Why should this city become a desolation?

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

Scripture: Jeremiah 27:17, Do not listen to them; serve the king of Babylon and live. Why should this city become a desolation?

Thoughts: This morning reading Jeremiah and how Jeremiah was pointing out the false prophets who were saying it was going to be good and all things are going to come back to them from Babylon. Then this passage stood out to me and the idea that if the poles are correct, close to half America will at the least be disappointed at the results of the election on November 3, 2020. The country is divided, there are churches divided, and even households that are divided. What I hear God saying though Jeremiah is no matter who wins, no matter what policies they put in place God will work it for his good. We are called to pray for our leaders, no matter if they are corrupt or even the antichrist we are called to pray for our country and our leaders. Vote 

Prayer: Father God you are our one true King, no matter who is in the office of the nations we live in you are in control I bow my knee to only you father. I lay my pride and my arrogance at your feet, I seek your forgiveness for those things that fail at. I Thank you for all that you are doing in my life and the refining that you do every day. I thank you Lord for your guidance and 

Leadings in my life. I thank you for my family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you pour out on us every day. I ask that you open the hearts of all to hear your voice encounter our current and future presidents and all those who are in the governmental system from the top down to the bottom, encounter them show them who you are and bring them all into alignment with you. Father I ask that you help us all accept the outcome and uphold your kingdom above our own wants and desires.

What wages are you looking for?

Reading: Jeremiah 48-49 and Romans 4

 

Scripture: Romans 4:4, Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

 

Thoughts: Most people today understand the work pay relationship, we do something and want to be compensated for our time and maybe things we have put into. Paul was reminding us that then and even now there are those that look at this sort of relationship as how God works. There are many religious groups out there that have developed this. Much of this came from Pharisees, the lawyers of the Mosaic law, do this and don’t do that. Paul want to remind us that God does not work that way. The wages we deserve is death let us not seek what we deserve but look to honor God with what he give us the ability steward.

 

Prayer: Father God your mercy is so amazing, you offer us blessings though we deserve cursing, you pour out love over us even when we turn our backs on you. Forgive me those times I strive after my own will and not seek you. I thank you for your forgiveness and blessings that you pour out on us. I thank you for my family and friends who are as family. I thank you for your provision and blessings. I ask that you help me to see the places where I still seek my wages and lay down those desires and seek after you. 

Who’s got your rudder?

Reading: Jeremiah 45-47, Psalm 86, Romans 3, and 2 Corinthians 13

 

Scripture: Romans 3:3-4, What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

 

Thoughts: It is so easy to let the world take the rudder of our life when we watch people around us. In today’s climate of a crazy year and two candidates Fighting over who is going to be president in January and the deviation over who you are voting for. We are being reminded that we cannot judge God’s faithfulness by the faithfulness of those around us who say they are apart of the family. Are we allowing God to work in our lives to develop the fruit of the spirit, we are living in an unfaithful world do not let the faithless world direct you, listen to God’s voice speaking from the still small voice. 

 

Prayer: Father your words are truth, your wisdom surpasses all understanding. Your glory is cried out by creation. I lay my life before you and seek your forgiveness for the I have done and seek my place in your plan. I thank you for all you have done and all you are doing in my life, the refinement and training. I thank you for your forgiveness and bringing me into your family. I thank you for my family and friends that point me to your. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us every day. I ask that you lead and guide me today and give me the strength to walk in your faithfulness and not with the world. 

 

Why cant you take instructions and listen to the warnings?

Reading: Jeremiah 26, 35-35, and Romans 2

Scripture: 

Scripture: Jeremiah 35:13-14, Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the Lord. The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me. 

Thoughts: Every day I want to do things my way, in my own power be successful. We are called to seek God, in the old testament it was about seeking and keeping the Law that was given to Moses, today it is about a relationship with God. Jeremiah brings us this family who was commanded to sojourn and live in tents without land and not to drink, and pointing out that if they could do this hard thing put our by their forefathers why cant you take instructions and listen to the warnings and exhortation of a prophet of God. God has brought up many men and women who hear his voice and have authority to speak into the lives of others. Are we listening to God or the people who have authority or are we seeking our own drum so we can walk out own beat? 

Prayer: Father you are so wonderful, your peace and joy surround me, and your love pours over me. I lay my pride and arrogance at your feet and ask that you help me to walk in your love. I thank you for your forgiveness, I thank you for your grace and mercy in my life. I thank you for my family and friends that are here to point me back to you. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out upon us every day. I ask that you help me to listen to your voice and to those who you speak though into my life. Help me to walk in your ways and seek your plan and my place in it. 

And they did evil in the sight of the Lord.

Reading: Jeremiah 23&25 and Romans 1

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:21-22, I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds.

Thoughts: Jeremiah was speaking to Israel and Juda because of their continuous running after other gods, when reading though 1&2 Kings and 1&2 Chronicles you get the phrase over and over “and they did evil in the sight of the Lord.” Not only were seeking after other gods these other gods had people saying what blessings would come from them. This passage also speak of today, there are pastors and teachers, teaching on false gospels people who claim to be prophets of God to only sow discourse in the church. Just as in the time of Jeremiah we have people running around and speaking for God who are not sent by God or have been spoken to by God. Let us seek God that he may send us and speak to us.

Prayer: Lord God your are so wonderful, your glory shines upon us, your grace and mercy pours over us. I lay at your feet the failures and sins of my life, take me anger and lust, refine me. I thank you for all you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family and those who are as family, those who help in times of need. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us. I ask for your healing hand on those who need it open the eyes of those who need to know you and help us to bring them in to community with you and your body. I ask that you help me to continue to only speak your words. 

He, however, shook off the creature into the fire

Reading: 2 Kings 24, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 43, Acts 28, and 2 Corinthians 12

Scripture: Acts 28:3-5, When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

Thoughts: Paul not only had the confidence in God who had told him that he would speak in Rome he also knew what no matter wat happens God is in control. We walk in trials every day sometimes it is to keep our faith, others is it to keep from looking at things we shouldn’t and others to refrain from doing things we shouldn’t. For Paul this was just another thing attacking him. We have our own ways of reacting to these trial we can freak out in the vain if I can’t believe this is happening to me or we can like the Taylor Swift song says we can “Shake it off.” If we look at this allegorically, in the Bible satin is many times referred to as the snake. That snake was trying to get Paul to die, or at least be ineffective in his ministry. Knowing who he was in Christ he shook off that snake not just onto the ground were it could try to attack again but into the fire where the attacks would become ineffective. As we are attacked in our day to day life we can ether shake that attack off into the fire, shake it off onto the ground, or let it latch onto our lives and poison us.

Prayer: Father God your truth shines upon us though your creation and your word. Your glory manifests in the beauty of creation and the movement of the heavens. I thank you that you are faithful to lead and guide us as we seek you. I thank you for my family. I thank you for those who speak into my life. I thank you for your discerning spirit. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out in our lives. I ask that you help me to not only shake off these snakes that are trying to poison my life but to shake them into the fire where they cannot come back at me. 

Burning Bones

Reading: Jerimiah 19-20, Psalm 146, Acts 27, and 2 Corinthians 11

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

Thoughts: When we answer the door, the Christ is knocking on in our lives, we are given a mission. As our relationship with God deepens and grows, we start feeling or hearing a calling. Jeremiah is telling us for him if he is not doing what he was called to do the fire that God has put in him will burn in his bones and eventually it would come out. We need to find our calling and find that ministry we are to be part of to let that fire out of our bones and be affective in whom we are to reach.  

Prayer: Father God you are the fire in my veins you are the one who calls and knocks on the door to my heart. The beauty of your creation magnifies your glory. I lay my life before you and long to walk in your ways. I thank you for all that you are going in my life and the people you bring into my life, I thank you for that you have them speak into my life. I thank you for my family and the joy they bring to me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out on us every day. I ask your healing hand be upon all who are sick or suffering, pour your health and love and joy into their lives in a way that can only be explained by it being from you. I ask that you help me to release the anger and lust in my life. Help me to be the man you call me to be and dive deeper into your arms. 

As we spin on the potters wheel.

Reading: Jerimiah 17-18, Acts 26, and 2 Corinthians 10

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

Thoughts: I know that I fail and fall on my face, I cannot remember the number of times I have raised my voice in anger or hit an inanimate object because I was having a difficult time doing something. Yet even though that form may have been a pot that was spoiled, God is still working with me. We never really know what end product of our lives is going to look like, every time something that happens in our lives good or bad God will use that to form who we are as we spin on that potters wheel. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In the context of Jerimiah 18:3-4, when we fail or fall spectacularly the way we were being formed may have fallen but adjustment can be made, and we can be reworked into something different. Remember that the potter’s and refiner’s work in our lives will not be done this side of eternity, let them lead you into who you need to be. 

Prayer: Father God, your grace and mercy are so abundant, they cover me and pour over me every day. Your creation shouts of your glory and points you. I lay my anger and outburst at your feet, I want to be the man you need me to be. I thank you for your continual work in my life, leading and guiding but also working all things for your good. I thank you for my family and my friends, I thank you for the provisions and blessings you are working around us. I ask for healing for those sick and hurt. Help us all to give more grace to those around us especially those whom we don’t agree. I ask that you help me to see those things that need removing and help me to get to the root of them to remove and to help your fruit to show in my life. 

What curses are in your life?

Reading: Jerimiah 15-16, Psalm 10, Acts 25, and 2 Corinthians 9

Scripture: Jeremiah 16:11-13, then you shall say to them: ‘Because your fathers have forsaken me, declares the Lord, and have gone after other gods and have served and worshiped them, and have forsaken me and have not kept my law, and because you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, every one of you follows his stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to me. Therefore I will hurl you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’

Thoughts: There are places throughout the word talking about generational curses, and how we are going to suffer the sins of our father. This passage reminds me of issues that I have not released or through Christ broken those curses. Are we letting the evil one keep a hold on us or a foothold where he can pull us back down to keep us from God’s blessings? Let us reflect on where we are in our walk with God and in the refining process, asking God to show us what we need to release, break, and give to God.

Prayer: Father you are in control, you are the great healer, you have known what was going to happen with me from the beginning. I lay my failures at your feet and ask your forgiveness for the places where my thoughts and actions do not align with yours. I thank you for my family, I thank you for my church and the family I have in you. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that are pouring out on us. I ask for healing and recovery for all who are sick, give them and those around them the wisdom on what to do. I ask that you continue to open my eyes to those things in my life that are not of you and need to be refined and burned out of my life.

What is God Measuring out to you?

Reading: Jeremiah 13-14, Psalm 141, Acts 24, and 2 Corinthians 8

Scripture: Jeremiah‬ ‭13:25, This is your lot, the portion I have measured out to you, declares the Lord, because you have forgotten me and trusted in lies.‬

Thoughts: As I watch the world around me strive away for m God and his truth. Seeing them chasing after lies and running towards things that even 25 years ago seemed absurd now are being pushed as normal and acceptable. I don’t want to be swept us into the world, I long for my firm foundation in Christ and His word, I don’t want to find myself drifting off from my faith and my relationship with God to find my portion of what will be poured out on those who are not in right relationship with Him. 

Prayer: Father you are the great creator, you have set things in motion that I could never understand. Your wonders abound and glorify your name. I thank you that you are seeking me even as I fail. I lay my faults before you, my anger and my pride. Father Forgive me and help me to grow and deepen in you help me become the man you need me to be. I thank you for my family and the men you have brought into my life. I thank you for your provisions and blessings in my life. I thank you for all creation. I ask that you help me to talk in your will, help me to see the next step and the things I need to remove from my life. 

Lean harder into God!

Reading: Jeremiah 11-12, Psalm 97, Acts 23, and 2 Corinthians 7

 

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:5, If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

 

Thoughts: This passage is still speaking to me I’m still working though whatever is at the center of this for me. I am being told there is so much greater things for me to do yet I am struggling with the trials that I am in. I want to be a good steward of the things that we are blessed with yet even as I watch God turn my budget sheet from red to black I still struggle with placing all trust in God. For almost two years I have not had an issue and watched God take care of me but recently I am face to face not knowing. With a draw to ministry where things will almost be guaranteed to be more stressful in many ways, God is pointing me into leaning harder into him. 

 

Prayer: Lord you are so wonderful, your blessings pour from your hands and fill my cup to overflowing. Your grace abounds and your quiet voice leaded me. I lay down my stubborn ways before you. I long to walk with you in your plan. Help me to see the next step and walk in it. I thank you for your world that you have done so far and the work you are still doing. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you pour out on us every day. I thank you for my family and the those who are as family. I thank you for all that you are teaching band leading me in. 

Are you just circumcised in the flesh?

 Reading: Jeremiah 1-10, Psalm 100, Acts 22, and 2 Corinthians 6

 

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:25,Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh

 

Thought: Jeremiah the weeping profit started talking about finishing a place to morn and lament over Israel. Just as God does has a broken heart for those lost so too should we. Later he brings up the passage of saying in the authors paraphrase “ok I have let this go long enough, be ready I’m going to take out those who just look like mine.” There are many Christian that will find themselves being told I do not know you when judgment comes because they let more of the world get on them than they got on the world. Lord help us to seek you and be the light and pour your love on the world around us. 

 

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, your glory shines through out the world. Your grace and mercy knows no bounds. I lay my short comings and failures at your feet, I know that I struggle and I ask for your forgiveness and help overcoming these. I place them in your hands and walk in your truth. I thank you for all that you have done in my life and those things you are still working. I thank you for my family. I thank you for the provision and blessings you pour out on us every day. Open my eyes to the next step and lead me in your plan, help me find my place 

 

Remove the foreskin of your hearts

Reading: Jeremiah 3-5 and Acts 19

Scripture: Jeremiah 4:4, Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.

Thoughts: Circumcision was given to Abraham as a sign of the covenant between him and God, being part of the tradition and just a thing you did to your sons. Jeremiah was reminding them that they need to be set apart for God not only physically but with their heart. As a gentile circumcision is not required but we are all called to remove the foreskin of our hearts, to set ourselves apart from the world. We are all sinners and through the death and resurrection of Jesus we have been washed clean and are on a daily journey to righteousness. Let us set remove those things that do not glorify God or point to him so that we become more like him.

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, your creation shouts of your glory. You are the one who knows everything about me and love me despite my failures. I lay my shortcomings and sins at your feet, I ask that you help me to recognize were I am falling short and what needs correction. I thank you for you corrections. I thank you for your love and mercy. I thank you for my family and friends. I ask that you be with all who are sick, give them the strength to overcome and they wisdom to walk though the situation. I ask that you open my eyes and ears more to see and hear you and help me to walk in your ways. 

Share what God has done like a child.

Reading: Jeremiah 1-2 and Acts 18

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:7-9, But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

Thoughts: I cannot tell you how many times I have said, “I need more training before I get into ministry.” I have said this both before going to school and after. These passages dose not say how old he was but there are those who think late teens but in calling himself a youth it could be been earlier. God tells him that he is going wherever he is sent and tell them what God has for them. Then touching his mouth and saying I have put my words in your mouth. God has given us all Holy Spirit to help us, we all can have God’s words in our mouth and minister to others. We are all called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in that is ministry. A young child who has come to understand who God is, can minister to people and sometimes do it much more boldly then we will. Let us let go of our fears and share what God has done like a child. 

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, you give us what we need in the moment so that we can sow your seeds into the lives around us. I thank you for planting a seed in me and bringing people around me to water and prune me that I may bear fruit. I thank you that you are doing a work in me, leading and guiding me. I thank you for the molding you are doing in my life to create the man and father you have called me to be. I ask that you continue to open my eyes to see the things that need to be pruned and the things that need to be at my core. 

Who are we following?

Reading: Zephaniah 1-3, Acts 17, and 2 Corinthians 5

Scripture: Zephaniah 1:4-5, I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests, those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom,

Thoughts: As I watch the world change over the last 40 years I also realize that much of it has not changed. We are called to seek after God and proclaim the blessings that come from Him who created all things. We are here to be the voice of God to the people around us. We are told to be in the world but not of the world. God is the standard that all things are to be measured. No, none of us can measure up to that standard but that is why Christ died for us. Here in Pacific North West specifically Oregon we hear about being the most unchurched area. I am watching this world disintegrate and dive deeper into idolatrous ways, they may not have gods with names like Baal or Milcom today but the worship of money and debauchery is rampant just yesterday I drove about 50 miles and passed 10-15 adult stores not to mention the strip clubs. Are we claiming to be followers of Christ and walking with the world letting the world fill us or are we truly being a light and letting our hearts be broken for what breaks God’s heart. 

Prayer: Father you are the creator of all things, your glory shines in your creations, I ask that I be polished to better reflect your light into this dark world. I thank you for the opportunities to shine your light and I long to be a better mirror. I thank you that you know me and seek after me. I thank you for my family and friends. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you provide. I ask that you continue to break my heart for what breaks yours and to help me to see the things in my life that are issues and need work so that I may better reflect your love and mercy to the world around me. 

Where is your citizenship?

Reading: Habakkuk 1-3 and Acts 16

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:3, For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Thoughts: I feel like lately there has been an increase in talking on and teaching about the end times. Jesus told the Pharisees that they see the signs but don’t understand them. Whether Habakkuk through his vision is referring to something that has already come and gone, it can also be applied to the end. We are told that is will come but we are not to know the day or time. As a human I know that if I know when the end would happen or just knew when I would die there is much I would do and figure I will repent later. The kingdom of God is near and we are called to live as citizens of that kingdom even as we sojourn here on earth. Be prepared the end is coming.

Prayer: Father you are so good, you lead us and guide us even though we want to seek our own glory and our own pleasure. I thank you for seeking and calling after me even when I turned my back on you. I thank you that your grace is sufficient for me. I thank you for my family and the joy and love they have taught me to have. I thank you for my friends and the accountably and connection they bring to my life. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us every day. I ask that you help me to focus on living for you and living as that citizen of your kingdom and not my own. 

A yoke your father could not bear.

Reading: 2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 35, and Acts 15

Scripture: Acts‬ ‭15:10-11, Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.‬‬

Thoughts: As a gentile myself I am grateful that it was determined that we do not have to live by the mosaic laws the rules and regulations that not even the best could live up to. We are all saved by grace and need to do anything to receive, one we have and we follow him then the Holy Spirit will work within us leading us to change and become more like the Father and walk away from the things of this would that do no fulfill the hole in our hearts. 

Where is your Bible?

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

Scripture: 2 Chronicles‬ ‭34:30, And the king went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the Levites, all the people both great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord.‬‬

Thoughts: After many generations of Kings doing evil and the occasional one listing to God the books of the law had been lost for generations, and after they were found and read these books one of the first things he did was to have them read to the leaders and the people. We are to always be in the word and letting it transform us and draw us closer to God. As these people were seeking after gods of other nations God hid his word somewhere that someday someone would find it and lead them back into relationship with Him. Does the Word of God hold the reverence in our homes as it should, or are we dusting it off when we have guests over? 

Is God suffering our manners?

Reading: Nahum 1-3 and Acts 13

Scripture: Acts‬ ‭13:18-19, And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance.

Thoughts: Paul the former Pharisee, the keeper and teacher of the law, was the one who brings up that God put up with the people or Israel. In the King James Version, it is translated as suffered their manners, then they received their inheritance after destroying the nations there. We have our inheritance in heaven and we are called to share what God has done in our lives. We have already gone through time here God put up with what we were doing before we knew him but, are we still causing him to suffer our manners?

Prayer: Lord you know me and love me in spite of the things I do or don’t do. You know that hairs on my head and the failures and victories. I thank you that you are seeking me and calling me into a deeper relationship with you. I thank you for my family the love and joy that they bring to my life. I thank you for the men you have brought around me. I thank you for your provisions and blessings you our out on us and that you take care of us. I ask that if there is anything in my life that is offensive to you or is causing you to suffer my manners that you help me to see it and in your name take it captive. Lead me and guide me in your plan and your directions. 

Drain it down to the dregs.

Reading: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33, Psalm 75, Acts 12, and 2 Corinthians 4

Scripture: Psalm 75:8, For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs.

Thoughts: I am not a wine drinker, there is something about the flavor I do not care for. With my small amount of knowledge, I was wondering about this and if it was referring to something like sparkling wine or something else. As I looked, I found information about how mostly in red wine that there are times where the compounds in the wine will react and do something with the surface tension of the wine and creates a frothy scummy wine. In the word there are several places that the Lord’s cup is his wrath. Looking at todays world the surface tension is palpable, this feel like they are about to burst at any moment. If the cup is the wrath of God it then talks about how as God is pouring this cup out the wicked will drink it all to the dregs. That is not just the last drops, back then they did not really have much in the way of filtering things. That bottom of the barrel would not be good, just like when we are told that sin in pleasurable for a time, this wine may be ok at first but by the time the dregs would be the foam chunks of grape and anything else that had been added to that wine, creating a nasty sludge on the bottom. So, with God saying his wrath will be drank down to the dregs invokes a image of the wicked going through the wrath to the bitter and nasty end before being judged and being put in eternal domination.

Prayer: Father you are in control you know when this cup will be poured out and who will be drinking of it. You are our light in these dark times, you are the one that lead us and shine a light on our path. I thank you that you are shining a light, I ask that we be more perceptive to seeing and following the light. I thank you for my family and the blessings they are to me. I thank you for the mentors and brothers in my life that help keep me aimed in the right direction. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us every day. I lift up to you those who are set to drink of your wrath, I ask that we all be more open and receptive to your leading and help us to take the steps to reach more and share your love.

A kick in the gut or a kick in the butt?

Reading: Isaiah 65-66, Psalm 124, Acts 11, and 2 Corinthians 3

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Thought: In todays world where we are so often taught that we cannot rely on anyone, that everyone and everything will let us down so we must do it ourselves. Being told that we are not enough on our own and that God is the one who ministers though us can be a kick in the gut or it can be a kick in the butt. When we walk in the sufficiency of God and in his calling he will multiply our effectiveness exponentially just like compounding interest is a helps to grow money faster God’s sufficiency will our faith and effectiveness in ministry. 

Prayer: Father God you are more then enough for me, your sufficiency overflows into this world and onto those that have been adopted into your family. Your grace and mercy pour out on me though your love. I thank you that you know me and that you seek me. I thank you for my family. I thank you for my friends. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that are in my life. I thank you that your are enough and in that enough I ask for more strength, I ask for more guidance, and the help to open my ears to that guidance. 

Are we showing honor where honor is due?

 Reading: Isaiah 62-64 and Acts 10

Scripture: Acts 10:23, So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

Thoughts: As I read this morning and having the reminders that Peter was a guest in Joppa ministering to the people there and after this crazy vision these Gentiles come to the door. At this point Saul had just had his encounter with Jesus and may not have taught any but Jews. After reminding them about what culture and traditions tell them they can and cannot do, such as easting and lodging together. Then Peter invites them in as guests and normally this meant eating and staying. Not only is this showing us that no mater what the background they should have the opportunity to hear the Gospel, but also, we are to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Are we showing the respect and dignity to those different then us, are we showing honor where honor is due? We all have biases and make judgments because of how we were raised or experiences we have had we need to let them go and meet people where they are no matter what the color of their skin or the words they use.  

Prayer: Father you are the creator of all, you have made us all equal and we are the only judge. Your Glory shine on us all and you lead us to green pastures. I thank you that you are in control I thank you that your love in sufficient for me. I thank you for my family, I thank you for the friends that are as family. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that are continually putting me in awe of you. I ask that you help me to pull down any prejudices that I may have and only seek people with your love.

Help me to polish my mirror

 Reading: Isaiah 60-61, Psalm 111, Acts 9, and 2 Corinthians 2

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-2, Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.

Thoughts: in this dark world where the war is on the streets, where evil is seen as good and good as evil. We are told throughout scripture that we are the light. Isaiah is saying get up and shine because God’s light is on us. we are to go the Lord will be with us and glory will be seen on us. We were born into this dark world and it is only getting darker, the benefit to it getting darker is that our light get to shine brighter. Are we getting into the word and seeking God so that we shine well and are we going out into the darkness. 

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful you glory and light sines upon us. Help us to be a mirror to the world around us and let us reflect your glory and your light to the world. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you that you seek me and desire to be near me and me to draw near to you. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you pour out on us every day. I ask that you help me to polish my mirror that you may be glorified in I do. 

I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.

Reading: Isaiah 58-59, Psalm 5, Acts 8, and 2 Corinthians 1

Scripture: Psalm‬ ‭5:6-7‬, You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.

Thoughts: David, even when he was just a servant in Saul’s house had to have seen his fair share of death and bloodthirsty and deceitful men, then continuing to become one of the great warriors and eventually becoming King after Saul. Over and over we here we hear David that man after God’s own heart. Here he is talking about how God destroys and abhors these men, but he had done or will do all these things, depending on when in his life he wrote this. Going on to say that through God’s love and mercy he gets to enter the house of God and bow down and worship in reverent fear of God. In todays world even growing up in the church and being told what is right and wrong it is very easy to fall into the lying and being deceitful and fallowing after the worlds views on sexuality. Are we going to walk in a way that God abhors seeking our own pleasure or are we going to seek to enter his House with praise? 

Prayer: Father your mercy is sufficient for me, you know every sin I have and every sin I will have and you still seek me and call me. Your grace continues to pour your love over me and drench me in your peace. I thank you for the work you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family and those who are like family and are sometimes closer than family. I thank you that you seek me and call me. I thank you that you are the great provider and you pour out your provisions and blessings out upon us every day. I ask that you restore to me schedule that seems better suited to ministry. I ask that you place upon the company to provide what they have promised. I ask that you open my eyes and heart to those things in my life that need changing, and lead me to the support needed to work though them. 

Peace, peace, to the far and to the near

Reading: Isaiah 55-57 and Acts 7

Scripture: Isaiah 57:18-21, I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Thought: We have all fallen, we all have failures in our lives both before knowing God and after coming into a relationship with him though this Son. Isaiah is speaking of a healing and comfort and a creating of a fruit in someone life. We are called to peace where we can be healed and comforted by God and Holy Spirit. We are also warned about abiding in wickedness and that there will be no peace and that we will tossed ab out and like a frothy sea, that is churning up all the garbage and dirt around us. The peace of God is not forgetting the past but releasing the holding it against others. 

Prayer: Father you are the one your judges, you are the one who brings peace to the wild sea. You pour your love upon us all. I thank you for all that you are doing in me and the breakthrough you are leading me to. I thank you for my family, and I place them in your hands and thank you for the opportunity to steward them. I thank you that you know the hairs on my head and care for me. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you have poured out on us. I ask that you help me to seek your peace and to share it with those around me. Help me to see the faults in my life and the unacceptable behavior in my life that I may work on removing it. I ask that you help me to seek the help I need and the strength to over come the obstacles before me. 

Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

Reading: Isaiah 52-54, Psalm 102, Acts 6, and 1 Corinthians 16

Scripture: Isaiah 53:2-3, For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Thoughts: So often in church Isaiah 53:5-6 are quoted, reminding us of the prophetic sacrifice that Jesus was going to make. Reading Isaiah 53 today I noticed in the first few verses that it describes his background. The root from dry ground reminded where Nathanael says to Philip “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” This was a place that was a small town without much there and no of a history of greatness. There was not much information on the appearance of Jesus but being from this poor town and a carpenters son I would not expect a lot, as I read this it sounds like he would have been very unassuming and possibly easily missed, just looking like everyone else. To me this makes his message all that much more powerful, in this day and age, we are so focused on appearance and how we are perceived that it would make sense that if he didn’t look like a king or have a beauty that would draw people to him like David’s son Absalom, He could easily be missed until the authority in his words would dive deep into the hearts listening. 

Prayer: Father your Word astounds me every day, your Spirit ministers to me with new revelations from your word. I thank you for all that you are doing in my life, the revelations into who I am and the growth you are calling me into. I thank you for my family and the things you are teaching me through them. I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you provide even when it is hard to see them. I ask that you continue to reveal those things I need to work on. Help me to find the resources that I need to work though those things. Open my heart to the place you have for me within your battle plans. 

Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.

 Reading: Isaiah 50-51, Psalm 58, Acts 5, and 1 Corinthians 15

Scripture: 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:32, What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Thoughts: As I was reading this passage, the way that the media and even schools today are pushing science as the be all end all of things, that this passage is basically the way that the loudest part of the world is living. The world pushes nothing but science, nothing is true unless it is repeatable and measurable. In my studies into different sciences I feel that science affirms my belief in God, from the intricacies of the human body including Laminin a molecule vital to the function of our body and is shaped like the Cross, to the simplicity of a single cell organism or the interdependence of a forest on all the animals and creatures living in it. But when we decide to leave behind that we are made in the image of God and dismiss the resurrection, we see ourselves as animals and nothing is off limits. 

Prayer: Father you are the creator of all things, you make heaven and earth to declare your glory and you made us in your image. I thank you that you are hear with us every day. I thank you for your love and mercy. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you for your provision and blessing, you take care of all that I need and lead me in the direction I should go. I ask for your truth to be know and that the spirit of deception be removed, help us to remove the blinders from those around us and grow deeper with you. 

What have you seen and heard

 Reading: Isaiah 48-49, Acts 4, and 1 Corinthians 14

 

Scripture: Acts 4:19-20, But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

 

Thoughts: So often I have been timid when it come to speaking out, but the moment I start telling my story and my experiences that goes away. We are all called to speak what we have seen and heard. When we experience a move of God or a miracle it is hard to keep it to yourself. The world is searching for ways to try to shut our mouth and point to other things. Just as as Peter and John were arrested and told don’t speak in this name there are many parts of their world who say the same thing and in the name of tolerance and anti offense we are told we can’t talk about God and faith. Right or wrong in the eyes of the powers that be are you speaking what you have seen?

 

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, your love abounds and drenched me, you pour out peace and wisdom on your children. I thank you for all you have done and all you are doing in my life. I thank you for my family and friends in you have brought around me. I thank you for the provision and blessings you pour out and the wisdom to use them. I thank you that you are leading and guiding me. Help me to remove the timidity in my life. Help me to see the things that are the root of my issues so that they can be worked through that I can be more affective in your kingdom. 

 

How childish are we?

Reading: Isaiah 46-47, Psalm 35, Acts 3, and 1 Corinthians 13

Scripture:  1 Corinthians 13:11-12, When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Thoughts: So many of us men are referred to as bid kids, we like our toys and we can be goofy and silly especially with our kids. We are all at different stages in our walk with Christ and our maturity in that relationship. I have watched people who start strong and within a few years they have been scorched by the world or unfortunately something in the church and ether walk away or start the process of church hopping. Paul is calling us to examine ourselves and ask in our lives have we given up those childish ways and not working on polishing that mirror so that the world can see Christ in us?

Prayer: Father God you Word is nourishment to my soul and your grace abounds on us. Your majesty shines in your creation. I thank you for all you do in our lives I thank you that you have brought my family to me and the men in my life. I thank you for the provisions and blessings that you pour out upon us. I ask that you help us to see where we are still childish and help us to grow and be the men and women you call us to be.