Protection

By Tami Lambertson

Scripture:  I John 5:18

"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin, the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him."

Observation:

God loves His kids.  Just as I protect mine, He protects His.  You belong to God and do not continue in sin.  The evil one (satan) can bring you no harm.

Application:

God's hand of protection rests on His children.  If we are walking in His spirit – longing daily for His presence – His presence will surround us, not allowing the enemy in.  Attacks will come, but we will be prayed up and able to handle it.  That is how He protects us.  That is also how we will stay from sin.

For example, I can only offer protection to my children when they are with me.  I can pull them out of harm's way when they are within my grasp.  I can deflect a flying object from hitting them when I see it coming even if they don't.  However, when they are out of my reach, it is impossible for me to help them.  If they want my help, they have to walk next to me.  Other than that, they are on their own. 

God is promising us the same protection.  If we want His help, we just have to walk with Him.  That's why it is important not to get ahead of God or wander off.  That's when the enemy has a better shot!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your promise.  Thank you for your protection.  Please be with me today.  Guide me along the way.  Bring your peace to surround our family.  May we rest in your presence knowing that you are in control!  Strengthen Tyson as he begins the week doing more of your work.  May your hand of protection be upon our hearts, minds, and physical bodies.  I love you.  I am so grateful for you.  In Jesus' Name.

Disobedience

Scripture: I Kings 13:26 "When the prophet heard the report, he said, 'It is the man of God who disobeyed the Lord's command. The Lord has fulfilled his word by causing the lion to attack and kill him."

Observation: The old prophet, that had deceived the man of God, by telling him a lie covered up with a so called prophecy! What is interesting is the response from the old prophet. He does not say of his own sin in deceiving him; though one would think his own conscience must smite him for it.

Application: This is shocking to me! We must obey God before we obey a human being. We God speaks we have to listen and obey, if not we can see what will happen. There are so many people that are these so called prophets, that humans would rather listen too, than listen to God himself. Also, when we prophesy, we must be careful not to lead someone astray…which happens all the time. We also must be careful who we appoint as leaders!

Prayer: God I pray that I will always listen to you first and not be swayed from your words. I ask that you help me be a man after your own heart that follows your ways. Holy Spirit draw me, lead me, and speak to me clearly, so I know whether or not I am being lied to by a so called prophet. In Jesus Name! Amen!

 

You Gotta Love Her

Scripture: Song of Songs 7:1-9

"1 *How beautiful are your sandaled feet,  O queenly maiden. Your rounded thighs are like jewels,   the work of a skilled craftsman. 2 Your navel is perfectly formed  like a goblet filled with mixed wine.
Between your thighs lies a mound of wheat   bordered with lilies. 3 Your breasts are like two fawns,  twin fawns of a gazelle. 4 Your neck is as beautiful as an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the sparkling pools in Heshbon  by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is as fine as the tower of Lebanon overlooking Damascus. 5 Your head is as majestic as Mount Carmel,  and the sheen of your hair radiates royalty.
  The king is held captive by its tresses. 6 Oh, how beautiful you are!  How pleasing, my love, how full of delights! 7 You are slender like a palm tree,  and your breasts are like its clusters of fruit.
8 I said, "I will climb the palm tree and take hold of its fruit." May your breasts be like grape clusters,  and the fragrance of your breath like apples. 9 May your kisses be as exciting as the best wine,
  flowing gently over lips and teeth.*

Observation: Solomon greatly praise his wife for her beauty!

Application: We must be keenly aware of how beautiful our wives look and not be afraid to tell them. Everything they are and everything they have was created by God and we must acknowledge that. I our wives know that they are the apple of our eye and that there are no other women as beautiful as them to you….they will respond in a more loving, caring way!

Prayer: God I pray that you continue you to help me love and cherish my wife! May I you give me words to say to her that show she is beautiful to me and to you. In Jesus Name!

Discover

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 "In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people's burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and nights. I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.

Observation: Our human intelligence cannot grasp the greatness and wisdom of God!

Application: There are times in my life where I think I know what God is doing, but His sovereignty is so much more than I can grasp. His plans are not my plans and my observation of situations and circumstances cannot even begin to grasp His ways!

Prayer: God there are things that happen in my life and others people's lives that I have no clue why they happen. But I know you are in control and those things in which I do not understand, I must rest in your Sovereignty. I trust and pray that you will lead and direct me. When I begin to second guess you, may I realize that you have an ultimate plan that is greater than mine. Also, that I realize that you are an infinite God with an infinite plan in mind. In Jesus Name! Amen

Bold As A Lion

Scripture: Proverbs 28:1 "The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions."

Observation: Every wicked man, even though he may appear tough, is full of fear. He knows that there is a God that is there to give him eternal life if he will accept it. However he know deep down inside the repercussions of if he does not accept Jesus as his Savior. Their own consciousness accuses them. However, the righteous are full of life and courage, like a lion, because they know that their King is in control!

Application: There are many people who put on the front that have it all together, however they are running away inside from their sin. But a Lion…my favorite animal…is what the Godly people are like! They are full of bravery and courage, because God is in control. They know of Jesus mercy and grace.

Prayer: God I pray that I will always be as bold as a lion. I never want to be the wicked man that runs away from my consciousness. God pull and tug on my life so I can remain steadfast in my relationship with the King. In Jesus Name! Amen.

Wisdom is Sweet

Scripture: Proverbs 24:13-14 13 My child,* eat honey, for it is good,  and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. 14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul.  If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

Observation: As honey is sweet and pleasant to the taste, so wisdom is to the soul.

Application: Godly Wisdom is the honey to my soul. Without God's wisdom I would not be able to lead or direct His people. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and searching for His directions.

Prayer: God I pray for your wisdom in my life. Wisdom is what Solomon asked for and that is what I also ask for. I desire your wisdom…because it is healthy and tasteful to the soul. In Jesus Name! Amen

Planning

Scripture: Proverbs 21:5 "Good Planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."

Observation: Those who plan, process things, and work hard reap the rewards of their diligence. However, those who plan hastly, they themselves will be led to poverty.

Application: Planning is a great tool to lead people. Too many people do not plan or work hard but expect the same rewards of those who do. It is not this way. This proverb explains the cause and effect of both hard work and laziness.

Prayer: God I desire for you to do a great work within my life, however I must become better at planning and working hard. Help me be a person who does not lead to hasty decisions nor shortcuts that will take those who I lead down the wrong path. In Jesus Name…Amen!

Planning

Scripture: Proverbs 21:5 “Good Planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”
Observation: Those who plan, process things, and work hard reap the rewards of their diligence. However, those who plan hastly, they themselves will be led to poverty.
Application: Planning is a great tool to lead people. Too many people do not plan or work hard but expect the same rewards of those who do. It is not this way. This proverb explains the cause and effect of both hard work and laziness.
Prayer: God I desire for you to do a great work within my life, however I must become better at planning and working hard. Help me be a person who does not lead to hasty decisions nor shortcuts that will take those who I lead down the wrong path. In Jesus Name…Amen!

Only By Grace

Only By Grace
Scripture: Romans 6:14 “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace.”
Observation: What Paul is saying is that sin is no longer in control of us however it is not extinct as well, but God promises for those of us who contend for him that are living of under the freedom of God’s grace. The apostle means to say that Christians are not under the law as legalists, or as attempting to be justified by it. They seek a different plan of justification altogether: and they do not attempt to be justified by their own obedience.(Barnes)
Application: It is only by grace that we are justified. If we were to justify our sin by works, we could never attain the hours or the work ethic to cover our debts. But because of God’s grace, sin is no longer our master if we accept His grace!
Prayer: God thank you so much for your grace and love. I am so glad that I do not have to let sin be my master…but a loving God who is just and holy. Help me walk in your ways and light. Give me wisdom to share your grace and love. In Jesus Name Amen!

All About Jesus

All About Jesus
Scripture: Romans 3:25 “For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times passed.”
Observation: It is only through Jesus and the blood shed on the cross that we are saved!
Application: If it was not for Jesus, I would have no hope. God by his grace let his Son die on the cross for my sins…for all mankind sins. I do not get what I deserve, because of Gods unmerited favor.
Prayer: Thank you God for your Son Jesus. You are an amazing God, that Jesus would die for us and set us free. We are set free by your blood and thank you for not giving me what I deserve. In Jesus Name!

No Favoritism

No Favoritism

Scripture: Romans 2:11 “For God does not show favoritism.”

Observation: This portion of scripture Paul is talking about God’s Judgment. For there is no respect of persons with God - He will reward every one according to his works. But this is well consistent with his distributing advantages and opportunities of improvement, according to his own good pleasure. (Wesley)

Application: When you cut to the core of Christ and our salvation, doing good just is not enough. Salvation is not granted in doing good! However it is granted in trusting in Christ and seeking Him, He earned our salvation. So when you look at favoritism, there is none with God. No matter what racial, family, or religious background you are from, it does not keep you from judgment. We are all accountable for our own actions and one day God will judge everyone’s secret life!

Prayer: God I am so grateful for your amazing love and grace. Your word is eternal and true! Thank you for being consistent and right. We look at your word and see that you show no favoritism…but your judgment is for all people. I pray that people in churches and out of churches will begin to heed these words. And they would be set free of their own sin and realize that Jesus Christ is their only hope! In Jesus Name Amen!

See The Truth

See The Truth
Scripture: Romans 1:19-21 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
Observation: Dr. Taylor paraphrases this and the following verse this: “Although the Gentiles had no written revelation, yet what may be known of God is every where manifest among them, God having made a clear discovery of Himself to them. For his being and perfections, invisible to our bodily eyes, have been, ever since the creation of the world, evidently to be seen, if attentively considered, in the visible beauty, order, and operations observable in the constitution and parts of the universe; especially his eternal power and universal dominion and providence: so that they cannot plead ignorance in excuse of their idolatry and wickedness.”
Application: We all know there is a God and we do not worship Him as we were created to do!. We know that He is true and loving just by seeing nature and we also can tell by the invisible qualities He possesses. However, we are a people who do not even give Him thanks. I wonder how people cannot go to the mountains, or the sea, or the valleys just in our nation and not think of God? Paul says those who argue against God’s creation and claim to be wise will become utter fools.
Prayer: God, I pray that people would look at your creation and marvel at your wondrous works. That the people that I know that try to reason with science that there is no God, that Paul’s words would somehow change their heart. Lord, grant me wisdom and insight on how to minister to these people…but more importantly let your invisible qualities draw them to a relationship with your Son. In Jesus Name…Amen!

Send A Master Craftsman

Send A Master Craftsman
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 2: 7 "So send me a master craftsman who can work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as with purple, scarlet, and blue cloth. He must be a skilled engraver who can work with the craftsmen of Judah and Jerusalem who were selected by my father, David.
13 "I am sending you a master craftsman named Huram-abi, who is extremely talented.
Observation: Solomon asked the King of Hiram not just to send anybody that might have these talents. He asked for a man , that is a person of great ingenuity, who is capable of planning and directing, and who may be over the other artists. In other words Solomon was asking for the best of the best.
Application: A wise leader just does not settle for the average Joe. He must find and ask for the best. The best person is one that is capable of facilitating and training others to do the finest work. As a leader that is our goals. Simplicity with Excellence!
Prayer: God I thank you for sending the ultimate craftsman, Jesus! He has given us great insight and wisdom on life. I pray for my family, that I would become a better craftsman that can help love and cherish my family. I pray for our church, that I would become a better craftsman in facilitating growth and health amongst our people for You! I also pray that you continue to send master craftsman to The Rock Church…to help facilitate and train people for your Kingdom, In Jesus Name…Amen!

Wisdom

Wisdom
2 Chronicles 1:10-12
10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly,* for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?" 11 God said to Solomon, "Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people—12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!"

Observation: Of all the things Solomon could have asked for, he asked for wisdom. He asked to have knowledge to lead the people properly! Solomon knew that he was young, inexperienced and the only hope that he had was that God would grant him wisdom. His greatest desire was to help his people!

Application: I feel a lot like Solomon. Young, inexperienced, not for sure if what I am doing is right for the future. However, my heart is like Solomon’s, I want to help people. I do not want wealth, fame, or even for my enemies to die. If I keep our focus on God and his people, God will help me lead them correctly. The future belongs to God anyway.

Prayer: Father, thank you for Solomon’s story. I desire to be like Solomon during his early years, full of wisdom and faith. I ask for wisdom. Wisdom to lead my immediate family, wisdom to lead your church in Jesus Name Amen!

Life or Death Bless or Curse
Pastor Ken Trevithick
Deuteronomy 30:15-20

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

Observation

Moses notes there is a choice for Israel, and thus for mankind, “life and death, blessing and cursing.” Moses also declares his preference for Israel, “therefore choose life.” As Moses looks at the Promised Land, and he realizes the blessings which God wants to bestow on His people, the desire of his heart is for them to experience the fullness of life that God intends. The key to this blessing is “to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments.” Neither God, nor Moses wants to leave His people without direction or hope for the future. It should be noted that Israel is already in relationship with God; they are His chosen people. Obedience to His commands or loving Him were not requirements to belong to Him, but rather the pathway of blessing and life for those He had already chosen.

Application

I am so thankful to be in the family of God. I have come to understand that God’s moral law is to the soul of man as His natural law is to creation. It is God’s desire for me to choose life, but He leaves that choice up to me. I am learning that the blessings of God flow from an active relationship with Him where I participate by responding to the principles He established for life. I have come to understand that God’s moral code is not only written in His Book, but is also born witness to by His Spirit. My conscience, if I listen to it is able to keep me from the curses of life. Truth originates in God; the choice to live in truth and have relationship with Him must come from my heart.

Prayer

Father, I want to thank-you for the relationship I have with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I want to thank-you also for the truth of Your word. Help me to love You from my heart, and to walk in the principles of Your word. I so much appreciate the interactive relationship we share.

A Blessed Life

A Blessed Life

Tami Lambertson

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:12-13
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

Observation:
Once again, Moses is laying it out plain and simple on how the Israelites can have a blessed life. This is what God wants from them.

Application:
This is what God wants from me! I try to make things so complicated. I over-think my life, mission, service, and ministry. I feel guilty for not doing more, I worry that I'm not hearing God's voice and obeying the Holy Spirit. I just have the urgency that I'm not DOING enough. All God has commanded me to do is:
1. Fear Him.
2. Walk in His ways - know the Word and keep it.
3. Love Him.
4. Serve Him from my heart.
5. Keep His commands.
If I am LIVING like this, my LIFE will be the testimony. He will do the work. That's the way it's meant to be. My relationship with Him will be obvious to others. That's what will draw people. I need to let go of the guilt, quit trying, and let God orchestrate. I realize I'm just along for the ride, but it's so hard to let God stay in control. I keep wanting to do things and force things in my own strength.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I love you. I fear you. I try daily to keep your commands, walk in your Spirit, and obey. Forgive me for feeling guilty. Forgive me for worrying. Forgive me for trying to do things in my own strenth. Lord, I pray that you would guide my steps and direct my conversations today. As I live, according to Your plan and purpose, draw others to your grace and power. Surround me with Your presence today. In Jesus' Name.

Salt is Good

Salt is Good
Pastor Tyson Lambertson

Scripture: Mark 9:50 “You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

Observation: If the qualities of salt are not among God’s people there will be no peace. If salt looses its flavor, there is no recovering it, it becomes good for nothing.

Application: As salt can loose its saltiness, so a Christian can loose its “flavor.” As salt is good for preserving meats, and making them tasty, so it is good that we be seasoned with grace, for the purifying your hearts and lives, and for spreading the taste of my knowledge, both in your own souls, and wherever ye go. But as salt if it loses its saltness is fit for nothing. If we lose your faith and love, we are fit for nothing.

Prayer: Father, I pray that I never loose flavor. Help me be a person who is seasoned with your word and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name…Amen

“If” – Our Choice
Leviticus 26
Ken Trevithick

3 ‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them,”
14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments,
15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant,”
18 ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins”
21 ‘Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins.”
Observation
Here in Leviticus I am reminded of the choices that God offers. As I read through the entire passage, the “If”, or contingent statements in this passage, I was reminded of our responsibility as we make a choices to the commands of God. These choices will have consequences. I realized throughout history as God has dealt with the nation of Israel they were called upon to make choices. In Deuteronomy 30:19 God states of Israel, as they were ready to enter the Promised Land, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
Application
Here in Leviticus, but also in Deuteronomy 30, there is stated the reality of our choices. From the passage in Deuteronomy I see the heart of God for His people, “…therefore choose life…” God gives His commands to His people in order for them to find life in Him. To choose otherwise has consequences, as I have found in my own life. The number of times I have said to myself, “I know I shouldn’t do this!” only later to say to myself, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that!” God’s Word is given to be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, but God leaves the choice up to us.
Prayer
Father, I want to thank-you for the gift of Your Word. I ask that You remind me of the power of the choices I make, and the reality of the consequences to these choices. Help me to choose the wise path.

Holiness to the Lord

Holiness to the Lord
Pastor Ken Trevithick
Leviticus 10:3

“By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’”

Observation

As Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, approached the altar of God in an inappropriate way fire went out from the Lord and consumed them. Some have speculated different offenses to ritual. But to me, it appears that God is setting off His Holiness, and the fact that His people must take holiness seriously. It is in the Holiness of God, exemplified in His people, God wants to be demonstrated within the family of God and to the world. There is the statement, “I must be regarded as holy;” a declaration of how His people should approach Him. It is in this approach to God that we will be demonstrating truth consistent with His nature.

Application

It is important to understand the seriousness of our service to the Lord, and His commitment to a “holiness” that exemplifies who He is. It is important that I, and all who serve God remember this important principle. Some might say, “That is in the Old Testament.” But I was reminded of a similar incident recorded in the New Testament. It took place when Ananias and Sapphira attempted to lie to the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of Peter’s exhortation to “Be holy, for I am holy,” a quote from Leviticus 11:44. May we be encouraged to demonstrate His holiness as we serve Him in the world today.

Prayer

Lord, I ask that you help me to take “holiness” as seriously as You do. I invite Your reminder to my heart and mind to the importance of this reality to You.

Seek And Search
Kirk Wells
2-10-09

Scripture: Acts 17:11
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those of Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

Observation:
Don’t let your own personal doctrine get in the way of God’s truths.

Application:
This is the way everyone of us should approach Christianity, with an eagerness and open-mindedness. Let God reveal those things He deems necessary for us to know.The only way He can reveal them is through the Scriptures. That’s where our commitment comes in, to find the truth by reading the Bible everyday, seeking out our unanswered questions. Everytime someone speaks about the Gospel we don’t understand, and in order to not be deceived, we must find the truth ourselves. Never completely put your faith in man, he will let you down. But, the Word of God has and will remain faithful forever!

Prayer:
Father help me to be eager, open-minded and always in your Word. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

1-27-09
Kirk Wells
Can’t Do It Alone


Scripture; Exodus 17:12
Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up.So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.

Observation;
The strongest, most physically fit human is limited when he tries to do anything under his own power.

Application;
In Proverbs it tells us a three strand cord isn’t easily broken. The strands work together for strength. This is the way our Christian life should be also, each one of us standing with a brother or sister, ready to lift them up when they start to weaken from the battle. And the more of us there are, the more strength we have, and the longer we can endure. God created us one for another! That’s one reason God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone.We all need lifted up at times, and encouraged!!!

Prayer;
Lord, help me to not pass by a brother or sister that needs me to stand with them and lift them up, when they are weak. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Who is like the Lord? - Pastor Ken Trevethick

Who is like the Lord? - Pastor Ken Trevethick
Exodus 15:11-13
11 “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
12 You stretched out Your right hand;
The earth swallowed them.
13 You in Your mercy have led forth
The people whom You have redeemed;
You have guided them in Your strength
To Your holy habitation.
Observation
As the nation Israel has just been delivered from the Egyptians by the mighty power of the Lord, they sing this glorious praise to Him. Israel had been backed up against the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army of 600 choice chariots, all the chariots of Egypt (according to Scripture) 50,000 horsemen, and 200,000 footmen (according to Josephus). It was God’s pillar of fire that held back the army of Pharaoh, as Moses extended the rod of God and the Red Sea parted, the wind blew all night long; and in the morning Israel passed through the Red Sea to the other side. When Pharaoh’s army followed God allowed them all to enter into the passageway between the water, and when they were all in the passageway He closed the waters over them. The statement above is a declaration of how great God is in His ability to deliver from disaster.
Application
What a terrible place to be – in the midst of a disastrous situation, looking at overwhelming circumstances – I remember when I have been there. I am reminded of the words of Moses in this situation, “13And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” [Exodus 14: 13-14] The Apostle Paul says something similar in Ephesians 6, verse 13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” When I find myself surrounded by circumstances that seem overwhelming and hopeless may I turn to You oh Lord and be guided to Your holy habitation!
Prayer
Father, thank-you for Your precious and magnificent promises, those realities by which we can become a partaker of Your divine nature. Help me in the most difficult of times to remember You offer a place of hope and rest. I want to thank-you for Your love and the promise of deliverance from the enemy and ultimately from the world. I ask You to help me not to be afraid and to stand still; that I too might sing of Your power to deliver.

My Friend

My Friend
Kirk Wells
1-20-09

Scripture: Gen 50:15 But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brother became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said.

Observation: This scripture makes me think about how I used to think about the way God dealt with my past mistakes (nice way of saying sins). Once I accepted Jesus as my Savior, my life changed, life was good. Then the enemy came with torment, guilt, and regret. I just knew it was too good to be true. God was just waiting for the opportunity to take it all away, just when my life seemed to have meaning.

Application: I learned that God isn’t out to get revenge, that’s satan trying to convince me that I’m not going to be accepted by God for all the wrongs I’ve done in my life. I am worthy or He wouldn’t have created me!! God is just waiting for me, with an eagerness, to be my best friend. God wants all that junk gone, not so He can now punish me, but, so NOW I can be usable. NOW seeing truths, since the junk isn’t blocking my view. Now I can have faith in Gods future for me without the condemnation of my past. Like the ad says, “Good only at participating stores”(the stores being us of course).

Prayer: Father, help me to live out your purpose and enable me to hear only your voice. In Jesus’ Name
Amen

Be Humble

Scripture: Luke 14: 11 - “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Observation: In a world filled with prideful opportunities; a world filled by individuals motivated by performance based acceptance, there is this soft whisper from scripture: “…he who humbles himself will be exalted.” The setting for the statement was Jesus in the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees. To be exalted in this circle you must be willing to follow the dictates of the Pharisees, but Jesus was not interested in their approval. Jesus was interested in pleasing God and serving His purpose and will. To be invited to one of these dinners meant that you were “in”. They could not grasp the concept of inviting the poor, the maimed, the blind, and the lame.”

Application: If I am going to follow the leadership of Jesus I must be willing to reach those the world does not consider important. Serving the group that Jesus suggested can be a very humbling experience. You are not reaching the group the world or many in leadership consider important. One might ask, “Why should I humble myself and reach those the world does not see value in?” To do this might diminish my importance in the eyes of many, especially those of importance. Generally speaking, recognition does not come to those who serve the poor, the maimed, the blind, and the lame. However, if I am going to follow Christ I must humble myself in the eyes of the world and serve with gratitude those that Jesus would serve.

Prayer: Father, thank-you for the privilege of service. I want a heart that desires to reach those You love. Help me to keep my focus on Your desires in service, and let me serve with a humble heart for the glory of Your kingdom.