my hands in the air, scream hell and curse. Looking at my life in comparison to Paul and what he has gone though and was able to find joy. 

Application: Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians from prison and not a nice cushy American prison. Everything he knew and had from being a roman and a Pharisee had been taken from him and he was thrown into a prison that was most likely no more then a hole in the ground. In all these situations I have been trying to see God in them. God has protected my wife and unborn son, we had been talking about what we were going to do being that our family was getting ready to our grow our car no matter if the insurance company totals or repairs it we know that its the way it’s meant to be. God’s provision for us each day is so amazing he not only gives us the things we need just to live but he also shows his loving kindness to us each day. We all need to open our eyes and ears to the joy of the Lord.

Prayer: Father I stand in awe of your great power and love for me. You have the power to do any and all things and you choose to love me. I thank you for your love and provisions you pour out on us each day providing the things we need and the blessings you have for us. I ask you to help us to see the Joy you have for us even in the mist of a trial that if we relied on our own understanding and strength we would fall on our face. I thank you Lord for all you have done. 

November 14, 2016 Its not my fault I was raised this way.

Reading: Galatians 2, Ezekiel 17-18 and Psalm 20

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:20, The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

Observation: Lately I have been struggling with my anger more. I get snippy and will pour gas one the fire of my anger until I and yelling at the ones I love the most. I struggle with calming down in the most of the situation. Once I have finished with what ever rant I was on I can drop it. I have for most of my life have blamed my father for teaching me how to have this reaction. In some ways I think I was one of his best students. As I intellectually want to change and be a better husband and father I allow my emotions to remain unchecked and volatile. 

Application: This scripture spoke to me in that back in the day and it has crept into some churches today, the thought that we inherit our fathers sin. Inheriting sin is why many of the churches who practice infant baptism do so. This scripture in the Old Testament tells us even though sin entered into the wold through one man Adam we are not going to die because of his sin we have inherited a sin nature. As much as I blame my father for making me someone who can’t control his temper and be a volatile man God said that the son will not suffer his father’s iniquities and the father will not suffer the son’s. The opposite is true as well we can not skate by on the righteousness of our parents or grandparents. We are responsible for our own actions. 

Prayer: Father I love you and stand in awe and wonder on how you can love me even though I fail so spectacularly. I thank you for each and every day I get to wake up and enjoy your creation and the family you have given me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you give us each and every day. I as that you help me and any one else who is like me to stop blaming others and help us to learn what are our triggers and how to defuse them before they blow. 

November 7, 2016 Tearing down nations!!!!

Reading: Romans 11 and Jeremiah 51

Scripture: Jeremiah 51:20-23, "You are my hammer and weapon of war: with you I break nations in pieces; with you I destroy kingdoms; with you I break in pieces the horse and his rider; with you I break in pieces the chariot and the charioteer; with you I break in pieces man and woman; with you I break in pieces the old man and the youth; with you I break in pieces the young man and the young woman; with you I break in pieces the shepherd and his flock; with you I break in pieces the farmer and his team; with you I break in pieces governors and commanders.

Observation: Today is the eve of Election day in the United States of America as proud of being a citizen here as I as I am. I am also so ashamed of what the election seasons have become. Jeremiah may have been talking to the nation of Israel after they had been taken away into Babylon but the Living Word of God speaks to us as well. 

Application: Here we all are called hammers and weapons of war. A hammer is a tool used for building and creating but it can also be weald as a weapon. Here in the USA we are the hands and tools in the government more then in many other nations being we get to vote. If we want God in our government and have Godly people in government we have to do the work. We have to be involved no matter who we vote for we need to pray and consider all the options and vote, not just on the big stuff but vote on all the position and all the issues. With all Christians rising up and voting for what God has placed on their hearts we will not see a change. Pray for our leaders and our country.

Prayer: Father I stand in awe of you and how you can rase up nations and cause them to fall. I thank you each day that your provide all our needs and many of our wants in your great blessings. You are so amazing and I thank you for all you have done. I ask that your will be done, open the hearts of those who are to vote in the next couple days and help them to see the way you want them to vote. I ask you to work on the hearts of whomever it is that will be elected in each position. Place a proper fear of you in their hearts and bring them Godly council. 

November 3, 2016 Feed the wolves!!!

Scripture: Romans 7:19-20, For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 

Observation: I can so relate to Paul on this one My heart and spirit want to do good and be kind to those around me like my family and coworkers and even those I interact with on a daily basis. With all my good intentions to be good and kind I have a great ability to be a jerk and think if only myself. Even though I she would not my wife has stories of times I have been a jerk.

Application: Paul is telling us about our two natures here first is the nature to follow after God and be love and to love as he loves. The second is our sinful fallen nature that we got though the fall of man. These natures are apposing forces we can look at them as wolves chained together but trying to go two different directions and you get to choose witch one is going to win by witch one you feed. You can feed the wolf that represents your relationship with God or you can feed the one that represents the sinful nature and chasing after the things of this world. The choice is yours do you pour good things into your heart and soul and seek after God or do you chase after the things that are of this world. 

Prayer: Father I stand in awe of your love and patience you have with me as I sometimes feed the wolf of this world. I thank you for sending your son to die on the cross and offer us the gift of forgiveness and a personal relationship with you. I thank you for the provisions you give us each day and the blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask that you help convict us when we are looking to feed the wrong wolf and help us to want to and enjoy feeding our relationship with you Lord. 

November 1, 2016 I don't know about that other guy!!

Reading: Romans 5, Jeremiah 21, 24 & 27 and Psalm 33

Scripture: Romans 5: 19, For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 

Observation: This is a great reminder that there are times where I forget or don’t think about how much Jesus did. Sure I remember that he died for my sins and that you can be saved too. Some times we forget that the true magnitude of what Jesus did. Just as the fall of man into a sinful nature though Adam and Eve eating of the fruit that they were told not to. 

Application: Being that we are living in a fallen world and in a day and age where distractions are so prevalent as well as the sin if selfishness, I have found myself knowing I am saved but thinking “I don’t know about that guy over there.” Paul was sharing in this letter to the Romans that just as the one act caused the world to become fallen the one act of obedience offered redemption and righteousness to the world. Romans says that many will be made righteous and we are covered by Christ’s righteousness.

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful and I thank you for sending your son and his Obedience that allows us to be covered by grace and righteousness. I also thank you for the provisions and blessings you have for us each and every day. I ask you help us to open our eyes and ears to how to live in the righteousness that you offer us though your son. 

October 31, 2016 I can do it!!!!!!!

Reading: Romans 4 and Jeremiah 48-49

Scripture: Romans 4:2-3, For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."

Observation: I have had times in the past where I though that because I was better then that guy and I at least believed in God and I didn’t do the don’ts and did some of the dos, that I would go to heaven. I also spent time thinking like many Americans if my good stuff out weights my bad stuff I will make it into heaven. 

Application: Paul here was talking about how in Geniuses when God called Abraham and promised him these blessings, God didn’t say you have to do all these things to get them he just had to believe and they were his. Salvation Is a Gift from God and as a gift you cant earn it because then it becomes your wage and it is due to you. The blessings that God has for us all we can do is accept them. Therefore our salvation and blessings from God are given to us freely all we have to do is receive them and live the life we are called to. 

Prayer: Father I stand in awe of your great love and the offer to take care of us each and every day. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out on us and the opportunities you give us each day. I ask that you help us to see your love and not fall into the thought that I can earn my way into heaven 

October 26, 2016 Burning fire shut up in my bones

Reading: Acts 27, Jeremiah 19-20 and Psalm 146

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:9, If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

Observation: The thing that caught my attention with this passage was "there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones.” I have been burned on my skin and had heartburn but the idea of a fire in my bones sounds excruciating and makes me think of Wolverine having the Adamantium infused into his bones (Geek Flag). It seems like the pain that Jeremiah would feel when he would try to hold in God’s word for the people would be worse then anything I have ever experienced. 

Application: As this sounds like it could have been a physical pain to keep him sharing the news that if they would not straiten up and fly strait there would be death and destruction. Today we have the Holy Spirit in us to convict us and let us know that we are to be sharing the Gospel with those around us. We are blessed that this conviction is not physically painful but we are not sharing a bad news. We are to be sharing the Gospel and that means Good News. I believe that this conviction will come in different forms for some it’s the calling to missions some it’s the calling into paid ministry but for most of us it is a calling to share our story of what God and Jesus did for us and how we change. 

Prayer: Father I love you and I stand humbly before you. I thank you for the gift of your Son and his death on the cross. I also thank you for the provision and blessings you give us each day. I ask you to help us to act upon the callings we have on our lives and to not allow ourselves get to the point where we need a fire in our bones but give us a fire in our soul to reach the world. 

October 25, 2016 I am such a Lump of clay

Reading: Acts 26 and Jeremiah 17-18

Scripture: Jeremiah 18:3-4, So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

Observation: I have many times felt like vessel that was spoiled that I was not worth anything. I also have had times where I have thought there was no repairing the damage I did to relationships or my walk with God. 

Application: This passage is a great reminder to me that we are all clay and we are all still a work in progress. Continuing with the analogy of pottery I feel like we as the pot are not going to be fired into our permeant shape until we get to heaven, we are going to be continually broken down reformed and reshaped by God (the potter). Just after our passage today in verse 7-8 God said that he can tear down nations and build then up, just like he can with us as lumps of clay. 

Prayer: Father I stand in awe of your great power, you have the power tear down and build up not only things in my life but in the nations of the wold. I thank you that even though you can see and control all that you love and are concerned with me. I thank you for the provisions and blessing you have for us each and every day. Lord I ask you to tear down anything my my life that is not edifying you and build up and repair any damage I have don’t to the masterpiece that you are creating in each of us. 

October 24, 2016 Delivered and Redeemed

Reading: Acts 25, Jeremiah 15-16 and Psalm 10

Scripture: Jeremiah 15:21, I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless."

Observation: It is interesting to me that so many people look at the God of the Old Testament and think He is this wrathful god who is only here to smite me when I mess up. Many people think that is who God is, like Zeus of Greek mythology he is just sitting in heaven waiting for us to mess up so he can throw a lighting bolt at us. 

Application: That is not so God has always been a God of justice and love, just before the passage I chose today God was telling Jeremiah about the punishment he was going to pour out on Israel if they didn’t shape up. He also told them that he would deliver them and redeem them. Back then the system they had was the mosaic law and sacrifices, today God is still the God of justice and love but he sent Jesus Christ to come and pay the price. we don’t have to do anything but accept the love and gift of salvation. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for sending your son to be the payment and to be a picture of you that we could see what it is to follow you. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you give us each day. I ask that we look at you with eyes to see and ears to hear and no longer see the anger of the old testament and but the love that you are. 

October 20, 2016 Imprisonment and Affliction

Reading: Acts 20 and Jeremiah 5-6

Scripture:Acts 20:22-23, And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Observation: I remember when the thoughts about coming to Christ and becoming a Christian was more about getting God to be this great piggy bank in the sky. Everything was going to be great, sunshine and roses they say but this is a warning not just to Paul but to us as well. 

Application: Jesus had said, “They will hate you because they hated me first.” There are going to be trials and tribulations just because we are Christians, just as Paul was  saying that imprisonment awaited him and God had a plan for that imprisonment God has a plan that will use the trials for good. I also want to be clear God does not cause the bad things to happen, the are a product of living in a fallen world and having the evil one against us, God just repurposes these bad things to help us grow closer to him and give another microphone to speak into others lives.

Prayer: Father I think you for all you have done, for us giving us your son as a payment for my sins. I think you for the blessings and provisions you have for us. I ask you to help us to see your great love properly, not as the great bank of God but as a God of love that takes care of us even though we screw up. 

October 18, 2016 I'm such a whore.

Reading: Acts 19 and Jeremiah 3-4

Scripture: Jeremiah 3:1, “If a man divorces his wife and she goes from him and becomes another man's wife, will he return to her? Would not that land be greatly polluted? You have played the whore with many lovers; and would you return to me?declares the Lord.

Observation: This is a bit of a punch to the gut for me in that there are still things in my life that I struggle with like lust, pride and anger just to name a few. As much as I love the Lord and seek to go deeper with my relationship with him, I feel like I'm a whore chasing after things that I shouldn’t. Sure Jeremiah was speaking at the time to Israel and Judah and their running after other gods but it is still a good reminder that we need to be careful to not chase after other gods ourself.

Application: I am thankful that later in verse 12 God tells Jeremiah to “Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, "'Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever.” When I let some of the things I struggle with get a hold on me I start having the thoughts of inadequacies and not being enough but we all need to remember no matter what we have done he calls us back we need to turn from what we were doing and come back to him. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for you mercies and grace you pour out on us each day. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you give us each day. I ask that you help us to open our eyes and ears to where we are whoring and help us to turn back to you. 

October 17, 2016 What are you wearing?

Reading: Acts 18 and Jeremiah 1-2

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:17-18, But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. 

Observation: The Job I have I wear a uniform I get up every morning and put this uniform so I am ready for my job here God is telling Jeremiah to get ready for is work. I know that there have been many times where I have gotten up and gotten ready for my earthly job but I neglect to get myself ready for God’s work.

Application: Not only is this passage saying to get ready and to me that is putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6), put on the belt, the sandals, the breast plate, and helmet then take up the shield and the sword. We are called to be ready for out work and our job from God is warrior. Daily prepare yourself for battle for the evil one will attack you. But this passage goes on to says he will make us a fortified city with his power standing behind us we will stand against anything the evil one brings against us.

Prayer: Father I thank you that you are here to back us up and have our back even though we don’t deserve it. I thank you for sending your son to pay the price for us. I thank you the provisions and blessings you give me each day. I ask you to help me to understand and remember to daily put on your armor and prepare for your work. 

October 16, 2016 Waiting on the Lord

Reading: Acts 17 and Zephaniah 1-3 

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:8, "Therefore wait for me," declares the Lord, "for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.

Observation: I have been struggling with waiting on God, waiting for things to happen, waiting on provisions that I thought would come and wondering if he was there. It is easy to allow my head and the evil one to get me distracted and start thinking that God is too busy for me or I'm not worth his time. How often to we all let fear and doubt into our lives letting to evil one get a foothold. 

Application: To me the first portion of verse 8 was a reminder that its all in God’s timing not ours, as much as I think I know what timing is better he has proven I am just a fool. The second half of the verse reminds me that he is the one assembling the nations as followers of Christ we are a Kingdom above all other nations and kingdoms, being that one day God is going to pour out the anger, jealousy and indignation out we need to be praying from our nations, our leaders, and in the case of the United States pray for the voters who are going to elect the next leader of our country. On a morning show I listen to called The Wally Shop on Way FM they had mentioned at one of their church services their pastor two questions first was “What is more effective Praying or complaining?” and the second was “What do you do more?” Lets Pray more and complain less.

Prayer: Father I love you and stand in awe of your great power. You are so wonderful and I thank you for everything you have given me; Family, friends, work and the strength to cary on each day. I know you give me everything I need and sometimes even bless me with things I want. I thank you for all you do for me each and every day.  I ask you to help us to be open to hear your small voice speaking to us in your word and the patience to wait on you. 

Struggles and peace

Lately I have found myself under attack, not so much in the physical would but in the spiritual warfare of a Warrior of Christ. I know I have not been doing well with my writing of my journals and if you are a normal reader of mine I thank you for continuing to stick with me and if you have just stumbled upon this I play that God will touch you and help you to grow deeper in your relation ship with him. 

Over the last few months I have started a new job and spent that time working with a very negative person in witch being around that I was drug down into his negativity. He as sense moved on to work elsewhere and the work environment has changed and now I’m being trained for on other work that I should have been learning all along and we are searching for someone to fill the vacancy in our crew. On top of all that my wife and I are expecting our second child and our first has hit the tantrum toddler phase and this last week we all got a little sick. 

In all the struggles and trying times I have gone though I noticed that instead of holding tighter to God’s love and promises, I said to myself without knowing it “I can handle this on my own or with my family by my side” by letting my Bible reading and Journaling fall to the back burner and not making a point to truly spend time with God and in his word. Yes we went to church I was still teaching 5th and 6th graders in the kids ministry and I would still sometimes get in my reading but I had lost my focus on God. 

I am grateful that God always wants to be blessing us and taking care of us even when we stick our foot in our mouths or any other analogy of being stupid you want to use. Yesterday I went and helped out at my church’s men’s breakfast and our mens pastor was talking about John 15:2-7 and abiding in the Lord. during the discussion our Pastor challenged the men present and I challenge you, each day before you spend time in the word ask the Holy Spirit to reveal something to you, once you have read and something has been revealed to you write that scripture on a sticky note or your arm, hand, or what ever you have that will give you a reminder seeing it and meditate on that passage. The term meditate in biblical times meant to mutter or speak so when we are taking this time to mutter these words that The Holy Spirit has placed on our hearts we will find deeper meanings because God’s word is alive. 

Though out this process of thinking I can stand on my how and having God’s word come and smack me up side the head though the teachings and discussions at a men’s breakfast God has granted me a peace that I still don’t understand but am always grateful for. 

October 10, 2016 Who's got my back?!?!?!

Reading: Acts 11, Isaiah 65-66 and Psalm 124

Scripture: Psalm 124:2-4,  if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;

Observation: This was a great reminder to me about God being on our side, as I have struggled with things he has always given me the strength to make it though what ever it was. If its giving me the energy to do something when i have not slept well and I'm tired or if its getting up and speaking to groups of people (by the way that scares the snot out of me). 

Application: Having the reminder that God is on my side and will work all things for good and his glory is a great comfort. Its not saying that it will be easy or you wont have pain. Pain and things being hard are a product of living in a fallen world. The comedian Mark Lowry described life as a series of emotions, a mountain after a valley. There will always be a struggle or a trial but God will use those mountains and valleys to teach us something but he is with us to help up though those times. 

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful and I stand before you in awe seeking to honor you. I thank you for all the provision you give us each day and thank you for the blessings you pour out on us as well. I ask that you help us to remember that you are always with us and watching over us. 

October 5, 2016 Its all in the past or is it the future????

Reading: Acts 5, Isaiah 52-53 and Psalm 102

Scripture: Isaiah 53:5, But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Observation: The first thing that came to mind as I read this passage was this is cool, the profit Isaiah was predicting the death of Jesus and telling everyone who would listen to him that there would be one who would take our punishments for us. Then as I came pack to the passage after finishing my reading I realized that it was written in the past tense. 

Application: Isaiah was prophesying about the future in the past tense, at first I was like thats right its all in the past why wouldn't he write or speak it that way. But then I had a though why would he predict something in the past tense? Not only is this a reminder that God is timeless and he can give future events to a profit in a past tense. Then what came to me as I thought about it was when Jesus gave us the authority to do as he did and greater and having the faith to move those mountains can manifest like Isaiah’s faith and prophecies did. In my prayer life the way I pray has been changing a little at a time. I have stopped asking for money making it though each month, but now I thank him every day that he provides what we need and continues to bless us with thinks we didn’t know we needed or with things we wanted. Are you seeking and trying to ask for help or are you thanking him for what he is providing and finding contentment and joy.

Prayer: Father I love you so much and stand in awe of you for another day. I thank you for this day and the provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask that you help us to see your provisions and blessings in our lives as we seek your will in our lives. 

October 4, 2016 Who's plan is it?

Reading: Acts 5, Isaiah 50-51 and Psalm 58 

Scripture: Acts 5:38-39, So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!

Observation: I don’t know how many times I though I was doing the right thing and was trying to push forward with my plan to later find that if I had completed my plan I would have completely failed or been hurt. Not only had God protected the disciples by putting a fear of him on these leaders he also kept the leaders from further sinning by killing the disciples. 

Application: It is great to think that if a plan you are putting together is from God then nothing will stand in the way of it and it will succeed and that the plans not of him will fail but it does not mean that no matter what happens God and the Holy Spirit is teaching us though the process. I know that I learn more from failing then succeeding. God will use any situation in our lives to teach us the lessons we need to learn. No matter if its failure, success, pain or joy it will all teach us something in that situation. Listen to what God has for you to learn.

Prayer: Father I thank you for everything you have for us, the blessing and the provisions. I ask you to open my mind to the lesson you have to teach me each and every day. 

September 30, 2016 Where are you God??????

Reading: Acts 1, Isaiah 42-43 and Psalm 82

Scripture: Isaiah 43:2, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Observation: Just the other day I was listening to something and they were saying that life is a cycle we in one of three phases; 1) heading into a trial 2) in the trial 3) coming out of a trial. Within two of these phases it is easy to forget or have forgotten our walk with God or think he is not around. 

Application: This passage from Isaiah for me is a great reminder that God is always with me in the rough time and when things look good. when things are looking good and we are focusing more on something else that is when we are heading into the trial. Once in the trial we have this tendency to forget God or ask where he is in all this. Finally we see God in the coming out of that fire. we need to remember that he is with us always.

Prayer: Father I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you give us each day and that you walk with us each and every day. I ask that you help us to see you with us each day as things are good or tough help us to know and remember you are there.

September 29, 2016 What there is more???

Reading: John 21 and Isaiah 40-41

Scripture: John 21:25, Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Observation: I know from time to time I can be closed minded and think that Jesus only did what was in the bible. I am glad that many of the miracles and teachings we talked about in multiple gospels to help us see the infallibility of the word of God. 

Application: But to think that during the 3 years of ministry and healings, there are about 30 different healings recorded in the gospels but to think what with the love of the father he had those were the only ones he did would be ridiculous. I know that I don’t love half as well as Jesus did or have half the faith he did, I know that I would I would want to do more then that, and I’m sure Jesus healed much more then those who have their accounts in the Bible. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for all that you have done and the reminder that all things are possible thorough your son. I thank you for the provision and blessings you have for us. I ask that you help is to discern the true stories of Christ but know that He is more then just the words on a page. 

September 28, 2016 Am I forgetting something??????

Reading: John 20, 2 Kings 20, Isaiah 38-39 and Psalm 134

Scripture: Psalm 134, Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!

Observation: This short little Psalm jumped out at me because, that so often I get wrapped up in me and my own life and work. How often do we forget to worship and lift our hands and hearts to him when not at church. 

Application: Some times I think that we just need that reminder that its OK and good to spend time worshiping God. It is written to sing a new song and make a joyful noise. It does not matter if you can sing or know worship music you can worship by doing what you do for God and in doing it for him you will show that he hold a high enough place in your life and is worthy of all that we have to offer, even if its singing a made up song off key and without rhythm. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for another day to worship and praise you for all you have done in our lives. I thank you for the blessings and provision you give us each day. I ask you help us to open our selves up to constant worship though all that we do. 

September 26, 2016 Me Me Me Pick Me

Reading: John 18 and Isaiah 36-37

Scripture: John 18:6, When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Observation: It is interesting to look at some of the little things mentioned in the word. Today the thing that jumped out at me was that when Jesus first told them he was the one they were searching for that everyone fell down. These men were not falling down because of an earth quake or a reverence for Jesus as a teacher or son of God. I think it was because he used the same phrasing that God did when he spoke to Moses though the burning push “I am”  

Application: Jesus has the authority and power to make us all fall to our knees and worship him, but what I love is that he does not force(demand) us to like so many other gods of the world do. We are given the choice to accept his love, grace, forgiveness, and being adopted into his family. I have seen many hart warming video where children are gifting their adoptions to the father who has been there and asking them to legally be their father. God is a father who wants to take care of us, he loves us no matter how much we don’t love him back. When we get to that point to recognizing what he has done for us and we want him to be our father all we need to do is had him the adoption papers and he will sign them with the highest authority and we are fellow heirs with Christ 

Prayer: Father I thank you so much for bringing me into your family and loving me in ways I didn’t know possible. I thank your the provisions and blessings that you pour out on us each day. It is amazing to see the authority you give us as followers and heirs I ask you to help us to see your love in our lives and share what you have done for us with the world around us.  

September 21, 2016 I'm soo Happy?!?!?!?!

Reading: John 13, Isaiah 33-34 and Psalm 4

Scripture: Psalm 4:7, You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Observation: This passage just jumped out at me today. I was thinking that in todays world we don’t always have the right definition of joy, we will have the view that joy is being happy and not having troubles. The biblical definition of joy is more of a peace and contentment in the situation.

Application: Having the joy of the Lord will breed the peace and contentment in your life. David who write this Psalm new the Joy of the Lord and understood what it brought him. We so often place money and things in the category of things that make happy and that happiness it what brings joy. We have to try to just like David finding the joy of the Lord even when he was hiding in the caves from Saul who was hunting him. That is why I think David write this line this way. God gave him more joy in this time of hiding and having nothing then when he was living with Saul and commanding his armies. 

Prayer: Father I thank you so much for the joy that you give us each and every day. I stand in awe of how you provide for every need we have and even bless us with things we want or even never knew that we wanted. I ask that you help us to see that joy you give us and dwell in the joy that can only come from you. 

September 19, 2016 I only want to hear the Good stuff!!!

Reading: John 11 and Isaiah 29-30

Scripture:Isaiah 30:10, who say to the seers, "Do not see,” and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,

Observation: I feel that the world and even at times myself, I don’t want to hear a prophesy about things that I need to change I want to hear nice sounding and fun up lifting things. Back in the day God spoke though the prophets to warn his people if they continued on this path he would allow thing to happen. 

Application: Also his Prophets would be council to the kings in time of war so they would know if God was with them and if they would win. We are blessed to know that we have already won the war but we still have to fight all the battles. Within each of those battles God is speaking to us though his Holy Spirit and others. My first experience with someone prophesying over me was early in my marriage and we were looking at filing bankruptcy to take care of some stuff that should not have my name on it but there was also this mission trip to Mexico that I was slightly interested in. I had my mind set on doing the bankruptcy but during this prayer by people who had never met me before they said, “The money is not going where you think it is going” and later another couple said “they see us traveling” and with those two things from people who knew and still don’t know anything about me God spoke and told me to go to Mexico. Those trips I have taken opened my eyes and heart to a whole new world that I would have never known.

Prayer: Father I thank you that you speak to us through your Holy Spirit and others. I thank you of the provisions and blessings that you have for us each day. I ask that you open our ears to hear you and to speak your love and wisdom into the lives of those around us. 

September 18, 2016 Where am I going and how do I get there????

Reading: John 10 and Isaiah 26-28

Scripture: John 10:24-25, So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me,

Observation: I don’t know how many times I have just wanted God to show me something plainly. I have so many times thought that knowing God’s plan and path for my life would make it easier. Just like when I was a pizza delivery driver I would look at the maps I had and plan how I would go to deliver all the pizzas I had. We are blessed to know that Jesus in the Christ and he is our way to heaven. 

Application: When looking for a path or a map of my life thinking I need to know each step of how I'm getting from point A to point B. It’s hard to not know where I'm going, I heard God telling me to go back to school so I got a Bachelors degree from a Bible Collage. Now I'm sitting and serving the best I can feeling like I'm not doing much with my schooling. There is a passage and example that made lots of sense to me. The passage is Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The example and illustration was taking an oil lamp like the ones they used back in biblical times and stepping out into side on a night where there are no other lights. I love going camping and I love going out into a field and seeing all the start that I can’t see in town. But when you step out with that oil lamp there is only enough light for you to step securely onto your next step. God’s word is like that oil lamp is will give you your next step, it’s not a flood light to illuminate the entire path.  

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, I thank you for the path you have for me and the direction you have for my life even though I may not be able to see as much as I would like. I thank you for the blessings and provisions you pour out on us each and every day. I ask you to help us be content with only knowing the next step and not the whole trail. 

September 16, 2016 Look at me Look at MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Reading: John 8 and Isaiah 22-23

Scripture: John 8:50, Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.

Observation: Being this topic has come up a couple time I think this is something I need to focus on and work on not glorifying myself. Here we have the Jews in the temple where Jesus is teaching, again claiming that he is or has a demon. When he states that, “He does not want his glory” he is saying why would a demon give God glory and not look for it for themselves. 

Application: I think the simplest way to look at this is we are to walk about praising God and giving him worship and honor, and not going about, Look at me look at me, I am the greatest at XY and Z. We can take a complement for something we did, we don’t have to deflect it to God. As we honor, worship and give glory to God it will be unmistakable where look to.

Prayer: Father You are wonderful and worthy of all honor and praise. I stand in awe that you have given me another day to see down. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you have given us today and will continue to pour out on us each day. I ask that you help us to always give glory to you and seek you. 

September 15, 2016 You must respect my Authority!!!!!

Reading: John 7, Isaiah 20-21 and Psalm 32

Scripture: John 7:18, The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

Observation: How often do we puff up our own authority or speak badly of others to put ourselves in better light? I know that at most companies that I have worked for this is second nature to almost everyone. I am of a generation that almost everyone in it thinks the wold owes them something and they don’t have to work for it, the generation behind us it’s looking worse not only does it appear they think the world owes them everything they also don’t want to do anything and get paid big money for it. 

Application: So I think to seek the glory of the one who sends us is to do what Jesus would do in those situation. He was always pointing to the father and he would do what needed to be done. As cliche and 1990’s as it is “What Would Jesus Do?” is the best way to keep yourself from seeking your own glory and seeking to glorify the one who sends us.

Prayer: Father I thank you for coming and saving my life and bringing me into your family. I continually stand in awe of your creation and the wonderful mornings and days we have. I thank you for the provisions you give us each day and the blessings you pour out on us though we don’t deserve them. I ask you to help us to see of we are seeking your glory or our own and help us to make the adjustments to seek yours more. 

September 14, 2016 How did we get here again??

Reading: John 6 and Isaiah 18-19

Scripture: John 6:21, Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

Observation: The reason that this popped out at me today was the use of immediately, there are other gospel accounts where the author used it as a “and then” with urgency but not literally the next second. I believe that as Jesus entered the boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee that they were immediately moved to the shore where they were headed. 

Application: To me today this spoke to me as a reminder that God’s timing is not ours. Normally we us that fraise when we are not seeing a answered prayer when we are expecting it, but I think there are times that like in this story that God answered a prayer that our soul made in the groaning that the Holy Spirit interprets and takes to Heaven. God is so mindful of us that he will pour blessings out on us and I think that could include doing things for us just to make things easier or getting something done faster or even seeming to get somewhere early when there is no way that we though we would make it on time. Just remember as frustrating as it can be to wait on something God’s timing is so much better.

Prayer: Father I thank you so much for all the blessings and provisions you give us each day. Open our eyes to the answered prayers so we can see your promises that have come to pass and know that you are faithful to do what you have said. 

September 13, 2016 What kind of Question is that?!?!?!?

Reading:John 5 and Isaiah 15-17

Scripture: John 5:6, When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?"

Observation: The first though I had when reading this was there something in my life that I’m being asked if I want to be healed from. Of course as aging humans we develop aches and pains, and we get sick or tired from work, and we all want to be made better from that. I was thinking something deeper, something we keep from most people if not everyone. I need healing and have the chains of lust broken in my life.

Application: When Jesus came to this man who has been lame 38 years (longer then I have been alive), he didn’t dust heal him he asked if he wanted to be healed. At times I feel like we pick up our chains and infirmities after God has healed us. Around me I know there are people who are legitimately homeless and cant find work and are doing anything to survive, but I also have seen and heard stories of people acting homeless to just get free money and not pay taxes. Are we pretending to be crippled to get something? Are we picking up our chains again? Are we truly wanting to be healed and made whole so we can share what God has done for us.

Prayer: Father you are so amazing, each day is another that blessing to awake to. I thank you for setting me free from my bondage even thought old habits creep in and I pick up those chains again. I thank you for your provisions each day and blessings that you pour out on us. I ask for help to continually lay down my chain and not pick them up again. 

September 12, 2016 I have to do WHAT?!?!?!?!

Reading: John 4 and Isaiah 13-14

Scripture: John 4:3-4, He left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria.

Observation: I know that for the longest time when this passage said that Jesus had to go though Samaria on his way to Galilee I figured that it was a geographical thing like saying this town is between and my destination so I have to go though it. As I have spent more time in the word and listening to the Holy Spirit I discovered its less about Geography and more about calling. In those days even though it would add several days to their travels Jews would make a point to not even set food in the aria of Samaria.

Application: Even this well traveled roads that would circumvent Samaria, it said he had to go though Samaria. This was I believe the urgings of the Holy Spirit, Jesus being the first to have the Holy Spirit within him. When you listen to the Holy Spirit great things will happen just like the story what appears to be a large portion of this town received the good new because Jesus listened and acted on the Holy Spirit’s urgings. As we spend more time in the word and become more failure with voice of God though the Holy Spirit the easier it will be to hear and act on the urgings.

Prayer: Father I thank you for all that you have done. You provide all we need and some times things we want. I thank you for sending your Son and Holy Spirit to guide us. I ask that you help us to see and hear your voice better. 

September 10, 2016 Shut me up!!!

Reading: John 2, Isaiah 8-9 and Psalm 39

Scripture: Psalm 39:1, I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence."

Observation: Today It took me much longer then normal to find a verse really spoke to me today, I think I reread all of it twice and some of it multiple times. Then as I was thinking about just laying down and trying to make a nap before going to church tonight I read this again, and started thinking about my tongue and how well I control it. Or in cases of being at work I may not control my tongue. 

Application: When at work it is so easy to allow myself to get back into the habit of saying things I shouldn't and using language that is not appropriate for a man of God. Part of it is the fact that most the people I work with and around are the type of people who say all kinds of inappropriate things has a vocabulary of a sailor. I need to work harder at finding ways that work for me to muzzle myself. The thing that works the best for me is the more Godly and good things that I have surrounding me the easier it is to keep my tongue in check. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for all you do for me and my family providing the things we need and blessing us beyond what we knew. I stand before you humble and in awe of your love for me. I ask that you help me to open my mouth with the proper words and not let myself be drawn into the filth around me. 

September 9, 2016 Are you Humble????

Reading: John 1 and Micah 5-7

Scripture: Micah 6:8, He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Observation: The end of this verse is was grabbed my attention today, “walk humbly with your God.” When I came back to get the verse that this was in I saw some much the Lord as for me. These things here all fall under the greatest commandments “Love your God with all you heart and mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Application: As we love God and Love others(simply putting the commandment) we need to also remember to be humble. Humility has become so misunderstood in the world today, in the church it has been the reason people wont take complements(“Its all God” or “It came from God”) and in the world it has come to putting ones self down because of some unknown feeling of inadequacy. How we should look at being humble is having the right perspective of God and others and honoring them the way they should. 

Prayer: Father I thank you that you have given me the authority I have but also that you place those in authority over me. I thank you that you place us where we need to be to learn and grow. I thank you of the provisions and blessings that you give pour out on us. I ask that you help us to have the proper perspective and love as you call us to love. 

September 8, 2016 Arm yourself

Reading: Mark 16, Micah 3-4 and Psalm 109

Scripture: Psalm 109:4, In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer.

Observation: This passage jumped out at me today maybe because of some things that were talked about at the mens ministry meeting last night, but also David being a man after God’s own heart seems to more often then not has some very poignant things.

Application: I have said many times that we are called to love to reach out to those around us with Godly love and that is no less true now. This passage jumped out as a warning of what could happen as we put ourselves out there, but also how to overcome when we get this opposition. The warning of there are going to be those who attack us even as we love them and share the Gospel. Jesus said, they will hate you because the hated me. We will be accused of all kinds of things true or not. We are given the weapon to over come these attacks, Prayer but being that prayer is that weapon we need to practice with it. Just like any weapon we need to use and practice with it often. The idea of prayer is just as simple as the line from The mask of Zorro “The pointy end goes in the other guy.” Also it can be as complex as the longest choreographed sward fight. The more we open ourselves up to prayer and listening to God though the Holy Spirit the more affective we will become in our prayer time and be affective when those attacks come.

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful and it is amazing to watch you touch those around us though us. I thank you for using me and placing things on our hearts each day. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you have given me and those yet to come. I ask that you help us to have the urgings to be in constant prayer always seeking you and always lifting up others. 

September 7, 2016 The Voice

Reading: Mark 15, Hosea 14, Micha 1-2 and Psalm 29

Scripture: Psalm 29:4, The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

Observation: I love how David in this Psalm is describing the voice of God and the power and glory that comes with his words. God is so powerful that he spoke and everything was created. A joke I have heard and repeated is “I believe in the Big Bang… God said it and Bang it was.” Yes it’s an old bad joke. 

Application: The amazing thing is that as powerful and all knowing as God is he still cares and thinks of us more then we know and more then most of us think of him. That all powerful voice of God want to speak to us though his word and Holy Spirit. Over this last long holiday weekend my wife and I allowed reserved to get distracted from our daily readings and journaling and not having that daily time with God and his word in the mornings for us took its toll. Between trying to potty train our daughter and being in our home going a little stir crazy, we fought, we yelled, and we got very stressed. Finally on Monday taking a break from the house and not being so regimented about how the potty training was going we also spent time in the word and getting back to God and a piece was brought back to our home. It’s great to spend time with your family and get away from the hustle of this world but we need to remember to keep God in the center of it all.

Prayer: Father I thank you for the piece that you bring, and the provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day even when we don’t see it until it’s missing. I stand in wonder of your great power and love you have for us and thank you for the creation you have made. I ask that you help us to have a longing to be in your word and in your presence where you will speak to us. 

September 6, 2016 What are you doing???????

Reading: Mark 14 and Hosea 12-13

Scripture: Mark 14:4, There were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment wasted like that? 

Observation: It seems all to often God is doing something in our lives or around us and just like the disciples we are completely blind to what Jesus is doing. It is so easy to not hear what God is telling us and listen to the world or our own heads that so often lead us astray.

Application: I know that from time to time God brings out the proverbial 2x4 and hits me up side the head. Just like the disciples we need to have things explained to us. Spending time in the word, in Prayer and in fellowship with others to help grow and be held accountable. There are many times in my life I can look back on and now see that God was trying to teach me something but at the time I was just going though the motions and possibly asking why is this happening. I don’t believe that God causes bad things to happen but he does use them to teach us and draw us closer to him. 

Prayer: Father I love you and long to know you more. I thank you for giving me the strength to get though the trials that I have been though and the strength that will be needed to get though anything that will come my way. I also thank you for the provisions and the blessings that you pour out on us each day. Open our eyes to the trials and help us to over come. 

September 5, 2016 The sky is falling?!?!?!?!?

Reading: Mark 13 and Hosea 8-11

Scripture: Mark 13:8, For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Observation: Lately I have been hearing more and more people talk about the end days or the apocalypse or even just the government failing. Just the other night my wife and I watched a show where part of the focus was on people who are called “prepper" who are trying to prepare for the doomsday to come. Here we are trying to prepare for the unknown and stock up on all the essentials to be ready when everything goes sideways. 

Application: Mark takes time to quote Jesus saying that the wold is going to go completely sideways. Many of these things in verse 8 we are seeing most every day, and these are just the beginnings of things to come. I am not saying that we are all to become doomsdayers, running around like chicken little saying the sky is falling. We are to live our lives un to the lord so that we can spread the word that when the final stages come we will know who's we are and that those around us will be coming with us. 

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, your creation is so magnificent. I thank you for each day I have in it and for the provisions you give us each day. I also thank you for the blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask that you kelp us to see you each day and open us up to the needs of those around us so that we can love them for you. 

August 31, 2016 Old Man Syndrom

Reading: Mark 8 and Isaiah 3-5

Scripture: Isaiah 3:5, And the people will oppress one another, every one his fellow and every one his neighbor; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the despised to the honorable.

Observation: It is interesting reading these prophecies from the Old Testament, it is commonly thought that these prophecies only refer to the time of Christ. Although like this one I see it as so applicable to today. Maybe in comparison of when it was written to the time of Christ this could have been true but today it is so prevalent especially in the US. The youth of today are some of the rudest, most foul mouthed people I have ever seen being I am only in my mid thirties I remember thinking that of my generation in school nearly 20 years ago.

Application: We all have influence even if it’s only by what we don’t do. We are to Love people into heaven. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” We need to remember to give respect, give honor, and love as Jesus showed us to love. 

Prayer: Father, I love you and thank you for the ability to love as you love. I thank you of the provisions and blessings that you give us. I ask that you help strengthen us to love our neighbors as you do. 

August 30, 2016 E=mc2

Reading: Mark 7 and Isaiah 1-2

Scripture: Mark 7:32-35, And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 

Observation: When reading this account of one of the healing that Jesus did I remember about whenever he healed someone he never did it the same way twice, that I can remember. It feels like he didn’t want to give a formula to heal he wanted us to learn faith in healing. Later Jesus gives us the authority to heal and cast out demons. 

Application: To me the fact that there is not a formula or specific way we are to heal or be heal is great news. I have a hard enough time walking in the authority that Jesus gave me, but because he shows that the healing is less how the healing is being done and more about the faith and authority of those involve in the healing. We have the authority to heal in the name of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for the authority you have give us though your son. I also thank you for your provisions and blessings that you give us each day. I ask you too help me to walk in the authority and power that you have give to us and be open to stepping out in it to do your will. 

August 29, 2016 Can you hear me now?!?!?

Reading: Mark 6 and Amos 7-9

Scripture: Amos 8:11, "Behold, the days are coming," declares the Lord God, "when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. 

Observation: This prophecy I think is two fold, first is more obvious he is referring to the 400 years of silence before Jesus was born. Amos was warning the nation and the king that God was going to stop talking to them though the profits. 

Application: The second fold I think is our time before knowing God. Even though we may have grown up in the church and heard the stories and maybe even had some of the stories memorized, there was a time before we really knew God and could hear him speaking though his word and the Holy Spirit. There are times in my life that I know I heard God speaking to me and giving me direction in my life then there are others where I feel like I'm all alone. This is something I struggle with but we need to slow down and listen for God’s still small voice. As a man with ADD tendencies this is exceedingly difficult, My mind wanders and I want to do something. As there are times in our lives when we don’t hear God I suggest that we all try to set time aside for God. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for all the work you are doing in my life. I thank you for your provisions and blessings. I ask that you help us to feel the call to have the quiet time with you and to set aside the hustle and bustle of the day and listen for your voice. 

August 26, 2016 They are watching!!!!!!!

Reading: Mark 3, 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25

Scripture: Mark 3:2, And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 

Observation: When reading the Gospels I know I have a tendency to focus on the red letters (the words of Jesus), so many times I would just not listen the context and what is going on. In one of the gospels it said “Jesus went to the synagogue as was his custom”, that means he had a happy of going to church.

Application: So when it said they (the pharisees) watched him, they knew his habit of going to church and teaching. I feel this need too be a reminder to us that the critics of Christianity today are watching us looking for times to say look how these people not live up to their religion. When we are at work or out and about doing life we need to shine God’s love though us, in John 13:35 it says that they will know us by our love. Because the world is watching us and wanting to see how we react when things go wrong, Therefore we need to show them and not just hide our faith or confine it to church service.

Prayer: Father, I thank you so much for the provision that you pour out on us and the blessings that you have for us each and every day. I also thank you for giving us a reason to have true joy in you and share that with outers. Help us to shine your light each day in this dark world. 

August 25, 2016 A Sabbath for all!!!!!!

Reading: Mark 2, 2 kings 13 and Psalm 104

Scripture: Mark 2:27, And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” 

Observation: Back before the Israel was brought out of Egypt there was no such thing as the Sabbath, you did what you did every day. You worked your fields, tend your flocks, or hunt for the things you need to live. Then once God used Moses to bring Israel out of Egypt he gave them a day of rest to encourage that we don't burn ourselves out. 

Application: Society has taken this day of rest and thrown it out the window and find ways to cram something into every waking moment of every day. There are those out there who work almost every hour they are not sleeping. We are all doing this in the name of wealth and “getting ahead.” The Jewish people had taken the commandment of keeping the Sabbath holy so far that they were not allowed to do some of the simplest of things on that day. I recommend creating a sabbath for you and your family. What my family does is we try to get all our house work and chores done Saturday before going to Saturday evening service at our church leaving Sunday for doing family stuff. We do lunch/dinners with extended family we take drives and sometimes we just stay home and relax. God created us and He know that we need a day to relax.

Prayer:  Father I thank you for everything you have done for us, you provide all we need and so much more. I think you for the ability to have days to just hang out with the family and relax. I ask that you help us to find the time to take a sabbath and just enjoy your creation. 

August 24, 2016 Are you worthy?????

Reading: Mark 1 and Jonah 1-4

Scripture: Jonah 2:1-2, But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.

Observation: we all have people or people groups that we don’t want to interact with because of the way we were raised or because we have had a bad experience with them. Then later you find out that someone within that group has become a christian and we just like Jonah we get mad at God because he allowed them to repent and be saved. 

Application: How often do we think that group over there are not allowed to be saved because they are all so bad. Jonah thought that he would be better off dead then living in a world where Nineveh was saved. We are not the ones called to judge who is worthy to be offered the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are called to share it will all the world. Only God knows the plans for you, you may be the person who reaches an entire people group or you may only touch one life, but we are all called to do our part. We are called to love as he loves we would need to truly hate someone to not tell them how to be saved.

Prayer: Father I thank you for all that you have done for me, the provisions and the blessings you have poured out on us. I ask you for forgiveness for not sharing your word as I should and ask that you help me to be more open and outgoing to reach those around me. 

August 23, 2016 Share

Reading: Joel 1-3

Scripture: Joel 1:3,  Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.

Observation: When I read this the first thing that came to mind was, “What have I been  sharing with my daughter?” As a bit if a geek I enjoy super hero, science fiction and fantasy, in all formats book, movie and video game. My daughter has sat on my lap and watched me play games, and we have watched shows and movies together, but how much have I told her about God and his love of us and specifically her. 

Application: Yes this passage was about giving a warning to the coming generations that all they have can be taken away if they do not follow the lord. But today I want to challenge all of us too speak God’s love into your children’s lives. I know not everyone has kids but everyone has kids in some aspect of their life and we just have to love them as God loves them because so many kids in this world don’t know what love is. 

Prayer: Father, I thank you for the opportunity to be a father, having this little girl has opened my heart and mind to understanding more of you and has helped me to become a better man. I also thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask you help us to feel the need and urgency to share your love with our kids and all who are around us. 

August 22, 2016 They do what they do.

Reading: Revelation 22, 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 24

Scripture: Revelation 22:11-12, Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 

Observation: As John is writing about the return of Jesus he drops this bomb on us saying people will still be who they are but Jesus is coming soon and he is bringing what is deserved. 

Application: In some ways I feel that this world has taken the idea that I can do what ever I want to so fare that we are seeing so much evil and filthiness that John was talking about here. It is so hard to live in this kind of world where pornographic images and thoughts are bombarding us every day. We are to love and care for those who are lost. We need to daily lift up those around us and seek to share the gospel with them so that one day they me be caught up in the folds of God’s grace and mercy. We can’t stop people from sinning but we can be a light and continually shine God’s love on them. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for the people in my life that pursued me and prayed for me, I would not be here if it was not for those who poured your love into me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you five us every day. I ask that you be with us each day to help us see the opportunities you place around us to share your love and your grace.

August 3, 2016 You cant take it with you?!?!?

Reading: 1 John 5 and Ecclesiastes 5-7 

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:15, As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.

Observation: I have so many times heard this passage mis-quoted, most of the time I hear it as, “Naked I come naked I go” when they use it this way they are right in saying that you can’t take it with you when you go but I don’t think that is what the author and God was trying to say in this. 

Application: This passage is a warning about working just for ones own gain. I have wanted jobs that would give me power and money, I have even tried to get those jobs, saying that if I get this job or that job I will be happy and I will have all the money I could need. I thank God that I was not qualified or I was overlooked for some reason. Those jobs would have amounted to nothing and my family and relationship with God would have suffered. This passage is not about he evils of stuff as so many people quote it as, it’s about finding the Joy that God gives you in the work you have. 

Prayer: Father I thank you for the job you have for me, I thank you for the provisions that you give me each and every day as well as for the blessings you give us. You are so wonderful to us Lord and I pray that you help us to keep our focus on you and on the Joy you give us in our work and help us to do it all in your name.