1/31/09

Scripture: Genesis 1:24-31
God said, “let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over ….all the wild animals of the earth (vs26).
Observation:
Humankind is made in the image of God. The triune nature of God is alluded to in this passage (“let us”, “our image”, and “our likeness). Humankind has dominion over all the creation.
Application:
God not only created everything as a mystery and a marvel, but created us in divine image. 1 John 4:16b, reminds that God is love and we are created in that image; the image of love. We are given the task of having dominion over creation. Dominion is often thought as “power over” but is better understood as “responsibility for”. We have the responsibility to care for ALL of creation in love.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your love which you placed in me at my creation. Forgive me when I have failed to show love to the rest of your creation.
Yield:
The tendency to forget my created nature.

1/30/09

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-8
Moses also said, "You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.
Observation
After escaping through the waters of a parted sea (Chapter 14) and being provided water to drink the Israelites still grumble. They forget God’s constant provision.
Application:
In times of good I often forget to give thanks or worse take credit for success. In times of bad it is often temptation to grumble and forget God’s provision is always available.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for when I have forgotten to give you thanks for all my blessings and when I have grumbled needlessly before you.
Yield
Needless grumbling

1/29/09

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-20
Be careful then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (Vss. 15-16).
Observation:
In a passage on how we have come into the light (through Christ) and advice on how NOT to act is the reminder that, if we are not diligent, we can waste opportunities to live out salvation.
Application:
Sometimes when I am tired or not paying attention I will miss opportunities to pass the peace of Christ or be in service to others. Therefore I must look for opportunities to share Good News in the most unlikely places; like a basketball game or on line at the Post Office. I share by saying “God bless”, holding a door open, or giving my place up in line.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the light of your salvation and how you give me times and places to share your love.
Yield:
I must yield spiritual laziness

1/28/09

Scripture: Colossians 1: 9-14
We always thank God, the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints. (Vs. 3-4)
Observation:
Faith and love is observable in others. It is a reason to give thanks to God.
Application:
First, I must life God thanks for the faith of others and pray they will continue to grow in their faith as they share faith with others. I must remember I have received the gift of grace and are called to share faith with others.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for those in who I can see you, order my steps that I might know you in faith and leader others to you,
Yield:
The tendency to forget people who have lead me to faith.

1/27/09

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and couageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. -vs 9 NIV

Observation: There are many times that the Lord has told us in the bible: fear not, don't worry about it, don't be afraid. The directions are in front of us in the bible. The Lord is always with us.

Application: The Lord has given us all direction for our lives. The directions on how to get there are in vs. 7 and 8: Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Prayer: Lord, I take you for granted so much. I know that you want me to be successful in your ploans for my life. Help me to keep your words in my heart, and not let fears or worries creap in there to cause doubt and confusion.

Yield: Everyday issues that cause worry, doubt and fear.

1/26/09

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw tow brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Observation: Jesus calls and they follow.
Application: When we hear the voice of Jesus we need to follow.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes and ears so that I can see and hear you when you call. Here I am Lord.
Yield: To the distractions of everyday life.

1/24/09

Scripture: Matthew 11:7-15
He who has ears, let him hear (Vs. 11)
Observation:
The entire passage demonstrates how Scripture foretold the ministry of John and the coming of Christ. Time and time again Jesus reminds us that Scripture is very important but we must be willing to "hear" the message.
Application:
The life of Jesus teaches us how to live in love with God and neighbor. it is good to judge the actions of life through the lenses of Scripture.
Prayer:
O Lord, open my ears, make eyes to see, and build my heart to know your love and share it with others in need of hope.
Yielding:
I must yield the willingness to have "deaf" ears.

1/23/09

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:25- 5:2
Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
OBSERVATION:
After a list of bad behaviors to avoid we are given guidance of how to act. We are to act like Christ. Simply put we are to love God, love others and serve unselfishly.
APPLICATION:
I am reminded of children watch and learn from their parents. As an adult I must remember I have been given the perfect model for life; Christ. Though I will never perfectly follow Christ in this life my Heavenly Parent is always reaching out with loving hand to lead, guide, and direct me.
PRAYER:
Lord lead me, guide me, and direct me so that as I try to follow you others may join my path.
YIELDING:
I musts yield overconfidence in self.

1/22/09

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18:21-35
The Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall i forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Observation:
These 2 verses begin the lesson on forgiveness. We count acts of forgiveness as if we were waking withdrawals from the bank. We choose how much to forgive and how to forgive. Not so with God. Through Christ all are forgiven who confess sins, profess Christ as Lord and live in grace.
Application:
I must remember asking forgiveness is a process of growing in faith. Asking for forgiveness is not just asking God to forgive my actions but asking my sisters and brothers i have sinned against. I must also do this when my actions against others have been unintentional.
Prayer:
Lord forgive me for when I have sinned against you and my sisters and brothers in this world.
Yield:
I must ask forgiveness of those i have hurt and not recount the sins of others.

1/21/09

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:13-15
For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God (Vs. 15).
OBSERVATION:
The grace of God is a gift freely and individually given which is spread from person to person.
Application:
I am responsible for sharing my gift of grace with others. This is done in many ways; service to the needy, visiting the sick, and telling of God's love through Jesus Christ.
PRAYER:
Lord than you for my community of faith. For their support and love. Use me as an instrument to share your grace gift of love with others.
YIELDING:
I yield the temptation to only share God's grace with the people I know well.

1/20/09

SCRIPTURE: John 14:1-7
Jesus answered, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (Vs. 6).
OBSERVATION:
To the doubting Thomas, Jesus details how to live in relationship with God.
APPLICATION:
We may doubt and wonder how to live even today. Jesus reminds us that the way of life is demonstrated by his constant love for God and neighbor. The Truth of Jesus is the salvation is promised for all who confess and profess. We often think of life in this passage as referring to eternal life but eternal life starts right now.
PRAYER:
Lord forgive me when I have forgotten that you are the way, the truth, and the life. Lead me back into your fold.
YIELDING:
Attempts to live my life strictly on my terms.

1/19/09

SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:25-37
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “and who is my neighbor” (Vs. 29).
OBSERVATION:
Please read the entire parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable can read Scripture but cannot “see” his neighbor. He want Jesus to point out the neighbor.
APPLICATION:
Check out what Eric says about this passage on his Christian Marriage and Relationships blog by clicking on his picture. Jesus came to fulfill Scripture; the promise of salvation and the gift of divine presence and guidance all of our days. But this is not just for our personal advantage; we are to share this knowledge with our neighbors; even if we don’t like or can’t see our neighbors.
PRAYER:
Thank you Lord for your love, guidance and direction in my life. Thank you for those who have shared your love with me. Strengthen me, so I may be a good neighbor who share your love and promise.
YIELDING:
A narrow understanding of who my neighbor is.

1/17/09

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:3-8
I thank my God every time I remember you (vs 1).
OBSERVATION:
A life of faith is not lived in a vacuum.
APPLICATION:
It is important to remember the people and give thanks for the people God places in our lives.
PRAYER:
Thank you Lord, for all my sister and brothers in Christ who have loved me and sustained me in faith. Grant me the honor of one who shares your love with others.
YIELDING:
Negligence in prayer

1/16/09

SCRIPTURE: James 3:13-17
But the wisdom that comes from heave is firsts of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. (Vs. 17)
OBSERVATION:
There are 2 types of wisdom; earthly and heavenly. Both forms of wisdom are demonstrated in action. Others can se where our wisdom comes from.
APPLICATION:
We must make decisions on a daily basis (large and/or small). Sometimes it seems we must a make a quick decisions. But almost always we can stop and ask for the Lord’s help. Good decisions demonstrate good wisdom (from heavenly source) when they are shown by good actions.
PRAYER:
Lord thank you for the fount of your wisdom. Slow my earth reactions and teach me to turn to you when making decisions.
YIELD:
Making decisions without seeking Godly wisdom.

1/15/09

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me (vs. 4).
OBSERVATION:
The deepest pits and problems can not separate us from the comfort and protection of God. It must also me noted problems can always be avoided.
APPLICATION:
We are a people who want the highs, the ups, and the mountaintop experience. But life is not always like that sometimes we are down and covered in a pit of despair. It is a these times we should seek and remember the comfort and promise of the Lord’s presence.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for all the personal mountain top experiences. Teach me to remember in the tough times.
YIELD:
It is important to yield to God emotions of despair

1/14/09

SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 4:6, 13-16
-Watch your life and doctrine closely. Preserve in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (verse 16).
OBSERVATION:
Please read the whole passage; there is hope and promise woven through the whole passage. The teachings of others grow us in the faith (vs. 6). WE are called to read scripture and share through preaching and teaching (vs. 13), because others have seen this gift in us (vs. 14). If we are diligent we participate in Salvation.
APPLICATION:
I must find time to thank those who have believed in me, taught me faith and encouraged me. I must diligently study and share scripture and faith with others.
PRAYERS:
Thank you Lord, for those who taught me faith and set me on your lap. Use me to lead others to you.
YIELD:
The feeling one can do everything on their own must be yielded to live with God.

1/13/09

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 62:5-8
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my might rock, my refuge. (vs 8).
OBSERVATION:
We are dependent on God for salvation and honor. This can not be done with out God.
APPLICATION:
Though we strive for independence and think we can do so much alone we really need God to get through all things. And it is so amazing that the one who created the universe care enough for me to be my safe haven.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for my salvation and the honor of being your child.
YIELDING;
I must yield over confidence in self.

1/20/09

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
For the ministry of service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing, through many thanksgivings to God (vs 12).
OBSERVATION:
The entire passage is about giving thanks by serving others. God give the power to us to serve. Serving others is giving thanks.
APPLICATION:
We are to attend to others according to t he grace we have received (which is overflowing). We are serve with a happy heart.
PRAYER:
Lord forgive me for not always being a cheerful giver. Open my eyes to the gift of grace you have given me and use my life to share your praises.
YIELDING:
We mus yield excuses for not doing good and sharing faith.

1/10/09

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2: 4-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, ap people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 4:9).
OBSERVATION:
The words, ‘chosen’, ‘royal’, and ‘holy nation’ are wonderful descriptive words. But being described as ‘belonging’ to God is the most promising and hopeful way to be described.
APPLICATION:
We are called out of the trouble of this world to proclaim the glorious gift of love and salvation. God expects to act chosen, royal, and holy as we praise God and share the gift of hope and salvation.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for choosing me to share your love, use me as your instrument to tell of your glory.
YIELD:
I must yield excuses used to NOT proclaim the love of Christ to others.

1/9/09

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:28-31
Are not two sparrows sold from a penny”? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31).
OBSERVATION;
The Lord who created even the seemingly unimportant sparrow watches over and cares for all of creation.
APPLICATION:
When we feel alone, scared, or inconsequential we need to remember who created us in love, who redeemed us with love, and who sustains us by love.
PRAYER:
O Lord, thank you for your love and how you watch over all of creation for how we are created in your divine love and given great self-worth.
YIELD:
Doubt of self-worth or feeling of inadequacy are emotions to yield to God.

1/8/09

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 42
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and My God (Psalm 42:11)
OBSERVATION :
The trials and tribulations of life can almost overcome a person, but can never separate us from hope, salvation, and God.
APPLICATION:
In the midst of trials, be they from within or without, one must stop and remember the promise and provision of the Lord’s presence.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for being my rock, my hope, and my salvation. Guide me to the font of your love and give me the strength to share you with others.
YIELDING:
I must yield over confidence in my self.

1/7/09

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11
Everyone should look out not only for his interest, but also for the interest of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:4-5).
Observation:
Though it is important to take care of one's self, we are called to take care of others, and do so with the attitude of Christ.
Application:
It seems almost human nature to have a "me first" attitude. But we must remember we are all created equal and called to love each other as ourselves.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me of self centered and selfish thoughts and actions. Remind me that you came to save the world and not just me.
Yield:
I must yield an attitude of selfishness.

1/6/09

SCRIPTURE: (Luke 15:11-32)
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him (Luke 15:20).
OBSERVATION:
This is from the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Verse 20 demonstrates the loving, waiting, and searching of the father for the child.
APPLICATION:
Though we make choices in life which separate us from the Lord; The Lord is always looking for us and ready to receive us with open arms.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for the choices I have made which have lead me away from you. Guide me back into your love and joy.
Yield:
I must yield bad choices.

1/5/09

1/5/09
SCRIPTURE:
HE who believes in. Me, as the Scripture said, ‘from his inner most being shall flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38).
OBSERVATION:
Jesus reminds us (as Scripture reminds), God has always been the source of life, both spiritual and physical (Isaiah 34:3, 55:1, 58:11)
APPLICATION:
When my soul, heart, and mind feel dry and empty. I can turn to scripture and discover the living well of God’s great love.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for your life-sustaining grace which is like an ever flowing well of love. Lead me always to your still waters.
YIELDING:
I must yield the self-appointed busyness of life.

1/3/09

1/13/09
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 51:1-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12).
OBSERVATION:
It is all here. In this plea to God is the call to confess our sins. Sins being cleansed is reference in verses 1,2,7 with language that reminds us of the power of baptism. Nothing is hidden from the great I AM. Finally, we are not only cleansed of sin but created anew.
APPLICATION:
We are to seek salvation by asking for forgiveness, live with right actions, and share the Good News of Salvation.
PRAYER:
Lord. forgive me when I have sinned against you and others. Create in me a new heart to know and live your love and strengthen my voice to share you to others.
YIELD:
We must yield thoughts, comments, and actions which separate us from GOd.

1/2/09 Great is THY Faithfulness

SCRIPTURE:
Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “the LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”(Lamentations 3:22-24).
OBSERVATION:
Great is God’s faithfulness, mercy and compassion,. The preceding verses describes how we often we forget this.
APPLICATION:
In the most trying and difficult times we should always remember our true hope is in the Lord.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me when I try to work though my problems without you. Let me know your mercy, compassion, and faithfulness is as sure as the morning sun.
YIELD:
I need to yield my desire to stand alone.

1/1/09

SCRIPTURE:
But as for you continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you known those whom you leaned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 3: 14-15)
OBSERVATION:
Learning and living scripture is a life long process, done in community and family, teaching the salvation of God through Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION:
I need to share scripture and faith with family and friends just as it was shared with me.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for salvation in you. Thank you for all the people you have put in my life who have worked hard to show me your ways as known through Holy Scripture and your loved that was seen through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
YIELD:
I need to yield spiritual laziness.