12/31/08
SCRIPTURE: James 5:13-16
Therefore confess yours sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).
OBSERVATION:
This passage is about prayer and community.
APPLICATION:
Confessing mistakes and sins to those close to us helps us be accountable and makes for a stronger Christian community. This also teaches the Good News of Salvation (that we are forgiven) and frees our hearts for prayer.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me when I have sinned against you and neighbor. Let me give thanks for always being able to come to you in prayer.
YIELD:
I must yield self-centeredness.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
12/30/08
12/30/08
Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)
Observation:
God’s grace is known and given through the sacrifice of the Son.
Application:
Our actions do not determine salvation alone. We must accept the gift of grace through faith. Our faith actions grow us in knowledge.
Prayer:
Teach me to accept the gift of grace so that I may pass it along.
Yield:
I must yield my need for self-centeredness.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)
Observation:
God’s grace is known and given through the sacrifice of the Son.
Application:
Our actions do not determine salvation alone. We must accept the gift of grace through faith. Our faith actions grow us in knowledge.
Prayer:
Teach me to accept the gift of grace so that I may pass it along.
Yield:
I must yield my need for self-centeredness.
Monday, December 29, 2008
12/29/08
Scripture:
O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still hunger those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I – in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. (Psalm 17:14-15)
Observation:
This psalm is about God’s salvation. The verses selected demonstrate how God “hungers” for relationship and describes how we can see the image of God.
Application:
By living in righteousness (right living), we live for God and with God. Right living is living in divine love and it shows us the saving power of God through Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Forgive me when I have not always lived in righteousness. I give thanks for how you search for me, offer salvation at your hand, and let me live with You.
Yielding:
I must yield fear of sharing your love
O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still hunger those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I – in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. (Psalm 17:14-15)
Observation:
This psalm is about God’s salvation. The verses selected demonstrate how God “hungers” for relationship and describes how we can see the image of God.
Application:
By living in righteousness (right living), we live for God and with God. Right living is living in divine love and it shows us the saving power of God through Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Forgive me when I have not always lived in righteousness. I give thanks for how you search for me, offer salvation at your hand, and let me live with You.
Yielding:
I must yield fear of sharing your love
Saturday, December 27, 2008
12/27/08 Worrry
12/27/08 Worry
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you (MT 6:33)
Observation:
-In a passage about worry and its dangers is advice to avoid worry: just look to the birds and grasses. God’s great provision for even the least is demonstrated in this passage.
Application:
-Not worrying is more than not, caring, not worrying means knowing how much God loves and cares for us. The best antidote for worry is seeking the presence of God within our hearts.
Prayer:
-Lord, forgive me when worry gets in the way of faith and runs my life.
Yielding:
I must yield worry.
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you (MT 6:33)
Observation:
-In a passage about worry and its dangers is advice to avoid worry: just look to the birds and grasses. God’s great provision for even the least is demonstrated in this passage.
Application:
-Not worrying is more than not, caring, not worrying means knowing how much God loves and cares for us. The best antidote for worry is seeking the presence of God within our hearts.
Prayer:
-Lord, forgive me when worry gets in the way of faith and runs my life.
Yielding:
I must yield worry.
Friday, December 26, 2008
12/26/08 My Will versus God's Will
12/26/08
Scripture:
-Ephesians 5:3-20
-“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is (Ephesians 5:17)
Observation:
-The whole passage (3-20) seems to be a list of improper behaviors and consequences. Verse 17 is the guidance that knowing and doing the Lord’s will leads to proper behavior.
Application:
-There is a good deal of free will (personal choice) in this passage. One must always be careful to align personal decisions (free will) with God’s will. I believe, God’s will is that we love God and love each other.
Prayer:
-Lord, forgive me a of my sins, for the times when I have chosen my way and not yours. Teach me love to live in your Love.
Yield:
I must yield materialism
Scripture:
-Ephesians 5:3-20
-“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is (Ephesians 5:17)
Observation:
-The whole passage (3-20) seems to be a list of improper behaviors and consequences. Verse 17 is the guidance that knowing and doing the Lord’s will leads to proper behavior.
Application:
-There is a good deal of free will (personal choice) in this passage. One must always be careful to align personal decisions (free will) with God’s will. I believe, God’s will is that we love God and love each other.
Prayer:
-Lord, forgive me a of my sins, for the times when I have chosen my way and not yours. Teach me love to live in your Love.
Yield:
I must yield materialism
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
12/24/08
12/24/08
Scripture:
-This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
Observation:
-Light not only illumines the day, but grows the crops, helps us find the way and chases the darkness away.
Application:
-On the eve of the day we celebrate the Incarnation of True Light. I must remember I have been given light to share with others.
Prayer:
-Lord, chase away the dark recesses of my life and illumine me with your power.
Yielding:
-I must yield fear of sharing my faith
Scripture:
-This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
Observation:
-Light not only illumines the day, but grows the crops, helps us find the way and chases the darkness away.
Application:
-On the eve of the day we celebrate the Incarnation of True Light. I must remember I have been given light to share with others.
Prayer:
-Lord, chase away the dark recesses of my life and illumine me with your power.
Yielding:
-I must yield fear of sharing my faith
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
12/23/08 Commandment
12/23/08
Scripture:
-Now it shall be, if you will diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today; the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.. (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Observation:
-This is verse opens a passage that talks about God’s provision to the faithful. The following verses (2-8) echo the Beatitudes (the blessings from Matthew 5:2-11). It is important to know and do the commandments.
Application:
-Keeping the commandments results in benefits manifold. It is important to be diligent and follow the teaching of Jesus, that we are to love the Lord God with all heart, soul and mind and our neighbors the same. Keeping this commandment keeps us in the presence of the Lord.
Prayer:
-Lord forgive me when I have not loved you, my neighbor and not kept your commandments.
Yielding:
-I must yield spiritual laziness
Scripture:
-Now it shall be, if you will diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today; the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.. (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Observation:
-This is verse opens a passage that talks about God’s provision to the faithful. The following verses (2-8) echo the Beatitudes (the blessings from Matthew 5:2-11). It is important to know and do the commandments.
Application:
-Keeping the commandments results in benefits manifold. It is important to be diligent and follow the teaching of Jesus, that we are to love the Lord God with all heart, soul and mind and our neighbors the same. Keeping this commandment keeps us in the presence of the Lord.
Prayer:
-Lord forgive me when I have not loved you, my neighbor and not kept your commandments.
Yielding:
-I must yield spiritual laziness
Monday, December 22, 2008
12/22/08 True Light
12/22/08
Scripture:
-There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light; so through him all men might believe. (John 1:6-7)
Observation:
-In a passage that lays between creation and coming of Christ is a reminder of how God sends prophets to testify to “True Light”
Application:
-We may not wear camel hair or eat locust, but we are just as called to share light (truth of God’s love through Jesus Christ) in a dark and hurting world.
Prayer:
-Lord thank you for the gift of your love, known through Jesus. Give me strength and clear voice to proclaim your goodness.
Yielding:
-I must yield my fear in sharing faith.
Scripture:
-There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light; so through him all men might believe. (John 1:6-7)
Observation:
-In a passage that lays between creation and coming of Christ is a reminder of how God sends prophets to testify to “True Light”
Application:
-We may not wear camel hair or eat locust, but we are just as called to share light (truth of God’s love through Jesus Christ) in a dark and hurting world.
Prayer:
-Lord thank you for the gift of your love, known through Jesus. Give me strength and clear voice to proclaim your goodness.
Yielding:
-I must yield my fear in sharing faith.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
12/20/08 Sabbath
12/20/08
Scripture:
-Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Observation:
-This is a two part command:
-1) remember who created all things
-2) Keeping holy means keeping relationship with God
Application:
-Modern society has somewhat forgotten commandment. Sabbath has, for many, become
just one hour on Sunday. Sabbath is time to remember the Lord’s power, promise, and presence and be strengthened.
Prayer:
-Lord slow my world down and teach me the joy of true Sabbath.
Yielding :
I must yield the assumption that I must always “keep up” with this fast paced world
Scripture:
-Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
Observation:
-This is a two part command:
-1) remember who created all things
-2) Keeping holy means keeping relationship with God
Application:
-Modern society has somewhat forgotten commandment. Sabbath has, for many, become
just one hour on Sunday. Sabbath is time to remember the Lord’s power, promise, and presence and be strengthened.
Prayer:
-Lord slow my world down and teach me the joy of true Sabbath.
Yielding :
I must yield the assumption that I must always “keep up” with this fast paced world
Friday, December 19, 2008
12/19/08 Helping
12/19/08
Scripture:
“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was not room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Observation:
-Even in t ancient time the world could be a cold and tough place for the least of socieity.
Application:
-The world can still be tough for the “have nots”. Therefore it is important that the blessed ( the “haves” ) must help the least (the have nots).
Prayer:
-Lord, thank you fofr all the resources you ave provided and forgive me for when I have misused them. Open my eyes to people in need and use me for good.
Yielding:
-I must yield my desire for material things
Scripture:
“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was not room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Observation:
-Even in t ancient time the world could be a cold and tough place for the least of socieity.
Application:
-The world can still be tough for the “have nots”. Therefore it is important that the blessed ( the “haves” ) must help the least (the have nots).
Prayer:
-Lord, thank you fofr all the resources you ave provided and forgive me for when I have misused them. Open my eyes to people in need and use me for good.
Yielding:
-I must yield my desire for material things
Thursday, December 18, 2008
12/18/08
12/18/08
Scripture:
-But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our* hearts, crying, ‘Abba!* Father!’ 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God” (Galatians 4:4-7).
Observation:
-Another reminder of how the Word became flesh, dwelt among us, and brings salvation. The Spirit of God is place in our heart through Christ.
Application:
-As children of God we have the right to receive a full inheritance, but we are also to share Good News s of salvation, of Divine presence, and hope.
Prayer:
-Lord, I am ever so grateful to be your child. Show me how to share your love.
Yielding:
-In a busy season such as this, I need to yield worry and stress and live in joy.
Scripture:
-But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our* hearts, crying, ‘Abba!* Father!’ 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God” (Galatians 4:4-7).
Observation:
-Another reminder of how the Word became flesh, dwelt among us, and brings salvation. The Spirit of God is place in our heart through Christ.
Application:
-As children of God we have the right to receive a full inheritance, but we are also to share Good News s of salvation, of Divine presence, and hope.
Prayer:
-Lord, I am ever so grateful to be your child. Show me how to share your love.
Yielding:
-In a busy season such as this, I need to yield worry and stress and live in joy.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
12/17/08
12/17/08
Scripture:
-In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
Observation:
- What struck me in this passage was the accountability and community. The government
counts people. IT counts (matters) that Joseph is numbered in the house of David. It matters, Mary and Joseph are accountable to each other. In other words, no one is ever alone or unknown.
Application:
-God has, through the Body of Christ, made us accountable and dependent upon one another. Often it is “easier” to go through life thinking we can do things on our own. Life is really about living in community.
Prayer:
-Lord, I give thanks for the community of friends you have paced around me . Remind me how through the Body of Christ I never walk alone.
Yielding:
-I must yield my need for individuality.
Scripture:
-In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
Observation:
- What struck me in this passage was the accountability and community. The government
counts people. IT counts (matters) that Joseph is numbered in the house of David. It matters, Mary and Joseph are accountable to each other. In other words, no one is ever alone or unknown.
Application:
-God has, through the Body of Christ, made us accountable and dependent upon one another. Often it is “easier” to go through life thinking we can do things on our own. Life is really about living in community.
Prayer:
-Lord, I give thanks for the community of friends you have paced around me . Remind me how through the Body of Christ I never walk alone.
Yielding:
-I must yield my need for individuality.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
12/16/08
12/16/20
Scripture:
-“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” John 4:24
Observation:
-This reminds me of the first verses of this gospel and the creation story; God is Spirit and truth.
Application:
-Of all the things we can do and make to honor God, nothing honors God more than a true loving and worshipful spirit.
Prayer:
-Lord, purify my mind and teach me to worship with a true and loving spirit. Let me know how your love leads guides and directs my day.
Yielding:
-I must yield my reliance on self and trust more in God
Scripture:
-“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” John 4:24
Observation:
-This reminds me of the first verses of this gospel and the creation story; God is Spirit and truth.
Application:
-Of all the things we can do and make to honor God, nothing honors God more than a true loving and worshipful spirit.
Prayer:
-Lord, purify my mind and teach me to worship with a true and loving spirit. Let me know how your love leads guides and directs my day.
Yielding:
-I must yield my reliance on self and trust more in God
Monday, December 15, 2008
12/15/08
12/15/08
Scripture:
-How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Observation :
-Community is important and should be a goal of humanity..BK
Application:
Rugged individualism seems to be part of the American male DNA but we are not created to be totally independent. God made us for community. For me community means living in God’s love as one. Everyone has a part and responsibility . BK
Prayer :
-Lord, while I give thanks for our unique created nature. I give thanks for how each and everyone of us has been created to live in community and share in your Love.
Yielding:
-I must yield my belief I can do all things by myself. BK
Scripture:
-How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Observation :
-Community is important and should be a goal of humanity..BK
Application:
Rugged individualism seems to be part of the American male DNA but we are not created to be totally independent. God made us for community. For me community means living in God’s love as one. Everyone has a part and responsibility . BK
Prayer :
-Lord, while I give thanks for our unique created nature. I give thanks for how each and everyone of us has been created to live in community and share in your Love.
Yielding:
-I must yield my belief I can do all things by myself. BK
Friday, December 12, 2008
12/13/08
12/13/08
Scripture:
-Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for though art with me. (Psalm 23:4) BK
Observation:
-At the deepest point of fear we are never alone, GOD IS WITH US. Bk
Application:
-This is the core of the Christmas season, we are never alone the One who created all the universe, the highest mountains and the darkest valleys is with as Emmanuel God with us. BK
Prayer:
-Lord cover my fears and allow me to sing your praises with all my might. May I feel your presence and know your salvation through all the dark and troubling valleys of my life. Bk
Yielding: -I need to yield fear of unknown and live in faith. Bk
Scripture:
-Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for though art with me. (Psalm 23:4) BK
Observation:
-At the deepest point of fear we are never alone, GOD IS WITH US. Bk
Application:
-This is the core of the Christmas season, we are never alone the One who created all the universe, the highest mountains and the darkest valleys is with as Emmanuel God with us. BK
Prayer:
-Lord cover my fears and allow me to sing your praises with all my might. May I feel your presence and know your salvation through all the dark and troubling valleys of my life. Bk
Yielding: -I need to yield fear of unknown and live in faith. Bk
12/12/08
12/12/08
Scripture:
-The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it. (John 1:5 BK)
Observation:
-From the beginning of time the light of God has been shining. BK
Application:
-Often the darkness (ignorance of the Word) seems to prevail in our world, but the light of God has been given to us to shine. BK
Prayer:
-Lord use me to be a light bearer in this your world. BK
Yielding:
-I must yield excuses for not shining God’s light through Jesus Christ BK
Scripture:
-The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it. (John 1:5 BK)
Observation:
-From the beginning of time the light of God has been shining. BK
Application:
-Often the darkness (ignorance of the Word) seems to prevail in our world, but the light of God has been given to us to shine. BK
Prayer:
-Lord use me to be a light bearer in this your world. BK
Yielding:
-I must yield excuses for not shining God’s light through Jesus Christ BK
Thursday, December 11, 2008
12/11/08
12/11/08
Scripture:
-For you. O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. Psalm 92:4 BK
Observation:
-The Creator always creates reasons to give (sing) praises. BK
Application:
-At end of the day, it is often easier to complain about the difficulties of the day than “sing” praises. BK
Prayer:
-Lord forgive me for complaining, mumbling, and grumbling. Teach me that hidden in the difficulties is the promise of your presence and how you make joy in the toughest of times. BK
Yielding:
-I must yield negativity. BK
Scripture:
-For you. O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. Psalm 92:4 BK
Observation:
-The Creator always creates reasons to give (sing) praises. BK
Application:
-At end of the day, it is often easier to complain about the difficulties of the day than “sing” praises. BK
Prayer:
-Lord forgive me for complaining, mumbling, and grumbling. Teach me that hidden in the difficulties is the promise of your presence and how you make joy in the toughest of times. BK
Yielding:
-I must yield negativity. BK
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
12/10/08
12/010/08
Scripture:
-He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27
Observation:
-This is ancient Jewish prayer; known as Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) reminds and demonstrates how God has always desired us to live in love. We are to love with all our “senses”. BK
Application:
-Sometimes it takes all your senses to love a neighbor. For instances when you mind can not love what your neighbor does you must rely on your heart to love them. BK
Prayer:
-Lord forgive me with I have not shown love to others. Teach me to use all my “senses” to love my neighbors. BK
Yielding:
-I must yield presumptions and prejudices I have fostered to totally love my neighbors. BK
Scripture:
-He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27
Observation:
-This is ancient Jewish prayer; known as Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) reminds and demonstrates how God has always desired us to live in love. We are to love with all our “senses”. BK
Application:
-Sometimes it takes all your senses to love a neighbor. For instances when you mind can not love what your neighbor does you must rely on your heart to love them. BK
Prayer:
-Lord forgive me with I have not shown love to others. Teach me to use all my “senses” to love my neighbors. BK
Yielding:
-I must yield presumptions and prejudices I have fostered to totally love my neighbors. BK
Monday, December 8, 2008
12/09/08
Scripture:
-“That is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.<
Observation:
-Through the Good News of God (the love of God in Christ Jesus) all people are equal and loved. This verse reminds me of the verse, “there is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28)<
Application:
-Where society makes distinctions between groups of people, I am called to over come (or work through) those distinctions.<
Prayer:
-Lord, give me eyes to see the injustices of the world, the wisdom to know how to over come those injustices and the strength to fight for others.<
Yielding:
-I must not settle for comfort zones at the discomfort of others.<
Scripture:
-“That is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Observation:
-Through the Good News of God (the love of God in Christ Jesus) all people are equal and loved. This verse reminds me of the verse, “there is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28)
Application:
-Where society makes distinctions between groups of people, I am called to over come (or work through) those distinctions.
Prayer:
-Lord, give me eyes to see the injustices of the world, the wisdom to know how to over come those injustices and the strength to fight for others.
Yielding:
-I must not settle for comfort zones at the discomfort of others.
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