What can you take away from 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Don't forget to remember!!!

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

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

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

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

Who is speaking into your life?

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

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

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

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

 

They hate me!

Reading: Nehemiah 11-12 and 1 John 3

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

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

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

How are we starting out?

Reading: Nehemiah 9-10 and 1 John 2

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

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

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

 

Taken for granted.

Reading: Nehemiah 7-8 and 1 John 1

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

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

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

Strap on your sword!!!

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

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

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

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

What is your claim?

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

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

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

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

Wild fire

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

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

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

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

If we are the Body...

Reading: Ezra 7-8 and James 2

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

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

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

 

Shields up

Reading: Esther 7-10 and James 1

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

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

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

But that is what I wanted!!!

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

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

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

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

 

Discipline me!

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

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

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

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

Just keep Swimming

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

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

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

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

 

Church Killer

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

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

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

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

No Secrets

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

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

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

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

Gatekeeping

 Reading: Ezra 1-2 and Hebrews 4

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Selling fear!!!

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

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

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

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

Stewards of what?

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

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

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

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

It is set in motion!!

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

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

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

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

I want to be Rich and Famous!!!

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

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

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

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

The Lord Is There.

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

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

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

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

I am in the Lord's Army!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Where is your wall?

Reading: Ezekiel 41-42 and 2 Timothy 6

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

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

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

 

And Nations will Know

Reading: Ezekiel 39-40 and 1 Timothy 5

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

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

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

These dry bones come alive!!!

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

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

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

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