Faith Increased?

Scripture: Matthew 11: 4 Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.

Observation: Jesus wanted specifically John to know that He was the Messiah. He allowed the blind to see, the lame to walk, the lepers healed, the deaf to hear, and the dead to be raised to life, and the good news preached to the poor, so that John would be strengthened in His faith. And then He make the last statement so that John's faith would increase in jail and that He would continue to preach repentance and turning toward Jesus!

Application: Often Jesus is very concerned about individuals. He will do miracles and unforeseen things to strengthen the faith of His children. However, I believe that often I do not receive or recognize what He is doing. Perhaps I am to busy, distracted, or just plain don't want to listen and I find myself asking the same question John does over and over. 'Are you the Messiah that the does miracles and changes lives? Or should we expecting someone else?" God answers us all the time…we just need to recognize He is still in the miracle business and is doing it impart to strengthen our faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me not be so distracted to see your work and miracles being accomplished right before my eyes. Forgive me for not having faith that you are who you say you are. I desire to see what Matthew 11:4 states. So I ask that you continue to perform miracles so my faith and others would be strengthened. And I will give you all the Glory…In Jesus Name! Amen!

The Wolf

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

Observation: It is not a shock to Paul that there are those who disguise themselves as God's workers but they are far from it. They are only there to destroy and manipulate people!

Application: There are so many people that say they are God's workers, but in reality they are wolves in sheep's clothing. In every church there are those people who want to tear and destroy. The Corinthians probably had more than their fair share of those people and they love to meddle! Satan is the author of this and we must stand against it.

Prayer: Lord I pray that the wolves in sheep's clothing at The Rock Church will be exposed. I pray that Satan's workers would be silenced and removed from you church in general. That they would be sifted out and thrown to the winepress…I ask that you help me, our leaders, and our people continue to pursue your righteousness and those who are not removed. In Jesus Name Amen!

Lord Commendation

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:18 When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

Observation: At the beginning of this portion of scripture, Paul stated that he would not be put in a group that promoted themselves. He said that the Lord would commend him if he is faithful. Paul is very careful to only boast about what the Lord has done.

Application: We too must only boast about what the Lord has done. It is so easy to try and self promote and self exhort, but that is all about us! The Lord is the one who will who will commend me. I just need to be faithful and work hard.

Prayer: Lord forgive me for the times that I try to jump the gun and promote what I have done. The selfish nature inside of me desires to self promote, but that is not godly at all. I ask that when I begin to boast about what I have done that the Holy Spirit nudges me. I want to only boast about you and the work you have done in my life and in our churches life. Help me get rid of selfish pride! In Jesus Name Amen.

Stay Focused

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us,t so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.

2 Corinthians 6:3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us,t and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

Observation: Paul in both of these passages expresses the reason they preach the Gospel. They preach not for personal profit or recognition, but to bring 'One More," into the Kingdom. It cost Paul everything to proclaim this truth.

Application: We too must preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Not for personal profit but for the Kingdom of God. There are so many people that do it for a buck or for a nice house…but Paul preached because he truly desires the Kingdom to grow! I know that taking the Gospel to the people will hurt, but if I truly believe in advancing the Kingdom it will be so worth it. Paul says they are still always joyful. The only complete and fulfilling joy comes from the Lord. We are fully responsible to the Lord, and must continue to persuade others!

Prayer: Lord, there is no greater joy than seeing the veil be removed off of people hearts so they can see your salvation. And anything we must endure of whatever it may cost, it is worth it. Paul spoke of this and I do believe that only this causes great joy. I pray that you help me keep my eyes focused on you and not the problems associated with proclaiming the Gospel. But I would be so focused on the word and salvation that problems do not distract or detour your kingdom ways! Help me be one that does not cause another to stumble and the no one can find fault with my ministry. Keep your word fresh and unveiled to me! In Jesus Name Amen!

Preach the Word

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:17 you see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us.

Observation: Paul was stating that he is not like the ones who preach for a buck are hucksters. In 1 Corinthians he said that he would preach regardless if he got paid. Why because it is not about the money to Paul…his treasure is in heaven not on earth!.

Application: It is simply about Jesus! We must preach the Gospel with sincerity and with Christ' authority. God watches over us and He knows our motives. It is not about money!

Prayer: Lord, help me keep focused and not preach for personal profit. I desire to be like Paul and preach with sincerity and with Christ's authority. I desire to preach the word regardless of pay or profit. The only thing I desire is that Heaven is increased by 'One More!" Help me to continue to preach and keep my focus on Jesus and nothing else. In Jesus Name….AMEN!

Just & Righteous

Scripture: Job 37:23 We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though he is just and righteous, he does not destroy us. 24 No wonder people everywhere fear him. All who are wise show him reverence."

Observation: Job, wallowing in his misery makes this statement that seems contrary to what he is going through. You would think that Job thought that God was trying to destroy him and yet he says the God does not. We are to fear him for it is wise, because of how powerful He is!

Application: We do not get what we deserve. Grace is ever so present in our lives. We deserve death and punishment because of our unrighteousness and sickness, but God even though powerful and righteous does not destroy us. This should make us fear and worship Him…just because He is Worthy. God is magnificent and Holy…we are a mess and unholy, but yet He does not take us out! What a God we serve!

Prayer: Father, we have really no clue on how gracious you are to us. We cannot fathom how Holy you are, because if we did we would melt. You are a just and righteous God, and yet you do not destroy us because of our faults. Forgive me for taking you power and holiness for granted. I will be wise and show you reverence….YOU ARE HOLY! In Jesus Name Amen!

All So One Can Be Saved!

Scripture: I Corinthians 9:22b - Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

I Corinthians 10:33 - I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved!

Observation: Paul without violating biblical morality, he would go to any length to enter the world of others and lead them to salvation!

Application: Our heart should be to win one more to the Kingdom of God. Whatever it takes without violation biblical principles and morality. Paul's zeal to win people to Christ should inspire us to do the same.

Prayer: Lord I pray that I never become so legalistic that I miss opportunities to win one more person to Jesus! I desire to reach those who need to be reached anyway possible without compromising my walk with you. Give me those opportunities….in Jesus Name! Amen!