Can you hear what I hear

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

 

Scripture: Psalm 95:1-2, Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 

 

Thoughts: As I read this passage my first thought was those time where you are in church and there is that person behind you that sings loud and proud but can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Then as I reflected on it a little more the thought of my daughter singing the different songs that she sings in kids worship and seeing her worship God but still can’t hit the notes or tune and seeing her worship through the eyes of a father and hearing the beauty of worship and not listening to the sour notes or odd rhythms she puts to the songs. God is not seeking perfection in your lives but lives that worship and point to his glory. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you don’t look at the quality of your lives but at the substance of our hearts and minds, our lives are full of mistakes, sour notes, and off rhythms yet you hear the worship and honor that our hearts are pouring out. I thank you that you are continually refining and molding us that our lives can mirror you and reflect the honor and praise that our hearts are producing. Open our hearts and mind to your leading help us to walk in your ways and on your paths for our life. 

What are you seeing?

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

 

Scripture: Daniel 2:30, But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.

 

Thoughts: We focus so much on the letters before or after someone’s name, like the Dr before someone’s name who has finished enough education to get a doctorate degree. Yes that is a feat it take lots of time and determination to work through all that to get that piece of paper that allows you to put those two letter before your name. When you are are 30,000 feet and someone is having a heart attack do you want someone with their doctorate in engineering or education to come in and try to save their life or a medical professional almost anyone from a nurse to a surgeon would be more prepared to help that person. Now if the engine was failing then maybe the engineer may be helpful but still only if he has education in that field. Just as Daniel knew where his wisdom and authority come from in this situation and didn’t step beyond his place, we need to do the same. Our Jobs, our education, and our experiences all factor into where God has us and what authority he is giving us. Your influence and authority is different than mine and we need to step up to the microphone that God has placed before us. Open your heart and mind to the things God is reveling to you it may be the thing someone need to hear. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things, you are the one who give revelation. I thank you for all that you are doing in my life, the molding and refining, I thank you for the provision and blessings you pour out on us. I ask that you use this feeble mind to your glory, that you be honored and praised by all that I do and say. Help me to keep this tongue in check and my mind focused on you. 

How not to love.

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

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-26, Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word

Thoughts: I love my wife, I think the world of her and appreciate all she does to take care of our home and children. Yet I know that I tend to get short and gruff when I’m agitated and/or frustrated. Recently my wife stayed home from church sick and during service one of my children succumbed to the illness as well and vomited at church, then on the way home it happened again in the car that I was to drive to work the next day. Frustrated that it is cold and dark and I’m trying to clean this car that smells bad, I admit I was being short and gruff. Then this morning reading this passage in Ephesians that so often gets quoted at weddings, it broke my heart that I again, was not loving my wife as Christ loves us or the Church. We are to give of ourselves for our wives. Christ was willing to die on the cross as a sinner to claim the victory that was proclaimed from the beginning, if he loves us that much the least we can do is to love one another that much and our wives even more so. How are we pouring into our family to raise them up and to cleanse them? Let us dive into the word and into the depth of what our relationship with God can be that we can pour our what we are being filled with.

Prayer: Lord God, you are my refuge and strength, you are my provider and the blessing in my life. I thank you that you are always working in me and that you give us the opportunity and ability to learn and grow even when it is slowly. I thank you for the refining and molding that is continually happening in my life. I ask that you continue to open my eyes to your glory and to the things that I need to work through. Lead me and guide me in my next steps that I can better show your love to my family and the world around me. 

The same always and forever!

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

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:25-27, Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die. Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.

Thoughts: I have heard many talk about the God of the Old Testament and how He is wrathful and seen as one who would smite you with little cause, and in the New Testament it is peace and forgiveness and mercy. Yet here in Ezekiel God is pointing out just how much mercy can grace he had even before Jesus came. It was said earlier in the chapter that the iniquities of the father or the son would not be held against the other. Here in 25-27 Ezekiel talks about how when someone turns from their righteousness to do evil their good will be forgotten yet when someone in their wickedness turns to righteousness, they will save their life. Before Christ’s sacrifice that permanently opened the door to having a right relationship with God there would have been laws and sacrifices that would have to have been observed but God was still willing to let those who repented and turned from their wicked ways to be saved. God has always been Just and Merciful but are we walking in it?

Prayer: Father God, you are mercy and grace, you are justice. I thanks you that you sent your Son to be victory over the evil one. I thank you that you are using all things to draw me close and to mold me and refine me into the man you have called me to be. I ask that you help me to walk in your mercy and grace, to shine your light into this dark world. You are the way the truth and the life and I seek your help to walk in that every day. 

What are you goiong to give up?

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

Scripture: Psalm 33:1-2, Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

Thoughts: Praise and worship so often get left in the sanctuary of the church after we sing our songs and listen to the teaching, we have checked our God box for the week. Throughout the scriptures there are commands to worship and praise God. In our fast-paced rush rush life where we fill up our time to the point where we place God and other things on the back burner. Where are our priorities, is it the next dollar to earn, the promotion, popularity or is it the things that will not fade. Are we placing importance on God and family. I recently moved from a night shift at work losing a 16% shift differential so that I could better focus on my family and my relationship with God. What are you willing to give up to grow in your faith and family? 

Prayer:  Father God, you are the one who owns all things, you provide all things and you love beyond comprehension. I thank you for all that you are going in me, the growth and strengthening you are working in me through the molding and refining that you bring as I go through the trials of this life. I ask that you help me to remember to praise you and worship you every day and every hour you are worthy of it all.

Are you a Man of War or are you just playing?

Reading: Jeremiah 48-49 and Romans 4

Scripture: Jeremiah 48:14, How do you say, ‘We are heroes and mighty men of war’?

Thought:  As I was reading about judgment of Moab and all the things the Jeremiah was saying they did or didn’t do the passage above stuck me. We are given the Armor of God when we come onto the covenant with God that is offered though the death and resurrection, and as a kid in the church I sang about being in the Lords Army. Yet are we truly fighting in that Army are we claiming hero and men of war even though we are sitting back watching the fighting, or worse have are eyes closed and don’t see or acknowledge the fighting. We are in a war and yes God has already won that war but we still need to do our part and fight our battles in that war. Are we surrounding ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ that can come beside us and fight in that Foxhole with us or are we surrounding ourselves those who maybe unknowingly work for the enemy. Are you a Man of War or are you just playing?

Prayer: Father God, you are the one worth fighting for, you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. I honor and praise you laying my life before you. I thank you that you are leading and guiding us, that you mold us and refine us every day leading us into a fuller understanding of you and your love. I ask that you help me to step out of my comfort zone and speak your word to those around me, help me to be a light in this world. 

Teach me

Reading: Jeremiah 45-47, Psalm 86, and Romans 3 

Scripture: Psalm 86:11-12, Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

Thoughts: As I read this psalm of David, this man who had been promised the kingdom and anointed king, seeking God, and asking to be taught and to have his heart united with God’s heart. Are we diving into the word and seeking after the Father every day? Are we seeking for the outpouring of his wisdom in our lives? Do we want our hearts broken for what breaks the heart of the Lord or are we too focused on the world around us and the spiraling whirlwind of the of this fast-paced society? Let us slow down just a bit and just for a wile that we can get in the word, sit in His presence and ask Him to teach us and fill us with his love. 

Prayer: Father God, maker of all things, I honor you, I love you and I thank you for all that you do. I thank you that you give me the strength to get up and have this time with you. I thank you for the provision and blessing you are pouring out on us every day. I thank you that you are refining me and molding me into that vessel you have called me to be. I ask that you help me to grow deeper in understanding and wisdom. 

Who you talking to???

Reading: Jeremiah 1-2 and Acts 18

 

Scripture: Acts 18:6, And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

 

Thoughts: I know that I have been guilty of the mindset of I just need to invite someone to church then it is the pastors job to get them to come to Christ. Yes that can work and people can come to know God through a pastor, but we are not called to just drag people in off the street and expect that what ever the sermon that week is, that it causes this person that was come to Christ. It says that’s Paul taught every sabbath meaning he was there for an extended period of time, but it goes one to say the that after he was opposed he shook out his sandals said “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” How often are we truly living out the great commission and sharing Christ with the world around us or are we just dragging people in to try to get the pastor to do that work. I know that my biggest fear is that I would fail or look stupid when sharing the gospel. Are we letting our fears keep us from sharing the gospel, and when we do fail, then we fail and we move on, shake the dust out of our shoes and hair, get up and speak the word again. No matter when or how we fail it is not on us as Paul said “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent.” It is not up to us to convince someone they need Christ but we are to share Him with all. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for my voice, I thank you for the ability to speak and share what you have done in my life. I thank you that you are working in my life, growing and strengthening me every day. I thank you for the opportunity to steward the provisions you have given to me. I ask that you help me to walk in your ways, to spread your word to those around me. 

Gathering around each other.

Reading: 2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 34, and Acts 14

Scripture: Acts 14:20, But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

Thoughts: We so often get beaten down by this world, be it for our faith or just because we live in a fallen world that is striving blindly toward the gates of Hell. Paul after being stoned to death, got up and went back into the city but only after the disciples gathered around him. When we are attacked and beaten down, do we have a community that will come together, gather around us to call us back to life. Even though this passage does not say that these disciples were praying over him, but I believe that these disciples were praying over him until he rose. We need our community to gather around us. We most likely are not the solution to the situation and as a man that is a struggle because it is in my nature to fix things, but we are called to be in that foxhole with those are currently in a battle. We are all always at war but each day and each season there are different battles being waged. Right now, I feel there is a battle and war waging over marriage and family and when there is someone in your community being attacked, we need to get into that foxhole with them and declare victory in the name of Jesus. We are overcomers, it will not be easy, but we know who wins the war, we are to walk out this victory, putting on the full armor of God daily. 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for all you are working in my life, I thank you for the abilities that you have given me to get me where I am today, I thank you for the community that I have and the men who gather around me in my struggles. I ask that you help me to gather around those who are struggling that  we can overcome these battles together. 

What are your high places?

Reading: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33, Psalm 75, and Acts 12

 

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 33:16-17, He also restored the altar of the Lord and offered on it sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and he commanded Judah to serve the Lord, the God of Israel. Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the Lord their God.

 

Thoughts: Reading this passage about the different kings and how they either were for God or not I thought this was interesting. When Manasseh reigned he cleared the idols our of the city and restored the altar of God but the people still went to the high places. Going to the high places was one of the ways the other gods were worshiped. The people were holding onto traditions and practices that did not honor God. Today we do the same sort of things, we may not have these places of worship that were dedicated to other gods the way the people of God did but we have things in our lives that surround us every day that the Bible tells us to avoid. There are groups out there that all things are permissible even when the Word of God speaks against it. We all have to make a choice on where we come down on each and every topic and how we are going to walk through this world. Seek discernment from the Lord and God will reveal to you his heart in the situations of your life. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the creator of all things, your grace and mercy is abundant. I thank you that you called me into your family that you forgave me and adopted me. I thank you that you gave me the abilities that have gotten me to where I am today and that you are molding and refining me into the man you have called me to be. I ask the you help me to see your truth and your ways, help me to recognize and walk in your ways. I ask that you help me to overcome the temptations of the evil one and be strengthened in your love. 

Remember not the former thing!!

Reading: Isaiah 42-43, Psalm 82, and Acts1

 

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19, Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

 

Thoughts: In a world of social media and the memory pop up on Facebook we are constantly looking back on things in our past, no matter if it was good, bad or indifferent we get to see the things we posted in years past. As it is good to have memories and learn from our past mistakes. Isaiah was speaking of John the Baptist and Jesus here, speaking of the new way and that John would preach and Jesus would fulfill. Israel had fallen of the wagon and tried to get back on countless time with countless kings. Isaiah is saying forget the way we have been doing it and look to the new way that God has set fourth for us. We in the same way were one way and now in Christ have been called to the new way of living. We are to learn from our past but not let it define us, there are many addiction recovery groups that look at once an addict always and addict but in Christ we are set free from our past, yes we can learn from it and grow but it no longer defines or dictates who we are because our Father in heave now defines who we are. Let us not remember the former things and walk in the new ways of the Lord.

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the one who defines who we are, you have called us from our sinful ways and named us sons and daughters. I thank you that you have called me and that you are working in my life that I may better show your love and your grace to the world around me. I ask that you continue to mold me and refine me in the fire that I may become purified and walk in your image. Help me to be the father and husband you have made me to be. Open my heart to correction and discipline that will lead me close to you, and be and example to the world. 

The End or Not

Reading: Hosea 8-11 and Mark 13

 

Scripture: Mark 13:6-8, Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

 

Thoughts: Watching the state of the country and world today, I hear many people saying things like “The Lord is coming soon.” or “The end time are here.” The way I see it we have been in the end times since Christ ascended to heaven and took his place at the right hand of God. There have been wars and rumors of war seemingly forever, there are famines and earthquakes all over. Here Jesus responding to the disciples asking when things were to happen, “These are the beginning of the birth pains.” Ask any woman who has given birth what the begging was like verses how it was when the baby was born and you will learn about then difference between contractions 30-40 minutes apart and the ring of fire and why God put it in the minds of those who created the epidural. As the father of two wonderful children who regularly test our sanity I have watched my wife go through this twice. In the beginning we are at home going for walks and doing what we can to help her to be comfortable as her body prepares to give birth. With all that we are seeing going on around the world the are only the beginning of the birth pains. We need to not be complacent that every day we move one more day towards eternity but be driven by that thought that we are moving towards eternity. We don’t know if Jesus will return tomorrow or another thousand years in the future but we need to live as if it will end tomorrow because it could for someone. How little do you have to care about someone to not throw them a life ring when they are drowning. Let us toss the life ring, some will grab ahold and others will not accept it, but we are doing out part and putting it out there. 

 

Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for sending your Son, who took my sins, my failures, and washed them clean. I thank you that you are working in my life, that you are providing my needs. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me that I can reflect you better. I ask that you help me to grow my boldness and my discernment that I can overcome the evil one. Lead me and guide me as I go about my days.

Toiling under the Son

Reading: 1 Kings 11, Ecclesiastes 1, and 1 John 4

 

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:3, What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?

 

Thoughts: When we first meet some one of of the first things we ask is, “What do you do for a living?” We are focused on that the toil under the sun is for one another. I have been binge watching all the seasons of Survivor and on day one they are always showing people asking names and occupations. Yes our jobs are a big part of how we spend time, but that is not who we are. In Ecclesiastes it starts off saying Vanity of vanity all is vanity then jumps right into walking about what does a man gain from his toil. So where is our focus, is it our job, our family, or the one who gave us all those things. Are we just toiling under the sun or are we going to toil under the Son?

 

Prayer: Lord God, you are the creator of all things and the giver of all things. I thank you that you see me and know me, that you knew me in my mothers womb. I thank you that you are calling me even when I don’t fell worthy of that call. I ask that you help me to walk in your plan and that my toiling brings honor to you. 

And the Stone Table will crack.

Reading: Song of Solomon 5-8, Psalm 13 and 1 John 3

 

Scripture: 1 John 3:16, By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

 

Thoughts: We so often focus on John 3:16 about how we are forgiven and are given eternal life through the gift of God, but we need to spend as much time remembering 1 John 3:16. We know His love because of the sacrifice that he gave, but also we are called to lay down our lives for our brothers. This reminds me of a series of events that happened in The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, after Edmond had escaped the witch and has rejoined his brother and sisters with the Narnian army the witch comes and claims the old magic requires his soul to be hers. Later after Aslan had trained his life for Edmond’s and has risen he recites what was written on the stone table “If a willing Victim that has committed no treachery is killed in a traitor's stead, the Stone Table will crack; and even death itself would turn backwards.” Aslan being a Christ allegory he sacrificed himself to cover the sins of Edmond and save him. We are called to lay down our lives, are we putting God first and no matter what happens to our lives we are there for our brothers and sister and representing God and his love? John 13:35 says “they will know us by our love” how are you know?

 

 

Prayer: Lord God, you are merciful and mighty, you overcome all things and grant us strength and knowledge to honor and praise you and to preach the good news. I thank you that you are here with us and you are always leading and guiding us. I thank you that you are refining me and molding me into the man you called me to and need me to become. I thank you for the blessings and provisions you pour out on us every day. I thank you for our daily bread and pouring into us. I ask that you help us to overflow with your love and walk in a way that brings honor and glory to your name. 

Complacency or Hate

Reading: Song of Solomon 1-4 and 1 John 2

 

Scripture: 1 John 2:2, He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

Thoughts: When reading 1 John this verse about Jesus being the payment for our sins and the sins of the world resinated differently with me today. Not only am I where I am today because of the gift that he gave us through his Son, but what suck with me was when he made the point to say not just for us but for the whole world. Yes we know John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. In that we know He loved the world yet are we sharing that love with the world? If we truly believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven, how much complacency or hate do we have in us to not share the gospel with those around us. I know I struggle with sharing with people, I know I make excuses and find reasons why I can’t yet I know that if I stepped out that He would be there with me to overcome those hangups I have. Are we telling others about Jesus paying for our sins or are we keeping that to ourselves? 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you did send your Son to Earth and that we have the opportunity to be reconciled to you and that we are no welcome in the Holy of Holies where you reside. I thank you that you are the provider of all things, through you all blessings and provision come. I thank you that you are working in my life, molding and refining me that I can be a better father, a better husband, and a better follower of you. I ask that you help me to overcome the pride and fear in my life that is keeping me from walking out your plan. 

Be in the light as He is in the light.

Reading: Proverbs 30-31, Psalm 96, and 1 John 1

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-6, This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

Thoughts: When I was reading about God being the light and we when we claim to be in fellowship with Him, yet we still walk in the dark it says we are I lier. As I was reading, I was thinking about my struggle with lust, I am grateful that most of the time I can avoid falling into the temptations, but it happens. There are those who walk in the darkness and believe the are in the light, walking deceived by the evil one. We are called into the light and into fellowship with the Father, yet we are always being tempted into sin. When we have the unconfessed sin and are not repentant we are walking in the dark pretending to be in the light. God is working with me to completely remove lust from my life. Where are you walking because there is not a was to keep your toe in the dark and walk in the light of God?

Prayer: Father God, you are the light of the world, you open our eyes to see the things in our lives where we have iniquities in our live. You call us into the light, and I ask you that you help us to set aside those things we are holding onto, keeping us in the dark and keeping us from you. I thank you that you are molding and refining me every day. I thank you that you provide what we need and leading and guiding me every day. I ask that you continue to open my eyes and give me your discernment that I can see the traps and snares the evil one is placing before me. 

Vision for life

Reading: Proverbs 28-29, Psalm 48, and 2 Peter 3

 

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

 

Thoughts: This proverb about vision not only speaks to those of faith but also to the world, for those in Christ and in the Church we are given vision through Holy Spirit and are given a path or some times just a destination. With that vision we know where to strive, we have that destination in mind. Are we developing a culture of vision in our home that will give direction to our family and direction to the next generation? Back during the World Wars our nation was unified in vision to the point that because of the shortages that came from the wars, our government encouraged people to use every available chunk of land to grow food to help one another. We are not unified in vision or purpose and it feels like there are those in power who are seeking to divide us so much that we can no longer stand. Let Holy Spirit lead us and guide us and seek the prophetic vision that He has for us. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you sent Holy Spirit to dwell within us and bring us wisdom and understanding to this world. I thank you that you are pouring out your love and peace on us every day. I thank you for your blessings and provisions. I thank you for the vision you have given me and I ask that you help me to see it more clearly and with more understanding. I ask that you encounter those in power that they know you more and that they are able to walk in your was and seek you instead of their own selfish desires. 

Wise in your own eyes.

Reading: Proverbs 26-27, Psalm 98, and2 Peter 2

Scripture: Proverbs 26:4-5, Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
 
Thoughts: We all have this tendency to be foolish from time to time, and most grow out of it and develop wisdom as we age. I have seen this disturbing trend into not telling children no, affirming everything they say and do. This trend of affirming all things in them before they have learned to enough to have developed true wisdom are creating people who are wise in their own eyes. We need to seek out those people in our lives who will help us to walk in truth, we are living in an echo with other like minded people who we have never met due to the internet and social media. It is easy to find and build those echo cambers where we hear only our own ideas reflected back to us. Let us welcome those with opposing ideas and those who challenge ours to have conversations and discussions about these differences that we can truly develop wisdom. Salomon in his great wisdom from God was able to speak to this nearly three thousand years before the invention of the internet and social media where does your wisdom come from?
 
Prayer: Father God, you are where all truth and all true wisdom flows. I thank you that you are pouring out your love, your truth, and your peace upon us every day as you provide for all our needs. I thank you for those in my life that walk with you and seek you and are willing to discuss so that we can be that iron sharpening one another. I thank you that you are refining me and molding me into the man you have called me to be. I ask that you help me to grow in your wisdom and walk in your ways that I may not be the fool who see himself as wise. 

Folding of the hands.

 Reading: Proverbs 24-25 and 2 Peter 1

 

Scripture: Proverbs 24:30-34, I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

 

Thoughts: Each generation seems to be moving away form the willingness to do a hard days work. 200 years ago, in the early years of our nation, most men had hard physical jobs such as carpenters, blacksmith, wagon maker, and farmers. Just a few generations ago the group called the Boomer had the work ethic of hard work, but brought into the office setting. Gen X sought more office type work and grew up outdoors still understanding that it takes hard work to better ones self. Millennials and Gen Z may not have known a world without the internet or smartphones, and one of the biggest hope and dream of many of them is to become famous in some way and make money off playing games and making social media content and do as little as possible. With the mentality of give it to me because I deserve it verses I will work for what I want. Seems to me to have bread an entire generation or two in western society who exhibit the mentality of the slugger who Salomon wrote about. Are we falling into the trap of the sluggard letting the the weeds in our lives top take deep root and break dow the walls allowing the robber to come in and to steal kill and destroy our lives and the lives of those around us. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you showed us the work ethic to have in creation, work 6 day of good work of making all things and take a day of rest. I thank you for you pressings and provisions that I can walk in your love and in your grace. I ask that you help me to keep prospective on how I work and how I rest that I may show my faith by my works and to point those around me to you. 

Suffering

Reading: Proverbs 22-23, Psalm 101, and 1 Peter 5

 

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10-11, And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

Thoughts: We all are going to suffer in some ways shape or form weather we are suffering for Christ or if we are suffering in life, there will be suffering. I thank God that He sent his son to pay the price for us to be in right standing before God. His gift calls us into his glory. Then restoration to our Father, the conformation into the family of God, the strength needed to overcome all things in his name, and we are now established citizens of the kingdom of heaven and sons and daughters of God. Yes there will be pain in this life we live in a fallen world where sins and iniquities have become ingrained in our lives thought generations of living in this fallen world. Yet we are called into his glory, get up and walk in it.

 

Prayer: Father God, you are the great provider, you gave you son as a way to get back to you, you give us the peace and understanding in our times of need. I thank you that you are pouring your love our on us every day. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that I get to walk in every day. I ask that you lead me and guide me in all that I do. I ask that you help me to walk hi your ways and in your truth. 

 

Eyes wide shut.

 Reading: Proverbs 20-21, Psalm 11, and 1 Peter 4

 

Scripture: Proverbs 21:2, Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. 

 

Thoughts: We all like to think we are right all the time, and that those who has different views then I do are wrong. Are we walking in our own way, or are we seeking to walk God’s path that he has laid before us. When we seek that path we are called to God is weighing our hearts and our motives. I grew up trying to bargain with God, if you do this for me, I will give up this or that. Maybe we all go through that age, or even have spent time thinking about God that way. I feel like we all at some point try to sacrifice enough to get something we think we need. When he looks into our hearts and sees all the things that we have hidden away from the world is he going to see what he call good and holy, or is he going to see this ugly mess that we have not allowed him to work out with us and can.  

 

Prayer: Father God you alone are worthy of all praise and honor, may your glory shine over this place. I thank you for your provisions and the blessings you are pouring out on us. I thank you for your molding and refining you are working in my life. I ask that you help me to see when I am seeking and walking in my own understanding and not seeking you in the situation that is going on. I ask your blessings on this nation that all who are in the government, I ask that they encounter you and see you in all they do. 

What are you speaking?

Reading: Proverbs 18-19, Psalm 16, and 1 Peter 3 

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

 

Thoughts: As I was reading today going through these proverbs and the wisdom that God gave to Salomon, I started thinking about what my words say about me, and what am I speaking into my wife and children? As much as I love my wife and children my words and my tones don’t always show it. The power of life and death are in the tongue. Not only do we need to watch and bridle our tongue around and with our family but in the world around us. We are told that “they will know us by our love.” When we are participating in the hate and distain for one another the way the world is our tongue is speaking death. Our tongues don’t only speak death outwardly but we have the tendency to speak these things over ourselves, “I’m a bad parent”, “I’m fat”, “I’m stupid”, “I’m useless”, these are all lies that the evil one had convinced us to speak over ourselves.  We are a child of the one true King and nobody should speak ill of a child of God not even that child. We are loved and we are to love as he loves, and not just loving the world as he does but loving ourselves as he does. 

 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you love me more than I could ever understand and know, you are the one who pours life into me everyday. I thank you that you are my provider, you have given me everything I need and even things I want. You provide abundantly and exceedingly more than I deserve. I thank you that you are leading and guiding me, I ask for your discernment, help me to see where I’m going astray and help me to see the root causes of things in my life that we can come together against them that I can serve you more. 

Who has your back?

Reading: Deuteronomy 33-34, Psalm 35, and Galatians 6

Scripture: Psalm 35:1-3, Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” 

Thoughts: We are at war, war for the souls of this world. Every day we battle with the influences of the evil one from the most innocent looking cartoon, to the demonized people who are actively working against the kingdom of heaven. Not only are we told to take up God’s armor in Galatians 6 but here in Psalm 35 David is calling for God to come in and kick some butt, and speak to his soul and remind him who is in control and where our salvation comes from. With God’s armor on and God having out back why are we afraid, why do we doubt, why do we worry? Let us walk in the light of his goodness and grace, and in the power and authority we have as sons and daughters of the most high.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you are my strength and power to over come all things. You are my salvation. I ask that you open my eyes and give me the discernment to know and understand those things that are coming against me because I’m your child. Lead me and guide me that I may be a vessel of peace, joy and love.

Freedom gone wrong?

Reading: Deuteronomy 31-32 and Galatians 5

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-14, For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Thoughts: When in my 20s I found it easy and appealing to use my freedom as opportunity for my flesh. I spent time indulging in many of the fleshly desires that draw many in their early adulthood. Drugs, sex, and alcohol, permeated my life for nearly a decade, when in that frame of mind and allowing your bodily desires lead it is near impossible to think of others. The law is there to show us our inadequacy and Christ came to show us how to walk in love, when we can love our neighbors and he loves and as we love ourselves we fulfill the law through his sacrifice. How are we using the freedom that he had given to us through the death and resurrection of his Son? 

Prayer: Father God, your grace and mercy are sufficient for me and you have paid the price that I may be called a son. I thank you that you are still working in my life and that you helped me to release and move from those things that draw me away. I ask that you continue to work in my life removing the places where I still use my freedom for my flesh. 

Let not your heart faint!!!

Reading: Deuteronomy 18-20 and 2 Corinthians 12

Scripture: Deuteronomy 20:2-3, And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them,

Thoughts: We are in a battle, we fight every day against the influence of the evil one. He does not come at us head on but through decent and manipulation. He prowls around like a lion seeking those whom he can destroy. When we listen to those encouraging and blessing us instead of listening to those of the world who are only here to steal kill and destroy. We need to remember that it is not our strength or might that over come anything. With Christ’s power and authority we can overcome all things so, therefore let not your heart faint, do not fear or panic. 

Prayer: Father God, you have all strength and all power, you overcome all things, and you call us to walk in that power and authority. I ask that you help recognize you authority and your power that I may walk in it and shine your light into the darkness of this fallen world. 

Wise and warned

Reading: Deuteronomy 16-17, Psalm 2, and 2 Corinthians 11

Scripture: Psalm 2:10-11, Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Thoughts: We are living in a time where the are more and more leaders in this world who are more influenced by the evil one than lead by the Heavenly Father. Are we praying for our leaders, praying they know the father, praying that they have Godly people around them to give them insight into the situation. Just like the kings and leaders we need to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Let us be wise and walk in the light of his glory and strength. 

Prayer: Father God, you are the worthy of all honor, you are worthy of all praise. You are the one true King, you provide all we need and lead and guide us. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me. I thank you for your provisions and blessing that you give me to steward. 

Who's Doorpost?

Reading: Deuteronomy 14-15, Psalm 88, and 2 Corinthians 10

Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:16-17, But if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he is well-off with you, then you shall take an awl, and put it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your slave forever. And to your female slave you shall do the same.

Thoughts: This passage is interesting; it speaks to that if someone was poor enough to become a slave that they could be release and return to their old life. Yet if they chose to remain in the master’s service because they love him and are well off this him, they can. We are in debt to God so much that nothing we could do could pay it back. When Jesus died and rose again, he bought us and paid the price. Are we given the opportunity to go with the new master who is offering a life of great abundance or the life we knew full of lies and destruction? When we choose, we are placing our ear on the doorpost that our master can pierce it to show our devotion to the one we serve. Who’s doorpost are we going to?

Prayer: Father God, you are the one I serve, you are the one who is worthy of all praise and worship. You are my strength and you are the light to my path. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you have poured out me and I thank you for the opportunity and ability to steward what you have given me. I ask for your guidance and direction with where we are going and how to move forward? 

Words in our heart.

Reading: Deuteronomy 11-13 and 2 Corinthians 9

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18, You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 

Thoughts: The Israelite people were being reminded about that they need to keep God’s word in the forefront of their hearts and minds and not to chase after those things that those people whom they are to be removing from the land chase after. We have to do the same we may not be removing people groups from a promised land but we are in a battle for our lives and the lives of our families. The idols of this world are constantly creeping into our lives and seeking to take the place of honor in our hearts. How are we keeping our focus on the one true King instead of allowing ourselves to chase after the next new and shiny thing? 

Prayer: Lord God, you are the creator of all things, you own the cattle on a thousand hills, and your love overwhelms me. You are so wonderful, I thank you that you are working in me, that you have a place in your plan that I can work. I thank you for the breakthrough that you are doing and have done, the continued molding and refining in my life. I ask that you continue to remove the dross of my life so that I can better reflect you. 

What Refuge

Reading: Deuteronomy 9-10, Psalm 143, and 2 Corinthians 8

Scripture: Psalm 143:9-10, Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

Thoughts: It is way to easy to run to a refuge that we see or we know when we are experiencing adversity, yet the easy way and many time those refuge that we know so often leads to further pain and strife. When we seek refuge in Christ we open ourself to the teaching of Holy Spirit, that teaching and leading that will lead us on a level ground and walking in His will. Let us seek to walk in his will all the days of our lives and seek to be taught by Him daily. 

Prayer: Father God, you are my refuge and my strength, you lead me beside clear waters, I shall fear no evil. I thank you that’s you are leading me, that you have blessings and not cursing for me. I thank you that you are molding and refining me. Help me to walk in your ways and seek your refuge and not my own. 

Complaints???

Reading: Deuteronomy 5-6, Psalm 64, and 2 Corinthians 6

Scripture: Psalm 64:1-3, Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows,

Thoughts: At different times in my life I know that I have had wrong views of God. We have a God that loves us enough that he sent his Son, a portion of himself, to come to earth to overcome sin so that we could have the opportunity to accept that gift and be in relationship with him. There were times where I felt that the only way to talk to God was praise and worship and the occasional help request. Here in this Psalm it is David crying out to God in a complaint. God is a big God and he tells us in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We can complain to God, but we also need to praise him in the middle of the storm as well. 

Prayer: Hear me O God, I am tired and weary, and feel lost. You are the creator of all things and your love endures forever. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me. I thank you that you are leading and guiding me. I ask that you give me the strength to overcome the trials that I’m going through, help me to be the father and husband you call me to be. 

Our Earthen Vessels

Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4 and 2 Corinthians 5

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Thoughts: Paul writhing to the Corinthian Church reminding them that our bodies are only our earthen vessels and that our home is in Heaven awaiting the time that we are loosed from our bodies and taken to our true home. We are reminded that we are sojourners here on this world that we are to be God’s ambassadors and sharing the love of God every were. When we are home in this body there are going to be trials, pain, and attacks, yet we are to have the courage to walk out that faith, knowing that this is not our home. Let us live life in a way that honors our true home and that others can’t help but wonder what it means. In a world full of hate we need a beacon of light that is Love.  

Prayer: Father God, you are love and you pour that love onto and into each of us. I thank you that you are pour that love into me that I can pour it our onto others. Help me to be more free with that love that I may more accurately point people to you. 

Go and take it!!!

Reading: Deuteronomy 1-2 and 1 Corinthians 4

Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:29-30, Then I said to you, ‘Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes,

Thoughts: We have been give a promised land, a calling, a direction in our lives, yet we have fear and doubt when it comes to where we are going. Sure many times we are only given a step or two in a direction but unless we have the entire picture we don’t step out. Here Moses was reminding everyone what got them into the situation there are currently in, getting ready to go into the promised land 40 years after he first was going to take them in. They were told not to be afraid to go in and take the land but they were stirred up into a bundle of fear and had to wait those 40 years. What are we waiting on or rebelling against that God wants to bless us with? Strive to walk the path He has placed before you, no matter if the blessings are in this world or the next there will be great blessings when we walk His path and not our own.

Prayer: Father God, you known me better than I know myself, you know the darkest parts of my heart and the things that are worthy of praise. I thank you that you have chosen me and are leading me. I thank you that you are the potter and the smith who refines us. I ask that you help me to see the things in my life that need changing or removing and overcome those changes in your name and in your power. 

Who am i

Reading: Numbers 34-36 and 2 Corinthians 3

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1,Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?

Thoughts: How often do we loose perspective on who God called us to be and who he sees. It is just as easy to get puffed up as it is to think we are no good. We need to keep our perspective and listen to the voice of God speaking through Holy Spirit and His word. Who are we listening to, those who speak hurt pain and condemnation into our lives or those who speak love, joy, and encouragement? On the other hand who are we being the one who speaks life or death?

Prayer: Father God you are the one who knows us better than we know ourselves and yet you sent your son to die for us anyway, I thank you for all you have done and all you are doing. I ask that you help me to keep your perspective on who I am and not who I think I am or who the world tells me I am. 

That lot shall be his!!

Reading: Numbers 33, Psalm 65, and 2 Corinthians 2

Scripture: Numbers 33:54, You shall inherit the land by lot according to your clans. To a large tribe you shall give a large inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance. Wherever the lot falls for anyone, that shall be his. According to the tribes of your fathers you shall inherit. 

Thoughts: I was drawn to the second to last sentence of this passage in Numbers, it is easy to look at the abundance of others, or our perception of abundance. In the USA we typically view abundance as more than we have, many nations view the poor here as rich. We each have a different perspective on where that abundance line is, but we each have a lot that was granted to us large or small. God has given it to us and he can adjust what he gave us. 

Prayer: Lord God, you own it all, you lead us and guide us, you pour out you peace and joy on us. I thank you for that which you gave me to steward. I thank you that you are molding me and growing me, I ask that you continue to refine me help me of remove the dross in my life and be purified. 

Reading: Numbers 11-12, Psalm 148, and 1 Corinthians 4

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:8, I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

Thoughts:Not knowing all the questions and issues that caused the writing of this letter from Paul to the church at Corinth, all we get is the rebukes and corrections from someone that describes himself as a loving father in the faith. Earlier he was telling them not to argue over who taught them or who baptized them but to focus on what is written and not to go beyond the scripture. I have seen and heard of traditions in a church that got to the point of the tradition being just as important as the gospel. We start having issues when we speak where the word of God is silent and remaining silent where the word calls us to speak. May Holy Spirit fill us with discernment, cover us with wisdom and help us to overcome these things that even Paul placed the burden upon himself, Apollos, and all the believers. 

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for your word, the inspiration that you give to those who have written scripture and the revelations and discernment that you give us today. I thank you that you are leading us that you have a plan that we can be apart of. I thank you that you that you are leading and guiding us. I thank you that you are molding and refining me. Help me to remove the parts of my foundation that cause issues and replace them with things that reflect you and help me to be that father and husband you call me to be. 

Reading: numbers 7 and 1 Corinthians 2

Scripture: 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:14-16, The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 

Thoughts: When I read this passage I was reminder of a sermon talking about carrage and how we need to be bold even our families and friends. What hit me was the courage and how much courage it takes to not just believe the world and the walk in our faith. It's easy to just listen to the worlds explanations of what we are experiencing. The world wants us to see things only with our eyes end only hear with the ears that hear what they think we should hear. May the spirit fill us with the joy and discernment that we can better listen and hear the voice of God.

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful,you are the good shepherd, you lead us and guide us. I thank you that you have overcome and you offer us redemption. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me, , I ask that you fill me with you strength and corragel that I may overcome all things in your name.

What did you say???

Reading: Numbers 3 and Luke 23

Scripture: ‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:39-40, One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

Thought: there is an old saying that a man’s last words gold. The words of great value we would think of Christ’s lasts words and the effort that it would take to even say them. I thought it was interesting that these two thieves were using these breaths that would have cost them dearly to take in to argue over who Jesus was, the pain and anguish it would have put them through to push themselves up using the nail in their feet to release enough strain on their arms and chest to take a couple breaths just to argue. When it comes to Christ there was the thief who mocked and the me who believed. We are just at guilty at those thieves are we going to be the one mocking someone or are we going to proclaim Christ through the pain and to the end?

Prayer: Father God, you are worthy of it all, you have created it all, you own it all and you are worth all my life. I thank you that you saw my worthy of redemption and have bought me out of my sin. I ask that you continue wot lead me and guide me, that mold me and refine me. I ask that you help me to remove the old faulty foundation of my life and help me to rebuild start anew. 

What are you lacking?

Reading: Numbers 2 and Luke 22

Scripture: Luke 22:35, And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”

Thoughts: I have been easily distracted by the extra finances that God has blessed my family with. We have had our ups and downs and have had times of plenty and times of scarcity, I feel like we just came out of a time of want into a time of plenty, and I am being asked to recall that I have lacked nothing even when I was off work for a couple months, we had more than enough. The next verses Jesus tells the disciples that now they can take extra money and swords because there is going to be adversity coming. When we are seeking God and walking out his plan there will be adversity, no matter if it is from a person or group apposing us or if we are finding ourselves with opportunities to be tempted or fall into sin, there will be something trying to stop us. That is why we need that sword. Let us always remember to take up the sword that God has given to us.

Prayer: Father God, you are the provider, you are the protector, you aren’t the one who owns it all and over comes it all. I thank you that you are taking care of us and that you are leading and guiding us. Thank you that you are molding and refining me into the man you have called. I still struggle and need your refining and the growth you have for me. I ask that you lead me in all that I do, help me to grow in my love for you and the strength to overcome the temptations that are surrounding me.

What have I done now,

Reading: Leviticus 20-21 and Luke 16

Scripture: Luke 16:15, And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Thoughts: Jesus talking to the Pharisees, these religious elitists, telling them to stop judging themselves by others and by how good they present themselves because God knows everything they do in secret. It is the same for us, we present ourselves with perfect lives and we have it all together, we don’t make mistakes or fall down, just look at my Facebook and Instagram. No matter how pretty of a picture we paint for others to see, God still knows the mess we have made and the dark and dirty things in us. What are we hiding? Of those things in our live that are being hidden, who are trying to hide them from? We all have a purpose and are called to something greater that what we think we are capable of. Let us lay down those things that we are holding onto and find the release from the things we hold ourselves to and let God speak life into us. Let us stop looking to the world for acceptance and exaltation and seek the one who can raise up for eternity and not just for a fleeting moment.

Pray: Lord God, you are the one who leads us and guide us, you know the hairs on my head, the chains that I hold onto and the things I have burdened myself down with. I thank you that you are the light and that you are my strength, you are the power that flows through me and calls me into a greater authority. I thank you that you are working in me, you are molding me and refining me that I can be the man you have called me to. I ask that you help me to see the places in my life where I have things to let go of, places that need your help and strength to overcome. Help me to root our any lies that I have built my life on that I can grow in your truth. 

The old is good?!?!?!?

Reading: Exodus 40, Leviticus 1, and Luke 5

Scripture: Luke‬ ‭5:38-39‬, But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, “The old is good.”‭‬‬

Thoughts: As I read this morning, the saying here at the end of Luke 1 really stood out to me. “The old is good,” there is something in almost every one of us that says “I don’t like change,” the comfort of what we know can cloud us to the benefits of the opportunity that comes with change. I know in my life there are chains and strong holds that I struggle to let go and strive for the change that we are called to. In my strength I can do nothing I would sit and drink my old wine of sin and never know the grace and peace of the new wine of Jahovah Uzzi, The Lord my strength. Are we going to surrender our old wine and wineskin to the one who can give us the strength and power to overcome those strong holds and throw those chains away?

Prayer: Father God, you are my strength, you are my comfort in times of need and you own the cattle on a thousand hills. You are the provider of all things you lead and guide us, you give us the strength and abilities to overcome all adversity, even when it does not look like what I think it should. I thank you for all that you do, the provisions that you give us, the blessings you pour out on us, and the refining and molding you are doing in each of us. 

Called out

Reading: Exodus 38-39 and Luke 4

Scripture: Luke 4:33-34, And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

Thoughts: I never noticed that this man with the unclean spirit was in the synagogue on the sabbath, in the presence of the awesome power of the Son of God, this spirit could not keep quiet and was compelled to yell at Jesus. There are many thoughts and beliefs throughout the global Church on the demons and spirits, I have seen manifestation of people who are being oppressed and tormented but something not of this world. Through out the Word we see time like this where spirits recognize and call out Jesus for who he is before he has made himself know. We need to be aware there is a spiritual world and it is a raging war. Let us not be caught too far to one side or the other, ether saying there are not spirits or daemons, or getting to the point where we are blaming everything that is bad on the daemons and spirits around us. 

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful. I thank you that you pour your spirit of discernment onto us, that you lead us and guide us. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me. I ask that you help us to have an open heart and mind to the leading of your spirit and the schemes of the evil one. I ask that you lead me and guide me all my days. 

I can do it my self!!!

Reading: Exodus 18-19 and Romans 8

Scripture: Exodus 18:13-14, The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”

Thoughts: We have all had those moment when we say to someone or even just to ourselves, “I will just do it myself.” There are many situations where deciding to do it yourself is a valid options but most of the time when we say it is when someone it not doing something to your standards or fast enough for you. Just this weekend I spent my time doing little building projects with my kids. My 7-year-old daughter built a bird house, and my 5-year-old son built a wood racecar. There were lots of times where I wanted to take the hammer and nails away from them and just do it, because they didn’t know how, they are weaker and inexperienced in swinging a hammer, so they were very slow. If I would have taken over and just put them together, they would not be proud of these projects and they would not have learned anything. Moses was being the judge for Israel and not letting the people learn and grow but setting up the levels of judges and Moses was working himself into an early grave. We need to take the advice of Jethro and not take on every burden and every thing out there. Not only are we not called to carry the burdens of the world and do it all ourselves, along with our brothers and sisters in Christ, God has said that we are not going in alone we have Holy Spirit with us whom that Lord will channel his power through. 

Prayer: Father God, you are our wise councilor, you are the rally point, and the strength to overcome. I thank you that you are here with me every day, that you sent your son to pay the price that I can have the opportunity to walk with you as Adam once did. I thank you that you are here molding me and refining me into that man you have called. I thank you that you called the all and will equip those willing to step out and walk in that calling. 

It is coming!!!

Reading: Genesis 37-38 and Acts 20

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

Thoughts: It has been my experience, and has been throughout the Bible that when we are given a direction and call from God, we tend to get of find opposition. When I heard God say to go pray for my aunt, I found all sorts of opposition within myself. Some were I had not talk to my aunt in years, I didn’t really feel like driving 300 mile one way, and it was a work day. Paul was set to go to Jerusalem and all along his trip everyone kept telling him that he was heading to prison and affliction. We may not be going to face imprisonment and affliction the way Paul did, but like Paul we have a calling to share the Gospel every were we go, and sometime we have a specific call like me to my aunt. I got to be a part of God healing my aunt because I listened despite all the thoughts and obstacles I saw. What have you been putting off and is it time to take that step? 

Prayer: Lord God you are the one who lead me and guides me. You own the cattle on a thousand hill, you created and love all, yet you still know me and the hairs on my head. I thank you that you are hear with me and leading me and guiding me. I thank you that you are molding and refining me every day. I thank you for you provisions and blessing that you pour out on us to steward. I thank you for the ability and opportunity to steward my family. I ask that you help me to continue to listen and walk the path you call me to. That you help me see the next steps as you promised when you said “I am the light to your path” 

I didn't know I didn't know

Reading: Genesis 36 and Acts 19

Scripture: Acts 19:2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

Thoughts: Growing up I was part of a church that didn’t really teach on Holy Spirit or the spiritual gifts. I spent most of my life thinking of Holy Spirit as my super natural Jiminy Cricket that was to keep me from getting too far from God. In a way I was like these men who didn’t even know there was a Holy Spirit in that my understanding of him was not a full understanding. When we read the Word of God are we seeing the miracles and gifts in the early church and say well that was for them or are we walking in the gifts and authority that are promised in the scriptures. We have to make our own choices on if we are going to believe that these gifts and authorities apply to us today or not. I have seen miracles, and I have seen the proper uses of prophesy and tongues. I have also seen hokes and misuse of these gifts but when you hear Holy Spirit saying “Go Pray for that person.” and when you do you see that miracle it changes you as much as it changes those who were prayed for. 

Prayer: Father God, you have all authority, you have all power and all things are yours. I thank you that you call us to steward that authority and allow us to ask in your Son’s name for the miracles and wonders that you are calling us to. I thank you that you are continuing to grow me and prune me, shaping me into the man you called me to be. I thank you that you have allowed me to steward my family and the blessings you have for us. I ask that you continue to speak to my spirit and to my soul, lead me and guide me in all that I do. 

Taken aside

Reading: Genesis 34-35 and Acts 18

Scripture: Acts 18:26, He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Thoughts: Later in the Bible we hear about an Apollos again in correlation with people arguing over who taught them and who was in the right. Here He was found teaching accurately yet only know the baptism of John, in his research he had not found the last pieces of information. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and taught him so that he would have a full and accurate understanding. There are many times when I have been wrong or misinformed, and there are times where I have heard the inaccuracies of someone, the question is not who is in the right but how it is approached. Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside, they didn’t debate, or berate him publicly, they didn’t call him names or cancel him, they probably sat down with him over a meal and talked about the information they both had so that it can all be accurate. Are we having discussions about where our information is different or are we just pointing fingers and canceling one another? 

Prayer: Father God, you are the truth, and in you there is no falsehood. I thank you that you are leading us and guiding teaching us and giving us discernment. I ask that you continue to refine me and mold me into the man you call me to be. I ask that grant me the ability to communicate well and seek the truth that comes from you. 

Buying them off

Reading: Genesis 32-33 and Acts 17

Scripture: Genesis 32:20, and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”

Thoughts: Whether it is with God, family, friends, or coworkers, we are going to offend, wrong, or otherwise have conflicts with others. In my life I have seen that so many people when trying to smooth out a conflict or disagreement, we have this tendency to use gifts, Jacob several thousand years ago was doing that very same thing trying to fix the bad blood between him and his brother. How often do we trying to get God to sweep things under the table by offering some sort of gift, those hail Mary prayers that sound something like, “I will go to church every week for the rest of my life if you only get me out of this.” Are we doing as Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” or are we going to just try to smooth it over with gifts? I feel we are fooling nobody especially God. Let us seek God and seek to live sharing His love and grace to those around us instead of trying to buy off someone. 

Prayer: Lord God you are the one who owns all things, you know all things. I thank you that you allow me to steward a small portion of what you have. I thank you that you sent your Son to bridge the gap that sin created between us. I thank you that you are molding me and refining me into the man you have called. I ask that you help me to live peaceably with others, to not seek to smooth things over with gifts, but to grow in relationship through your peace and love. Help me to be a beacon of light in this dark world. 

Called into a new adventure.

Reading: Genesis 31 and Acts 16

Scripture: Acts 16:9-10, And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Thoughts: I don’t know about you but it is easy for me to not listen when God is calling. In Pop culture there are many examples of people being called into this adventure or that destiny. Alex Rogan from The Last Starfighter, Ender Wiggin from Ender’s Game, and Luke Skywalker, all thrust into or call into this destiny. Paul had a Call in the form of a dream that a man from Macedonia was calling to come over there. Paul not only had a desire to go to what they called Asia at the time, to when he had the dream to go, it says that he “immediately sought to go”. When we hear God, are we excited and ready to head into the wild blue yonder that we have been called to or are we finding excuses that we can’t go? Are we saying equip me Lord I’ll go, here I am send me, or are we saying I can’t do that I’m not trained I don’t know how, I’m not able? We are called to a greatness in the kingdom of God, it will look different to each of us, we need to listen to God and his leading because we are called to save the World. 

Prayer: Father God, you are the one who leads and guides us, you know what is to come and what part we can play in overcoming the evil one. You own all things and allow us to steward your creation. I thank you that you are working in me, leading and guiding, molding and refining me. I ask that you help me to hear your voice and heed the calling that you are placing on my life. 

Stop trubbling them!!!

Reading: Genesis 29-30 and Acts 15

Scripture: Acts 15:19-20, Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.

Thoughts: So often we focus on the long lists of don’ts, the sins and temptations that we are to avoid as Christ followers. We all have sinned in one way or another, we all have baggage that we have brought into our relationship with God. James was reminding the early Christians that the burden of all the “laws” that had developed over the years since Moses received the law and even the law itself was unobtainable except by one person Jesus. It is easy to say stop sinning and come to church, but that is what drives so many people from the church. A quote that has been attributed to many, “A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.” We are to encourage and build up, we have been given the responsibility to be an iron that helps to sharpen others. Let us not just give a list of dos and don’ts but walk with our brothers and sisters in mutual growth. We are all in the same hospital we may have different afflictions, but we all have growth and healing to go through. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are the one who calls us and lead us. I thank you for that calling and the growth that you bring to us. I thank you that you are leading and guiding us, that you are molding and refining us every day. I ask that you help me to be the iron you have called me to be. Help me to be sharpened as I help sharpen others. Open my heart to your leading and help me to focus more on you. 

Bless who?

Reading: Job 32-33, Psalm 61 and John 21

 

Scripture: Psalm 61:6-7, Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

 

Thoughts: listening to the way David wrote this Psalm it would seem that is was written when he was being perused by king Saul. When you have some pursuing you and trying to kill you, how many of us want to bless that person that is pursuing us? It is not in our nature to bless our enemies. Not only do we have these examples of David who is call a man after God’s own heart but Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek and to go the extra mile. Where is your extra mile?

 

Prayer: Father God, you are above all things, and created all things. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, and I thank you that you allow me to steward a portion of it. I thank you that you are always working in my life, leading and guiding me, molding and refining me. Open my heart to hear whom you want me to bless in your name and to go the extra mile for. Open my heart and mind the your leading and creative in me a man after your own heart. 

Practice makes .....

Reading: Job 13-14 and John 12

Scripture: John 12:49-50, For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.

Thoughts: This morning I was reading Moments with You by Denis and Barbra Rainey, and in todays Devotion they talked about writing a deed to your life and signing it over to God, and in doing so that we need to work on being selfless and when we sign it all over to God we work on doing all things that would show his authority in our lives. Then at the end of chapter 12 Jesus says he is only speaking and doing what the father say and does. When we take the time to release our selfish desires and seek the Father and listen to him, we start acting more like the Father. Yes, we will mess up, Yes, we will fall back into our selfishness, but with practiced listening and choosing God and His ways we will less often fall into those temptations. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. (Matt 6:33) 

Prayer: Father God you are the one who created it all, your grace and mercy abounds. You own the cattle on a thousand hills and you know the hairs on my head. I thank you that you are molding and refining me every day. In this time of change from one year to another, from one job to another, and from one way of thinking to another, I ask that you lead me and guide me, I ask that you help me to find the rhythm of life and that you are remaining my focus, and any place where you are being replaced in my priorities be put into it’s proper place and that you are the first in my life. 

Who sinned?????

Reading: Job 7-8 and John 9

Scripture: John 9:3, Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.  

Thoughts: One of the great and terrible questions that get brought to Christians is, “why does God let bad things happen?” Normally my answer it because we live in a fallen world and are given free will, and because we being called to by the sin and there are those who live in that sin there is evil in this world. Also this man who was blind from birth being thought of ether his parents sinning or he sinned in the womb. Jesus said that neither are true but he was born this way not to suffer but to show God’s glory. I have heard Romans 8:28 quoted to just say it will all work out, or God has a reason for this. Sure the sins in the world around us and the free will of the world bring all sorts of pain and hurt into our  lives, but it is how we walk though the situation and how we are showing God’s love through it all. We all have sinned no matter if it was a little white lie or you have killed hundreds we all have fallen short and need the redemption of Jesus Christ. The situation you are in may or may not be of your own making but when you release it to God and seek him he will help you to be restored. 

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, you know the hairs on my head and the day of my life. You are the one who knit me together in my mother’s womb. I thank you that you are working in me that you are molding and refining me every day, that I may grow into deeper understanding. I ask that you help me to walk though my situations and to over come the struggles of living in a fallen world.