April 26, 2020 What is your hashtag??

Reading: Deuteronomy 18-20, 2 Corinthians 12, and Mark 12

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:6, though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.

Thoughts: In today’s social media driven world we are encouraged to put ourselves out there and build an image for yourself. Growing up the top two jobs I heard kids talk about wanting to be were police officers and fire fighters today it is all about the being a famous youtube star or an influencer. When people see us on these apps, are they seeing the real us who we really are moment to moment or are we presenting them with an image that is designed to get likes and shares. Paul had some real things to boast about #sawheaven #taughtbyGod. Are we bragging on God or looking of the accolades of this world? Jesus rebuked the pharisees for doing things just to show how holy they looked by doing all these things. The addictions to the likes and shares of something you posted is real and we need to watch where we are getting our accolades from. Those from God will last those of the world may turn their back on in in an instant.

Prayer: Father you are where our hope comes from, you are the only one who’s opinions truly matters. Thank you for forming me in my mother’s womb thank you for knowing the hairs on my head and who I am. I thank you for my family, I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out. I ask that you help me to keep a right heart, help me keep my perspective set properly that those who look to me see you shining in my life. You are all we need.

April 25, 2020 What is your boast???

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

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:30-31 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.

Thoughts: As Paul talked about in all the ways that the church in Corinth were apparently boasting about and brought up the he had it much worse. He basically tells them they are being crazy for talking like that but if we are to boast at all it should be in our weakness because it glorifies God. As many of us struggle with the what ever our situation looks like today. Be it being out of work or being cyber-bullied we all have something that is affecting how we see ourselves and the world around us. Our perspective is not meant to be short sighted or focused on what has happened. God has a plan for us and sometimes being in this fallen world and having free will his plan does not happen as he planned it but for those who are his he will make all things work for our good. Our testimony is the most powerful tool we have because we can share how God encountered us and, in our weakness, he made us strong.

Prayer: Father you are the great orchestrator, even when we get in the way of your plans you work things out. I thank you that you are always working things out. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you are pouring out upon us. I ask that you help me to see when I am hindering your plan and help me to have a correctable heart. Lead me and guide me in your ways, open my eyes and my ears to see and hear your voice.

April 24, 2020 Not my money!!!

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

Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:1-2, At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release. And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord ’s release has been proclaimed.

Thoughts: As someone who can be a bit on the selfish side, I can see this being a hard lesson to take. God has spent time working on me with this. God was specifically talking to Israel but this I felt applies to me as well with what God has been teaching me and working with me. This started with reminders that nothing I have is my own, I know I grew up with the mine attitude as do most of us and some are able to grow out of it and others struggle with it all their lives. The thing that got me to the point of thinking that this release applies to me was the word Stewardship, and realizing that none of it is mine God is entrusting me with things and finances and how I steward them shows where my heart is. Am I doing things that just make me feel good and fill whatever hole I have in my life or am I using what I have, to further God’s calling on my life?

Prayer: Father God you are the owner of all things, you give and take, you bless, and you curse. Your word is nourishment to my soul, and I thank you for your word. I thank you for my family and the provisions and blessings that you give us. I place it all in your hands and ask you to bless it. I ask that you continue to work in me, help me to better steward your gifts and to not hold onto the thoughts that I need to get back what I put out, and to lend without seeking repayment.

April 23, 2020 A Friend that is as your own Soul

Reading: Deuteronomy 11-13 and 2 Corinthians 9

Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:6, “If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which neither you nor your fathers have known,

Thoughts: In this passage Moses is reminding Israel that God is jealous to the point that he wants them to put to death those who try to get them to go astray, but that is not what hit me. As someone who struggles with friendships it hit home to me that when he is talking about family members that are trying to lead you astray he included “your friend who is as your own soul.” We are social beings and we are to have relationships and friendships, even ones that are as closes as family. As I think about it, in this world of social media creating hundreds and maybe thousands of surface friends do we have friends like our own soul. Are we defined by our jobs, our friends, and our families or are we listening to who God is saying we are and sharing his love and mercy to those around us.

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, your word breaths new life into me every day. Your mercies flow out to this world in unending waves, as you seek to have a relationship with us. I thank you that you do seek us and that you pour your love and grace out. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out. I ask that you continue to heal those who have Covid and bolster the health of those who are out in the world every day, bolster the health of those who are on the frontline of the battle against Covid bless them and keep that they may serve others. I ask that you also help us to find and develop those close friends, not just who are there for the good times but will help you move and come morn with you when you morn.

April 22, 2020 This is how we fight!!!

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

Scripture: Deuteronomy 9:4-5, “Do not say in your heart, after the Lord your God has thrust them out before you, ‘It is because of my righteousness that the Lord has brought me in to possess this land,’ whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is driving them out before you. Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Thoughts: I feel like I have been taught by society and those around me that everything I do is by my own strength and power. I am seeing the world diving into the spiral of entitlement. God was warning Israel that there was nothing they did that this land belongs to them, He gave it to them, and he is the one that drove out those who possessed it before them. Today our battlefield is in the spiritual would, our battles are not won by us but by listening to God and walking in his directions. It is not by anything we do or our righteousness that these battles are won, we are called to follow the plan, knowing that the battle is won, and we just need to walk it out.

Prayer: Father, you are the beginning and the end, you are the one I hold on to, you lead and provide. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out all day long. Your grace abounds over us all. I ask that you help me to hear your voice, your leading and guidance in the midst of this battle. I ask for healing to be poured out upon all who are fighting this Covid-19, I ask for your supernatural health to all that you call yours.

April 21, Why am I doing this???!?!??!?!

Reading: Deuteronomy 7-8, Psalm 139, 2 Corinthians 7, and Mark 9

Scripture: Mark 9:5-6, And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.

Thoughts: I relate to Peter a lot, my mouth move much faster then my mind especially when I’m excited or scared. In this moment I’m sure the three we both. Like Peter I would want to do something and make the situation perfect, or something we could return to, or whatever. Other then being around Jesus experiencing God had not explicitly happened in 400 years. I want to do but I don’t always do in the right direction.

Prayer: Father your glory shines upon this world, your creation shouts of you. I sing your praises. I thank you for your grace, I thank you for your provision and blessings that you continually pour out upon us. I thank you for my family and place them in your hands and ask your help to be the father and husband you call me to be. Open my eyes to your directions. Pour your healing and joy upon this would in a way that points to you and leads many to you and back to you. Help up to be your hands and feet in this world.

April 20, 2020

Reading: Deuteronomy 5-6, Psalm 64, 2 Corinthians 6, and Mark 8

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: I know that I have complaints for God, I will look at a situation and think that is not fair or why do they have it so good. Then I remember that I am protected that he is keeping my safe in the midst of these trying times. There is evil in this world that is always trying to take our peace and joy always trying to undermine the work God is doing in us. Each day we are receiving blessings and guidance from God and the evil one is just trying to take them from us so that we will be ineffective for God or cause us to question what we are receiving and hearing.

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, you make all things work for our good. The evil in this world cannot overcome the power that you give us authority to use. I thank you for your blessings and provision you our out each day. I thank you that you are watching over us and leadings us in your wisdom. I ask that you help me find connections with those whom I’m partnered with in this work you have for me.

April 17, 2020 Job Security

Reading: Numbers 34-36 and 2 Corinthians 3

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Thoughts: Back in the day people would get a career and do that career their entire life then retire. Today we are constantly looking for the next job and looking for the recommendation from someone that will get you to the next step up where you can make more or move up or move into the next job. We are God’s handywork and He is continually working on us and we are to be that recommendation to the world around us. Are we shining his glory into this world showing to all who will see and listen to the recommendation letter of God or are we hiding it away? I’m reminded of the old kid song, “This Little Light of Mine” are we letting that little light shine or are we hiding it in or under something because of fear or past hurt?

Prayer: Father, you are the Light in the darkness and the hope when it looks bleak, you are the joy in the midst of sorrow and pain. Your glory shines in this would though us and I thank you that you give us the opportunity to be that light. I thank you For the provisions and blessings that you are pouring out upon us every day I that you that you take care of all our needs and bring those into our lives that we need. Help me to step out into your love and speak your love into the world.

April 16, 2020 And the Demon was Gone!!!

Reading: Numbers 33, Psalm 65, 2 Corinthians 2, and Mark 7

Scripture: Mark 7:30, And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

Thoughts: I don’t know how many times after praying seeking God about something, then after hearing something I don’t go do what I’m told. This Gentile woman who was just looking for some of the healing crumbs that were falling from the table of the Jews, heard from Jesus and went. Are we coming to God seeking healing, strength, or wisdom, and when we hear from Him not walking in it? We are given authority and strength to overcome the things of this world but if we don’t walk in it we are not going to overcome.

Prayer: Father all Glory and Honor are yours, you are above all things, you are the one who provides all we need. I thank you for the wisdom your pour out when we ask. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out upon us each and every day. I ask that you help me to open my ears that I may listen and act on what you call me to do after I seek you. Open my eyes, years and heart to seek you and follow after you and what you call me to be.

April 15, 2020 Are you coming our not?????

Reading: Numbers 32, Psalm 74, and 2 Corinthians 1

Scripture: Numbers 32:6, But Moses said to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to the war while you sit here?

Thoughts: We are all in a spiritual battle, maybe with things in our past and things that we are continually running back to or even unforgiveness. Thing about battles they are never won alone. Yes, we have issues and our brothers and sisters do so as will, but if we are not calling them on their or we are not being called on ours then what use are we. Just as those who didn’t want to cross the Jordan because there was better land for their livestock but still entered in ready for war. We are not in these battles alone we have God and His Armor and we have our brothers and sisters that we have developed relationships with so that when these battles come we are not starting at it thinking we are alone we have our brothers and sisters right beside us in our foxhole. We also need to remember that we have to step into that battle with our brothers and sisters as well we can’t take and not give, Love unconditionally don’t expect anything in return.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that you love us so much that you would send your son. I thank you that we are brothers and sisters in our lives that will walk through these battles with us. Your glory shines like a beacon pointing to you. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out upon us I ask that you help me to walk in your ways that I can be the man I need to be, help me to be the support that my brothers and sisters need when they are in need.

April 14, 2020 FIRE!!!!

Reading: Numbers 30-31 and 1 Corinthians 16

Scripture: Numbers 31:22-23, only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, everything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean. Nevertheless, it shall also be purified with the water for impurity. And whatever cannot stand the fire, you shall pass through the water.

Thoughts: We are to be refined with fire and in that refining we are also being cleansed and purified. Here after a battle they are purifying everything that they took as plunder from the battle, including the women who had not known men. Everything that could withstand that fire were put through the flames and everything was put through the waters of purification. Our trials and tribulations are our fire, our baptism is into his death and resurrection but it is also like this water of purification, we are cleansed. Once cleansed we are now going to be refined, sometimes it is trials that come daily, sometimes more often and sometime further between, that depends on us and how we allow that refining to work in our lives. It all come down to where we are in the process and what the Father is working with us on.

Prayer: Father you are the potter and the master smith, you refine us and purify us until we are your reflection then you mold us into the vessels you have called us to be. I thank you that you are refining me and that even though I may fall you are till working with me to get me to be where you need me. I thank you for your provision and blessings, I ask that I may reflect your glory and share your love and guidance to the world. Open my eyes to seeing your direction for today and open my ears to hear what you have for those around me today. Lead me and guide me in my purification.

April 13, 2020 Victory!!!!!

Reading: Numbers 29 and 1 Corinthians 15

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts: I am grateful for the reminders that Christ fulfilled the law releasing us from the power of sin in our lives. He has taken that burden upon himself and overcame it for our sake. Then being that the power of sin is gone there is no longer a sting to death not just because we know that our death of separation from God had been demolished and we no longer need to fear we have victory through Christ. Though we me day physically our souls will join our father in heaven, and we will be with him for eternity.

Prayer: Father your love and grace abound, you have taken my fear and worry, and poured your victory over me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you are pouring over all of us. I thank you that you sent your son to take our sins upon him and give us that victory. I ask that you help us to walk in that victory and strive to shine you love over the world.

Easter 2020

Morning everyone, our Lord and savior has risen!!!! This year we are all celebrating the empty grave in new and different ways, because of the pandemic that is raging across the world. We follow the one that gives us hope and joy in this time of fear and worry. On good Friday he took our sins and went to claim the keys of hell so that the wages we earned are paid. Like the pandemic Saturday was as day of uncertainty and for many fear and worry. We have the Joy of the Lord pouring into us let us shine into the world what he has given us. In the midst of the fear and worry we are to be that joy and know and share that Sunday is on it's way when all things with be shown to be in His will. Let us worship and praise him that he is in control and use this time to shine His hope and joy to the world. He has indeed risen and will reign on high and is our intercessor and he sent the Holy Spirit to speak to our souls to lead and guide us.

April 12, 2020 How do you speak???

Reading: Numbers 27-28 And 1 Corinthians 14

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:39-40, So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order.

Thoughts: Growing up in a church that really didn’t talk about the Gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Later learning that they mostly taught that they died away with he last of the Apostles. As I spent time in the Word and in being filled with the Holy Spirit, I have not manifested speaking in tongues, but I have prophesied and healed. The Holy Spirit is here with us and working though and in us. Paul would not have been teaching us about the gifts if they were not to be apart of our lives. We need to keep our hearts minds and ears open to the workings of the Holy Spirit. Lead us and Guide us my Lord.

Prayer: Father God you sent your helper to speak to us and lead us as your Son is sitting by your side and interceding for us. I thank you for your love and guidance. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out upon us. I thank you for the family and bothers that help keep me on the path. I ask your healing and blessings on all, guide our leaders local, national and internationally give them revelation on how to lead in your way.

April 11, 2020 Are you Jealous???

Reading: Numbers 25-26 and 1 Corinthians 13

Scripture: Numbers 25:11, Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy.

Thoughts: Are we jealous for what God is jealous for, is our heart broken for what is breaking God’s heart? Phinehas murdered two people when they were in the act of fornicating. In America, society has gotten to a place where we applaud things that a hundred years ago, we would have been hung or shot us for. The Word of God is clear on what is sin and what we need to avoid, yet much of the world has embraced it even to the point that there are churches that are accepting of these things. We are called to love and not to judge, but the Word does say that if a brother or sister has unrepented sin, and after we and the elders have come to them and they will not repent then we are to not associate with them. We are to not persecute them, but we are to be carful because what we allow into us though our eyes and ears will come out of our mouth. Let us meditate on the Word and love all with the Love of God.

Prayer: Father you are just, and you are the anchor I am connected to. I thank you that you are always watching out for me us. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out upon us every day. I ask that you make my heart like your mold me and make me into the vessel you need me to be. Pour your healing across the world guide the doctors to what need to be done.