What can you take away from 2020

As I was listing to some podcast one brought up an interesting thought, almost everyone is excited to be done with 2020, the year of the pandemic, being stuck in our homes, some not able to work, and a crazy election cycle that in some opinions is not done yet. I have heard this year being called the year from hell, and many churches spent time going over the end times things in scripture. Every year we move a year closer to when Jesus will return, whether it will be in our lifetime or another 100 generations is not for me to know. No matter when He returns our hearts need to be ready. After going though such a trial as 2020 has been for most of us and we are all talking about leaving behind so much of 2020, my question is what are you taking forward with you?

The first thing that I am taking with me is a better understanding that God’s plans are higher than mine. I started off this year fighting for a raise including looking at a change in work, so that I may be able to reduce the number of hours I work so I could focus more on my family. I was approved for the raise that would have made life easier, then a wage freeze took effect and my hours we reduced, I still have not seen the pay increase. With this happening we were approved for state insurance and food stamps freeing up a substantial mount of my checks that have allowed us to continue to pay all our bills. After that we had several large medical issues come up that would have left us with huge medical bills if we had still been on my company supplied insurance. 

The second thing is my reliance on God and understanding that it is all his and I am, but a steward and he will take care of us. Understandably when all my overtime was taken away, I was getting between 5-10 hours a week, I was stressed but I also had a faith I did not know where it came from, every two weeks I would come and adjust my checking account leger and look at the predicted bills and the estimated income and seek more and more negative numbers coming, yet every bill was paid. We always had food whether it was from a food bank, gleaners’ group or using the meager amount given to us on out food stamp card. Even when bills out of the blue came there was always an influx somewhere that got it paid. God is always taking care of the birds and the flowers and are we not more valuable than those.

The third thing I am taking from 2020 in the understanding of the need for community. When this year first started, we had plans of gathering and campouts and retreats that almost all got completely tossed out the window. Where I live we were told we cannot go to church we can not gather together in small groups because you bring more than one or two people over you exceed the mandated gathering limit. As the year started we had felt a need for a house church but not wanting to leave our home church we started inviting people over to watch our churches live stream and then our church started groups so that people could have community and we started one and have been meeting in our home having dinner and having church community. God is trinity and is a social by nature of being trinity, we are made in his image and need that community. 

Yes, there may be losses and holes that are now in are hearts from this last year, there may be new hurts or old ones that have resurfaced and unfortunately, we will take those with us into the rest of our lives but what will you take from this year that will remind you to go deeper with God and strive after him. 

Don't forget to remember!!!

Reading: Malachi 3-4, Psalm 78, 1 John 5 and 3 John 1

Scripture: Psalm 78:42-43, They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe, when he performed his signs in Egypt and his marvels in the fields of Zoan.

Thoughts: We so easily forget. As much as I feel like I would not forget the things like crossing the red sea or being fed mana, I realized it is not about forgetting it about not remembering. The difference in my eyes and that I think the Psalmist may have been saying here is we get too caught up in our day to day lives that we forget to spend time remembering the things God has done for us. I feel it appropriate that this passage stood out to me here at the end of 2020, for many of us an extremely difficult year, between a pandemic, new mandates and restrictions, job losses and to top it all off the election that would not end. There has not been any big miracles in my life I have heard from others but I have seen God’s had though out this year. The thoughts about starting a home church that has led us to hosting a group in our house that is still part of our local church creating great community, the fact that between loosing my overtime and not getting a raise that I was promised that we were able to get on the state insurance that cost us nothing making it so that we could pay our bills without having large medical bills as we have had several large medical issues come up over this last year including a miscarriage of twins. God uses what the enemy has meant for evil for the good of those who love him. I am not saying life will be all sunshine and roses, but God has provided in ways we never saw coming. It is not about forgetting the great things of God is about not forgetting to keep your thoughts on him and giving him all honor and praise. I choose to remember the good that he brought about from the evil in this would. 

Prayer: Father God, you are so good to us, you provide all thing and turn those things meant to harm us into good, your love and mercy abound over us. I thank you for the molding and refining you are doing in me every day. I thank you for those who have brought into my life, new friends who have become life family and those who are not part of your family. I thank you for my family and our health the ability to continue on. I thank you for your and in the mist of all that is going on. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you have given us over this year and ask for the provisions and blessings over the next year. 

Who is speaking into your life?

Reading: Nehemiah 13, Malachi 1-2, 1 John 4, and 2 John1

Scripture: 1 John 4:5, They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.

Thoughts: The media has been speaking to the world ever since it was created, there may have been time when is was more bias and time when it was less bias but they are of the world speaking to the world. Media whether is it social or main are the world speaking to the world. Before the world got so small because of the internet we had to seek out new but also we talked to our neighbors and community to see what was going on in the world around us. We have created such small echo chambers that we can get a few people around you all speaking the same thing that it feels like truth, or we can get something that is bad grab the world and place it in a fear induced standstill. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Yet the media is telling us to fear everything, from a virus to the police and sowing distrust in everyone. Listen to God and his Word over what the world is trying to tell us. 

Prayer: Lord God, your love abounds and your truth nourishes my soul. You are the one who provides all things and through you all good things come about. I Thank you for all you are doing in my life the molding and refining. I thank you for the people you bring into my life to help me to see you more. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you help me to listen to you more and be able to discern the truth that is in the media and what is just leading us to more fear. 

 

They hate me!

Reading: Nehemiah 11-12 and 1 John 3

Scripture: 1 John 3-13-14, Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

Thoughts: We have been called to love, we have also been called to be a light to this world and part of that is pointing out that we are all sinners, we are all broken. I can’t point to your sin and say it is any greater than anyone else’s but we are to call sin, sin. When we do this we properly people will be pointed to God and the gift ha gave us through his Son. We will be hated because he was hated, in a world that is pushing the acceptance of everything and when we look at things Biblically and call a sin what it is we are looked at as bigoted, intolerant, and judgmental. I believe that the church can take it too far but if we don’t hold to God’s standards then sin within the church will get to the point that we are no longer worshiping Yahweh but our own version of god. Let us love and let the world hate us.

Prayer: Father God, your love is greater than the hate toward us, your grace is abundant they flow from you to us to overflowing so that we can give it away. I thank you for your love and grace, I thank you for your guidance and instructions. I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in my heart. I thank you for my family. I thank you for your provisions that we get to steward. Give us the strength to endure the hat that will come, help us to know when and how to share the truth you have given us. 

How are we starting out?

Reading: Nehemiah 9-10 and 1 John 2

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:1, Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads.

Thoughts: As I was reading this, coming to the first of the year when many create resolutions and plan on trying to do better than the last year. I felt this urging to start my year with a fast then our pastor calls a 21 day fast. How are we starting our new year, are we seeking God, are we putting him first but or are we continuing to walk out our lives the same way we always have? 

Prayer: Father we honor you, we place you in the proper place in our lives and seek to know you more. Your grace abounds and your love endures. I thank you that you are leading and guiding me, I thank you that you are molding and refining my heart. I thank you for my family and those who are as family, I thank you that you are in control. I thank you for the provision and blessings you are giving us to steward. I ask that you continue to open my heart and lead me where you have for me to serve in your plans. 

 

Taken for granted.

Reading: Nehemiah 7-8 and 1 John 1

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:18, And day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule.

Thoughts: After coming together to start the process of rebuilding and things coming together and funds coming into the temple for the work and services of the temple they get to the time for the Feast of Booths. After instructing them to build their booths for the next 7 days they focused on the readings of the law. In that time only the priest and the temples were able to have copies of the scriptures, so other then than the readings at synagogue they would not have the ability to listen to or dive into scripture. We are blessed to have such access to the Word of God, there are those that even today who cannot get it other than by word of mouth. With it so easily accessible it is easy to take it for granted. Are we diving deep and seeking God’s word or are we taking it for granted that it will be there when we need it? 

Prayer: Father God your word is food to my soul, your love sustains me and your grace abounds over me. I lay my life before you, take me and use me as you will. I thank you for all you are doing in my life the guidance and refining your do. I thank you for my family, I thank you for the men you have brought into my life. I thank you for the provisions you give us even when we don’t see it or understand the timing. Help me to keep you as a priority in my life and see you every day. 

Strap on your sword!!!

Reading: Nehemiah 4-6, Psalm 93, James 5, and 2 Peter 3

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:22-23, I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.

Thoughts: In a time where many times you are what you do life can be depressing for many. I’m a cashier or the CEO both have very different feelings. I could create a small business and name myself CEO and it would sound impressive to say that, but the truth could be that in the business I would also be every position down to janitor. Now Nehemiah was calling these men to now that you are working also carry a sword or spear and be ready to defend this city and you can’t go home to get cleaned up and get a good night’s rest but you need to stay here and also be a guard at night. Sure, the Church had plenty of people who work or volunteer there but there are also many churches that the pastor and family do almost everything. I am grateful for all the pastors who have many hats. My point is we are not what we do we are not the position we have; we are adopted children of the most high God. 

Payer: Father, you are the one who pours out our gifts and abilities, you give us passion that can be used to glorify you. I lay down my desires and seek to glorify you. I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in me. I thank you that you are working in my heart. I thank you for my family. I thank you for the provisions that you pour out on us. I thank you for the opportunities to learn to be a better steward of those things you entrust to me. I ask that you help me to prepare to be ready when the enemy comes being that we are all working and carrying a sword. 

What is your claim?

Reading: Nehemiah 1-3, Psalm 120, James 4, and 2 Peter 2

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:19-20, But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.”

Thoughts: In light of the political climate is most likely why this passage stood out to me today. The global pandemic being used for political gain, both sides fighting over who is elected and the reactions of those on both sides to the situation. God has given us things to stand up for and called us each to different aspects of the Great Commission. When these men came to Nehemiah it was not innocent question of, “why are you rebuilding this place?” but an accusatory, “are you against the king?” I have seen this even inside the Church Body where people do not see eye to eye and start fighting over a difference instead of coming together over the things we have in common. Just as when Nehemiah started rebuilding Jerusalem people joined and worked on different sections of the walls, we are all to be working to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ not fighting over who is doing it right or accusing someone of serving the wrong king.  

Prayer: Father God you are the architect, you know every brick and every timber, you guide the use and how they work together. I lay my preferences at your feet and seek to work with whomever you bring me to. I thank you that you are working within me and leading me. I thank you that you continue to refine me and mold me as I walk with you. I thank you for my family. I thank you for your plans and that I get to be apart of it. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you have for us. I ask that you help me to walk in your plans and not hold contempt for those who are working a different portion of it. 

Wild fire

Reading: Ezra 9-10, Psalm 28, James 3, and 2 Peter 1

Scripture: James 3:5, So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Thoughts: Living where I do this last year, I was directly affected by the forest fires. Not only did our family loose things but communities where we had been just days before had, now have been reduced to nothing more than the remnants of a foundation and maybe a fireplace still standing. It is one thing to see these fires on the TV but walking the devastation after something like this breaks your heat. Our tongues can and will cause devastation like these forest fires, all it takes is a spark in the wrong place at the wrong time to start these fires. Just like that spark a wrong word spoken in anger can lead to devastation in someone’s life, we do not always think about the power in our words. Are your words watering the forest to bring new growth or are they a spark seeking to find that pile of dry brush?

Prayer: Lord God you are the one who raises up and brings down, you are the one who provides all things. Your grace and mercy abound in all things. I lay my fiery words and attitude at your feet. I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in my life, I thank you for those who you bring into my life to help me to seek after you more. I thank you for my family and friends. I thank you for your provisions in these times of uncertainty and that in that uncertainty we are in our hands. I ask that you help us to use our tongues to build up and not tear down. 

If we are the Body...

Reading: Ezra 7-8 and James 2

Scripture: James 2:3-4, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Thoughts: When reading this passage this morning a song came to mind, Casting Crowns “If we are the Body.” I feel it is easier to ignore those we do not know and/or do not dress right, than it is to show them the Love that God had given us. James was making a point that people of the church were doing this and apparently it was so pervasive that it needed to be addressed. Where I live the homeless and panhandling has gotten so bad that it is hard to go a mile without seeing a camp or a block without seeing someone asking for some sort of handouts. As the song and this passage say together if we are the hands and feet of God why are we not doing what Jesus did throughout his ministry, why are we not sharing God’s love to all that we meet? 

Prayer: Lord God I lay my life before you, your love pours out over this world and you call us to share that love. You are the head and as the hands and feet we are called to step out and show our faith by our works. You are in control and lead us. I thank you for all you have done in my life and all that you are doing in my life, the molding and refining that you are leading me through. I thank you for my family. I thank you for those around me the speak into my life. I thank you for your provision that you give us. I ask that you help me to be the steward you call me to be, not just with my finances but also with your love and mercy. Help me to be better hands and feet for your Lord. 

 

Shields up

Reading: Esther 7-10 and James 1

Scripture: James 1:12, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Thoughts: We have trials and attacks from the evil one regularly, whether we recognize them or not. It can be as simple as an attractive person getting you to think about things that should only be within the covenant of marriage, to a situation happening that is driving you to anger and wanting to act upon that anger. With these trials coming into our lives every day and sometimes multiple times a day, are we striving for righteousness and seeking God’s strength to overcome or are we just seeking our own pleasures at the time? I know that when I have missed being in the word or have consumed too much of the worlds influence that I will fall into seeking my own pleasures, and the crown that is promised for those who are steadfast I miss. I long to walk in his righteousness and his strength and seek his glory.

Prayer: Father, your glory shines out through all you have made. I thank you for knowing me and every hair on my head. I thank you for guiding, molding and refining me every day even when I fail. I thank you for placing me where you have and the lessons you have for me. I thank you for my family and those around me. I thank you for your provisions and the opportunity to be your steward.  

But that is what I wanted!!!

Reading: Esther 3-6, Psalm 126, and Hebrews 13

Scripture: Esther 6:10, Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” Hebrews 13:1, Let brotherly love continue.

Thoughts: It always amazes me how much God can be seen in a book that dose not bear his name, this account of a young woman becoming queen and God using her and her family to save his nation. Have you ever overheard or was talked to about someone that was going to be honored and got our hopes a little too high thinning it was us to have it given to someone we did not like, or we felt did not deserve it? That give us a little hint of how Haman was feeling after telling the king all the things he wanted and then told to go do that for Mordecai. Then I came to Hebrews and completely out of context the verse “Let Brotherly love continue” jumped out connecting to Esther. Brotherly love calls us to rejoice and weep with our brothers being good stewards of God’s love to pour into others and share it with all. Haman came to seek to kill Mordecai and in turn had to show him some of the greatest honor. Let us rejoice with those who are being raise up, because it is not anything we do to be raised up but God who brings up and tears down. 

Prayer: Father God you are the one who orchestrates all things to glorify you and point to you. Your glory shines from all of creation. I place my desires in your hands. I thank you for all you have done for us, your guidance and your mercy. I thank you for your molding and refining you are doing in me. I thank you for my family and the provisions you give us, help us to be the stewards you call us to be. I ask that you help me to show my brotherly love more open my heart to those whom you place in my path. 

 

Discipline me!

Reading: Esther 1-2, Psalm 108, and Hebrews 12

Scripture: Hebrews 12:11, For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Thoughts: As I was reading the thought of Galatians 5:22-23, the Fruit of the Spirit, when we are not practicing the fruit of the spirit and seeking to be God’s light we will be disciplined. As we learn from our discipline we will grow in our likeness to God and better become lights to his world. We are not called to have to good feelings but to be transformed and in my experience to be transformed I need to be disciplined. 

Prayer: Father God you are just and you draw us and discipline us as we need to be a better witness for you. I lay my life before you and seek your ways. I thank you for your discipline and the correction that brings me back into your embrace. I thank you for my family and my friends. I thank you for the people you have placed in my life that point me to you. I thank you for your provisions and the opportunity to be your steward. I ask that you lead me and guide me in all I do? 

Just keep Swimming

Reading: Ezra 5-6, Psalm 110, Hebrews 11, and 1 Peter 5

Scripture: Ezra 5:5, But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it.

Thoughts: Have you ever been in that middle of doing something and then are asked what are you doing and it completely stops everything that is going on? I know I have, instead of being like these men rebuilding the Temple, we stop and wait to hear are we able to continue. I have heard pastors talk about how people have come to them and tell them they are not hearing God any longer. Most of the time they talk about the how we need to go back to the last thing we heard God tell us and do that. These men rebuilding the temple the last thing they heard was rebuild the temple and even though someone came and asked what they were doing, they replied and continued to work. When God give us a direction, we need to keep walking in it until we get new marching plans.

Prayer: Father God you know the struggles and trials of this life, you know the hears on our heads even when we get off track. Your plans are higher than ours and you ways are higher. I thank you for the opportunity to server and shine your light any way I can. I ask your forgiveness when I have missed the mark. I thank you for those who walk with me and point me back to you. I thank you for my family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you help me to remember that last thing I was told so that I can walk in your ways. 

 

Church Killer

Reading: Zechariah 13-14, Psalm 80, Hebrews 10, and 1 Peter 4

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25, And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Thoughts: Over the years I have watched many local churches stop growing and even get to the point that the only people still there are those who are too old or set in their ways to search for a church that is not dying. In 2020 I faced a new dilemma, the government in the state where I live has been putting restrictions on how we are able to come together. Because of these restrictions it has killed many small churches who could not adapt. As much as people were neglecting to come together before this new culture of stay at home has increased the problem possibly 1000 times. We are social beings by creation, God being triune is in constant community and were created in his image. No matter if you see the end being days away, years away, or millennia away, the Day draws closer. We are called to stir up and encourage one another in love and good works. God first Life second where are your priorities? 

Prayer: Father God, you are the great encourager, you stir the hearts of those who are yours. I lay my own agendas at your feet and ask for your directions. I thank you that you are always encouraging us even when we do not listen. I thank you that you are the one who leads and guides us. I thank you for my family and those around me pointing to you. I thank you for your provisions and blessings. I ask that you help me to see your next step help me to know where to go and doors to walk though. 

No Secrets

Reading: Zechariah 10-12, Psalm 40, Hebrews 9, and 1 Peter 3

Scripture: Psalm 40:8-10, I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

Thoughts: In Matthew in what is commonly referred to as The Great Commission we are told to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, the psalmist here is praising God and declaring that they are not hiding but declaring God’s love. They may have only known of the covenants with Abraham and Moses and the Law that came from God on the Mountain. That Congregation would have been Israel, but we are now adopted into that family and we have been told not to keep God’s love a secret, Go and Spread the Good news.

Prayer: Lord God you are the orchestrator of all things, even when there is a off note you bring it into a beautiful sound. Your glory shines above all things. I Long to dwell in your presence and seek your glory. I thank you for those around me who help point me to you when I start to stray. I thank you for my family and the Joy they bring I thank you for your provisions and blessings. I ask that you help me to be your voice where it is needed, give me the direction in my life and help me to step boldly in your will. 

Gatekeeping

 Reading: Ezra 1-2 and Hebrews 4

 

Scripture: Ezra 2:62-63, These sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but they were not found there, and so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food, until there should be a priest to consult Urim and Thummim.

 

Thoughts: Lineage and genealogy are so important to the Jews of this time and may still be today, I know that beyond my grandparents I have little to know knowledge of my heritage. It was so important to be counted among God’s people, even with out prof of who they were the came and worked and gave to rebuild the Temple. It appears to me that they were told you can work and you can give but until the priest gets here and consults with God using Urim and Thummim you don’t get any of God’s blessings. When people are coming to us or the church are we welcoming them in or are we being a gatekeeper and saying you need to meet these criteria before you can be apart of our family. 

 

Prayer: Father God, your arms are open to all who seek you and to all who accept your gift of adoption thought your Son. I thank you that you are leading me. I thank you for the people around me that lead and guide me in seeking you. I thank you for your provision and blessings. I ask that you help me to be welcoming and not a gatekeeper.

 

Selling fear!!!

Reading: Daniel 11-12, Psalm 95, and Hebrews 3

Scripture: Daniel 11:32-33, He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder.

Thoughts: As I was reading this passage today, I am not sure if we are seeing the king that this section if Daniel is talking about, but I am seeing that media with a hard bias claiming to be nonpartisan. Media has been presented to us as this great place to get our information and that we are getting that information from groups that do not have a leaning. The media has become the mouthpiece of the left and any time someone contradicts them they are called liars and bigots. It is getting to the point as I see those around me believing what the media is saying over thinking for themselves and doing a little research. Yes COVID-19 is a nasty virus that spreads easily, and this is what the media harps on, not the fact that of those tested there is a about a 98 percent rate of recovery, that number may be even higher in the fact that not everyone gets tested, they got sick they stayed home got over it and went on with life. The media and those controlling the media use fear to control the people. The Bible tells us to not have a spirit of fear 2 Timothy 1:7, do not live in fear and seek the truth. Daniel is talking about people being seduces by flattery I feel that media is the beginnings of that seduction. 

Prayer: Father you are the one in control, you raise up and bring down, you lead and open doors, you give wisdom and a discerning spirit. I lay my own desires to control my life and seek you will. I thank you for the molding and refining you are doing in me. I thank you for those people you place in my life to help me grow and those whom I get to encourage. I thank you for you provisions and blessings you pour out on us. 

Stewards of what?

Reading: Daniel 9-10, Psalm 50, and Hebrews 2

Scripture: Psalm 50:10-11, For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.

Thoughts: Watching my children play and grow I also see the root of selfishness. The near constant wining and crying about, they took my things. During my reading I remembered when I first realized that all that I have is not mine, and my tithe was not giving to God his portion of my income but worshiping him, and trusting that after returning to Him, through the local church He would supply all that I needed. When I finally accepted that its not mine and we have a God who owns everything and will provide what we need, and sometime things we want. I cannot count how many times where just the right amount of money shows up to cover something we did not expect, or someone give us the thing we wanted or needed that we did not have the funds to take care of. We are stewards of God’s things, our finances, our homes, are vehicles, even our children. We are responsible for the care and proper use of those things that God places in our lives. Are we using God’s resources in a way that honors Him? 

Prayer: Father God, you do own everything, all I have is yours and it is useful to you. I thank you that you give us the opportunity to be your stewards, lead us and guide us on care and proper use of those things entrusted to us. I thank you for your molding and refining you are doing in me. I thank you for my family and the joy in my life. I thank you for your provisions and the ability to steward the things you pour out on us. I ask that you continue to lead and guide me in all that I do and help me to grow in wisdom in stewarding your riches. 

It is set in motion!!

Reading: Daniel 7-8, Psalm 116 and Hebrews 1

Scripture: Daniel‬ ‭8:25, By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand.‬

Thoughts: With many people talking about the end times because of the current political climate, and the global pandemic going on, I thought it was interesting to read Daniel’s visions of the end times. In chapter seven it talked about beasts being raised up into nations with many visuals then at the end of chapter 8 and his second vision this passage stood out, talking about deceit will prosper, and in his own mind be great. We need to remember that we server the victor and as this passage say they shall be broken but not by human hand. We are to serve and not worry about who is going to take out the evil power, God already has a plan and has set it in motion. 

Prayer: Lord you are so wonderful, you have set things in motion that will overcome all. Your greatness surpasses all understanding. I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your army. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in me. I thank you for your provision and blessings, you are the great provider. I ask for direction, open my eyes to your plan and your will. Help me to cast out fear and walk in your plan. 

I want to be Rich and Famous!!!

Reading: Daniel 5-6, Psalm 131 & 135, 2 Timothy 4 and Philemon 

Scripture: Daniel 5:17, Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.

Thoughts: We are all shown famous people every day, models, actors, youtubers, and influences on every media available. In turn driving us to want more then we have, some work harder, some try to find a way to get into one of those categories that will get the rich and famous. Daniel was offered all this and more to make the interpretation know to the king, and he told the king to keep it and he will tell him. We are to freely share Gods good new and love with the world around us. We are not to ask for someone to pay us for the privilege to hear what God has done for us. God will raise us up and place us where we need to be, we are to spread his word and share his love with the world. 

Prayer:  Father God you are the one who leads and guides me you are the one who raises up and brings down. I relinquish my control over my life and seek your path, lead me and guide me in all you are going. I thank you for all you are doing in my life the refining and the molding that needs to be done to make me into who you need me to be. I thank you for my family and the Joy they bring. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you are pouring out even in the midst of the trials. I ask that you lead me and guide me open my eyes to your path and give me the strength to take the next step. 

The Lord Is There.

Reading: Ezekiel 47-48, Psalm 26, 2 Timothy 3, and Titus 3

Scripture: Ezekiel 48:35, The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.

Thoughts: Ezekiel has spent that last few chapters being shown the temple in heaven and how the temple on earth was only a shadow of the true temple in heaven. Paul in tells or reminds the church in Corinth in his first letter to them “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) As I was reading this last passage in the book of Ezekiel about the name of that city will be “The Lord Is There” with us being the temple and having the Holy Spirit in us ever city we live, every place we dwell for a time shall be The Lord Is There. Are we living as if God we are the Temple and that the places we dwell are called The Lord Is There? Let God’s glory shine through your life and point all who know you to Him. 

Prayer: Father God you are the creator of all thing, your glory shines though all creation. I thank you that I can be an interment to point others to you. I thank you for the refining and drawing me closer top you. I thank you for my family and those around me who help me to dive deeper into me relationship with you. I ask that you help me to be your light in this dark world. 

I am in the Lord's Army!!!

Reading: Ezekiel 45-46, Psalm 36, 2 Timothy 2, and Titus 2

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3-5, Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

Thoughts: Growing up in the church I do not know how many times we sang the song “The Lord’s Army” we would also talk about the armor of God, telling us kids that we are in God’s army. Even though I had family that had been in the military it was not ingrained in me like it can be in many military families, I had no real idea with an army was let alone to be in God’s army. Now on the verge of 40 I have friends who have served, I know people who have been to war and come back different people, war is an ugly thing. Paul was reminding Timothy that he chose to enlist into God’s army and in doing so he needs to lay down his civilian pursuits. As soldiers we have our orders, and we have a direction to go and our goal is to carry them out to the best of our ability. As a kid I may not have understood what I was singing beyond a fun song, but today I declare “I am in the Lord’s Army” I may not be on the frontline storming a stronghold, but I am there to do my part.

Prayer: Lord, you have opened the ranks to all who wish to enlist and fight for our family. Your strength and power are given freely to us to combat the evil one. I thank you for the work you are doing and have done in my life the refining and molding that occurs every day. I thank you for my family. I thank you for the provisions and strength you give us. I ask that you help me to find my place in your army. 

I don't care how I want it Now!!!

Reading: Ezekiel 43-44, Psalm 112, 2 Timothy 1, and Titus 1

Scripture: Psalm 112:10, The wicked man sees it and is angry; he gnashes his teeth and melts away; the desire of the wicked will perish!

Thoughts: The psalmist spends almost the entire psalm writing about the great blessings of fearing God and delighting in His commands. As humans we have been encouraged throughout history, especially in America that we are to think for ourselves and seek our own glory and focus on ourselves. The largest tool that evil one has and the easiest to grow in almost everyone is selfishness. The famous quote from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory from 1971, where Veruca Salt after singing and dancing around she make makes one last statement “I don’t care how I want it now!!” Are we living in the blessings of fearing God or are we being a Veruca?

Prayer: Father you are the one who made it all your creations shouts your glory. I place my life in your hands. I thank you for all you have done and all you are doing in my life. I ask that you help me to walk in you ways. You are worthy of all praise and honor. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you continue to give us. 

 

Where is your wall?

Reading: Ezekiel 41-42 and 2 Timothy 6

Scripture: Ezekiel 42:20, He measured it on the four sides. It had a wall around it, 500 cubits long and 500 cubits broad, to make a separation between the holy and the common.

Thoughts: The angel of the Lord had been showing Ezekiel around the Temple, not the temple that could be destroyed and rebuild but the true Temple in Heaven. Here at the end of chapter forty-two Ezekiel saw this wall that was to separate the holy and the common, before Jesus gave his life for us there was no way through, over, or around these walls. Israel had the law and ways to cover their sins, but until Jesus died for us tearing the vail, the separation between God and man and taking our sins there was no way in. Are we living separated from God and his love by not accepting the Gift He gave us though his Son, or are we living in his abundant everlasting love given freely though His Son’s sacrifice? 

Prayer: Father God, you have given us the opportunity to come into your presence, and to seek you face to face, your love endures, and your grace is sufficient for even me. I thank you for accepting me as I am but loving me enough not to leave me there. I thank you for my family and the joys and trials that come with. I thank you for all you do for us, your provisions and blessings abound over us. I ask that you help me to come into your presence properly and with thanksgiving in my heart to honor you and seek your plan. 

 

And Nations will Know

Reading: Ezekiel 39-40 and 1 Timothy 5

Scripture: Ezekiel 39:7-8, And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. Behold, it is coming and it will be brought about, declares the Lord God. That is the day of which I have spoken.

Thoughts: As we look back at how many times both the Israel and Juda turned away from God through leadership and lack of leadership, stretching from the time of the judges through the kings of both groups. God would raise up judges to bring the nations into alignment or so many times there were kings that “did evil in the sight of the lord.” The nations also were taken into captivity because of disobedience. Ezekiel stars with God will make his name know, and not let it be profaned. There are many nations in this would that I feel that are profaning God’s name and not looking to him for guidance. Every day we are one day closer to every nation knowing that God is the Holy One if Israel. We have the privilege of becoming part of that family through the adoption offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Let us be a part of the sharing of the Gospel. 

Prayer: Father God you are in control, you are the one who raises up and who brings down. I fall on my face before you and seek your glory. I thank you that you are refining me you are leading me in my ways. I thank you for your love. I thank you for my family and my friends. I thank you for the provisions you pour out on us every day. I ask that you help me to set my priorities on you and what you have set for me. lead and guide me every day. 

These dry bones come alive!!!

Reading: Ezekiel 37-38, Psalm 44, and 1 Timothy 4

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:5, Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.

Thoughts: There are many Christians in this would who are just like the dry bones Ezekiel talks about in the beginning of the chapter. We are meant to be the hands and feet of God. We each have a place where we fit into God’s plan. We will be affective in this plan when we stop saying someone else is more qualified, I do not have the training, or any other excuse we use to not do God’s work. Just before this Ezekiel told the dry bones to have flesh, when we are a Christian, but we are not doing God’s work and seeking where we can fit into his plan, we have had our dry bones regain their flesh and sinews but we have not taken that breath and are still as good as dead. 

Prayer: Father God, you are the one who raises us from the dead, you raise us from the muck and mire, and you restore us and give us the strength to overcome all. My life is yours, I place all that I am and all that I will be in your hands. I thank you for all you are doing in me and I thank you that you have called to flesh and breath into me. I thank you for my family, and I thank you for your provisions. I ask that you help me to keep my eyes on you and seek after you every day. 

Bigger is better!!!

Reading: Ezekiel 35-36, Psalm77, 1 Timothy 3, and 2 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: Ezekiel 35:10-11, Because you said, ‘These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will take possession of them’—although the Lord was there— therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them. And I will make myself known among them, when I judge you.

Thoughts: We all can be selfish, taking things that do not belong to us or claiming it as our own just so that nobody else can use it. Ezekiel was saying to Israel that even though God was there does not make it yours and that they will be delt with as they were dealing with these other nations. It is all to common today that nations and leaders are trying to take what is no theirs and wars break out. Not only is this applicable on the national and global levels it is applicable on the personal level. Are we striving to share God’s love or are we just trying to get converts and boost our numbers verses their numbers? This can also be seen in some churches where they are more interested in just getting bigger and not the growth of those within the church or sharing the Gospel. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are the one who knows our hearts, you know the motives we do what we do. I lay my motives at your feet and ask that you make them pure. I thank you for all you are doing in my life and refining and molding that is being done. I thank you for my family and friends that walk through these trials with me. I thank you for your provision and blessings. I ask you open my eyes to your will and your directions, I ask that you help me recognize those things in my life that draw my desires away from your plan. 

Have you helped today?

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

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:4-5,The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered

Thoughts: Before ascending to heaven we are given the commandment to go to all the world to bring the good news, in doing so we are being like shepherds, taking care of the sheep of the world. When we take it upon ourselves to do our own things, we start forgetting about taking care of others. As humans if we are not being loved and not being taking care of we will find someone else that will and seek our own comfort. Let us remember our commitment to God to follow his son and seek to be a mirror reflection the love of Christ. 

Prayer: Father you are the one who give us strength and heals, you call us back, you lead with a genial hand. I strive to be your hands and feet in this world. I thank you for the growth in my life. I thank you for your love and healing you are doing in me. I thank you for my family and the joy they bring. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that are new every day. I ask that you help me to walk in your ways and seek to heal, strengthen and bring home the lost. 

From, by, or Through the fire.

Reading: Daniel 3-4, 1 Timothy 1, and 2 Thessalonians 1

Scripture: Daniel 3:16-17, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

Thoughts: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is one the church teaches kids from a young age. To me this was there to demonstrate that we are to follow God verses following man. As that is true but I also see a deliverance story, this passage shows two of the three deliverances in this story. The three types of deliverance; delivered from, delivered by, and delivered through. The two that are in this passage are from and by, they only saw the first two options in ether God keep us from going into the fire, or he will take us from you by the fire. The third deliverance is the hardest one. Yes, God can keep us from the fire of our trials, he can also take us home (heaven) by those trials, but there are times where he walks with you through that fire. Our refining happens in the midst of a fire, just like the process of refining medals it takes heat and time to bring the impurities to the surface to remove them. 

Prayer: Father, you are the one who delivers us, you are the one who takes care of all things. I thank you for your deliverance and lay my life at your feet, help me be refined and remove the impurities. I thank you for what you are doing in me. I thank you for family and times to gather in your name. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you have for us every day. Open my eyes to see what needs to change in my life and open my ears to year your word. 

Build a song in my heart that cannot be silenced.

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

Scripture: Psalm 137:3-4, For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?

Thoughts: We are all citizens of heaven and our souls long to join God there, yet we are captives here on earth. For some the nations they live in and belong to here on earth are oppressing them taking away the option to seek and worship the one true God. There are places that were once free and now that freedom is being taken away and are asking just like the Psalmist How are we to sing the Lord’s songs? What ever our situation is, and no mater how much oppression comes, we need to keep those songs in our hearts and worship no matter how it looks. 

Prayer: Father, you are the King above all kings, you are above all things and lead us to your green pastures. I lay my life before you and take up your yolk, lead me and guide me where I should go. I thank you for the molding and refining you are doing in my life. I thank you for those in my life who encourage and exhort me in the calling you have for me. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you give us. Open my eyes to your glory, my ears to your voice, and my heart and mind to your presence, building that song in my heart that cannot be silenced. 

Your deeds shall return on your own head.

Reading: Lamentations 4-5, Obadiah 1, and Philippians 3

Scripture: Obadiah 1:15-16, For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been.

Thoughts: We are called to be imitators of Christ. The term Christian was first used as a derogatory by the Jewish leaders, it meant little Christs. These disciples we so Christ like they stood out by they actions. When we live with Christ in our mind heart and soul our actions will reflect who we are and who’s we are. When we walk without Christ in our lives and without his forgiveness, we are subject to the judgment. Obadiah was talking about just that, the end is nearer now then when Obadiah wrote this, but it is no less true. Unless we have Christ in our lives, our deeds both the good and bad will come back upon us. No matter how good we are we cannot out weight even one sin with all our good deeds. 

Prayer: Father God you raise nations and you bring nations down, you raise up leaders and topple others. Your greatness abounds over all. I bow down before you and you alone, lead me and guide me along your path. I thank you for all you have done in my life and all you are still doing. I thank you for your refining and your molding. I thank you for family, both blood and adopted. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you have for us every day. I ask that you help me to be the man you have called me to be and focus on being that little Christ. 

Remembering my afflictions and wanderings.

Reading: Lamentation 3 and Philippians 2

Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-23, Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Thoughts: I can relate to this passage in Lamentations, the fact that my mind goes back to my sins and failures. The evil one uses things to bring us back into focusing on our failures even after we have been forgiven and those things have become as far as the east is from the west. Spending time worshiping and diving into God’s Word with help us to remember His steadfast love and how is does not end and he always has new mercies on us. He is faithful to do what He says He will do and overcome what He says He will do.

Prayer: Father God your grace and mercy are food to my soul, your love sustains me. Your loving hands mold me and protect me. I give my life to you. I thank you for all you are doing in my life the refining and the molding, you are removing my impurities. I thankyou for my family I thank you for all you have done for me. I tank you for your provisions and blessings. I ask that you lead and guide me in remaining focused one your will.

Take up a yoke.

Reading: Lamentations 1-2, Psalm 79, and Philippians 1

Scripture: Lamentations 1 :14, My transgressions were bound into a yoke; by his hand they were fastened together; they were set upon my neck; he caused my strength to fail; the Lord gave me into the hands of those whom I cannot withstand.

Thoughts: Being a Christian we are covered by the grace and mercy given to us though Jesus’ death and resurrection and he paid for our transgressions. Here in Lamentations they were under the law and the system that called for sacrifices. We are told now under the new promise that are sins are as the east is from the west and will not be remembered. So, I started thinking after reading this passage, we are said to be slaves to sin if we are not repentant and turn from our ways and what would it look like if we could see the yokes we all wear. Jesus said my burden is light and my yoke is easy. Are we walking as if we have His light and easy yoke or are we clinging fast to our heavy awkward yoke that he wants to take for us?

Prayer: Father, your burden is easy even when you take on ours, your grace abounds and your mercy shines. I place my yoke at your feet and walk in your ways. I thank you for all you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family and friends. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you give us. I ask that you help me to see when I pick up my yoke and seek after my glory and not yours. 

Should I stay or should I go now?

Reading: Jeremiah 42-44 and Ephesians 6

Scripture: Jeremiah 42:10 If you will remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I relent of the disaster that I did to you.

Thoughts: How many times have you asked God for a direction and you do not get the answer you thought you wanted? For me plenty, knowing God’s plans are higher and greater than mine it is still hard to walk on a path that is mostly obscured. As I have been getting frustrated with my job and my state, I have been praying and thinking about different work and moving to another state. This morning this passage was speaking to me about not running from what is going on and being content where I am. Let us be content and not continually seeking our own pleasures. Is God calling you to stay or go today?

Prayer: Father you are the great strategist, you know what is in store for me. You lead and guide and we are to listen and follow. You have called us to seek and follow you in all we do. I lay my own desires and seek your will and my place in your plan. I thank you for all your are doing in my life, refine and mold me. I thank you for my family I thank you for all the joy and struggles they bring. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out on us and have set aside for us. I ask that you help me to be content and listen to your leading and guiding. 

My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness.

Reading: Jeremiah 40-41, Psalm 38, and Ephesians 5

Scripture: Psalm 38:3-6, There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning.

Thoughts: As I read this portion of this Psalm, I felt this lament over who we are without God and how weak we are without his strength. We can get so caught up our strength and our plans that we forget that God is the one who gave us our strength. David had his great times of faith and God given power but also had his failures. Even with his failures he was still called a man after God’s own heart. David knew the power of God and the discipline. We need to stay in his Word and seek him every day and be honest with God and ourselves about the sin in our lives and seek to overcome them.

Prayer: Father you are the one who gives me strength, and health. You pour out grace and  peace upon us, and your glory shines from all creation. I lay my failures and self-serving ways before you and seek to walk in your ways. I thank you for all you are doing in my life the refining and molding you are doing in my life. I thank you for those around me who encourage and bring growth in my life. I thank you for my family and those who are like family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings, you take care of all we need and lead us in your ways. I ask for help recognizing when I turn my focus from you and your path and seek my own. 

Are you sure you have that on correctly?

Reading: 2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles 36, Ephesians 4, and 1 Thessalonians 5

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9, But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts: As I have been looking at Ephesians 6 and the Armor of God for other things this passage stood out to me, talking about some of the pieces. I thought it was interesting that after talking about the things of the night, Paul brings up be sober, having put on these pieces. My mind goes to times in my past where I drank too much, and anyone who has done so knows how much it impairs your abilities to do even the simplest of tasks. In turn trying to put on armor when impaired would probably be a mess and lead us to a point of ether it is not protecting us, or we are misusing it. All sin draws us away from God and the better things he has for us, we are called to the light and belong to the day we need to be seeking after God and putting on the armor and knowing how to use it properly.

Prayer: Father God you are the one who protects us and lead us in this war. We know the end and long to walk in your plans and find our place in it. I lay my wants and desires at your feet and seek your will and your guidance. I thank you for all you have done and all you are doing in my life. I thankyou for family and those who are as family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings. I ask that you help me to put on the armor every day and to walk in your ways lord.

What crowd are we following?

Reading: Ezekiel 31-32, Psalm 45, Ephesians 3, and 1 Thessalonians 4

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:8, Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Thoughts: As I was reading this morning going through Paul’s admonishment of this church and how they conducted themselves in their sexuality. First in verse 4 he tells them to control themselves, then here in verse 8 basically says if you continue you are not breaking man’s law but God’s and things promised may be be given or taken away. I do not feel that this is strictly linked to sexual sins but all sin. When we claim to be Christ followers but are running and seeking after sins in our life, we must start asking is our faith and beliefs real or are we following a crowd. 

Prayer: Father, your love and your grace is abundant, it cries out from all creation. I lay down my life and place my disregard at your feet asking to have it taken from me, help me to dive deeper into your love. I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in me. I thank you for those in my life who call me out on my things and encourage me in my walk. I thank you for your provisions, you take care of us every day and give us the ability to bless others. I ask that you help me to toss my disregard aside and seek you more. 

Lifted in Humility.

Reading: Ezekiel 29-30, Psalm 147, Ephesians 2, and 1 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: Psalm 147:5-6, Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.

Thoughts: I feel I need this reminder form time to time, partly because when I was young I was held back because of a miscommunication, to later be found that the reasoning was unreliable and that I didn’t belong in those different classes. I have to both struggle with the idea that I am valued and not getting myself puffed up because I know how far I have come and what I have overcome. God’s power is so great, and so beyond my understanding, He lifted me up from being held back and gave me the strength to overcome, but if I allow myself to see myself as more than he has lifted me to then I can be cast back down to learn my humility again. 

Prayer: Father, you are so wonderful, your glory abounds in all creation. I lay my life before you and seek your place for me in your plan. I thank you that you are always there for me and help me through the tough times. I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family and the joy they bring. I thank you for your provisions, you take care of all we need. I ask that you continue to help me to remain humble and know who I am and who’s I am and that it is through your strength and power that I do all things. 

What Journey are you on?

Reading: Ezekiel 27-28, Ephesians 1, and 1 Thessalonians 2

Scripture: Ezekiel 27:25-26, The ships of Tarshish traveled for you with your merchandise. So you were filled and heavily laden in the heart of the seas. “Your rowers have brought you out into the high seas. The east wind has wrecked you in the heart of the seas.

Thoughts: After spending the first 24 verses talking about how great the trade was and the merchandise gotten, then it says the east wind wrecked the vessel out in the heart of the sea. When reading this the passage in Matthew 19, saying it is easier for a camel to fit though the eye of a needle and also, the passage of the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). As I was reading this passage, I felt like so many of us spend out time working to buy, sell, trade and upgrade not just our things, but ourselves and our stations in life. I am not saying that bettering ourselves is a bad thing, but when our ambition and our longing for the next bigger and better thing is what is driving us we will fall on our face and our journey to heaven will be a rougher path, full of pitfalls and trials that will come form that love of money and things. 

Prayer: Father you are the great provider, you have made all things and prepare all things that we need. Your glory is shouted by all of creation. I lay all I have at your feet, it is yours and I am but a steward of it. I thank you for the ability to steward what you give me and ask that you continue to work that in me. I thank you for my family and those who are in my life. I ask that you continue to open my eyes to your plan and help me keep my eyes on you and not the shinny things of this world. 

Who is your distress call going to?

Reading: Ezekiel 25-26, Psalm 118, Galatians 6, and 1 Thessalonians 1

Scripture: Psalm 118:4-5, Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

Thoughts: How often wo we remind ourselves of God’s love and how it will endure beyond anything we can do. I don’t know how many times in my life where I was in the middle of something and the thoughts of “where are you” or “do you care.” In times of trials and tribulations, and when we feel the most alone he is there with us even when we don’t see it. The poem Footprints is an amazing visualization of this. Are we leaning into God in the trials, in our distress calling on God for he is the one who sets us free? Lean into his love and pour it out on other so others can see His love living and working in us. 

Prayer: Father God, you are love and your glory shines in all your creation. You are in control of all things. I lay my life before you and say “here am I, send me” you have a plan and I ask that I find my place within that plan. I thank you that you are in control and work all things for our good. I thank you for your corrections and refining that you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family and the joy and love they bring into my life. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you give is. I ask that you help me to remember your love always and share it with those around me. 

 

Who are you trying to outdo?

Reading: Ezekiel 23-24 and Galatians 5

Scripture: Ezekiel 23:11, Her sister Oholibah saw this, and she became more corrupt than her sister in her lust and in her whoring, which was worse than that of her sister.

Thoughts: As Ezekiel talks about the two sisters who represent Samaria and Jerusalem and how the chase after the things of this would and give themselves over to those things. Not only did they give themselves over to them they longed for the things of their past looking for some sort of fulfilment. Here in verse 11 it talks about Oholibah, who is Jerusalem, watched what happened and did it better, getting worse and going after officers and leaders. I see this as us watching the world chase after the fame, money, and influence then wanting the same things. I know that there are many times where I will watch someone get something new or bigger or better then what I have, and go, “I wish I had that.” That is what the world is teaching us, we are to always need to be outdoing those around us. As Oholibah was out doing her sister in whoring, are we trying to outdo those around us. We need to be content with what we have, not that we have to settle we can strive and seek God’s blessings but if we are never content and a good steward of what we have then how could God trust us with more. 

Prayer: Father you are the provider and creator of all things, you give us all we need and long to bless us. I lay my desires at your feet, help me to seek your plan and not mine that is only focused on me. I thank you for the provisions you give us, you provide all we need and bless us with the ability to bless others as you provide for us. I thank you for family the joys and trials they bring. I thank you for your refinement and guidance you give me. Help me to be content where I need to be content and strive where you want me to strive. Lead me and guide me Lord. 

Who's Truth is true?

Reading: Ezekiel 21-22 and Galatians 4

Scripture: Ezekiel 21:8-10, And the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord, say: “A sword, a sword is sharpened and also polished, sharpened for slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! (Or shall we rejoice? You have despised the rod, my son, with everything of wood.) 

Thoughts: As I read this, my mind went back to Proverbs and the fool, the fool who does not accept correction. When we do not accept correction whether by the word or by the rod and continue to walk in our sin, the sword of the Lord will eventually be sharpened and polished. It is easy to do our own thing, to walk in thoughts that my truth is truth, and you can have your truth. If there is not a higher moral truth then we all can have our own truth, and this is what the world is teaching us. Get in the Word of God and seek the Higher Truth, not tradition or acceptance of all, but the True right and wrong of God. 

Prayer: Father, your ways are higher than our ways, your truths are higher than our truths, help me to seek your truth and not my own. I thank you for all that you have done in my life and all that you are still doing. I thank you for family and friends and the joy that they bring to us. I thank you for your provisions and blessings. I ask that you help me to seek you and accept your correction, lead me and guide me in your ways Lord. 

Faith or Works?

Reading: Ezekiel 19-20 and Galatians 3

Scripture: Galatians 3:5, Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith

Thoughts: In a world where media reigns as the arbiter of truth and science, we are so often told what to do, how to think, and in some cases even what to think. This group of house churches in Galatia they were falling into some of the ideals of the Pharisees where is was following all the laws perfectly was what got your into a right relationship with God. God did not pour out his spirit only upon those Jews who followed the law, because nobody other then Christ had. We thought Christ were given the opportunity to have that spirit poured out on us just as the early church did. Not though our good deeds or our works but though the faith that came from hearing the Word. 

Prayer: Father God you are the one who knows all and leads us in your ways, you have created all things and in all things be your glory. I place my trust in you and seek your truth and not the truth given to us by the media. I thank you that you have given us the ability to discern and seek the truth and not just take the everything in that the world throws at us. I thank you for my family. I thank you for those in my life that will help me to not go too far. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out on us every day. I ask that you grow my faith, lead me and guide me in you ways. 

Whose weapons are you using?

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

Scripture: Psalm 20:7-8, Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.

Thoughts: When we are at war we have to have the weapons, when the Bible was written the horse and chariot were some of the peak of warfare equipment. Today we have aircraft tanks and thing we probably can’t imagine. The psalmist is reminding us that we need to trust God for our victories, just as happened several times in the word the worshipers went first, not the warriors or the equipment but the worshipers. The most memorable was Jericho and Joshua and Israel walked around the city. Are we trusting in God or in the weapons of our modern warfare?

Prayer: Father you are the one whose weapons we need, you have already one the war and the battle is yours. I lay down my desires and trust in my own weapons before you and see to know you more. I thank you for all you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family those both of blood and of spirit and adoption into your family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you give us every day. Open the eyes of me heart and the ears to my soul to better see and hear you working in my life. Lead me in your ways and help me to rely on your weapons and not my own. 

Build up you neighbors.

Reading: Ezekiel 9-11 and Romans 15

Scripture: Romans 15:1-2, We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Thoughts: Grief is a funny thing; you will be told of a loss and hours and sometimes day later it will settle in and it will wash over you like a tsunami. Yesterday I was told of the passing of a dear old friend, Bill would talk to anyone about his past and how God got his attention in his early 70’s, my first introduction was to this bubbly old gentleman greeting me as a came into the church, with a Great Big “God Bless you.” Bill was one of those guys that this passage talks about, even starting when he did, he knew God and would bear us up and build us up. We lost a great servant of God. Like Bill we need to remember to bear the failing of the weak and build up our neighbors. 

Prayer: Father you are in control, you know the breaths we will take and hairs on our head. You have called us all to build us those around us and help the weak when we are strong. I thank you for the time I had with Bill in my life, I thank you for the love and encouragement that he brought to this world. I thank you for family and friend that gather around us in times of need. I thank you for your provisions and blessings. I ask that we learn to be more like Bill and love as you love. 

Making the world look more righteous...

Reading: Ezekiel 15-16 and Galatians 1

Scripture: Ezekiel 16:50-51, They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it. Samaria has not committed half your sins. You have committed more abominations than they, and have made your sisters appear righteous by all the abominations that you have committed.

Thoughts: Ezekiel was writing this to Israel reminding them that God saved them and that over and over they sinned and ran to other gods. They were compared to all these places who were destroyed or despised. As Christians we are called to be righteous because he was righteous, there are those who have become more interested in what the world thinks of them and success then living as God calls us to live. I used to be a Sunday morning Christian, going to service most of the time volunteering sometimes and living in the world all the time. I as one of those people who people used to point out the hypocrisy of the church, I wore the mask of Christian well. Are our actions pointing to God and his redemption of the world or are our actions making the world look more righteous? 

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, your grace and mercy pour from upon high waiting to wash over us. I lay my mistakes at your feet, I open my heart to you and say take all of me, help me to remove the things that need removing and grow those things that need growth. I thank you for the work you are doing in me and the work that is already done. I thank you for my family and the growth and joy that they bring. I thank you for friends who are attentive and point me back to you. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us every day. Lead me and guide me in these uncertain times help me to be a better witness to you father. 

Ezekiel drops a bomb.

Reading: Ezekiel 12-14 and Romans 16

Scripture: Ezekiel 14:13-14, Son of man, when a land sins against me by acting faithlessly, and I stretch out my hand against it and break its supply of bread and send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and beast, even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness, declares the Lord God. 

Thoughts: As Ezekiel is sharing what God is telling him, here he drops the bomb that, as I read it is am saying even though you may be related to or following the teachings of these men, their righteousness will only deliver them from his wrath. I have known many Christians who only see God at someone sitting in heaven just waiting to smite them when they mess us, on the other hand there are those out there who look at God as a vending machine, if I put in enough good deeds and press the right buttons the blessings I’m wanting will pop out. God a loving and just God knows what we deserve the smiting sometimes, but our wages are death. Knowing that we could not live up to the standards needed to get into heaven and be in relationship with him, he sent his Son to pay the price we cannot pay. Just as Israel needed the reminder that they cannot be saved be association neither can we, we must accept the gift that God gave us though his Son’s death and resurrection. 

Prayer: Father God you are the giver of the greatest gift, the gift of life eternal with you, you are the one true king. I lay my life before you, take me and use me as you need, refine me and guide me in your ways. I thank you for the work you have already done and the work you are doing in my now. I thank you for all you are doing in this family. I thank you for my family and friends. I thank you for your leading and guidance. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out every day. I ask that you help us to remember our need for you and not listen to those who tell us there are other ways into heaven and into your presence, lead us and guide us in all we do. 

You have a Master!!

Reading: Ezekiel 6-8, Psalm 117, Romans 14, and Colossians 4

Scripture: Colossians 4:1, Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Thoughts: Here we do not truly understand what it means to be a slave because slavery has been abolished and illegal since January 31, 1865. Yes, there is still bias and racism here as there is everywhere but most of us are a couple generations removed from the experience of slavery. A bondservant was a slave that chose to stay after repaying a debt because in that day and area most servants sold themselves for a time to pay a debt in the end they could chose to stay and bind themselves to the master. Paul is reminding us that we all have a master, and we need to treat those under us just as fairly and justly as our master treats us. No matter if those under us are just our children or if we have billion-dollar company under us we need to lead and treat them as God treats and leads us. 

Prayer: Father God you are the example we need to fallow, you are to way the truth and the life and we need to seek you and your Son to reflect that light into the world around us. I lay before you my failures, I ask for your forgiveness where I have gone after my own glory at the cost of others and instead of leading them to you I lorded the authority I had been given. I thank you for the authority you have given us, I thank you for the refining and molding you are working in me. I thank you for my family who bring joy into my life, I thank you for friends who help keep me focused. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us. I ask that you help us to treat people as you would have us treat them no matter if they are under our authority or not. Lead us and guide us. 

Not My President!!!

Reading: Ezekiel 2-5, Romans 13, and Colossians 3

Scripture: Romans 13:1, 4-5, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God… for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Thoughts: In a time where half the nation appears to be saying “not my president” no matter who gets in no matter who is in charge of the great nation, no matter who you voted for if you are a citizen the sitting president is your president. We are all under the authority God has granted to that position, God is not Democrat or Republican. God has raised us evil people and evil nations to get his people back in line. There are going to be times where our leaders will weald a sword and times where they will bring peace. So until my government tells me that I have to go against God I will be subject to it. 

Prayer: Father God your ways are higher then my way, your plans are greater than my plans. I thank you that you are in control. I thank you for all you are doing in my life, I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family, I thank you for your provisions and that you give us what we need. I ask that you help me to keep an open mind to your work and not assign my own agendas to these times. 

It is not our choice on what happens in their life.

Reading: Jeremiah 52, Ezekiel 1, Romans 12, and Colossians 2

Scripture: Romans 12:20-21, To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Thoughts: We are so ready to attack anyone or anything that is contrary to the way we are thinking that we forget to think about, the people on the other side are still people and are loved by God. We are told not to judge or we will be judged ourselves, as God’s people and adopted hears we should be showing his love and grace to all. As we show those we want to attack God’s love and mercy we are ether going to open their eyes to the Father and lead them to God or allow God to judge and heap the coals onto their head. It is not our choice on what happens in their life it is our job to show grace and mercy, by loving them despite our differences. 

Prayer: Father you are the great redeemer, you refine us and mold us. I thank you for your refining and molding you are doing in my life I know that I will not be done this side of heaven and pray that as you work me I more and more reflect your and your love. I thank you for my family and friend who remind me of who I am and who I am called to be. I thank you for your provisions and blessings in my life. I ask for the healing of this nation, open the eyes of those who need to see the corruption and let the truth me know. Bring a peace to this nation no matter the outcome and encounter those in leadership, Guide and lead those who lead out country. 

The dos and don’ts to getting into heaven.

Reading: Jeremiah 51 and Romans 11

Scripture: Romans 11:30-31, For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.

Thoughts: For some disobedience was earlier today, for some it was yesterday, and for some we don’t even recognize it as disobedience any longer. Paul was talking to the church in Rome helping them to understand that the system of works is not a valid system to get to God. There are many churches out there that still teach the dos and don’ts to getting into heaven, and if you don’t do the dos the right way and completely flee the don’ts you are not going to make it to heaven. Paul is telling us that it is only the gift of Jesus that will get us into heaven and the dos and don’ts become apart of who we are as we seek to be closer to him and become a mirror of the one we serve. 

Prayer: Father you are the great redeemer, you are the gardener who prunes and grafts in. I thank you for grafting me into your family and into your root. I thank you for my family and friends. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us. I ask that you help us to see where we are being disobedient and help us to get back into alignment with you. 

We may become a POW for a time.

Reading: Jeremiah 39, 50, Romans 10, and Colossians 1

Scripture: Jeremiah 39:18, For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.

Thoughts: We are all at war. War with ourselves, war with the world, and the unseen spiritual war, when we accept what God did for us through His Son on the cross, we volunteer to join God’s army. Jeremiah in this passage was being told to go talk to the leaders who were invading the city and you will be fine, but he would be a prize of war. The evil one can capture us hold us down, but we know who will be victorious and like Jeremiah we have been told “I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword.” We are on the winning side, we have been given the authority and equipped for the situation, but also know we may become a POW for a time.

Prayer: Father God you are in control of all things, you know what is going on and what the outcome will be, help us to walk in your peace that we can show your glory in this dark world. I thank you for all that you do father. I thank you for your guidance and refinement you are working in me. I thank you for my family and the joy they bring to my life. I thank you for your blessings and provisions that you give us. I ask for healing, healing over those sick and healing over those injured, kill the infections and repair the damage. I ask that you give us the strength and fortitude to endure whatever is coming out way in the war we are in. 

Can I put my two Cents in?

Reading: Jeremiah 34, 37-38 and Romans 9

Scripture: Romans 9:20-21, But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

Thoughts: In a world of options and creating yourself to be who you want to be, it is difficult to think we were formed, we were set apart, and there is a plan for us. We are not the first to think this way and we will not be the last. Paul was talking about just that even two thousand years ago people were looking at what God was molding them to be and wanted to put their two cents worth in lead God. I have been guilty of that thinking I was gifted in one place to later see my gifts lie elsewhere. Just as we are all part of the body, we are not all the part that gets seen or acknowledged but we all serve a vital function in the body. It is not always obvious but listening to God and those your trust to be honest will help to find that place in the body where you function. 

Prayer: Father you are in control you know the purpose you put into us as you formed us. I lay my pride before you and ask forgiveness for trying to make myself into something you did not intend. I thank you for your refining and guidance in my life. I Thank you for my family who bring joy and love into this home. I thankyou for your provisions and blessings, you give us all we need and take care of us in our times of need. I ask that you help us to pliable and allow you to mold us and make us as you want and help us to let go of our desires and seek you in all we do. 

Who is King in our Lives?

Reading: Jeremiah 32-33 and Romans 8

Scripture: Jerimiah 33:20-22, Thus says the Lord: If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night will not come at their appointed time, then also my covenant with David my servant may be broken, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with the Levitical priests my ministers. As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me.

Thoughts: After telling Judah over and over again that they are going to go into exile and have all this stuff happen to them, he then brings up that God says (authors paraphrase) “if you can figure out how to break the promises I have with time and space, then I will forget about king David’s family and my Priests.” Are we more focused on who is going to be in charge of our; country, state, county, and city then who is King in our Lives? Are we placing God as our King or are we trying to place ourselves as the king?

Prayer: Father God you are the One True King and you lead and guide us in all your ways. I ask for your forgiveness when I try to do it my way and don’t want to listen to your directions. I thank you for all you are doing in my life the guiding and refining you are leading me though. I thank you for my family and friends that help keep me on your path and call me on my mistakes. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us, you give us all we need and sometime what we want. I thank you for your joy and peace that you give us. I ask that you help us to share that peace to the world help them to see that peace is not just a lack of war but a coming together as one despite our differences. 

Revenge will make us feel better

Reading: Jeremiah 30-31 and Romans 7

Scripture: Jeremiah 30:16-17, Therefore all who devour you shall be devoured, and all your foes, every one of them, shall go into captivity; those who plunder you shall be plundered, and all who prey on you I will make a prey. For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’

Thoughts: Jeremiah was calling out Juda and reminding them that they are going away from God but even though they are not seeking him at this time when they do when they turn back from their own evil ways that he will return the evil done to them back onto those who did it. Most of us want that revenge or payback ourselves and in our timing. It is easy to think revenge will make us feel better and allow us to move on. There is a movie called Memento, Spoilers for a 20 year old movie, in the movie Leonard the main character has something happen and now he has short term memory problems and cant remember anything new except for a few hours. With this issue he is trying to track down his wife’s murderer, in the end we discover that he has killed many people with the help of his friend because after finding the murderer the first time nothing changed he just become more obsessed with finding the killer. We can get so obsessed with getting our revenge or what we deserve that we can find ourselves in a cycle that is not only destructive to others but ourselves. God has said he will pour out justice, but if we are trying to be the arbiter of that justice, we may get swept up in it instead of delivering it. 

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, I thank you for all you do. I thank you for your patience with me and that you lead and guide me every day. I thank you for my family and the joy correction that bring into my life. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out every day. I ask that break my heart for the things that break yours, Lead me to the people you have for me to interact with today open their heart and my heart so that love can flow.

Who’s your boss

Reading: Jeremiah 28-29, Psalm 17, and Romans 6

 

Scripture: Romans 6:16, Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

 

Thoughts: We are all slaves to something, be it sin like lust, food, money or even pride. Paul is talking about whom we are enslaving ourselves to, are we striving to be obedient to God and his call to righteousness or are we enslaving ourselves to distraction through the sins or the world that Jesus died to wash us clean from. By continuing in sin we telling God that what he sent his Son to do is not good enough for us or we do not care. Let us strive to be bond servants to Christ and not a slave to sin. 

 

Prayer: Father your grace abounds each day, your glory shines beyond comprehension. I lay my inadequacy at your feet, I ask that you forgive the places where I have failed the temptations and ask for the strength to overcome them. I thank you for the refinement you are doing in me. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us. Open my eyes to those things where I am striving after the things of the world and help me to turn to seeking you every day.