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.