January 12
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?"
Isn't it something to realize that the Lord Jesus Christ knows your thoughts? I have to say I am not always crazy about that!
What about the time I was plotting in my mind about how to get even with someone who had hurt me badly? Does Jesus really have to be looking in on my thoughts right at that particular moment?
I'm sure someone else in the world must have been thinking something far worse... weren't they.... ?
Oh, that's not the point?
Right. In this case it IS about me.
It's about me learning to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ Jesus.
A difficult task, impossible on my own, but remember,
"With God, all things are possible."
today's reading: Matthew 9 verses 1-17
Lord, if you want me to be a new wineskin full of new wine(His Divine Presence), that is what I will fast for.
I want to give up on everything this earth has to offer.
I want to long for Your presence; to seek You everyday.
When I stop looking at things from a worldly viewpoint, it will become much easier to offer mercy to all of humanity; forgiveness to the offensive, and even healing to the undeserving.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
January 11
Sometimes, in our life, the Lord asks us to do things that seem very difficult. We don't always understand what the walk of obedience will require from us.
What do you do when the way seems too hard? Do you fall apart? Do you fall into a depression and pull your blankets over your head hoping it will all go away? Do you get angry?
There is always a choice to be made about how to react when the going gets tough.
Will you fall into destructive, old patterns of behavior, or will you learn from the Lord,who says He will make you new?
today's reading: Matthew chapter 8 verses 18-34
vs 26: Jesus replies to the frantic disciples, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"
It is so easy to miss every opportunity to stand up and pray for a miracle.
How often do you think, "Oh, no. That's not for me."
Ask yourself now, what does the Lord Jesus expect of me in my situation?
.....to boldly press in for the move of God, and to NOT BE AFRAID.
Sometimes, in our life, the Lord asks us to do things that seem very difficult. We don't always understand what the walk of obedience will require from us.
What do you do when the way seems too hard? Do you fall apart? Do you fall into a depression and pull your blankets over your head hoping it will all go away? Do you get angry?
There is always a choice to be made about how to react when the going gets tough.
Will you fall into destructive, old patterns of behavior, or will you learn from the Lord,who says He will make you new?
today's reading: Matthew chapter 8 verses 18-34
vs 26: Jesus replies to the frantic disciples, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"
It is so easy to miss every opportunity to stand up and pray for a miracle.
How often do you think, "Oh, no. That's not for me."
Ask yourself now, what does the Lord Jesus expect of me in my situation?
.....to boldly press in for the move of God, and to NOT BE AFRAID.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
January 10
This is a grand day for me personally! One year since my first chemo treatment. And thank the Lord I am healed and that is all history now.
Traveling through this year of cancer recovery has been a real faith journey.
I got the chance to answer the ultimate question: Will I believe God for all He says He will do for me?
That is the same question that we encounter everyday of our lives no matter how simple or difficult our circumstance might be.
Will I believe God for all He says He will do for me?
Will I believe that He desires to heal me?
Will I believe that He truly loves me?
Will I believe that He died to take the punishment for my sins?
Will I BELIEVE HIM?
today's reading: Matthew chapter 8 verses 1 through 17
vs 17: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Lord, you say you are willing to heal me!
Help me to be willing to go to you to ask for my healing.
And then, help me to believe that You have answered my prayer, and to believe that I am healed!
This scripture invites us to think about the healing ministry of Jesus.
He was most willing to heal all those who came before him.
Some had great faith, like the Centurion in today's reading.
He really understood the power of those in authority to command that things be done.
Do you understand the power of the One and Only Son of God,who has authority over all things concerning you?
Pray today that the Lord will help you to overcome any unbelief, and that when you are up against a circumstance that requires an answer to that ultimate question, you will be able to reply, "Yes, Lord, I believe YOU!"
This is a grand day for me personally! One year since my first chemo treatment. And thank the Lord I am healed and that is all history now.
Traveling through this year of cancer recovery has been a real faith journey.
I got the chance to answer the ultimate question: Will I believe God for all He says He will do for me?
That is the same question that we encounter everyday of our lives no matter how simple or difficult our circumstance might be.
Will I believe God for all He says He will do for me?
Will I believe that He desires to heal me?
Will I believe that He truly loves me?
Will I believe that He died to take the punishment for my sins?
Will I BELIEVE HIM?
today's reading: Matthew chapter 8 verses 1 through 17
vs 17: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Lord, you say you are willing to heal me!
Help me to be willing to go to you to ask for my healing.
And then, help me to believe that You have answered my prayer, and to believe that I am healed!
This scripture invites us to think about the healing ministry of Jesus.
He was most willing to heal all those who came before him.
Some had great faith, like the Centurion in today's reading.
He really understood the power of those in authority to command that things be done.
Do you understand the power of the One and Only Son of God,who has authority over all things concerning you?
Pray today that the Lord will help you to overcome any unbelief, and that when you are up against a circumstance that requires an answer to that ultimate question, you will be able to reply, "Yes, Lord, I believe YOU!"
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
January 9
Well, my friends, we have been at this for a little over a week now. How are you doing? Are you looking forward to your time with the Lord in His Word every day? Do you feel that power beginning to delight you?
The Lord promises us in His Word, that He will bless His Word as we take it in. So stay with it! The reward will be sweet.
Today's reading: Matthew chapter 7 verses 15 through 29
vs 23: "Then will I tell them plainly, I never knew you."
It seems that He is saying, "you did not give me the chance to have a close personal, intimate relationship with you, because you did not desire it. You did not grow in faith, you did not prefer MY(God's) viewpoint over your own."
These words would be terrifying to hear!
If we would ever hear those words from the mouth of God,
it would be too late!
Too late to live a life preferring God's Word over socially acceptable, self-centered teaching.
Too late to live a life preferring to live for God's glory rather than seeking a comfortable, possibly influential lifestyle.
vs 24: Hear these words and put them into practice.
It is God Himself who makes a life of obedience available to you.
Following Jesus Christ requires a lifestyle of obedience.
The more you will put God's Word into practice in your life, the more your life will become a work of obedience to Him.
Not a lifestyle of drudgery, or being pounded into submission....but rather a sweet desire to please the Father. A sweet desire to live in the safety of His watchful care. He guides our steps and orders our days for our own protection and good. (Romans 8:28) He causes ALL things to work together for good for those who Love Him and who are called for His purpose.
That is YOU!
Well, my friends, we have been at this for a little over a week now. How are you doing? Are you looking forward to your time with the Lord in His Word every day? Do you feel that power beginning to delight you?
The Lord promises us in His Word, that He will bless His Word as we take it in. So stay with it! The reward will be sweet.
Today's reading: Matthew chapter 7 verses 15 through 29
vs 23: "Then will I tell them plainly, I never knew you."
It seems that He is saying, "you did not give me the chance to have a close personal, intimate relationship with you, because you did not desire it. You did not grow in faith, you did not prefer MY(God's) viewpoint over your own."
These words would be terrifying to hear!
If we would ever hear those words from the mouth of God,
it would be too late!
Too late to live a life preferring God's Word over socially acceptable, self-centered teaching.
Too late to live a life preferring to live for God's glory rather than seeking a comfortable, possibly influential lifestyle.
vs 24: Hear these words and put them into practice.
It is God Himself who makes a life of obedience available to you.
Following Jesus Christ requires a lifestyle of obedience.
The more you will put God's Word into practice in your life, the more your life will become a work of obedience to Him.
Not a lifestyle of drudgery, or being pounded into submission....but rather a sweet desire to please the Father. A sweet desire to live in the safety of His watchful care. He guides our steps and orders our days for our own protection and good. (Romans 8:28) He causes ALL things to work together for good for those who Love Him and who are called for His purpose.
That is YOU!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
January 8
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7: 7-8
HINT: For a fresh look at today's passages try reading from a different bible translation. I use the NIV most of the time, but refer to Wuest Greek Studies, The Message, New King James Version, and also the Amplified Bible. There are many many others that are enlightening. Online study guides can be a great resource and really make a difference in the level of understanding.
biblegateway.com is a good one to use to find alternate translations. biblestudytools.com is excellant for researching meanings of passages.
Today's reading: Matthew 6:25 through 7:14
vs:14 "but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find them."
Lord, I'm sure you are completely aware of the many opportunities I have to worry(you know, exhibit my Christian "concern").
I think you are asking me to do a 180 degree turnaround and seek you first! That is a small gate indeed.
Also you are asking me not to judge, analyze, investigate, or prayerfully inquire about other people's business.
There is no need for me to justify my own business to others.
I only need to please YOU Lord.
Help me to desire to walk that narrow road where I will find YOU.
I desire to trust only YOU, Lord.
I desire to be among the few.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7: 7-8
HINT: For a fresh look at today's passages try reading from a different bible translation. I use the NIV most of the time, but refer to Wuest Greek Studies, The Message, New King James Version, and also the Amplified Bible. There are many many others that are enlightening. Online study guides can be a great resource and really make a difference in the level of understanding.
biblegateway.com is a good one to use to find alternate translations. biblestudytools.com is excellant for researching meanings of passages.
Today's reading: Matthew 6:25 through 7:14
vs:14 "but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find them."
Lord, I'm sure you are completely aware of the many opportunities I have to worry(you know, exhibit my Christian "concern").
I think you are asking me to do a 180 degree turnaround and seek you first! That is a small gate indeed.
Also you are asking me not to judge, analyze, investigate, or prayerfully inquire about other people's business.
There is no need for me to justify my own business to others.
I only need to please YOU Lord.
Help me to desire to walk that narrow road where I will find YOU.
I desire to trust only YOU, Lord.
I desire to be among the few.
Monday, January 7, 2013
January 7
The Lord tells us we should not do good from a place of pride, hoping that others will know what we have done and think we are quite special. Perhaps even then, they won't think we are as special as WE think we are~.
Think of today's scriptures as a mirror that will reflect the truth about ourselves.
If we see something unlovely when we look into that mirror, we need to remember that everyday brings a new opportunity for change.
If we will let the Lord Jesus transform our "mirror image" through His Word, one day we may be amazed to look in that mirror and see that........ we have our Father's eyes!
Today's reading: Matthew chapter 6 verses 1 through 24
Vs: 6-13 Father, so this is how I should live?
When giving to others, I need to keep it just between You and me?
Every sacrifice should be kept just between you and me?
All that I store in my heart, all that I long for, my every ambition is to be filtered through your Word?
Yes, because in the end, it's YOU alone that I live for;
YOU alone that I long for.
Jesus, I pray that You are visible in me.
The Lord tells us we should not do good from a place of pride, hoping that others will know what we have done and think we are quite special. Perhaps even then, they won't think we are as special as WE think we are~.
Think of today's scriptures as a mirror that will reflect the truth about ourselves.
If we see something unlovely when we look into that mirror, we need to remember that everyday brings a new opportunity for change.
If we will let the Lord Jesus transform our "mirror image" through His Word, one day we may be amazed to look in that mirror and see that........ we have our Father's eyes!
Today's reading: Matthew chapter 6 verses 1 through 24
Vs: 6-13 Father, so this is how I should live?
When giving to others, I need to keep it just between You and me?
Every sacrifice should be kept just between you and me?
All that I store in my heart, all that I long for, my every ambition is to be filtered through your Word?
Yes, because in the end, it's YOU alone that I live for;
YOU alone that I long for.
Jesus, I pray that You are visible in me.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
JANUARY 6, 2013
JANUARY 6
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!
Today's reading: Matthew 5:27-48
"Be perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect". Matt 5:48
Lord, are you warning me to be very careful of what I allow my eyes to dwell on or what I lay my hand to do? Are you warning me that your oaths are serious and that mine should be like yours?
Are you telling me that all I have comes from You, so I can without fear, pass what you have given me on to others?
Lord, even the love I need will come from You! I need to pass it on to others with abandon! Just like You.
Imagine that. Ponder it. Take it in like a cleansing breath.
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!
Today's reading: Matthew 5:27-48
"Be perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect". Matt 5:48
Lord, are you warning me to be very careful of what I allow my eyes to dwell on or what I lay my hand to do? Are you warning me that your oaths are serious and that mine should be like yours?
Are you telling me that all I have comes from You, so I can without fear, pass what you have given me on to others?
Lord, even the love I need will come from You! I need to pass it on to others with abandon! Just like You.
Imagine that. Ponder it. Take it in like a cleansing breath.
Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
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