Judges 9; Judges 10; Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16
Scriptures:
Psalm 49: 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave,
For He shall receive me. Selah
1 Corinthians 16: 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
1 Corinthians 16: 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.
Observation:
These passages encourage me to keep on fighting the good fight. The Lord will revive me and lead me. Paul reminds me that when big doors open for you, also great opposition will come. I feel that currently at urgency, God is doing big things, and the enemy is trying to diffuse what the Lord is doing. The last scripture encourages me to keep my heart first, to let love go in front of me. Love conquers all.
Application:
As I look at this passage I am reminded that it is not the talents that make a man, but his heart. In the midst of a storm the question is simple; is my heart focused on my Jesus. Am I letting love guide my motives, am I trusting in His power. As I stand today and look in front of me I can clearly see the victory, but must face the giants in front of me. I stand today as a leader of God not because of my gifts or talents, but rather because of my heart to serve. John Maxwell stated that a great leader is not great in the eyes of God because of his talent, but rather because of his heart. Today I am encouraged and my prayer simple.
Prayer:
God favor me. Give me the wisdom, words and ability to stand strong. I pray for my meeting tomorrow and ask for favor. I know that I have done all You have called me to do. I know that I stand before You approved. I pray for You to show my leaders this. I pray for the next season of urgency and ask for You to do a miracle. I pray that the enemies plans will be diffused and that he would be exposed. I pray for a great meeting tomorrow. I pray for favor and greater support and trust. Give my team favor, may we be united and passionate before our leaders. Help us to shine tomorrow. Thank You that You opened this door for me. I trust in You Lord. Thank You for setting me free of man’s approval. It is a great feeling and I know that I can now lead out of the anointing You have given me.
Bless my wife today and fill her with joy.
Amen
Quote for this Season
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Keeping ones heart right
Judges 1; Judges 2; Judges 3; 1 Corinthians 12
Scripture:
1 Corinthians12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Observation:
The body of Christ, the church, is called to be one, one in heart, love and unity. Yet too often you find it the other way. The church is judgmental, critical and unforgiving. Paul declares that when we were baptized into the body of Christ, we were baptized into a family, the body of Christ, the church.
Application:
It is so easy to get offended by people and get your heart in a mess. The other day someone offended me by not being supportive by helping me with a problem. I don’t believe they intentionally tried to be weird with me, I guess they just could not help me, but said it in an insensitive manner. I felt like a team member let me down and I was so tempted to get my heart in a mess and say something. But then the Holy Spirit warned me and stopped me from saying something stupid. Sometimes a person needs to walks in humility and forgiveness so that the kingdom does not hurt. I chose to let this go and serve this person. I pray that God would hel them and convict them of treating others like this.
Prayer:
God it is so easy to get my heart in a mess. I am so glad that I did not do something stupid. Thank You for stopping. I pray for opportunities to serve this person and help them. Thank You for convicting me again through this passage. I pray that I would always guard my heart. Father I feel like I have been in a tough season. I pray for favor and ask You to guide me. Fill my heart with peace, love and joy. Help me as I prepare for next week meeting with Pastor Adam and Dick. I pray for favor the minute we walk in. Father I pray for tomorrow nights urgency meeting and ask You to bless it. I pray our students would come and that You would touch their hearts and heal. Bring every friends they invite and at the end of the night may we have honored You.
Amen
Scripture:
1 Corinthians12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Observation:
The body of Christ, the church, is called to be one, one in heart, love and unity. Yet too often you find it the other way. The church is judgmental, critical and unforgiving. Paul declares that when we were baptized into the body of Christ, we were baptized into a family, the body of Christ, the church.
Application:
It is so easy to get offended by people and get your heart in a mess. The other day someone offended me by not being supportive by helping me with a problem. I don’t believe they intentionally tried to be weird with me, I guess they just could not help me, but said it in an insensitive manner. I felt like a team member let me down and I was so tempted to get my heart in a mess and say something. But then the Holy Spirit warned me and stopped me from saying something stupid. Sometimes a person needs to walks in humility and forgiveness so that the kingdom does not hurt. I chose to let this go and serve this person. I pray that God would hel them and convict them of treating others like this.
Prayer:
God it is so easy to get my heart in a mess. I am so glad that I did not do something stupid. Thank You for stopping. I pray for opportunities to serve this person and help them. Thank You for convicting me again through this passage. I pray that I would always guard my heart. Father I feel like I have been in a tough season. I pray for favor and ask You to guide me. Fill my heart with peace, love and joy. Help me as I prepare for next week meeting with Pastor Adam and Dick. I pray for favor the minute we walk in. Father I pray for tomorrow nights urgency meeting and ask You to bless it. I pray our students would come and that You would touch their hearts and heal. Bring every friends they invite and at the end of the night may we have honored You.
Amen
Monday, March 24, 2008
Pace Yourself
Joshua 18; Joshua 19; Joshua 20; 1 Corinthians 9
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Observation:
This passage is a well-known one. Paul relates his calling and relationship with God as to running a race. He declares that an athlete runs to win. He trains hard and runs with prize in mind. Our prize is heaven and our reward when we get there. We must discipline ourselves so that we do not get disqualified.
Application:
This passage encourages me this morning to find balance with my rocks. I have been working so hard and it has been a long season. Things are starting to turn a corner though and the fruit slowly starting to be revealed. I must however stay focused and disciplined. I feel that there are certain ‘rocks’ (disciplines) that are out of place in my life. I am not exercising and relaxing enough. I need to slow down and rest. I must eat healthier and exercise so that my physical body can keep up with the demands. I good athlete knows his body. He knows when to push and when t slow down, he knows where he is out in the race and how to paced himself accordingly. I pray that I would be one that paces himself and listen to my coaches voice, my coach being the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this word today. Forgive me for not guarding the rocks in my life. I pray for discipline and balance in my life today. I ask You to help me to slow down today and to do what is needed. Help me to find a healthy pace to run at Holy Spirit. I pray for guidance and refreshing this day. Thank You for the incredible week we had at urgency. Thank You for every student that steeped forward in an alter call r raised a hand in prayer. Bless them and touch their hearts today. May their salvation be real to them, may they sense the spirit of the living God. I pray for my wife today and ask You to bless her and keep her healthy. Heal her neck . Be with Pastor Dick and Adam as they travel and bless their trip. Refresh them and give them great joy on this trip. Father I pray this week for wisdom and discernment as we prepare for our April 1st meeting, guide our thought processes. I pray too for my friends Josh and ask You to do a miracle for him this week. Give him favor and raise him up to be a mighty vessel for Your kingdom. I pray all these things in You name, Amen.
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Observation:
This passage is a well-known one. Paul relates his calling and relationship with God as to running a race. He declares that an athlete runs to win. He trains hard and runs with prize in mind. Our prize is heaven and our reward when we get there. We must discipline ourselves so that we do not get disqualified.
Application:
This passage encourages me this morning to find balance with my rocks. I have been working so hard and it has been a long season. Things are starting to turn a corner though and the fruit slowly starting to be revealed. I must however stay focused and disciplined. I feel that there are certain ‘rocks’ (disciplines) that are out of place in my life. I am not exercising and relaxing enough. I need to slow down and rest. I must eat healthier and exercise so that my physical body can keep up with the demands. I good athlete knows his body. He knows when to push and when t slow down, he knows where he is out in the race and how to paced himself accordingly. I pray that I would be one that paces himself and listen to my coaches voice, my coach being the Holy Spirit.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this word today. Forgive me for not guarding the rocks in my life. I pray for discipline and balance in my life today. I ask You to help me to slow down today and to do what is needed. Help me to find a healthy pace to run at Holy Spirit. I pray for guidance and refreshing this day. Thank You for the incredible week we had at urgency. Thank You for every student that steeped forward in an alter call r raised a hand in prayer. Bless them and touch their hearts today. May their salvation be real to them, may they sense the spirit of the living God. I pray for my wife today and ask You to bless her and keep her healthy. Heal her neck . Be with Pastor Dick and Adam as they travel and bless their trip. Refresh them and give them great joy on this trip. Father I pray this week for wisdom and discernment as we prepare for our April 1st meeting, guide our thought processes. I pray too for my friends Josh and ask You to do a miracle for him this week. Give him favor and raise him up to be a mighty vessel for Your kingdom. I pray all these things in You name, Amen.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Don't Be A Stumbling Block
Joshua 15; Joshua 16; Joshua 17; 1 Corinthians 8
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 8: 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
Observation:
Paul encourages us to use wisdom and to not become a stumbling block to others. It is so easy to cause others to stumble. Sometimes it is our fault for being careless and sometimes it is the personal judgment of a person.
Application:
A wise person will always guard their actions and make sure that they are not an offense to others. I never want to be a stumbling block to others, it is so easy to focus on one self and forget that God has called us to be a lighthouse to the nations. I need the Holy Spirit to convict me of my actions so that I am one of integrity and humility. I believe that if humility is my focus then forgiveness for my actions will always be present. But if I walk in pride and arrogance and preach Jesus, then people will judge me when my actions seen borderline. May my life be one of balance and pleasing to the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Easter. It is a great reminder of Your love for me. I thank You Jesus for going to the cross for me and for making a way for me to live as child of God. I celebrate You today and truly I am blessed because of You. I thank You for the incredible move in our youth group this week end. I pray for an incredible harvest of young people for the kingdom. Bless all the urgency staff and help them to rest well. Bless every volunteer leader and student leader too. Refresh them and keep them healthy. Thank You for all You are doing and for all You are about to do.
Amen
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 8: 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
Observation:
Paul encourages us to use wisdom and to not become a stumbling block to others. It is so easy to cause others to stumble. Sometimes it is our fault for being careless and sometimes it is the personal judgment of a person.
Application:
A wise person will always guard their actions and make sure that they are not an offense to others. I never want to be a stumbling block to others, it is so easy to focus on one self and forget that God has called us to be a lighthouse to the nations. I need the Holy Spirit to convict me of my actions so that I am one of integrity and humility. I believe that if humility is my focus then forgiveness for my actions will always be present. But if I walk in pride and arrogance and preach Jesus, then people will judge me when my actions seen borderline. May my life be one of balance and pleasing to the Lord.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Easter. It is a great reminder of Your love for me. I thank You Jesus for going to the cross for me and for making a way for me to live as child of God. I celebrate You today and truly I am blessed because of You. I thank You for the incredible move in our youth group this week end. I pray for an incredible harvest of young people for the kingdom. Bless all the urgency staff and help them to rest well. Bless every volunteer leader and student leader too. Refresh them and keep them healthy. Thank You for all You are doing and for all You are about to do.
Amen
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Leaven
Joshua 7; Joshua 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 5: 6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
Observation:
Leaven is a picture of sin and it just a little leaven would cause the bread to rise and make is unacceptable for the feast. Temptation has one goal and that is to cause us to sin and miss the mark of God. Paul calls us to purge, to remove, to throw to the side the ‘leaven’ in our lives.
Application:
As I think of sin I realize that it is I who misses out when I sin. God is holy and He is perfect, but sin separates me from His best. Sin might seem fun for a moment, but after time it reveals its damage in the form of regret, emptiness, loneliness and separation. Deep down I desire a deeper relationship with God, but the leaven in my life robs me so often. Last night I watched a video by Andy Stanley on prayer. It challenged me to a higher level of intimacy in my prayer time. Instead of going through my prayer list and praying for all the things I need and urgency needs, it challenged me to pray on my relationship with God. As I think on my relationship with God I realize that it is very one side, very me focused, very selfish. I am glad to know that His grace and forgiveness cover my sins and selfishness and that He makes all things new. Today I want my prayer life to be new. I want to take my focus of the little things in my life and focus more on the awesomeness of God. I want to know Him more. I feel like sin, selfishness and pride will decrease in my life as He increases. Phil Dooley was right, God is looking for heart devoted to Him. That’s what I want, a totally devoted heart for God.
Prayer:
Father I am glad this is a new day, a new beginning. This has been a tough week, but You have led me through. There have been times where I want to react, times where I wanted to give up, times where I felt like failing. I am blessed today to know that You are faithful and forgiving. I pray today for a deeper relationship with You. Start with me and filter this heart into our youth group. I pray today for a new heart in my life, my marriage, and ministry. Father touch every student and leader today. May we live for Your cause. May we fight the good fight on our knees, seeking Your will every day. I pray Lord for Your blessings today, Your wisdom today and Your discernment and will. I want to live for You today and to bless You in all I do. Guide me Holy Spirit, fill me with Joy, Peace, Wisdom, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Mercy, Longsuffering and most of all fill me with Love.
Amen
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 5: 6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
Observation:
Leaven is a picture of sin and it just a little leaven would cause the bread to rise and make is unacceptable for the feast. Temptation has one goal and that is to cause us to sin and miss the mark of God. Paul calls us to purge, to remove, to throw to the side the ‘leaven’ in our lives.
Application:
As I think of sin I realize that it is I who misses out when I sin. God is holy and He is perfect, but sin separates me from His best. Sin might seem fun for a moment, but after time it reveals its damage in the form of regret, emptiness, loneliness and separation. Deep down I desire a deeper relationship with God, but the leaven in my life robs me so often. Last night I watched a video by Andy Stanley on prayer. It challenged me to a higher level of intimacy in my prayer time. Instead of going through my prayer list and praying for all the things I need and urgency needs, it challenged me to pray on my relationship with God. As I think on my relationship with God I realize that it is very one side, very me focused, very selfish. I am glad to know that His grace and forgiveness cover my sins and selfishness and that He makes all things new. Today I want my prayer life to be new. I want to take my focus of the little things in my life and focus more on the awesomeness of God. I want to know Him more. I feel like sin, selfishness and pride will decrease in my life as He increases. Phil Dooley was right, God is looking for heart devoted to Him. That’s what I want, a totally devoted heart for God.
Prayer:
Father I am glad this is a new day, a new beginning. This has been a tough week, but You have led me through. There have been times where I want to react, times where I wanted to give up, times where I felt like failing. I am blessed today to know that You are faithful and forgiving. I pray today for a deeper relationship with You. Start with me and filter this heart into our youth group. I pray today for a new heart in my life, my marriage, and ministry. Father touch every student and leader today. May we live for Your cause. May we fight the good fight on our knees, seeking Your will every day. I pray Lord for Your blessings today, Your wisdom today and Your discernment and will. I want to live for You today and to bless You in all I do. Guide me Holy Spirit, fill me with Joy, Peace, Wisdom, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Mercy, Longsuffering and most of all fill me with Love.
Amen
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
New Level of Leadership
Joshua 1; Joshua 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
Scripture:
Joshua 1: 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Psalm 37: 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Observation:
I love the first chapter of Joshua. He is the newly anointed leader of Israel. He has to replace an incredible leader in Moses and his first task is to lead a fearful people into the Promised Land. They would go straight into battle. The Lord gives him a powerful word and promise. The condition was simple, keep your heart right, stay devoted to Me and no man will be able to touch you. What a promise, yet still true to this day. God is looking for young Joshua’s, men that will rise up and take the land for Jesus. Men fully devoted and passionate about building the kingdom of God. Psalm 37:3-4, reminds us to trust God and to delight in Him. As we keep our focus on Him and live for Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts, He will bring forth the treasure in our hearts, the vision or dream.
Application:
The theme for me this morning is simple, trust God and delight in Him. Joshua did it, David did it, and they both saw incredible victories and blessings. They conquered their enemies and took the land promised to them. I hear God calling me to a higher level of devotion. I hear Him calling me to be set apart and fully devoted. My response is yes. I feel like a new season is coming, a fresh anointing. I am tied of waiting, I am ready. I feel like God has been waiting on me, funny how so often things are actual the wrong way round. God is patiently waiting for our hearts to align to His will. I am ready, I want to see God’s glory as Kim Clement spoke of on Saturday night. I want to look onto the future and see His will. I want to live the future now instead of living the present. Sounds crazy, but I know it is simply called faith. In me there are so many limitations, but by the power of the Holy Spirit all things are possible to them that believe. I believe, I know the time is now, I trust You Lord.
Prayer:
Father thank You that You are with me and that You are waiting for me to grab onto the calling You have placed in front of me. I feel it inside of me, like a pregnant woman getting ready to give birth, so I feel with the calling, vision and dream inside of me. I know there will be fears, but I am so blessed to know that You are with me, just like You were with David and Joshua. Lead me, my heart is Yours. I pray for clarity, wisdom and discernment. Remove the fear of man, of finances and worldly wisdom. I pray that You would increase in me that I would decrease. I pray that You power would flow through me like never before. Lead me Lord. I pray for breakthroughs this week. I pray for every student, leader and staff member at urgency. Touch them, protect them and refresh them with Your presence. Break through religion, fear, rejection, addiction, depression, abuse, break through all these and start a revival. I ask You this in the Name of Jesus,
Amen
Scripture:
Joshua 1: 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Psalm 37: 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Observation:
I love the first chapter of Joshua. He is the newly anointed leader of Israel. He has to replace an incredible leader in Moses and his first task is to lead a fearful people into the Promised Land. They would go straight into battle. The Lord gives him a powerful word and promise. The condition was simple, keep your heart right, stay devoted to Me and no man will be able to touch you. What a promise, yet still true to this day. God is looking for young Joshua’s, men that will rise up and take the land for Jesus. Men fully devoted and passionate about building the kingdom of God. Psalm 37:3-4, reminds us to trust God and to delight in Him. As we keep our focus on Him and live for Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts, He will bring forth the treasure in our hearts, the vision or dream.
Application:
The theme for me this morning is simple, trust God and delight in Him. Joshua did it, David did it, and they both saw incredible victories and blessings. They conquered their enemies and took the land promised to them. I hear God calling me to a higher level of devotion. I hear Him calling me to be set apart and fully devoted. My response is yes. I feel like a new season is coming, a fresh anointing. I am tied of waiting, I am ready. I feel like God has been waiting on me, funny how so often things are actual the wrong way round. God is patiently waiting for our hearts to align to His will. I am ready, I want to see God’s glory as Kim Clement spoke of on Saturday night. I want to look onto the future and see His will. I want to live the future now instead of living the present. Sounds crazy, but I know it is simply called faith. In me there are so many limitations, but by the power of the Holy Spirit all things are possible to them that believe. I believe, I know the time is now, I trust You Lord.
Prayer:
Father thank You that You are with me and that You are waiting for me to grab onto the calling You have placed in front of me. I feel it inside of me, like a pregnant woman getting ready to give birth, so I feel with the calling, vision and dream inside of me. I know there will be fears, but I am so blessed to know that You are with me, just like You were with David and Joshua. Lead me, my heart is Yours. I pray for clarity, wisdom and discernment. Remove the fear of man, of finances and worldly wisdom. I pray that You would increase in me that I would decrease. I pray that You power would flow through me like never before. Lead me Lord. I pray for breakthroughs this week. I pray for every student, leader and staff member at urgency. Touch them, protect them and refresh them with Your presence. Break through religion, fear, rejection, addiction, depression, abuse, break through all these and start a revival. I ask You this in the Name of Jesus,
Amen
Monday, March 17, 2008
Balance of Word and Spirit
Deuteronomy 32; Deuteronomy 33; Deuteronomy 34; 1 Corinthians 2
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 2: 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Observation:
This passage speaks to me this morning on stirring up the spiritual gifts God has placed inside of me. Last Friday night was the first time the Lord gave me a prophetic word for urgency and the fruit of the word was instantaneous. I hunger to see the gifts and the power of the Holy Spirit move at urgency, but I desire to see it in a healthy way, a way that will not allow the flesh to taint the outpouring of the glory of God. I believe there must be a balance, a tension, of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation and the Word of God.
Application:
I am excited at what God is doing at our youth group. There is a definite shift taking place and a deep hunger for the presence and word of God. I am seeing more and more young people crying out for God and getting real in their faith. God is going to do a great work and I am honored to be a part of it. As I look forward I pray that the Lord would give our team wisdom and discernment on how to move forward. I pray that we would build layer upon layer and see an incredible move of God and ‘harvest’ of young people for the kingdom. I am so blessed to see our students brining their friends. I know that they are changing lives and I pray that the value of this would increase in their lives.
Prayer:
Father thank You for the incredible work You are doing at urgency. Thank You for touching so many life’s last Friday and this past Sunday. I pray that our students would increase in their love and devotion to You. Strengthen them this week and help them to live more dependant on You. I pray for the urgency team and pray that You would protect our hearts, minds, and physical bodies. Give us energy and passion to serve and lead. Fill us with wisdom, love and power. Unite us and give us the gifts needed to reach the next generation. I pray for myself and ask for wisdom to discipline my time and talents Help me to steward my time more wisely. Help me to balance the rocks in my life. I pray for my wife today and ask You to bless her and to fill her with Your love, power and peace. Thank You for my wonderful wife. Father lastly I ask You to bless our home, finances and health. We need You favor over our life’s. Thank You for this day, may I serve with a excellent spirit today.
Amen
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 2: 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Observation:
This passage speaks to me this morning on stirring up the spiritual gifts God has placed inside of me. Last Friday night was the first time the Lord gave me a prophetic word for urgency and the fruit of the word was instantaneous. I hunger to see the gifts and the power of the Holy Spirit move at urgency, but I desire to see it in a healthy way, a way that will not allow the flesh to taint the outpouring of the glory of God. I believe there must be a balance, a tension, of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation and the Word of God.
Application:
I am excited at what God is doing at our youth group. There is a definite shift taking place and a deep hunger for the presence and word of God. I am seeing more and more young people crying out for God and getting real in their faith. God is going to do a great work and I am honored to be a part of it. As I look forward I pray that the Lord would give our team wisdom and discernment on how to move forward. I pray that we would build layer upon layer and see an incredible move of God and ‘harvest’ of young people for the kingdom. I am so blessed to see our students brining their friends. I know that they are changing lives and I pray that the value of this would increase in their lives.
Prayer:
Father thank You for the incredible work You are doing at urgency. Thank You for touching so many life’s last Friday and this past Sunday. I pray that our students would increase in their love and devotion to You. Strengthen them this week and help them to live more dependant on You. I pray for the urgency team and pray that You would protect our hearts, minds, and physical bodies. Give us energy and passion to serve and lead. Fill us with wisdom, love and power. Unite us and give us the gifts needed to reach the next generation. I pray for myself and ask for wisdom to discipline my time and talents Help me to steward my time more wisely. Help me to balance the rocks in my life. I pray for my wife today and ask You to bless her and to fill her with Your love, power and peace. Thank You for my wonderful wife. Father lastly I ask You to bless our home, finances and health. We need You favor over our life’s. Thank You for this day, may I serve with a excellent spirit today.
Amen
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Obedience
Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 29; Galatians 6
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 28: 1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.
Observation:
Obedience results in the favor of God and the favor of God raises one up above all else. God loves obedience and devotion. God blesses those who live for Him. The rest of this passage declares all the blessings. I know I want all these blessings. They are mine and the key that unlocks them is obedience.
Application:
God desires to bless me and raise me up. Does God have favorites? No He does not! He is holy and wants to bless all, but obedience is the key that unlocks the blessings and favor of God. Last night at youth I spoke on rebellion and the truth is that all of us have a side that wants to rebel and do its own thing. This part of us is our flesh, it desires to sin and disobey God. The leading of the Holy Spirit is critical to obedience. The Holy Spirit will make clear the boundaries of God in our life’s. I want the boundaries to be so clear that I can stand far away from disobedience. I want obey God, not just because of all these wonderful blessings, but more than that I want to obey God because I love Him.
Prayer:
Father thank You for loving me even when I disobey You. I thank You for all the promise that come when I choose to obey You. I want You to raise me up above all nations. I want to have You favor so that I can do more for You. Forgive me for disobedience and rebellion. Holy Spirit help me to see the boundaries more clear. I want to see temptation coming a mile away and go in another direction. I pray today for a fervent spirit, a committed and passionate devotion to You. Thank You for all You are doing in my life and for all that lays ahead. Bless this day, bless my wife and home. I thank You for this day and ask You to refresh me.
Amen
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 28: 1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.
Observation:
Obedience results in the favor of God and the favor of God raises one up above all else. God loves obedience and devotion. God blesses those who live for Him. The rest of this passage declares all the blessings. I know I want all these blessings. They are mine and the key that unlocks them is obedience.
Application:
God desires to bless me and raise me up. Does God have favorites? No He does not! He is holy and wants to bless all, but obedience is the key that unlocks the blessings and favor of God. Last night at youth I spoke on rebellion and the truth is that all of us have a side that wants to rebel and do its own thing. This part of us is our flesh, it desires to sin and disobey God. The leading of the Holy Spirit is critical to obedience. The Holy Spirit will make clear the boundaries of God in our life’s. I want the boundaries to be so clear that I can stand far away from disobedience. I want obey God, not just because of all these wonderful blessings, but more than that I want to obey God because I love Him.
Prayer:
Father thank You for loving me even when I disobey You. I thank You for all the promise that come when I choose to obey You. I want You to raise me up above all nations. I want to have You favor so that I can do more for You. Forgive me for disobedience and rebellion. Holy Spirit help me to see the boundaries more clear. I want to see temptation coming a mile away and go in another direction. I pray today for a fervent spirit, a committed and passionate devotion to You. Thank You for all You are doing in my life and for all that lays ahead. Bless this day, bless my wife and home. I thank You for this day and ask You to refresh me.
Amen
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Father, Daddy
Deuteronomy 22; Deuteronomy 23; Deuteronomy 24; Galatians 4
Scripture:
Galatians 4: 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
Observation:
I preached this passage a week ago and I was hit by a fresh revelation; “when I was a toddler, I called my father – daddy.” There was a closeness, an intimacy, I called my father daddy. When I became a teenager the word daddy was not cool. I called my father dad. Something happened, intimacy was lost, I was not that close anymore and I was not as dependant on my dad. God wants to be a daddy, not a dad. He wants to be so close to us, and for to be like young children in His presence. Jesus removed the veil and now I can be as close to God as I choose to be.
Application:
This passage beckons me to ask the question, what steals my closeness to God? What makes me call Him Father instead of Daddy? There are many reasons; sin, attitude, pride, selfishness and loads more. The truth is this; God has made me His child through faith in Jesus. He wants to be close ot me and nothing can get in the way, only the things I choose. I am so blessed when I think of God as a Daddy and that I can be vulnerable and weak, and like a daddy with his child, He shows me grace, love and forgiveness. I pray that I would never forget the incredible love God has for me. May I hold onto it tightly and receive His love.
Prayer:
Father thank You that you are my true Daddy. There is none like You and Your love is so amazing. I pray this day that I would never miss Your love by not being close to You. I pray today for forgiveness of my sins and attitudes. Forgive me for pride, selfishness, independence and rebellion. Father help me to live for You. I am blessed that You forgive me and I feel Your love and grace right now. Father I pray for rest today and Your peace to fill me. I ask You to guide me for tomorrow, I want to preach Your word with power and love. Prepare the hearts Lord. I pray for every leader at urgency and ask You to touch their life’s. Thank You for Your many blessings, provision and unconditional love.
Amen
Scripture:
Galatians 4: 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
Observation:
I preached this passage a week ago and I was hit by a fresh revelation; “when I was a toddler, I called my father – daddy.” There was a closeness, an intimacy, I called my father daddy. When I became a teenager the word daddy was not cool. I called my father dad. Something happened, intimacy was lost, I was not that close anymore and I was not as dependant on my dad. God wants to be a daddy, not a dad. He wants to be so close to us, and for to be like young children in His presence. Jesus removed the veil and now I can be as close to God as I choose to be.
Application:
This passage beckons me to ask the question, what steals my closeness to God? What makes me call Him Father instead of Daddy? There are many reasons; sin, attitude, pride, selfishness and loads more. The truth is this; God has made me His child through faith in Jesus. He wants to be close ot me and nothing can get in the way, only the things I choose. I am so blessed when I think of God as a Daddy and that I can be vulnerable and weak, and like a daddy with his child, He shows me grace, love and forgiveness. I pray that I would never forget the incredible love God has for me. May I hold onto it tightly and receive His love.
Prayer:
Father thank You that you are my true Daddy. There is none like You and Your love is so amazing. I pray this day that I would never miss Your love by not being close to You. I pray today for forgiveness of my sins and attitudes. Forgive me for pride, selfishness, independence and rebellion. Father help me to live for You. I am blessed that You forgive me and I feel Your love and grace right now. Father I pray for rest today and Your peace to fill me. I ask You to guide me for tomorrow, I want to preach Your word with power and love. Prepare the hearts Lord. I pray for every leader at urgency and ask You to touch their life’s. Thank You for Your many blessings, provision and unconditional love.
Amen
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Clothing myself with Christ
Deuteronomy 19; Deuteronomy 20; Deuteronomy 21; Galatians 3
Scripture:
Galatians 3: 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Observations:
Paul reminds us in this chapter that we are not saved by fulfilling the Law. We are saved by faith in the work of Jesus Christ through the cross. A lot of people try their best to be good, and that is noble, but no matter how good we are, there is only one way to salvation, faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Application:
Being a good person should be a focus of a Christ follower. If we love Jesus then we should love all people. This passage I choose today is a reminder that I am a son of God through Jesus and I should ‘clothe’ myself with Jesus Christ each day. Simply put, my life should display Jesus in every area. Whether attitude, behavior, time, finances, relationships; every area needs to be clothed with Christ. There are still many areas that I need to clothe myself with the spirit of Jesus Christ. There is still a lot of me running my life. Paul was right in Galatians 2, when he stated that we need to be crucified with Christ, following Jesus is not always easy, clothing yourself with His nature requires huge humility and surrender. As I think on this passage today, I am reminded that I need to spend more time in His presence. The more you spend with someone, the more you know and become like them. I desire to be mentored by the Holy Spirit, but know that this requires time in His ‘classroom’.
Prayer:
Father thank You for the reminder that I am Your son, not through works, but through the cross of Jesus. I am righteous today because of faith in Jesus, He is my righteousness. I pray today Holy Spirit that you would reveal to me the areas that I fall short in when it comes to clothing myself with Jesus Christ. I ask You to help me become more like Jesus, so that the world would see Him in me. I pray that You would strengthen me in faith, wisdom and discernment. Lord I pray today for a new boldness and anointing. I feel urgency is ready to go to a new level and I know that I need a new fresh anointing to lead it there. I come before You today and ask this. I pray for the student leaders today and ask You to bless our time today. Bring revelation and truth to our students. I pray for this coming Friday and ask You to bring a break through in students lives. Father bless my wife today and refresh her. Bless all the work I do today and at the end of the day may You be glorified through the way I lived.
Amen
Scripture:
Galatians 3: 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Observations:
Paul reminds us in this chapter that we are not saved by fulfilling the Law. We are saved by faith in the work of Jesus Christ through the cross. A lot of people try their best to be good, and that is noble, but no matter how good we are, there is only one way to salvation, faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Application:
Being a good person should be a focus of a Christ follower. If we love Jesus then we should love all people. This passage I choose today is a reminder that I am a son of God through Jesus and I should ‘clothe’ myself with Jesus Christ each day. Simply put, my life should display Jesus in every area. Whether attitude, behavior, time, finances, relationships; every area needs to be clothed with Christ. There are still many areas that I need to clothe myself with the spirit of Jesus Christ. There is still a lot of me running my life. Paul was right in Galatians 2, when he stated that we need to be crucified with Christ, following Jesus is not always easy, clothing yourself with His nature requires huge humility and surrender. As I think on this passage today, I am reminded that I need to spend more time in His presence. The more you spend with someone, the more you know and become like them. I desire to be mentored by the Holy Spirit, but know that this requires time in His ‘classroom’.
Prayer:
Father thank You for the reminder that I am Your son, not through works, but through the cross of Jesus. I am righteous today because of faith in Jesus, He is my righteousness. I pray today Holy Spirit that you would reveal to me the areas that I fall short in when it comes to clothing myself with Jesus Christ. I ask You to help me become more like Jesus, so that the world would see Him in me. I pray that You would strengthen me in faith, wisdom and discernment. Lord I pray today for a new boldness and anointing. I feel urgency is ready to go to a new level and I know that I need a new fresh anointing to lead it there. I come before You today and ask this. I pray for the student leaders today and ask You to bless our time today. Bring revelation and truth to our students. I pray for this coming Friday and ask You to bring a break through in students lives. Father bless my wife today and refresh her. Bless all the work I do today and at the end of the day may You be glorified through the way I lived.
Amen
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Grace
Deut 16; Deuteronomy 17; Deut 18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2
Scripture:
Galatians 2: 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Observation:
Paul makes it very clear that all men are sinners and yet inside all of us there is a deep desire to live sold out for God. We live by grace, but must balance grace with a sold out lifestyle. When we abuse grace we miss the mark and make Christ’s death of no value.
Application:
Paul challenges me that a sold out lifestyle involves death to self. Crucifixion is one of the most painful deaths. Living for God is amazing but there will come times of sacrifice and laying down ones life. As I reflect on this passage this morning, I do not want to be one that takes the grace of God lightly. God has paid an incredible price for my sin, and I want my life to bring honor and thanks to Him. Paul challenges me to keep a balance between grace and sin. I must never let grace become a license for sin. Grace is so powerful and it must never be taken lightly. This morning I am so grateful. God is an incredible Father and He forgives, restores and calls me His son. Truly I am so blessed.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this passage this morning. I pray that I would always be quick to lay down my life for You. My life is Yours and I live for Your cause today. I pray for wisdom, direction and discernment of Your will for this day. Help me to lead well and to shepherd Your people. Father I pray for every student today and ask You to breakthrough in their life’s. Help them to stand strong in a culture that is so rebellious towards You. I pray for a special word for this week. Bless every leader that serves at urgency and refresh them this day. Draw them close to You.
Amen
Scripture:
Galatians 2: 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Observation:
Paul makes it very clear that all men are sinners and yet inside all of us there is a deep desire to live sold out for God. We live by grace, but must balance grace with a sold out lifestyle. When we abuse grace we miss the mark and make Christ’s death of no value.
Application:
Paul challenges me that a sold out lifestyle involves death to self. Crucifixion is one of the most painful deaths. Living for God is amazing but there will come times of sacrifice and laying down ones life. As I reflect on this passage this morning, I do not want to be one that takes the grace of God lightly. God has paid an incredible price for my sin, and I want my life to bring honor and thanks to Him. Paul challenges me to keep a balance between grace and sin. I must never let grace become a license for sin. Grace is so powerful and it must never be taken lightly. This morning I am so grateful. God is an incredible Father and He forgives, restores and calls me His son. Truly I am so blessed.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this passage this morning. I pray that I would always be quick to lay down my life for You. My life is Yours and I live for Your cause today. I pray for wisdom, direction and discernment of Your will for this day. Help me to lead well and to shepherd Your people. Father I pray for every student today and ask You to breakthrough in their life’s. Help them to stand strong in a culture that is so rebellious towards You. I pray for a special word for this week. Bless every leader that serves at urgency and refresh them this day. Draw them close to You.
Amen
Friday, March 7, 2008
Keep It Real
Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14
Scripture:
Mark 14: 29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." 30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Observation:
Peter tries to impress Jesus with His faithfulness and commitment to the cause, but Jesus reveals the fear that lies in Peter’s heart. Peter denies Jesus Christ three times just as Jesus said He would. How painful it must have been for Peter when the rooster crowed and he realized that he had just filled the very words of His master. Peter loved Jesus, but at the core of his heart fear of man was still rooted. No man is perfect, but One – Jesus!
Application:
As I read this passage it brings a freedom to me to know that God does not expect me to be perfect. He knows the fears that lie deep within my heart and yet He still loves me. If God does not have a problem with my fears and insecurities, then why do I? Peter needed to go through this experience, God wanted him ‘broken and humble’, this would be vital to the next stages of his life and ministry. Jesus, after the resurrection, restores Peter and calls him to love His sheep. I love how God restores the broken hearted. I do not have to be super Christian. It is so easy to cover up ones fears in ministry and live behind a mask. I must balance expectations with reality, or else I will hit rock bottom. I am blessed when I think of all the times Jesus has restored me, all the times I blew it and He lifted me up and said lets move forward. His grace, mercy and love truly are new each morning. As I lead, I must lead from a place of humility and encourage my leaders to balance their expectations and fears. I never want a culture of ‘super-spirituality’ to exist at urgency, rather I seek to see an environment of authenticity and love for a gracious God.
Prayer:
Father thank You for the reminder that Your grace is sufficient. I receive Your grace this morning and thank You that I am forgiven and restored by the blood of Jesus. I pray that I would never wear a mask and try and imitate others. Help me to be me, because that’s when I am most dependent on You and that’s when I am at my best. I pray for tonight’s meetings and ask You every person that is coming. I pray for every friend that has been invited and pray that they would come. I pray for every volunteer and servant, bless them and refresh them. I pray that You would place an expectation in them for tonight. I pray for the marriages and finances of every leader at urgency, bless them in these areas. I pray for the message tonight and pray that I would speak what You have placed in me. Help me to deliver it in the way You desire. Bless the worship team, anoint them and use them to touch lives. Thank You for the team I serve with. I am honored to lead this team and believe the best is yet to come. Father bless my wife, home and finances this day. You are my source and I trust You.
Amen
Scripture:
Mark 14: 29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." 30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
Observation:
Peter tries to impress Jesus with His faithfulness and commitment to the cause, but Jesus reveals the fear that lies in Peter’s heart. Peter denies Jesus Christ three times just as Jesus said He would. How painful it must have been for Peter when the rooster crowed and he realized that he had just filled the very words of His master. Peter loved Jesus, but at the core of his heart fear of man was still rooted. No man is perfect, but One – Jesus!
Application:
As I read this passage it brings a freedom to me to know that God does not expect me to be perfect. He knows the fears that lie deep within my heart and yet He still loves me. If God does not have a problem with my fears and insecurities, then why do I? Peter needed to go through this experience, God wanted him ‘broken and humble’, this would be vital to the next stages of his life and ministry. Jesus, after the resurrection, restores Peter and calls him to love His sheep. I love how God restores the broken hearted. I do not have to be super Christian. It is so easy to cover up ones fears in ministry and live behind a mask. I must balance expectations with reality, or else I will hit rock bottom. I am blessed when I think of all the times Jesus has restored me, all the times I blew it and He lifted me up and said lets move forward. His grace, mercy and love truly are new each morning. As I lead, I must lead from a place of humility and encourage my leaders to balance their expectations and fears. I never want a culture of ‘super-spirituality’ to exist at urgency, rather I seek to see an environment of authenticity and love for a gracious God.
Prayer:
Father thank You for the reminder that Your grace is sufficient. I receive Your grace this morning and thank You that I am forgiven and restored by the blood of Jesus. I pray that I would never wear a mask and try and imitate others. Help me to be me, because that’s when I am most dependent on You and that’s when I am at my best. I pray for tonight’s meetings and ask You every person that is coming. I pray for every friend that has been invited and pray that they would come. I pray for every volunteer and servant, bless them and refresh them. I pray that You would place an expectation in them for tonight. I pray for the marriages and finances of every leader at urgency, bless them in these areas. I pray for the message tonight and pray that I would speak what You have placed in me. Help me to deliver it in the way You desire. Bless the worship team, anoint them and use them to touch lives. Thank You for the team I serve with. I am honored to lead this team and believe the best is yet to come. Father bless my wife, home and finances this day. You are my source and I trust You.
Amen
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Forgiveness and Faith
Numbers 34; Numbers 35; Numbers 36; Mark 11
Scripture:
Mark 11: 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Observation:
Jesus uses the withered fig tree to teach on faith. The disciples would soon carry the ministry of Jesus on after His resurrection and their faith in God would need to be strong. Jesus ties faith to unforgiveness. This is an interesting tie, and I believe it relates to the weeds that choke the seeds in the ‘parable of the sower’.
Application:
Faith has a lot to do with the state of ones heart. Paul says in Romans that faith comes and comes by hearing the word of God. Jesus teaches us that the word is sown and it produces a harvest, it brings results, but there are things that try to rob or stop it from producing. Things like weeds, thorns, birds, and hard soil. All these point towards the heart. One can have a hard heart, or carry unforgiveness or have your heart can be lusting after sin, all these steal the power of the word in your life. Jesus tells us in this passage that a little faith can move a mountain. God is calling us to dream big, to stand on His word and with that to guard our hearts. We must be quick to forgive those who hurt us, we must not hold onto any unforgiveness. How is my heart today? Do I carry any unforgiveness? As I reflect this morning I don’t feel like I am carry unforgiveness, but I know that if something popped up in my heart, then I would take care of it immediately. I don’t want unforgiveness to steal or limit my faith.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this word today. I thank You that as I claim Your word and stand on Your promises that I will see mountains move. I pray for the mountains that are in my way today and command them to be moved. I pray for a financial miracle and the ability to so things beyond my means. I believe that You have called me to live by faith and to dream big. Forgive me for always thinking so small. I pray for my wife today and ask You to bless her. Thank You for this day, our anniversary, I ask You to bless our marriage and to draw us closer to You. I pray for wisdom this day to do what needs to get done. I pray for discernment and compassion on all those around me. I pray for favor today and ask You to go before me so that I may follow. I pray for discipline, so that I may steward wisely my time.
Father bless this day, lead me I pray, at the end of this day may I have honored and pleased You by what I have done.
Amen
Scripture:
Mark 11: 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Observation:
Jesus uses the withered fig tree to teach on faith. The disciples would soon carry the ministry of Jesus on after His resurrection and their faith in God would need to be strong. Jesus ties faith to unforgiveness. This is an interesting tie, and I believe it relates to the weeds that choke the seeds in the ‘parable of the sower’.
Application:
Faith has a lot to do with the state of ones heart. Paul says in Romans that faith comes and comes by hearing the word of God. Jesus teaches us that the word is sown and it produces a harvest, it brings results, but there are things that try to rob or stop it from producing. Things like weeds, thorns, birds, and hard soil. All these point towards the heart. One can have a hard heart, or carry unforgiveness or have your heart can be lusting after sin, all these steal the power of the word in your life. Jesus tells us in this passage that a little faith can move a mountain. God is calling us to dream big, to stand on His word and with that to guard our hearts. We must be quick to forgive those who hurt us, we must not hold onto any unforgiveness. How is my heart today? Do I carry any unforgiveness? As I reflect this morning I don’t feel like I am carry unforgiveness, but I know that if something popped up in my heart, then I would take care of it immediately. I don’t want unforgiveness to steal or limit my faith.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this word today. I thank You that as I claim Your word and stand on Your promises that I will see mountains move. I pray for the mountains that are in my way today and command them to be moved. I pray for a financial miracle and the ability to so things beyond my means. I believe that You have called me to live by faith and to dream big. Forgive me for always thinking so small. I pray for my wife today and ask You to bless her. Thank You for this day, our anniversary, I ask You to bless our marriage and to draw us closer to You. I pray for wisdom this day to do what needs to get done. I pray for discernment and compassion on all those around me. I pray for favor today and ask You to go before me so that I may follow. I pray for discipline, so that I may steward wisely my time.
Father bless this day, lead me I pray, at the end of this day may I have honored and pleased You by what I have done.
Amen
Monday, March 3, 2008
Heart Check
Numbers 32; Numbers 33; Mark 10
Scripture:
Mark 10: 21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Observation:
This was tough for the rich young ruler to hear. He loved God but he also loved his wealth and status. This gave him identity and purpose and meaning. Jesus goes to this issue and challenges him to give up this identity and to follow Him, to become like one of the disciples, which was not externally as glamorous as his current lifestyle. God does not have a problem with wealth, status or position, He does however have a problem when those things have our heart and not Him.
Application:
I think it is always a good thing to check where ones heart truly is. Jesus said that where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. What are the things that have my heart. What are the things that define me, give me purpose, or make me feel valuable. I too find myself like this rich young ruler, I have stuff that I still hold onto. Identities purposes that are self motivated and not God motivated. I know that God is revealing them to me, and I know that my heart is to please and live for Him. I am learning to let the Holy Spirit bring things to the surface and to still feel safe because God is in control. He knows what He is doing and I know that I can trust Him. Today I am blessed, blessed in thinking that God is still not done with me, blessed to think that He loves me and He wants the best for me, blessed to think that He has a plan and a future for me. Blessed most of all, because I am His son.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this new day and for the blessings that flow into my life. Thank You for my wife and home. I pray that I would be quick tot release the things that stop me from being the man You have called me to be. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. I know that I stand by grace and minister by grace and can love by grace. I pray for refreshing of my soul this day and ask You to speak fresh vision and direction into my life. I pray that I would be a blessing to You today in attitude and thought. I pray that more and more my heart would be about You and less about me. Father I ask You for wisdom, discernment and leadership ability beyond my years and experience. Help me to lead the way You want me too.
Amen.
Scripture:
Mark 10: 21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Observation:
This was tough for the rich young ruler to hear. He loved God but he also loved his wealth and status. This gave him identity and purpose and meaning. Jesus goes to this issue and challenges him to give up this identity and to follow Him, to become like one of the disciples, which was not externally as glamorous as his current lifestyle. God does not have a problem with wealth, status or position, He does however have a problem when those things have our heart and not Him.
Application:
I think it is always a good thing to check where ones heart truly is. Jesus said that where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. What are the things that have my heart. What are the things that define me, give me purpose, or make me feel valuable. I too find myself like this rich young ruler, I have stuff that I still hold onto. Identities purposes that are self motivated and not God motivated. I know that God is revealing them to me, and I know that my heart is to please and live for Him. I am learning to let the Holy Spirit bring things to the surface and to still feel safe because God is in control. He knows what He is doing and I know that I can trust Him. Today I am blessed, blessed in thinking that God is still not done with me, blessed to think that He loves me and He wants the best for me, blessed to think that He has a plan and a future for me. Blessed most of all, because I am His son.
Prayer:
Father thank You for this new day and for the blessings that flow into my life. Thank You for my wife and home. I pray that I would be quick tot release the things that stop me from being the man You have called me to be. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. I know that I stand by grace and minister by grace and can love by grace. I pray for refreshing of my soul this day and ask You to speak fresh vision and direction into my life. I pray that I would be a blessing to You today in attitude and thought. I pray that more and more my heart would be about You and less about me. Father I ask You for wisdom, discernment and leadership ability beyond my years and experience. Help me to lead the way You want me too.
Amen.
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