Reading: Judges 14-16 and 2 Thessalonians 1-2
Scripture: Judges 16:20, And she said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the Lord had left him.
Thoughts: I know that when I was trying to keep up an appearance of a Christian, being a “Sunday Morning Christian” I was in some ways like Samson He was not to be touching dead things but he somehow got the honey out of the dead lion he was not to bring wine or strong drink but he walked through the vineyards. How close to the edge of the cliff of sin do we push ourselves to go before we fall off because we became so accustomed to being so close. Samson was worn down by telling lies and then have Delilah cry to him about the lying. Where are you drawing the line that you will not cross on the edge of the cliff or somewhere that you can keep yourself from sin.
Prayer: Father I thank you for loving me even when I walk too close to the cliff and even when I jump off. I thank you that you have welcomed me back into your arms. I ask that you help me to seek you and keep my eyes on you as your plans. Help me to walk through the doors you have opened and stop pounding on the doors that are closed.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
May 21st 2019 It will Happen!!!
Reading: Judges 11-13 and 1 Thessalonians 5
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:24, He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Thoughts: I have been given visions and directions in where I am going. I don’t see how to get there, I don’t each step or the training or preparation needed to get there but what I do know is I have been called and he will make it happen. I have to be faithful to walk out the plans and listen to the Holy Spirit for when and where to take each next step.
Prayer: Father I thank you that you have a plan for me and have given me glimpses into what you have in store for me. I thank you that you provide all that we needs and pour your blessings into our lives. I ask that you help me to keep my eyes on you and seek you first and your kingdom.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:24, He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Thoughts: I have been given visions and directions in where I am going. I don’t see how to get there, I don’t each step or the training or preparation needed to get there but what I do know is I have been called and he will make it happen. I have to be faithful to walk out the plans and listen to the Holy Spirit for when and where to take each next step.
Prayer: Father I thank you that you have a plan for me and have given me glimpses into what you have in store for me. I thank you that you provide all that we needs and pour your blessings into our lives. I ask that you help me to keep my eyes on you and seek you first and your kingdom.
May 20th 2019, Control What???
Reading: Judges 9-10 and 1 Thessalonians 3-4
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
Thoughts: This is alway a reminder to me not only because it speaks of an issue that I am working on and seeking release from but also because I have verse 4 as a reminder tattooed on my wrist. I lost my eldest brother about 12 years ago in an auto accident and having control over our bodies and minds is something we struggled with together, getting into drugs alcohol and relationship we shouldn’t. Only through God’s grace and calling me home have I started turning from my ways and seeking his.
Prayer: Father I thank you for your love and that you are willing to call me home. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out on us each and every day. Open my heart to your corrections and refine me like silver burn off the things that are not of you and lead astray.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
Thoughts: This is alway a reminder to me not only because it speaks of an issue that I am working on and seeking release from but also because I have verse 4 as a reminder tattooed on my wrist. I lost my eldest brother about 12 years ago in an auto accident and having control over our bodies and minds is something we struggled with together, getting into drugs alcohol and relationship we shouldn’t. Only through God’s grace and calling me home have I started turning from my ways and seeking his.
Prayer: Father I thank you for your love and that you are willing to call me home. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out on us each and every day. Open my heart to your corrections and refine me like silver burn off the things that are not of you and lead astray.
May 19th 2019, The true 300
Reading: Judges 7-8 and 1 Thessalonians 1-2
Scripture: Judges 7:7, And the Lord said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home."
Thoughts: As Gideon came down with over 30,000 men God knew that there would be the opportunity to boast of their own doings with the great numbers that came down so eventually it was brought down to 300 men. I love that these men were not chosen because they were the biggest and the baddest warriors but first they were willing to fight and second because of how they drank from a river. When I look at myself I don’t see a great warrior or any of the other common things we hear in the word that we are called to be. God said to take these 300 and go take out the Midianites I have already given them into your hand. What has God put in our hands that we have not claimed yet? What harvest is before us that we are looking past trying to find the next step.
Prayer: Father I thank you that you have chosen me to be among that 300 to go out and claim what you have placed before me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out each day. I ask you to open my eyes to the harvest before me and I claim what you have for me.
Scripture: Judges 7:7, And the Lord said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home."
Thoughts: As Gideon came down with over 30,000 men God knew that there would be the opportunity to boast of their own doings with the great numbers that came down so eventually it was brought down to 300 men. I love that these men were not chosen because they were the biggest and the baddest warriors but first they were willing to fight and second because of how they drank from a river. When I look at myself I don’t see a great warrior or any of the other common things we hear in the word that we are called to be. God said to take these 300 and go take out the Midianites I have already given them into your hand. What has God put in our hands that we have not claimed yet? What harvest is before us that we are looking past trying to find the next step.
Prayer: Father I thank you that you have chosen me to be among that 300 to go out and claim what you have placed before me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out each day. I ask you to open my eyes to the harvest before me and I claim what you have for me.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
May 18th 2019 Prove it God!!!
Reading: Judges 5-6 and Colossians 4
Scripture: Judges 6:36-40, And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. Then Gideon said to God, "Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew." And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said." Then Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,
Thoughts: How often do we not believe the things we are told. God will tell us that we are going to do this or that and we don’t think we can do it and we question “God did I hear you right… here are some things you can do God to prove to me that this is what I should do.” I feel like I question God a lot about if he has the right guy for the job or how am I to do this things he as put before me.
Prayer: Father I love you and I seek to walk in your ways. I thank you for your love, provision and blessings you pour out on us each day. Open my heart to accept your directions and know I would not be sent if I was not whom you wanted to use in that situation.
Scripture: Judges 6:36-40, And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. Then Gideon said to God, "Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew." And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said." Then Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,
Thoughts: How often do we not believe the things we are told. God will tell us that we are going to do this or that and we don’t think we can do it and we question “God did I hear you right… here are some things you can do God to prove to me that this is what I should do.” I feel like I question God a lot about if he has the right guy for the job or how am I to do this things he as put before me.
Prayer: Father I love you and I seek to walk in your ways. I thank you for your love, provision and blessings you pour out on us each day. Open my heart to accept your directions and know I would not be sent if I was not whom you wanted to use in that situation.
May 17th 2019 What is Above???
Reading: Judges 3-4, Psalm 14, and Colossians 3
Scripture: Colossians 3:1, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Thoughts: I know that there have been times and probably will be more, where I started seeking after things that are not from above. It is a daily and sometimes a minute by minute discipline to seek what is from above and not go after the things of this world. The word says that sin is pleasurable for a time but will not fulfill. Just like the prodigal son went and had all his fun with his inheritance it didn’t last he ended up wanting to eat the pig food.
Prayer: Lord I long to sit at your table and serve as needed. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out each day. I ask that you help me to stay focused on you and your direction and let the things of this world grow dim and fade away. You provide all I need and even things of want. I thank you again for all you do.
Scripture: Colossians 3:1, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Thoughts: I know that there have been times and probably will be more, where I started seeking after things that are not from above. It is a daily and sometimes a minute by minute discipline to seek what is from above and not go after the things of this world. The word says that sin is pleasurable for a time but will not fulfill. Just like the prodigal son went and had all his fun with his inheritance it didn’t last he ended up wanting to eat the pig food.
Prayer: Lord I long to sit at your table and serve as needed. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out each day. I ask that you help me to stay focused on you and your direction and let the things of this world grow dim and fade away. You provide all I need and even things of want. I thank you again for all you do.
May 16th 2019 Unite my Brothers!!!
Reading: Judges 1-2, Psalm 133, and Colossians 2
Scripture: Psalms 133:1-3, Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Thoughts: This Psalm may have stuck out to me because both my call that I have been taking and my pastor have spent time on talking about the unity that should be in church. Not only in each individual church but the Church as a whole should be united. Biblically the first time Christians was used it was a put down and meant “Little Christ” Now two-thousand years later there are so many denominations and divisions in the Church the unity in the Church is gone and so many time even within a individual church. In the time this was written oil was seen as a representation of the Holy Spirit. I want to have the Holy Spirit poured out over me like the imagery, I want to be drenched in His spirit and His love.
Prayer: Father I long to be in your presence, I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out each day. I thank you for your anointing that you have given me and the plans for good and not bad that you have promised in your word.
Scripture: Psalms 133:1-3, Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Thoughts: This Psalm may have stuck out to me because both my call that I have been taking and my pastor have spent time on talking about the unity that should be in church. Not only in each individual church but the Church as a whole should be united. Biblically the first time Christians was used it was a put down and meant “Little Christ” Now two-thousand years later there are so many denominations and divisions in the Church the unity in the Church is gone and so many time even within a individual church. In the time this was written oil was seen as a representation of the Holy Spirit. I want to have the Holy Spirit poured out over me like the imagery, I want to be drenched in His spirit and His love.
Prayer: Father I long to be in your presence, I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out each day. I thank you for your anointing that you have given me and the plans for good and not bad that you have promised in your word.
May 15th 2019 Promises Promises!!!
Reading: Joshua 23-24, Psalm 99, and Colossians 1
Scripture: Joshua 23:5-6, The Lord your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the Lord your God promised you. Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left,
Thoughts: Joshua as he was getting to the end of his life and The Lord was giving Israel the country rest, Joshua told Israel that they are not done yet God will continue to push back and out the inhabitants of the promised land. Joshua’s words of encouragement and direction for Israel is also for us as we strive forward with God’s plan for our lives. We need to keep walking out upon the land promised that He promised us. We need to not get distracted by whatever shiny or pleasurable things that this world is putting before us.
Prayer: Father I thank you for your directions and your blessings that you pour out on us. Open my eyes and ears to see the next step to would out in. Help me to over come the lust that has been coming back to be help me to have a proper perspective of those around me and remember your love.
Scripture: Joshua 23:5-6, The Lord your God will push them back before you and drive them out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, just as the Lord your God promised you. Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left,
Thoughts: Joshua as he was getting to the end of his life and The Lord was giving Israel the country rest, Joshua told Israel that they are not done yet God will continue to push back and out the inhabitants of the promised land. Joshua’s words of encouragement and direction for Israel is also for us as we strive forward with God’s plan for our lives. We need to keep walking out upon the land promised that He promised us. We need to not get distracted by whatever shiny or pleasurable things that this world is putting before us.
Prayer: Father I thank you for your directions and your blessings that you pour out on us. Open my eyes and ears to see the next step to would out in. Help me to over come the lust that has been coming back to be help me to have a proper perspective of those around me and remember your love.
Saturday, May 18, 2019
May 14th 2019 Can I get a Witness
Reading: Joshua 21-22 and Philippians 4
Scripture: Joshua 22:34, The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, "For," they said, "it is a witness between us that the Lord is God."
Thoughts: As the people of Reuben and Gad wanted a reminder and witness to whom they belong and also to remind the rest of Israel that they are apart of them, we need those reminders as well. There are things from my past that are less about being valuable or significant but they remind me of who I was during the times I ran from God and played the Sunday morning Christian. I would live as I wanted 6.5 days a week and would try to look come Sunday morning for church and even volunteered to make it look better.
Prayer: Abba I thank you for coming to find me and give me reminders of who I was and whom I belong to now. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. Lead me and remind me who I am and whom I belong.
Scripture: Joshua 22:34, The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, "For," they said, "it is a witness between us that the Lord is God."
Thoughts: As the people of Reuben and Gad wanted a reminder and witness to whom they belong and also to remind the rest of Israel that they are apart of them, we need those reminders as well. There are things from my past that are less about being valuable or significant but they remind me of who I was during the times I ran from God and played the Sunday morning Christian. I would live as I wanted 6.5 days a week and would try to look come Sunday morning for church and even volunteered to make it look better.
Prayer: Abba I thank you for coming to find me and give me reminders of who I was and whom I belong to now. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. Lead me and remind me who I am and whom I belong.
May 13th 2019 I Got This
Reading: Joshua 19-20, Psalm 53, and Philippians 3
Scripture: Psalms 53:5, There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
Thoughts: This Psalm was written when God would send his Holy Spirit for a time. There is much of the Old Testament where it says that the Holy Spirit filled them for a time or covered them or came upon them. I saw this passage as one where it was saying,“you are have no need to fear because I have got this” We have been given the authority and have the Holy Spirit within us to over come any adversary that the evil one can send our way.
Prayer: Father I thank you for you love and your authority that has given us to overcome and to declare your victory. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask that you help me to walk in your authority and power, to put on your full armor.
Scripture: Psalms 53:5, There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
Thoughts: This Psalm was written when God would send his Holy Spirit for a time. There is much of the Old Testament where it says that the Holy Spirit filled them for a time or covered them or came upon them. I saw this passage as one where it was saying,“you are have no need to fear because I have got this” We have been given the authority and have the Holy Spirit within us to over come any adversary that the evil one can send our way.
Prayer: Father I thank you for you love and your authority that has given us to overcome and to declare your victory. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask that you help me to walk in your authority and power, to put on your full armor.
May 12th 2019 Encouragement, Love, and Joy
Reading: Joshua 16-18 and Philippians 2
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2. So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Thoughts: I love the reminders and encouragement that comes in so much of the Word of God. We are to encourage and love one another the way that Christ did for us. The Joy of the Lord will pour out on us as we are having the same mind as God. Seek to have the oneness with God that comes from knowing him so deeply that your voice and your love is his voice and love.
Prayer: Father I thank you for you love for your guidance and the provisions that you pour out each day. I love you Lord and I seek to know you more and more each day. Open my eyes to your ways and your love and help me to pour out on others as you have poured on me.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
May 11th 2019 Choices choices!!!
Reading: Joshua 14-15 and Philippians 1
Scripture: Philippians 1:21-23, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
Thoughts: Our home is in heaven with God the father, when we come into fellowship with God through Christ and what he did for us it is easy to start seeing how misguided the world has become. As we see the brokenness of the world we may want to just go to our true home. Paul was just like us in that sense. Paul both wanted to die and go home to Father God and wanted to stay and live as Christ to the world. I say as long as God leaves us on this earth, we are to live as Christ did and love the world around us. For as we work for the Lord and give Him the glory we can store our treasures in heaven where no one can take them away. I don’t want to be lifted up here, I want God to get the glory and if He deems me worthy to move closer at His banquet table then let Him call me up.
Prayer: Father I thank you for seeing me where I am and loving me enough to not leave me there. I thank you for your provisions and the blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask that you help me to live for you and point to you only. You are the one that give me the skill and abilities that are needed for your works.
Scripture: Philippians 1:21-23, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
Thoughts: Our home is in heaven with God the father, when we come into fellowship with God through Christ and what he did for us it is easy to start seeing how misguided the world has become. As we see the brokenness of the world we may want to just go to our true home. Paul was just like us in that sense. Paul both wanted to die and go home to Father God and wanted to stay and live as Christ to the world. I say as long as God leaves us on this earth, we are to live as Christ did and love the world around us. For as we work for the Lord and give Him the glory we can store our treasures in heaven where no one can take them away. I don’t want to be lifted up here, I want God to get the glory and if He deems me worthy to move closer at His banquet table then let Him call me up.
Prayer: Father I thank you for seeing me where I am and loving me enough to not leave me there. I thank you for your provisions and the blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask that you help me to live for you and point to you only. You are the one that give me the skill and abilities that are needed for your works.
Friday, May 10, 2019
May 10th 2019 Bondservant?
Reading: Joshua 12-13 and Ephesians 6
Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-6, Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
Thoughts: Here is the United State the term bondservant is not used much and the understanding of it can be murky. A bondservant is someone who has a debt to someone and is working for them to pay it off. In the movie “Ready Player One” they have a debtors prison or Loyalty Center (in book) where people are sent to work off their debt and many build more debt in there causing them to never get out.
Paul here is talking to the bondservants but at other time he calls himself one to Christ. I feel that the position of “bondservant of Christ” that Paul put on is applicable to us all. We have a debt that we can’t pay to Christ, as we take on the mantle of bondservant this passage not only is saying obey God but those we work for. We all have to do something for income of some sort and we are to do it as if we are doing it for God himself. I repair equipment and talk to customers and the public in my job I try to do the repair the best I can and be the nicest person I can during the process. Do all things as if God is right there with you.
Prayer: Father I thank you for all that you do and all that you have before me. Thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out on us. I ask that you help me to keep you in mind and care for all those who I come in contact with.
Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-6, Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
Thoughts: Here is the United State the term bondservant is not used much and the understanding of it can be murky. A bondservant is someone who has a debt to someone and is working for them to pay it off. In the movie “Ready Player One” they have a debtors prison or Loyalty Center (in book) where people are sent to work off their debt and many build more debt in there causing them to never get out.
Paul here is talking to the bondservants but at other time he calls himself one to Christ. I feel that the position of “bondservant of Christ” that Paul put on is applicable to us all. We have a debt that we can’t pay to Christ, as we take on the mantle of bondservant this passage not only is saying obey God but those we work for. We all have to do something for income of some sort and we are to do it as if we are doing it for God himself. I repair equipment and talk to customers and the public in my job I try to do the repair the best I can and be the nicest person I can during the process. Do all things as if God is right there with you.
Prayer: Father I thank you for all that you do and all that you have before me. Thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out on us. I ask that you help me to keep you in mind and care for all those who I come in contact with.
Thursday, May 9, 2019
May 9th 2019 Stop the sun please.
Reading: Joshua 10-11 and Ephesians 5
Scripture: Joshua 10:12-13, At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.
Thoughts: We are daily in spiritual battle. We are at war, a war we know who wins. In our battle God has given us authority and power over the enemy and his Armor and weapons. In the most of this battle we can cry out in faith to God to multiply our time and stop the sun so that we have time to do all he called us to do in this war.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the authority you have given to us and the power to overcome all the attacks that the evil one. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you give pour out each day and the joy you give me. I ask that you help me to utilize the power you gave me to overcome where it is needed.
Scripture: Joshua 10:12-13, At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.
Thoughts: We are daily in spiritual battle. We are at war, a war we know who wins. In our battle God has given us authority and power over the enemy and his Armor and weapons. In the most of this battle we can cry out in faith to God to multiply our time and stop the sun so that we have time to do all he called us to do in this war.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the authority you have given to us and the power to overcome all the attacks that the evil one. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you give pour out each day and the joy you give me. I ask that you help me to utilize the power you gave me to overcome where it is needed.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
May 8th Make a Copy!?!?!
Reading: Joshua 8-9 and
Scripture: Joshua 8:32, And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.
Thoughts: Here we see Joshua making a copy of the law, not that they needed another copy but in that day and age it was set as a president that with every new leader that they would make a copy of the law so that they new every little bit of the law. I as a leader of my house need to be in the Word regularly so that I know God and know His voice. I am grateful that I have been developing the discipline of being in the Word daily through the encouragement of our church and our leadership. Stay in the Word so that you can meditate on in like a cow chews his cud, chew on the word and let all the goodness get released into you.
Prayer: Father I thank you for your word and all your promises. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask you to write on my heart and mind your words each day as I go through them.
Scripture: Joshua 8:32, And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.
Thoughts: Here we see Joshua making a copy of the law, not that they needed another copy but in that day and age it was set as a president that with every new leader that they would make a copy of the law so that they new every little bit of the law. I as a leader of my house need to be in the Word regularly so that I know God and know His voice. I am grateful that I have been developing the discipline of being in the Word daily through the encouragement of our church and our leadership. Stay in the Word so that you can meditate on in like a cow chews his cud, chew on the word and let all the goodness get released into you.
Prayer: Father I thank you for your word and all your promises. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out on us each day. I ask you to write on my heart and mind your words each day as I go through them.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
May 7th How much Depth is there???
Reading: Joshua 6-7 and Ephesians 3
Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-19, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Thoughts: As I was going over this passage again, I was reminded of my thinking about God even 10 years ago. I have knowledge about God and knew of him. I didn’t Know God. As I started listening to God finished my degree and dove into His word and accepting all He has for me and getting rooted into a family(church) where they are grounded in Love. During this time of growth I have started seeing the 4 dimensions Paul wrote about “the breadth and length and height and depth” we talk about out 3D world and talk about time being the fourth but Paul said depth. What I am seeing is if we could hold a physical manifestation of God’s love and have measurable length hight and breadth there would be a infinite depth inside that manifestation. We could tip it to try to pour it out and it would never empty. This understanding will fill us with the fullness of God.
Prayer: Father I long to sit in your lap and listen to your love and your heart. You are the blessing upon blessings. I thank you for your provisions and blessings for this day. open my eyes to you purpose for today and lead me in my day. Help me to experience the breadth, width, hight, and depth of your love.
Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-19, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Thoughts: As I was going over this passage again, I was reminded of my thinking about God even 10 years ago. I have knowledge about God and knew of him. I didn’t Know God. As I started listening to God finished my degree and dove into His word and accepting all He has for me and getting rooted into a family(church) where they are grounded in Love. During this time of growth I have started seeing the 4 dimensions Paul wrote about “the breadth and length and height and depth” we talk about out 3D world and talk about time being the fourth but Paul said depth. What I am seeing is if we could hold a physical manifestation of God’s love and have measurable length hight and breadth there would be a infinite depth inside that manifestation. We could tip it to try to pour it out and it would never empty. This understanding will fill us with the fullness of God.
Prayer: Father I long to sit in your lap and listen to your love and your heart. You are the blessing upon blessings. I thank you for your provisions and blessings for this day. open my eyes to you purpose for today and lead me in my day. Help me to experience the breadth, width, hight, and depth of your love.
May 6th Breath in Grace!!!
Reading: Joshua 4-5, Psalm 71, Ephesians 2, and Mark 16
Scripture: Psalm 71:13-14, May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
Thoughts: There is a song that says, “breathe in your grace and breathe out your praise.” There are people and spiritual forces out there who are trying to bring us down and snuff out our light to this world. The psalmist was asking God to act against those who are after them and possibly seeking to kill them. But the. They say I will hope and praise you. When we are in the mist of an attack from people or spirits it is hard to focus on God and to praise Him in the middle of the craziness of the moment.
Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, I thank you for the opportunity to sit in your presence. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us each day. I seek your love in the mist of the war. I sing your praise as overcome the attacks of the evil one. Help us to know and put on your armor, to take the sword and shield so we are prepared to defeat the evil one.
Scripture: Psalm 71:13-14, May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
Thoughts: There is a song that says, “breathe in your grace and breathe out your praise.” There are people and spiritual forces out there who are trying to bring us down and snuff out our light to this world. The psalmist was asking God to act against those who are after them and possibly seeking to kill them. But the. They say I will hope and praise you. When we are in the mist of an attack from people or spirits it is hard to focus on God and to praise Him in the middle of the craziness of the moment.
Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, I thank you for the opportunity to sit in your presence. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us each day. I seek your love in the mist of the war. I sing your praise as overcome the attacks of the evil one. Help us to know and put on your armor, to take the sword and shield so we are prepared to defeat the evil one.
May 5th Who's Heritage are you?
Reading: Joshua 1-3, Psalm 94, and Ephesians 1
Scripture: Psalms 94:14-15 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Thoughts: There are times where I don’t have it together, I don’t feel like I am where I belong and that I even God is not looking my way. He is not mad at me but I feel like I’m not doing enough to pull his attention from elsewhere. I need this reminder that I am loved and he knows the hairs on my head and the ones on my chin and how many are white. He will never leave me, He has not abandoned me. Let us be upright hearts and follow the justice and return to righteousness.
Prayer: Father I thank you for never leaving me and always loving me. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us. Open our hearts to know you and know your promises.
Scripture: Psalms 94:14-15 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Thoughts: There are times where I don’t have it together, I don’t feel like I am where I belong and that I even God is not looking my way. He is not mad at me but I feel like I’m not doing enough to pull his attention from elsewhere. I need this reminder that I am loved and he knows the hairs on my head and the ones on my chin and how many are white. He will never leave me, He has not abandoned me. Let us be upright hearts and follow the justice and return to righteousness.
Prayer: Father I thank you for never leaving me and always loving me. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us. Open our hearts to know you and know your promises.
May 4th Are you weary?
Reading: Deuteronomy 33-34, Psalm 68, and Galatians 6
Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10, And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Thoughts: It is so easy to after a time of helping, contributing, or serving, to fell like you are used up or overwhelmed. I was needing this reminder that some of the things that have been going on and happening with my family we are getting to this point. Having this reminder that what we are going is not for our good or our exaltation but it is to plant seeds. I recently had seen something that talked about, when we plant a seed in the ground we are not going to see its fruit immediately. We are to be patient, water and fertilize and let it get a good dose of the sun. When we are working in the fields of the Lord we may be panting seeds that are going to be harvested by others, or we are those watering and pointing to the Son so that He can pour into them and do the work needed. One day we may be the harvesters but I feel we have more need of sowers and watering cans and Son pointers than we need harvesters.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the part I have in this harvest. Help me to sow the seeds I need to sow, water where I need to water, shine light where it is needs and harvest where harvest is needed. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out each day and the directions you have for us.
Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10, And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Thoughts: It is so easy to after a time of helping, contributing, or serving, to fell like you are used up or overwhelmed. I was needing this reminder that some of the things that have been going on and happening with my family we are getting to this point. Having this reminder that what we are going is not for our good or our exaltation but it is to plant seeds. I recently had seen something that talked about, when we plant a seed in the ground we are not going to see its fruit immediately. We are to be patient, water and fertilize and let it get a good dose of the sun. When we are working in the fields of the Lord we may be panting seeds that are going to be harvested by others, or we are those watering and pointing to the Son so that He can pour into them and do the work needed. One day we may be the harvesters but I feel we have more need of sowers and watering cans and Son pointers than we need harvesters.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the part I have in this harvest. Help me to sow the seeds I need to sow, water where I need to water, shine light where it is needs and harvest where harvest is needed. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out each day and the directions you have for us.
Friday, May 3, 2019
May 3rd 2019, Can you be found guilty of being a Christian?
Reading: Deuteronomy 31-32 and Galatians 5
Scripture: Galatians 5:24-26, And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Thoughts: Just before this Paul listed the fruit of the spirit. Those are the evidences of who we are. Do we have enough evidence against us to be crucified with Christ and die to our flesh? I know that I spent many years looking at others and wondering why do they have it so much better then me, they hear God or they get to do this or that in the name of God. As I have grown closer to God and seek and learn to listen and hear the Holy Spirit. I have learned that I’m not to be jealous for the blessings and works God is giving and doing through others because my works are not their work and theirs are not mine. We are given these blessings and works to point to God and lift up and encourage the church.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the things you have and are doing through me. I ask that all I do point to you and encourage those around me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out upon and before me. I ask that you help us to keep a right mind when looking at the works that are being done either through us or by others.
Scripture: Galatians 5:24-26, And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Thoughts: Just before this Paul listed the fruit of the spirit. Those are the evidences of who we are. Do we have enough evidence against us to be crucified with Christ and die to our flesh? I know that I spent many years looking at others and wondering why do they have it so much better then me, they hear God or they get to do this or that in the name of God. As I have grown closer to God and seek and learn to listen and hear the Holy Spirit. I have learned that I’m not to be jealous for the blessings and works God is giving and doing through others because my works are not their work and theirs are not mine. We are given these blessings and works to point to God and lift up and encourage the church.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the things you have and are doing through me. I ask that all I do point to you and encourage those around me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out upon and before me. I ask that you help us to keep a right mind when looking at the works that are being done either through us or by others.
May 2nd 2019 Where do you live?
Reading: Deuteronomy 29-30, Psalm 15, Galatians 4, and Mark 15
Scripture: Psalms 15, O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
Thoughts: I don’t know how many time I read this Psalm and not gotten anything out of it. I may have just thought it was just another time David was singing about God or his situation. I know for a long time I thought of most everything in the old testament to be useless in a new testament world. Here David is talking about sojourning and living in tents 500 years or so before Paul teaches we are only sojourning here on earth and living in our flesh tents. Maybe it is through Holy Spirit speaking to me during my prayer time but there is also an undertone of Obedience to God in this. And I was shown and reminded of the Freedom that we are given through the obedience to God’s word. His word promises freedom and power but asks for obedience. We can be saved and not walk in the freedom and power He has for us.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the freedom and power that you give me and lead me in. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us. I as that you help me to see the places that need your correction and help me to walk in you freedom and power.
Scripture: Psalms 15, O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
Thoughts: I don’t know how many time I read this Psalm and not gotten anything out of it. I may have just thought it was just another time David was singing about God or his situation. I know for a long time I thought of most everything in the old testament to be useless in a new testament world. Here David is talking about sojourning and living in tents 500 years or so before Paul teaches we are only sojourning here on earth and living in our flesh tents. Maybe it is through Holy Spirit speaking to me during my prayer time but there is also an undertone of Obedience to God in this. And I was shown and reminded of the Freedom that we are given through the obedience to God’s word. His word promises freedom and power but asks for obedience. We can be saved and not walk in the freedom and power He has for us.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the freedom and power that you give me and lead me in. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us. I as that you help me to see the places that need your correction and help me to walk in you freedom and power.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
May 1st, 2019 Get to it!!!
Reading: Deuteronomy 28 and Galatians 3
Scripture: Galatians 3:3, Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Thoughts: We are drawn to God and being apart of the family by the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the one doing the work in our lives, our journey with God starts with our spirit being drawn to his spirit and the work of the Holy Spirit begins to start the refining process with us, because God accepts us were we are but loves us too much to let us stay there. We are not going to perfect ourselves through anything we do on our own but we will be perfected and refined into pour gold through the refiners fire. Here is a story someone wrote about their experience learning about silversmithing and the refining process.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot – then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered “Yes”, and explained that he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be damaged.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?”
He smiled at her and answered, “Oh, that’s easy. When I see my image in it.”
Let us all strive to get to the point where through the leading of the Holy Spirit we reflect as a mirror God to the world.
Prayer: Father I thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to the world and into the hearts of those who have come to you. I thank you for drawing me out of the place I was and into the place you have for me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out each and every day. I ask that you continue to refine me and encourage my growth in you.
Scripture: Galatians 3:3, Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Thoughts: We are drawn to God and being apart of the family by the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the one doing the work in our lives, our journey with God starts with our spirit being drawn to his spirit and the work of the Holy Spirit begins to start the refining process with us, because God accepts us were we are but loves us too much to let us stay there. We are not going to perfect ourselves through anything we do on our own but we will be perfected and refined into pour gold through the refiners fire. Here is a story someone wrote about their experience learning about silversmithing and the refining process.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot – then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered “Yes”, and explained that he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be damaged.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?”
He smiled at her and answered, “Oh, that’s easy. When I see my image in it.”
Let us all strive to get to the point where through the leading of the Holy Spirit we reflect as a mirror God to the world.
Prayer: Father I thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to the world and into the hearts of those who have come to you. I thank you for drawing me out of the place I was and into the place you have for me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out each and every day. I ask that you continue to refine me and encourage my growth in you.
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