November 30 2015 Wheres the sheep?

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

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:16, “I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.”

Observation: Though out this chapter God had been speaking to Ezekiel and he comes to this part where he is saying you are supposed to be the shepherd and as the shepherd they were to keep the sheep from harm, feed them and find the ones that wander off. Then he jumps in as says how horrible of job they were doing and if they didn’t straiten up and do what they were called to do that he would destroy them. Then comes verse 16 saying this is how I will take care of those who have wandered off.

Application: Just as Israel was walking away from the calling and the promises they made to God, we have a tendency to stray from our calling, as the Body of Christ we are called to be the shepherd, we each have our giftings and talents that God will use, being we are all members of the same body with different functions, some our out seeking the lost, others are bringing back the strayed, some are healing the injured wail others strengthen the weak. We each have a job within our job as a shepherd. Find the job that God has called you to and bless others through that job.

Prayer: Lord Thank you for another day in your wonderful world, I thank you for the wonders you have shown me and allowed me to experience. Lord I ask you to share your wonders with everyone and help them to see you in them. I also ask for direction in where and how to serve, how to do my part in being a shepherd.

November 29th 2015 What is your god?

Reading: 1 Timothy 1, Daniel 3-4

Scripture: Daniel 3:16b-18 “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Observation: This has been one of my favorite Bible stories ever since I was a child, these three guys stand up to the king and God saves them because there were honoring him. This particular section popped out at me today because the faith that these three had, after being given a second chance to bow before this image they basically said shut up God will protect us and if he does not we are still going to serve only him.

Application: This reminds me of how often I allow the world to influence what I do and takes my eyes off God. For many of us here in America it is so easy to make money our god, we are one of the richest nations and in comparison we make lots of money and have lots of things. It is so easy to say I’m poor because I can’t afford to buy this or that, or we walk to our refrigerator open it with food in it and say there is nothing to eat, or go to our closet and look at what’s in there and say we have nothing to wear, these are reach people problems. We need to remember to put our focus on what matters and Who matters. We need to tell our king(money or what ever you are living for) you are not in charge God is and I trust in him that all things will work out for our good.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the blessing of living what you have placed us, we thank you for your guidance and provision when we over extend ourselves and don’t know how things will happen. Lord we ask you to help us to claim the strength and faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, help us to stand up to those things that are drawing us away from your love and you embrace. 

November 25th 2015 Is it Life or Death?

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

Scripture: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Observation: Growing up in the church you hear things so often that doesn’t make any sense, the last portion of this verse is one of those things. Hearing people saying “Death is gain” had me wondering why do all these people want to die. Now after going to a Bible Collage and spending more time in his word and seeing the context I now understand a little about what they were talking about but I think they were a little off. It seemed to be that most of the people I heard were trying to day God is done with me I should be in heaven or this world is to hard for me I should be in heaven. These statements are taking this small section of a verse out of context and creating a belief out of it.

Application: Paul was talking about not knowing what the next stage of his life was doing to look like, stating God had already used him to minister to the Roman guards and bring them into a relationship with Jesus. Paul said that Christ will be honored whether by life or death, basically saying if I live or die will do I for the lord and preach the word until the day I die then I will be in Glory with God forever. We all need to live in a way that no matter if we live or die people will see God in our lives and be touched by that.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this great day to honor and lift you up. Give us the strength to live for you no matter if we live or die. You have called us and we are to be your light to the world and we need you help to change our mindset that our life and death are yours and in your hands and we need to live as though our life depends on it.

November 24th 2015 Are you working for the Lord?

Reading: Ephesians 6 Jeremiah 42-44

Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-6, Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart

Observation: For the longest time this verse didn’t make any sense to me because I’m not a slave and I don’t have slaves. I could go all hyper spiritual about how we are slaves to things in our lives but that is not what I think God’s intention for this verse is. I see this as a reminder that we need to work hard and do our jobs as if to the Lord.

Application: I work in a shop where there are many different things to be done some interesting and fun others monotonous, I have been cutting and stripping wires for about a week strait. This verse reminds me that I don’t need to be the up front getting praise from people who don’t matter for building what we build but to do my job to the glory of God so that my work, ether though my actions and attitude or though someone noticing something else that God can get the honor due him. What ever you do, do it for God, no matter if it’s shoveling manure or creating a masterpiece do it for God and he will bless it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for another day to spend with you and read your word. Lord I thank you for the reminder of doing it all for you and making you the reason we do anything. I ask you to help me to honor you more with the things I do and say.

November 23rd 2015 Are you drowning?

Reading: Ephesians 5, Jeremiah 40-41, psalm 38

Scripture: Psalm 38:3-4, There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

Observation: This Psalm is David reaching out to go and offering himself and his offering to God and putting out there that he is not worthy. David knows that he is a sinner and said “My iniquities have gone over my head” or my translation would be “I’m drowning in my sin”

Application: Today we are looking back on what Jesus did for us on the cross and the reconciliation with God that he brought about. Where David was looking forward and watching for the Christ and going into the Tabernacle and giving sacrifices to atone for his sins. We need to remember that we are drowning in our sins but Jesus is pulling us out and putting us in right relationship with God the Father.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for another day to walk with you by my side. I ask you to help me keep my perspective, keep you lord in my number one spot and find the balance of everything else.

November 22nd 2015 What is your gift?

Reading: Ephesians 4, 2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles 36

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12, And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ

Observation: Paul here was saying that there are many callings and jobs that are to be done in the church to build us the body of Christ. We are not called to be all of them or do every job. That is why scripture says we are all members of one body. Just like if we were just an eye how would we hear, touch, taste, or move, we are not all to be prophets, evangelists, or teachers. We each have our gifts, things God gave us abilities in and we need to use those to serve and spread the love of God through our gift. Some of us our gift is cooking and cleaning and we love them because there are many of us who our gifting is not that and we are thankful there are people who clean up behind us.

Application: God gave us things we are good at and things we are love to do we now need to find ways to do that and build up the body of Christ at the same time. One of the pastors that I listen to has talked about having different small groups where people do things like knit or quilt together for to bless other and grow closer to God. If you have a passion for something find others who have that same passion and find a way to share God’s love though your gifts and talents.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for another day to enjoy your great blessings in our lives, family, friends, and the ability to speak your name. Lord, we ask you to help us see where we can use our talents and our gifts for you and help us to share your love with those around us.

November 21 2015 What are you a Steward of?

Im Sorry this was not posted yesterday it took a second day to get to the computer to type it up.

Reading: Ephesians 3, Ezekiel 31-32, Psalm 45

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-2, For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,

Observation: Paul writing to the church in Ephesus is reminding them that God put it on his heart and called him to minister to Gospel to the Gentiles therefore he had stewardship of God’s grace to share God’s grace with all who would listen.

Application: Like Paul we are all called to Share God’s Gospel. We are all put in different places in our lives to reach people that others are not reaching. I’m not saying we are all called to be evangelist and stand up in front of a group and preach but we are all able to share God’s love wherever we are and invite people to church and small groups. Love your neighbors and coworkers in Christ’s name to the point that want to know what makes you different. We are called to be known by our fruit.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for another great day and time to spend with you and in your beautiful creation. We come before you asking to more love to share to our neighbors and coworkers and anyone around us who needs your love. We also ask you use us to touch those around us and help us to reflect you so that when people see us they see you and not us.

November 20th 2015 What's your pleasure?

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

Scripture: Psalm 147:11, “but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”

Observation: During my time in level two of the discipleship program called Operation Solid Lives I learned lots about the covenant and the Hebrew word “checed” witch in my translation is Steadfast Love. This Hebrew word is more about the promise that God made in the covenant and that in love (the reason he made the covenant) he wants to do what his covenant says he will do.  Also the word “fear” I don’t think is the best translation it is not bad to fear God but I think the better way to but that would be revere, honor, and respect.

Application: Being that we are under the new covenant that Jesus instated though his death and resurrection we need to look at this section of scripture differently that in the past. Now when I look at this I can see that God take pleasure when we show him the honor and reverence do him, and when we place our hope in his promises and in his checed.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for another wonderful day to enjoy your blessings. I long to worship you and give you honor and glory. Help me to place all my hope and trust in you Lord and your checed.

November 19th 2015 Has God adopted you?

Reading Ephesians 1 Ezekiel 27-28

Scripture: Ephesians 1:5, “he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will”

Observation: This section of scripture is full of all sorts of good stuff but this verse just jumped out reminding me that we are adopted into God’s family though with Son and the covenant that was sealed by Christ on the cross where God and man’s blood flowed bringing the two families into one.

Application: In the adoptions we have been made heirs together and all we need to do now is accept that gift though believing that Jesus is the Christ and that he died for our sins and brought us into God’s family.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for sending your son to die on the cross and bridge the gap between us and you/ Lord, I ask you to bring people into to lives of unbelievers to share your love with them and draw them into your loving embrace. I pray for the leaders of this town, county, state, and nation may they know you and draw their wisdom from you and not the public.

November 18th 2015 How do you restore someone?

Reading: Galatians 6, Ezekiel 25-26 Psalm 118

Scripture: Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

Observation: I love the reminders that are throughout the Bible to take care of those around us and to help lift us those who have fallen. I know that I have been one of those people who have fallen and I want to be one who helps to raise then up.

Application: We all are sinners and we will all fall but we all can help someone who has fallen. I don’t want to be the Christian who judges and looks down my nose at someone because they are struggling with something I have overcome or has never been an issue for me. We are called to help them to get back up, we can encourage them, offer to be accountability partner, or simply be a friend that shows God’s love by standing by them as they work through the situation with God’s help.

Prayer: Lord, Help is to be the people you call us to be, the helpful loving friend and not the judgmental harsh people that the world see us as.

November 17th 2015 What are you holding onto?

Reading: Galatians 5 and Ezekiel 23-24

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Observation: Here is America there are lots of things that become acceptable over the years that are not proper for us to do. Paul listed out a bunch that were an issues then and because the old tricks work so well the Devil does not need to come up with new trick the old ones still catch us. In Galatians 5:19-21 is that list, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Application: I struggle with some of those, more of them then I would like to admit, but when you focus on the fruit of the spirit and keeping God and your relationship with him as your primary goal the Holy Spirit will develop those fruit in you. After my older brother passed away from a car accident that we believed where was drugs and alcohol involved in, I got a reminder of what I’m striving for. That reminder is a tattoo it is the Chinese symbols meaning Self-Control and a scripture reference of 1 Thessalonians 4:4, “that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” Keep your focus on God and being the person he calls you to be and not let that list of fleshly works define who you are. God accepts you right where you are but once he is accepted into your and your focus then those things of the world will start to loose their luster and draw. Not to say that we wont fall back into things but we will have the helper, The Holy Sprit to help us get back out of the mess we get ourselves into.

Prayer: Lord, help us to focus on you and develop the fruits of the sprit in us.

November 16th 2015 Where are your Adoption papers?

If you are one of my regular readers, first I want I thank you for reading and second apologize that I let the whirlwind of life get my focus off what is important, God’s word and diving into it every day. Yes I missed the last couple days I will be reading what I didn’t over the last couple days but I will not be writings SOAP’s about them this time.

Today’s reading was Galatians 4 and Ezekiel 21-22

Scripture: Galatians 4:6-7, And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Observation: This entire chapter talks about how we were slaves like Hagar, who can represent the law given on Mount Sinai making us slaves to the law. Then talks about how though Christ we have been adopted into Sarah’s free family making us free and fellow heirs in the promises God made with Abraham.

Application: As a son or daughter of God though Christ we need to look at our lives though the eyes of Christ. The eyes of Christ have so many times been painted as a pacifist who would never do anything controversial. The eyes of Christ are love at any cost, Christ loved the sinners and at with them, that was a huge controversy because the law pointed them out. The Law was put into place so that we could not do it on our own we could not be holy and righteous without the free gift of Grace given though the death of Christ on the cross.

Prayer: Lord I thank you for another day to read your word and share what is in my heart today. You continue to bless us and take care of all the things we need. Lord I ask you to help us to accept the gift of Grace your Son brought to us. Lord, I want to lift us all the tragedy going on in the world, I ask you to send people into their lives that will help them process the pain and see you calling them in their lives.

November 13th 2015 Are you set apart?

Reading: Galatians 1 and Ezekiel 15-16

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-15, “For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace”

Observation: Paul here was putting validity to his place as a teacher of the true Gospel. Just moments before he was talking about there only being one gospel and that though his experience with God on the road to Damascus he was shown the true gospel. Apparently in the early church as there is now there are false gospels out there leading people away from God by twisting things in the Gospel.

Application: Paul here was telling us how he was called and that he like us was set apart before we were born. God may choose different times to call each of us but we are all chosen by him before we were formed. We also need to be aware and watch out for those false teachers teaching that false gospel. Read the Word and not take things out of context, read and understand what is going on in that time, doing so will give you a much clearer look into God’s word.

Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for time with you again as the weekend draws near having a time I rest and worship with fellow believers. Lord, we ask you to help us to have a discerning heart and see these false teachers and false gospels as what they are and not to attribute these lies and twisted truths to you.

November 12 2015 Are you Sheeple?

Reading: Romans 16, Ezekiel 12-14

Scripture: Romans 16:17-18, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”

Observation: I have heard the term “Sheeple” many times this term refers to people who just flock together and just listening to the latest and greatest thing, believing and chasing after it as long as it is calling their name and is the shiny new thing. With the mentality of sheeple many Christians church hope trying to find the next spiritual encounter or seek the next great teaching. The gospel has not changed in 2000 years it’s in the word.

Application: Paul is telling us to watch out for the shiny new stuff because it can cause us to falter and be that stumbling block and obstacle. We need to get ourselves planted in a church that teaches the Bible. The word always confirms itself. God’s love is all over this book and calls us to him though it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for another day to enjoy your creation. I life us to you those how are being hit with the bad weather across that country. Protect those who are dealing with that as it comes though. Lord, I also lift up all those who are out there searching for a church or an encounter with you, I ask you to lead them to the church you have for them and help them to see the encounters you have with them and find a church that wont make them stumble.

November 11th 2015 Who are you building up?

Reading: Romans 15 and Ezekiel 9-11

Scripture: Romans 15: 2-3, Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

Observation: Paul does a great job of hitting these topics that we really need to hear multiple times and in multiple ways. Not only is he taking us back to some of his earlier teachings but also the new commandment that Jesus laid out for us, Love your neighbor.

Application: Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself, that love is the action word meaning to put their needs above your own. Paul loves to take it to the next level, not only taking care of needs of our neighbors, but doing and saying things that please and build up our neighbor. It is easy to give some food or money to the homeless man down the street and say we are good we took take of their need, but Paul is saying that is not what its about. Because Jesus took our reproach and wrongs we have done we need to take time with them. This is something I struggle with. I want to just fulfill a need and walk away and not put time into these people showing them God’s love I want to get back to my life and what I want to do. Let us please our neighbors for their good.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be your light in this world help me to overcome my own stubborn and resistance thoughts to spending time with people that I may not be comfortable with and showing your love though my life. Take my life and let it be a living sacrifice to you Lord.