Tuesday, May 31, 2016
The sea is calmed
The sea is calmed – Matt 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 & Luke 8:22-25
One day as Jesus was ministering he felt that it was time to go to the other side of the lake. While they were travelling across the lake He fell asleep in the back of the boat. While He was sleeping a terrible storm arose. The disciples who were experienced sailors knew it was so bad they were afraid. They woke up Jesus and He got up and rebuked the wind and the waves. All became calm and the disciples marvelled at Jesus. They asked who this was that even the elements obey Him.
1. Satan tried to kill Jesus by the storm but Jesus has power over the elements.
2. Jesus asked the disciples where was their faith. When Jesus is in the boat with us we have nothing to fear.
3. In fear and amazement the disciples were not sure who Jesus was. They had God in their midst and yet they did not fully understand what was going on. That can happen to us,
4. Even the elements are subject to Jesus because He is God with a face and the one who created them.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:50-52New International Version (NIV)
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them.
Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them.
Purposeful Life
Our statement today is clear, concise and to the point. A purposeful life is one that begins and ends in prayer. So pray and fulfill your purpose.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Pocket Book
It is the beginning of the week and here is your thought. Nothing will get a man to action faster than coming to the defense of his pocket book. So today submit your resources to God and then let Him take care of all things.. It will surprise how good He is at it.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Friday, May 27, 2016
Proverb of Steel
If you think that money is not an idol or god in
our society just go to a local casino or shopping mall.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:47King James Version (KJV)
47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Love of Money
Paul said that the love of money is the root of all evil. If you think that money is not an idol or god in our society just go to a local casino or shopping mall. So today choose to put aside this love and desire for money and follow the Lord. Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and all things will be added unto you. Love for money will destroy you. Love of God will save you. Your choice today.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Proverb of Steel
True use of wealth is hen we invest in building
the Kingdom of God. You are building for eternity.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:45New International Version (NIV)
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
for I have sought out your precepts.
Today's Thought
Ezra in Psalm 119:45 states that true wisdom is found in the word of God. The word of God teaches us that the true use of wealth is when we invest in building the Kingdom of God. You are building for eternity. So today in the freedom you have with Christ use your time, talents and resources for investing and building God's kingdom.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Proverb of Steel
True vision in finances is seeing how to use
resources well and investing in the things that have eternal value.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:42King James Version (KJV)
42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
True vision
Here is your thought for the middle of the week. True vision in finances is seeing how to use resources well and investing in the things that have eternal value. So lay up your treasure in heaven where nothing can devalue it. What you have use for God's glory.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 119:40New Living Translation (NLT)
40 I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.
Renew my life with your goodness.
True Giving
Ezra in Psalm 119:40, stated that he long to do the Lord's commands and follow His word. This was going to renew His life. Ezra new that the paradox of stopping greed was giving. Giving oneself to God. This will stop the desire for self and open the life to giving. We give to touch others for God's glory. So give to be a blessing and see in turn God give to you so you can continue to give to others for His glory.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
Proverb of Steel
Greed is all about meeting my needs.
Giving is all about meeting the needs of others.
verse Today
Psalm 119:38Amplified Bible (AMP)
38
Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant,
As that which produces [awe-inspired] reverence for You.
Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant,
As that which produces [awe-inspired] reverence for You.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Proverb of Steel
Giving is submitting to the Lord our resources and
declaring that we are not subject to greed, idolatry any longer.
True Giving
Here is your thought for today. Giving is submitting to the Lord our resources and declaring that we are not subject to greed, idolatry any longer. So give and let the world know you are God's not theirs.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 119:35New International Version (NIV)
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
for there I find delight.
Hallowed Be Your Name.
Hallowed Be Your Name. Matt 6:9
What does it mean to hallow the name of the Lord? It means to spend the first portion of your prayer time focusing on praising and worshipping the Lord. Praise is thanking the Lord for what He has done and worship is thanking the Lord for who He is. Judson Cornwall said that worship is an attitude of the heart expressed. When you hallowing the name of the Lord you are praising Him, thanking Him and expressing what in your heart to Him.
Larry Lea in his book called, “Could you not tarry,” taught that one way to worship or hallow the name of the Lord is to focus on two things. One which we will cover today and the other tomorrow. The first focus is on the Compound Name of God. God in the revelation of Himself chose certain characteristics to be revealed to help us understand who He is.
He is Jehovah Jireh – The Lord is our provider. He will supply all your needs.
He is Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is our banner. His banner over us is love and love never fails.
He is Jehovah Raah – The Lord is our shepherd. He will lead and guide us to good pasture.
He is Jehovah Rophi – The Lord is our healer. In every area and aspect of life the Lord can and will heal.
As you focus on these four characteristics of His nature today remember He is everything you need. You never face anything alone and He is there with you.
Simple Thought
Here is a simple thought for today. What you give is a mirror of what is in your heart. So give of yourself and that is the greatest gift you can give for the glory of God.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Proverb of Steel
Giving has a two fold function it tames our desires and
lust. Secondly it shrinks our propensity towards self.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:32New International Version (NIV)
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
for you have broadened my understanding.
Prayer
Prayer – Matt 6:5-6
The next few days we will be looking at prayer. Prayer is that wonderful opportunity for daily communion with God. Jesus has the proper thoughts and teaching about this very personal of activities. Jesus wishes to place prayer back where it belongs. Not in the streets but in the closet.
Jesus addresses the same problem that religious leaders of His day were guilty of. They would do their religious service in public. In this case it was prayer which God looks as a private communication between Him and you. It is not to be made a spectacle of to draw attention to a man. Jesus calls those who pray in public for the approval of man as hypocrites. Pray, alms and fasting had become religious exercises of little value because the hearts of those who did them had become wrong. Instead of being viewed as personal demonstrations of faith they had become public demonstration of false piety and humility. This can easily happen in religious institutions where form and ceremony become more important than private humility, piety and godliness.
Jesus’ instructions on prayer are short, precise and clean.
1. When you have your time in prayer find a place of seclusion and privacy and shut yourself away. Prayer is
designed to be communion and communication between you and God.
2. Keep your prayers directed to your heavenly Father. He is the object of your prayers. This is your time for spirit
to Spirit communion.
3. What you pray about in secret will become a reality and God will reward you openly. One thing you will learn
about prayer is that when you pray about something that you and God only know and when you see it come to
pass It will build your faith and bring a greater desire to pray God’s will.
True Giving
Here is a simple thought today. Giving has a two fold function it tames our desires and lust. Secondly it shrinks our propensity towards self. So give to bless others and use what we have for God's glory.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Love
Love – Matt 5:46-48
Jesus continues His teaching on love. If we love only people who love us what reward will you have. Even the sinner does that. Love is easily returned when people love you. It is much more difficult to love the unlovely. Also if you honor only those who honor you than you have done no more than what others who live the world do.
Jesus then gives a powerful and difficult exhortation. He says be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. This perfection He is talking about is being perfect, un-bias, no strings attached when you deal with people. Love, bless, do good and pray for those who are your enemy. This is what God does. His love is un fettered by personal slanders or shallow fear, anger or rejection. Do this and you are like your Father in heaven.
One translation says we are to holy as the Lord is Holy. This mean to be separated from human outlook and adopt a divine outlook on people and situation. Attempt to see things the way God does.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:28New International Version (NIV)
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
strengthen me according to your word.
Life's Journey
Here is your thought for the beginning of the week. Never plan to stay in one place to long in life. God has many wonderful sights and scenes He wants you to enjoy on this journey of life. So enjoy the trip and the day.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
Provern of Steel
The foolish man limits his life in the pursuit of
material reality. The wise man knows that material possessions hinder
spiritual realities. Real value is found in focusing on the eternal.
Being Light
Being Light
The child of God is the Light of the world. In us shines the light of God. You are city on a hill. The topography of this area of Galilee is surrounded by gentle slopes but the east and west shores of the Galilee are steep cliffs and sharply rising hills. Communities on the top of these hills can be seen for miles. Jesus was using this illustration to make the point that a life committed to God cannot be hid. It will reflect the light and life of God. We are not the light but we reflect the light. Like a mirror reflects an image so we reflect the Lord.
Jesus then says no one lights a life and then puts it under a bowl. Instead they place the light in a prominent place to give light to the whole room. In the same manner we are to allow our light to be shown before people so they may see the good things you do and give praise to your Father in heaven.
The Christian is called to prominence. We were not saved to hide our testimony. There are no secret agents in the Kingdom or covert operations. Our lives should radiant the love of God. Faith is designed to be seen. We are called to give glory to God. The word “glory”, means to take upon and reflect the character and essence of God. For example God is love so we should love. God forgives we should forgive. Fruitful Christianity is faith that is accompanied by works. James point is succinctly, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Today do the same,
Verse Today
Psalm 119:25-27New International Version (NIV)
ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
Treasure in heaven
As we head into the weekend here is a thought. The foolish man limits his life in the pursuit of material reality. The wise man knows that material possessions hinder spiritual realities. Real value is found in focusing on the eternal. Jesus said store up treasures in heaven. LOve, accept and forgive are of real value so go after these and you are storing up treasures in heaven.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
The Kingdom
Matt 5:17-20
Jesus then begins teaching about his relationship to the law and how the follower of Christ is to respond to the law. Kingdom living is one of faith and practical application of its principles.
1. Jesus did not come to do away with the law but fulfill it. The law showed us to Christ. Jesus fulfilled its requirements.
2. The law will not be done away with until it has fulfilled its purpose. Its purpose was fulfilled, accomplished in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
3. Disobedience to the law and teaches others to do the same makes an individual the least in the Kingdom. Jesus deals with pride and self righteousness in this portion.
4. If one obeys and teaches others to do likewise will be considered great in the Kingdom. Obedience is key in the Kingdom. Influence is also a key component to exaltation in the Kingdom.
5. Then Jesus puts an important final statement about righteousness here. Unless a person is able to out perform the Pharisees and the teachers of the laws in acts of righteousness they will not enter the Kingdom. In a final statement makes it clear that righteousness is not accomplished through works but through grace.
6. He also makes it clear that the law had its purpose but the only way to fully meet its demands you must come through Him. The Kingdom of God is not about works but grace.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:24New International Version (NIV)
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
they are my counselors.
Thought today
Here is your thought for today and example. Esau was the ultimate fool. He had the birthright, spiritual destiny and legacy and he sold it for a bowl of soup. Never sell the greatness you have in Christ for some small some. You are a treasure and have a mighty destiny. So today go and touch your world for Christ and be the blessing God intended. Never sell yourself short.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Proverb of Steel
The foolish man cries repentance and remorse after the
deed and damage have been done. The wise think through all the
consequences before they talk or act.
Retaliation
Retaliation – Matt 5:38-42
Jesus was laying out new ground rules for those who belonged to His Kingdom. Jesus clarified God’s position on the eye for an eye law. It was obvious that this law dealt with how to deal with righting wrongs have been abused. Jesus then clarifies that we are not to resist evil in the same manner as man.
If someone slaps you, your response is to turn the other cheek. Revenge and pride had become a motive for retaliation in this case. If someone sues you for your coat, let them take your cloak as well. Jesus wants to break the power of greed, materialism and love of possessions here. It is only stuff Jesus is saying.
If you are force to carry something for one mile, go the extra mile. This deals with the feeling of being used or taken advantage of. In all cases up to this point Jesus is correcting our views on our personal rights. Paul says in Romans that when we come to Christ we give up our personal rights to follow God and His will becomes our desire.
Jesus then tells His audience to give what is asked and to lend to those who wish to borrow. This last exhortation deals directly with property rights. When we feel something is ours it always comes with conditions or strings attached. If however our view is that all things belong to God then they are at His disposal to be used to help, encourage and minister love to others. This passage is dealing directly with personal selfishness as well as retaliation.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:9New International Version (NIV)
ב Beth
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
By living according to your word.
The wise
Here is your thought for this Wednesday. The foolish man cries repentance and remorse after the deed and damage have been done. The wise think through all the consequences before they talk or act. Today think and then act because you show what is your heart when you act in wisdom. Ask the Lord to help today.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Proverb of Steel
Mankind knows there is a truth out there.
It cries from deep within. God placed it there. The reality is most
look for in things and people instead of listening to the inner voice of the
Spirit who says, "God has already provided a way
The Nobleman’s Son
The Nobleman’s Son
This event happened in Cana the same town where Jesus had turned the water into wine. Jesus came back and the people hear about Him. One man in particular heard about Him. This man was a member of the royal family and his son laid sick so when Jesus arrived back in Galilee from Judea, the official cam to Jesus and asked Him to heal his son. Jesus told him to go back to Capernaum and he would find his son healed. This act of faith made the son well.
1. The father was a man that believed that Jesus could make his son well. He was a man who loved his son and would travel great distances for the boy.
2. Jesus told him, “Unless you see a miracle you won’t believe.” This man was a Jew and Jesus was revealing the nature of the Jews which is that they will not believe until they see a sign or a miracle.
3. The man’s faith was put to the test when Jesus asked him to go back to Capernaum and take Jesus at His word. When he did his son was made whole.
4. Jesus met the need and there were immediate results.
5. The man saw his need met and he believed. Jesus is always willing to meet us at our point of need.
6. There is a role that we must play. We have to willing to put our faith to the test and take the Lord at His word.
7. This was the second miracle that Jesus did.
Verse Today
Psalm 119:2-3New International Version (NIV)
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
Thought Today
Here is your thought for today. Mankind knows there is a truth out there. It cries from deep within. God placed it there. The reality is most look for in things and people instead of listening to the inner voice of the Spirit who says, "God has already provided a way. Jesus is that way. You have the outward evidence of creation and the voice of conscience within/ Listen to the voices and comes to Christ.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Verse Today
Psalm 119:1King James Version (KJV)
119 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Proverb of Steel
Without Jesus Christ as the solid foundation for
life a person has no real base to build a life of purpose and meaning.
They are the foolish man who built their house on the sand.
Monday Thought
It is Monday and here is a thought for today. Without Jesus Christ as the solid foundation for life a person has no real base to build a life of purpose and meaning. They are the foolish man who built their house on the sand. So today build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ and be wise.
Making of Vows - Matt 5:33-37
In Jesus’ day the making of vows was considered very sacred. From our text we glean that there were four common vows people would make. They would vow by heaven, the earth, the city of Jerusalem or by their own head. If a person swears by heaven they must remember it is God’s throne. If by the earth, it is His footstool and if by the city of Jerusalem it is the city of the great King. This King would either be David or the Messiah, They would also swear by their head. Jesus made it clear that this was not acceptable because we can not add one hair or change the color at least now back then.
Jesus says that we should just say, yes or no. Our word should be our bond. People should be able to trust our word. In the book called “Rob Roy,” the protagonist believed that a man was only a good as His word. The Christian must be a person who stands by what they say. The Bible teaches that we should keep our promises even to the point of personal sacrifice. In the ancient world a person’s worth was measured by how they kept their word. Jesus says you word should be enough and anything more than that comes from a heart that is evil.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Friday, May 6, 2016
Proverb of Steel
Such is the dilemma of the fool they know the world has
all the form and substance to bring life but they are in despair because they
do not know how to apprehend it.
You are Salt.
Matt 5:13 – You are Salt.
What Jesus teaches next is in the form of a metaphor. He equates the Child of God as salt. Salt in the ancient world was very valuable. It had three qualities. First, it was used as it is today as an element to flavour food. Food tastes better when salt is added to it. Life is better when salted with prayer, the word of God, fellowship and evangelism. Our lives need also to be flavoured with the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. These affect those around us and we have an impact. Salt next was used as a preservative. Before the invention of the ice box or the refrigerator food was preserved by putting salt on it. In us, is the preservation, protection and proclamation of the gospel. The last function in the ancient world was currency. It was a trading commodity. We are to trade and share the gospel with whom ever we come across.
Jesus then says if salt loses its flavour it is useless. You cannot make it salty again. This is a warning for apostasy and effective living. Those who lose their ability to influence, preserve or proclaim the gospel become like salt, useless and the gift has been wasted. This is a warning and an encouragement.
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