February 17, 2016 What good is this?

Reading: Acts 24, Genesis 50, Exodus 1, and Psalm 140

Scripture: Genesis 50:19-20, But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Observation: It is so easy for me to judge and hold grudges, some one does something I don’t like or agree with or even hurts me and what to I do, I tell them off or stop talking to them, judge their salvation on their actions. It is easy to take the place of God at those times, we take things into our own hands so many times.

Application: We need to be like Joseph and not take up the wrath of God into our own hands. There are many times that all we can see is the wrong that has been done to us and want revenge of to have God’s wrath poured out though our hands. We need to remember that even if something is going wrong, we have to remember that there is a larger picture that we can’t see. I never knew why I went through two divorces until I spent time with my wife when I found that God was working on me to make me the man I needed to be for her. I am still a work in progress but if we would have met before my first marriage we would not have been the people we needed to be. Remember if you are going though something maybe there is a lesson to be taken from it.

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing bringing words from thousands of years ago to life in our lives and helping us to see how to put it to use. I thank you for providing each day the things we need and the steps to take as we move forward and serve you. Lord I ask you to help us to leave the judgment at your feet and not take it up. Help us to love and lift us instead if rip down what you have brought up.

February 16, 2016 Who are you talking about?

Reading: Acts 23 and Genesis 48-49

Scripture: Acts 23:5, And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

Observation: It is so easy to badmouth a boss or the leaders of your city, state, or country. Here in the USA in some ways we are encouraged to say things against others in that we are so frequently remanded that we have the freedom of speech. We are allowed to say what ever we want about what or whom ever we want. Sure we are allowed but should we? Dose saying these things make anything get better?

Application: I don’t think that creating verbal diarrhea about something you don’t agree with is what we should be doing even though we have the “Right” to do so. Paul was citing from Exodus 22:28 something that all the religious leaders would have know. We are to give honor where honor is due. I may not like the way a president is handling given situation but God has called us to not speak evil of our rulers. I think this is not only meant as to our government officials but also our bosses and anyone who we interact with. Tearing someone down will only cause problems and arguments. If we are able to speak life and love into those around us and even to our leaders we can help to reduce the amount of hate and arguments around us.

Prayer: Lord I thank you for another day to dive into your word and seek after you. You are so amazing and the blessing you pour out on this work at awesome. I ask you to help me to keep the joy and love that you share with us in my heart and on my mouth each and every day.

February 15, 2016 Citizen of Haven.

Reading: Acts 22 and Genesis 46-47

Scripture: Acts 22:28, The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.”

Observation: Back in Paul’s days those who were roman had rights, like today in the USA there are those of us who have been born a US citizen and others who have gone though the process of becoming citizens and others who are here but are not citizens at all. So this official who is talking to Paul paid lots of money for the rights that Paul was given.

Application: We were all born into this worlds citizenship and there is a very large price to become a citizen of haven. We had that price paid for by Jesus and though his death on the cross we all been offered that citizenship of haven. We need to accept that gift and walk in that citizenship. We are only sojourning here on earth after we die we will go home.

Prayer: Lord I thank you for your great gift of citizenship in haven, forgiveness of sin and your blessings in this world. Help me to live as that citizen and honor you each and every day.

February 14, 2016 You are breaking my heart.

Reading: Acts 21 and Genesis 44-45

Scripture: Acts 21:13, Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Observation: Paul being willing to go to the ends of the earth and beyond was told the when he goes back to Jerusalem that they will arrest him and bind him. Understanding that God’s plan can lead to discomfort and persecution, when those people around him started freaking out about their teacher being taken that is when he said the quote above.

Application: Here in the USA there is not much persecution these days and not much call for that willingness to go to jail or die for what we believe. This is more of a call to be open to anything. God has talents that he has given to each of us and we need to be willing to do what ever we have been called to and step out where we are called to go.  

Prayer: Lord thank you for you gift of another day and the ability to continue to seek your will and your plan. I thank you for your provisions and your love. Lord I ask you to help me to see your direction and the next step you have for me.

February 13, 2016 Don't fall out the window.

Reading: Acts 20 and Genesis 42-43

Scripture: Acts 20:10, But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.”

Observation: I love this story where Paul was speaking to the people and spoke so long that this young man fell asleep and out the window. These people were so hungry for the word of God that for hours they would sit and stand to learn every last little bit from one of God’s workers.

Application: Not only did Eutychus want to learn he was struggling to stay awake and focused. I know that I have been guilty of feeling church was going too long after 30 min. I think this is a reminder that we need to hunger with all we have to learn more about God and his word. Long for time with God and be willing to take every minute you can get.

Prayer: Lord thank you for the time to get to know you and for the leaders and teachers in our lives. Lord I also ask you to help me to keep you as a priority and to take hold of every moment for you.

February 12, 2016 The land of my affilction.

Reading: Acts 19 and Genesis 41

Scripture: Genesis 41:52, The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

Observation: even though Joseph had been though so much being a slave and in prison for many years, something like 12 years, he never stopped believing in God and that one day his dreams would come true.

Application: I know that even after a few days I start to second guess and wonder if I’m doing what I should be doing or if I have walked away from God’s plan again. Joseph was able to work hard and give God the glory even though for more then a decade he was a slave and who knows how much of that time was in prison. Joseph like Abraham had faith that God would fulfill his promises even if it didn’t look like he could. Therefore we need to remember that even if there is nothing that is looking right.

Prayer: Lord I thank you for the path you have put me on even though it is dark and I don’t know where it is going, I know you are my provider and all I have and need is from you and the great blessing you have for me. I ask you to help me to keep my eyes on you as I search for my new job.

February 11 2016 WORK WORK WORK

Reading: Acts 18 and Genesis 39-40

Scripture: Genesis 39:2, The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

Observation: God was with Joseph even though his brothers had issues with him and sold him into slavery. Joseph was faithful and even though there were may things that could have got him down and grown bitter for the situation he ended up in. Joseph worked hard and God blessed him.

Application: Even when things look bad and all things seem to be working against you, God is with you and we need to work as if to the lord. This week on Monday I was told that this was my last week at my job, it was hard to keep working and work well. I wanted to tell my boss where to get off and walk out but I had to pull myself up and set my pride aside and continue to do my job to the best of my ability until today when I worked my last day.

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing watching you open and close doors in my life. I thank you for the great blessing you have poured out on me and have to continue pouring out. Lord I ask for your understanding and help me to be vigilant in whatever work you have form me.

February 10th 2016 Just support me!!

Reading: Acts 17 and Geneses 37-38

Scripture: Genesis 37:10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?”

Observation: In that culture the idea that parents and older brothers showing honor to a younger brother was almost unheard of so having the second youngest in the house saying that he had a dream where his brothers and parents would bow down to him was ridiculous. But also there is Joseph’s feeling like God is calling me to this greatness and I’m sharing this with my family and no one thinks I can do it.

Application: I think this is another perspective thing, we all have our talents and skills and God has called us all into his service. We may see that we could be great or even know that we are awesome at something but no one sees it or believes that you can do it. We need to trust in God’s perspective and know that he is working these this for our good. As I get told my job is going to end in a few days I though that this job was a step in the right direction to a career and my be it was but he has another place for me.

Prayer: Lord I thank you for the great blessing you have for me. I ask in this time of seeking that you help me to find the next step in your plan and the direction you have for me using the gifts that I have. Lord you are so wonderful providing all that we need.

February 9, 2016 Falling on your sword.

Reading: Acts 16 and Geneses 36

Scripture: Acts 16:27, When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.

Observation: In those days if a prisoner was to escape or be released early on accident the guard would at minimum be required to finish the sentence themselves or could be put to death. Fearing the worst this guard was going to take his own life to save his family the disgrace of having him in prison or killed.

Application: This guard was blessed in that Paul and the others were there and kept him alive and shared the gospel with him. Even in bad situations we are to find Joy and look for ways God will bless us and we can further his work.

Prayer: Lord Thank you for all your blessing, the time you took to form us in our mothers womb and the fact you know the number of hears on each of our heads. Lord, I need you help seeing the good in the bad situations and the good you have in this day.

February 8, 2016 Third day Pain!!

Reading: Acts 15 Geneses 34-35

Scripture: Geneses 34:25, On the third day, when they were sore, two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and came against the city while it felt secure and killed all the males.

Observation: On the surface I love this story these brothers conspiring to kill all these men are in pain and starting to heal from circumcision, because they had defiled their sister. In conjunction with what was going on with Acts 15 where there is a large debate on if the Gentiles needed to adhere to the laws of Moses and be circumcised when they believe.

Application: My takeaway from this reading today it the idea that we need to make sure that we are not letting good things and Things of God not be used by the evil one. Sex in the right context (inside a Marriage between a man and a woman) is a wonderful thing but if we listen to what the world has to say we would be doing what ever feels good at the time. We need to keep the things of God holy and not use them improperly.

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing creating the vast world and universe for us to enjoy and spend time with you. I thank you for the blessings that come each day even the ones that don’t look like it. Lord I ask you to help us to not let the world twist our views on things that you have meant for holy use.

February 5, 2016 Is this real???

Reading: Acts 12 and Geneses 29-30

Scripture: Acts 12:9, And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

Observation: How often have I been oblivious to the things God is doing around me and sitting around wondering can this be real. My house is one of those biggest “is this real” moments I have experienced.

Application: I think that the greatest take away from this is, no mater what God tells you to do, you do it. Even if it looks crazy and would never work in your own mind do it any ways because God could be saving you from something you didn’t see coming.

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing, you know the directions we are taking and where we need to turn left and right. I thank you for the directions you have given me thus far in my life and for those yet to come. I ask you to help me to see each and every step and when to take each step. Open the doors you have for me and close the ones that you know will harm my relationship with you and my family.

February 4th 2016 MINE MINE

Reading: Acts11 and Geneses 27-28

Scripture: Geneses 27:36, Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”

Observation: For me this kind of hits home in that I feel like I’m trying to do everything right but everyone else gets blessed with the things I think I want. I think in some ways this is human nature, and I know it’s the mentality of most if not all Americans. We are never satisfied with what we have, the grass is always greener and I never have enough.

Application: We need to learn to be content with what we have and be willing at any point (if God asks us to) give it all away and start over. Being a good steward of what we have is a great start. Instead of asking God “Don’t you still have something for me?” we can ask, “Who can I bless today?” This is one of the hardest things to change because it starts young, one of the first things kids learn to say is “MINE” we are selfish and I think the first step to changing that is remembering that none of it is yours. It all belongs to God.

Prayer: Lord, you are so amazing you provide and give us the opportunity to share and give. I thank you for everything you have given me to honor you with and I ask you to help me to keep the right perspective of wants, needs and calling. You have provided us with the means to own our home and always have food on the table.

February 3, 2016 I'm just a Man.

Reading: Acts 10 and Geneses 25-26

Scripture: Acts 10:26, But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.

Observation: This section jumped out at me today but I didn’t really know why. As I thought about it things that have come to me have been questions like; “Is there someone I hold in too high esteem?” or “Do I think too highly of myself?” Lately I guess I have been struggling with self worth issues feeling like I not doing what I’m meant to do. But this scripture reminds me that even the greatest of preachers and teachers of our world as still just men, just saved sinner like me.

Application: Jesus came to this world to save us through his death and resurrection, not so that we can judge people or even ourselves by the public image that some great speaker or evangelist like Billy Graham or Luis Palau. I know that I am my worst critic we need to remember that we all are saved sinners no matter the sin God look at it all the same way and it all separates us from God. Don’t allow yourself to think as more or less then what God calls you, Sons and Daughters of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you so much from sending your Son to die on the cross so that we can be brought back into right standing with you. I thank you for the opportunities you place before me and the direction you have for my life. Lord, I ask that you help me keep things in proper perspective it is so easy to allow myself to think too little or too much myself and what I have done. Lord I also ask your blessings on all who read this blog and may your work be done though it.

February 2, 2016

Reading: Acts 9 and Geneses 24

Scripture: Acts 9:15, But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

Observation: This reminds me that I/we as Christians have this tendency to look at the outside judge on appearance and background if these sinners can serve God. Just before this section, Ananias was saying to God you can’t want me to go to that guy, he will kill me, he is one BAD guy. I know that I have had moments like that. I will look around at church and think why are they here.

Application: God then says to us they are my Chosen instrument, we all are chosen instruments. As an instrument we need to find out purpose, yes there is the Great Commission and yes we are all to share the word with the world around us. We are all given talents; our purpose is what we do with those talents.

Prayer: Lord you are so amazing, Thank you for the blessings that you pour out on us daily. Lord I ask you to help us to set aside our biases based on looks and background and love people as you love people. I also ask that you help us to see our talents and seek to serve you better with them.

February 1, 2016 I need a guide!!!!!

Rearing: Acts 8 and Geneses 22-23

Scripture: Acts 8:31, And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Observation: This scripture stood out to me for the fact that it is so easy to just read the Bible as just a story or a history and not let it speak to you. I do think that there is a lot that we can get from the word ourselves and with the help of the Holy Spirit but there are things that we need help to understand. We don’t all just understand it all and that is why the disciples spent three years with Jesus getting to know him and learning from him.

Application: We are to have teachers in our lives to help us to understand and grasp the things the Bible has for us. We are all called to come to an understanding and to share our experiences with God but others are called to be teaches and preachers, those of us who are called into those roles spend more time in the word and helping others to understand the things of the Bible that are less obvious. Always have someone who is more knowledged then you are whom you can go to. Even those who teach need someone to go to, we all need someone who will tell us if we are going of course with our thinking when reading the word.

Prayer: Lord I think you for the great blessings that you have poured out on me, watching my daughter grow and develop, and watching you bring fourth another day. Lord I ask you to help me to hear your Holy Spirit and perceive the meaning to your word and also remind me I have those around me who have studied more and I can go and be pastured by. Help me to foster those relationships so that I can grow deeper with you lord.