2-27-12
"Obedience"
(Having Faith In The Lord)
39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. (Mark 6:39-44)
It was obvious to all of the disciples that they did not have enough food to feed the thousands who were there that day. But they obeyed Jesus, and did as they were instructed to do by the Lord. We need to behave in the same manner. Sometimes we can see what a situation is, but with Jesus, we need to undersdtand that being obedient is more important that what we can see. A situation in Jesus' eyes is much different than what we are able to see.
I will remember this story for the obedience and the faith shown by the disciples. I will remember to apply these priciples in my daily walk with the Lord. First, be close enough to be his disciple. Second, listen and hear the Lord. Third, obey and have faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will be able to work miracles. I must and will believe and have faith in him.
Thank you god for all of your blessings. Thank you Lord for my deliverance. Continue working in me so that I may be overflowing in with Holy Spirit. Continue opening my eyes and allowing my ears to hear your voice.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Martyrdom
2-14-12
"Martyrdom"
(True Sacrifice)
13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." (Acts 21:13-14)
Paul exhibited true sacrifice and love for God. He was willing to give his life and would not bend to the pressure from society. He was not afraid to give up his life, to show how much he believed in Christ Jesus.
Paul overcame a true human emotion. That is self preservation. Self preservation is a natural tendency in these types of situations. It is not only natural but it is also a very strong emotion. Most people would do whatever it takes to save their own lives. Paul overcame that natural emotion in order to show his committment to loving and believing in Jesus Christ. I will commit to loving God and Christ Jesus the same way.
Mighty God, thank you for this story about Paul's love for Jesus Christ. Please give me the courage to do the same in the same or in similar situations. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
"Martyrdom"
(True Sacrifice)
13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." (Acts 21:13-14)
Paul exhibited true sacrifice and love for God. He was willing to give his life and would not bend to the pressure from society. He was not afraid to give up his life, to show how much he believed in Christ Jesus.
Paul overcame a true human emotion. That is self preservation. Self preservation is a natural tendency in these types of situations. It is not only natural but it is also a very strong emotion. Most people would do whatever it takes to save their own lives. Paul overcame that natural emotion in order to show his committment to loving and believing in Jesus Christ. I will commit to loving God and Christ Jesus the same way.
Mighty God, thank you for this story about Paul's love for Jesus Christ. Please give me the courage to do the same in the same or in similar situations. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
Simplicity
2-13-12
"Simplicity"
(Simple Example)
20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:20-21)
This is a simple example of our life, or what our life should be. It actually gives us instructions on what we should be doing and how we should be doing it.
I will read this often and make sure that I remember my plan and purpose. Declare to all, that they must repent, and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Mighty God, please help me to know and understand the simple plan that God has set before us. Teach the Gospel from house to house. Declare to others that repentance is necessary. Also declare that they must follow Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Simplicity"
(Simple Example)
20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:20-21)
This is a simple example of our life, or what our life should be. It actually gives us instructions on what we should be doing and how we should be doing it.
I will read this often and make sure that I remember my plan and purpose. Declare to all, that they must repent, and have faith in Jesus Christ.
Mighty God, please help me to know and understand the simple plan that God has set before us. Teach the Gospel from house to house. Declare to others that repentance is necessary. Also declare that they must follow Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Baptized by the Spirit
2-12-12
"Baptized by the Spirit"
(Baptized into the Lord Jesus)
4 Paul said "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:4-6)
Paul is showing us the baptism by water and the baptism of the spirit by the laying on of hands. The baptism by water is what most people believe to be the baptism. A lot of people miss the baptism into the Lord Jesus by the laying on of hands. That is when we receive the gifts of the holy spirit.
I have already been baptized in the spirit by the laying on of hands. That is when I began speaking in tongues. I will study and pursue the other gifts that the Holy Spirit has for us by his power.
Mighty God. Please bless me with the other gifts so that I will be used by you to be a blessing to the chruch. Thank you Jesus, Amen.
"Baptized by the Spirit"
(Baptized into the Lord Jesus)
4 Paul said "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:4-6)
Paul is showing us the baptism by water and the baptism of the spirit by the laying on of hands. The baptism by water is what most people believe to be the baptism. A lot of people miss the baptism into the Lord Jesus by the laying on of hands. That is when we receive the gifts of the holy spirit.
I have already been baptized in the spirit by the laying on of hands. That is when I began speaking in tongues. I will study and pursue the other gifts that the Holy Spirit has for us by his power.
Mighty God. Please bless me with the other gifts so that I will be used by you to be a blessing to the chruch. Thank you Jesus, Amen.
Business First
2-12-12
"Business First"
(Can't see the Truth)
25 He called thwm together, along with the workmen in related trades and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in pratically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshipped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty. (Acts 19:25-27)
Demetrius, the silversmith was more worried about his business than he was about truth. They were quick to discredit Paul and his disciples because of how it would affect their income and business. Later in the same chapter, the people rioted becuase of the way Paul and his disciples were discrediting Artemis, the Goddess that they worshipped.
More important than anything is Truth. God is truth. God is eternity. No matter how it affects our temporary standing, eternal truth is and should be the most important thing about how we conduct our lives. We shouuld not make decisions based on income or economics. I will vow to remember this verse when conducting business in the marketplace.
Oh God our Father. Thank you for being Truth. Thank you for being eternal. Thank you for considering me for your banquet table. Amen.
"Business First"
(Can't see the Truth)
25 He called thwm together, along with the workmen in related trades and said: "Men, you know we receive a good income from business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in pratically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshipped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty. (Acts 19:25-27)
Demetrius, the silversmith was more worried about his business than he was about truth. They were quick to discredit Paul and his disciples because of how it would affect their income and business. Later in the same chapter, the people rioted becuase of the way Paul and his disciples were discrediting Artemis, the Goddess that they worshipped.
More important than anything is Truth. God is truth. God is eternity. No matter how it affects our temporary standing, eternal truth is and should be the most important thing about how we conduct our lives. We shouuld not make decisions based on income or economics. I will vow to remember this verse when conducting business in the marketplace.
Oh God our Father. Thank you for being Truth. Thank you for being eternal. Thank you for considering me for your banquet table. Amen.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Great Fervor
Daily Devotions
2-11-12
Great Fervor
(Speak Boldly)
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spkoe with great fervor, and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly on the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26)
Apollos was an excited man of God. He didn't have all the facts, didn't have all of the knowledge, but he had courage to share the gospel the best way that he could. He also did it boldly, without apologies. Apollos is a man who loves God. Priscilla and Aquila displayed the vision to notice the kind of heart that Apollos possessed and volunteered to teach him the gospel and scriptures more accurately.
I hope to be like Apollos and to teach and declare God's love for us, boldly and with fervor. I hope that mentors will be patient enough to work with me and to teach me the scriptures more accurately so that I may possess a better understanding of the face of Jesus. I also hope to have the patience and willingness to mentor others who have the heart for Jesus, but lack the thorough knowledge of the scriptures.
Mighty God our Father, thank you for accepting me into your kingdom. Help me to be bold like Appolos. Also help me to be giving and full of compassion like Priscilla and Aquila. Thank you for your son Jesus. Amen.
2-11-12
Great Fervor
(Speak Boldly)
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spkoe with great fervor, and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly on the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26)
Apollos was an excited man of God. He didn't have all the facts, didn't have all of the knowledge, but he had courage to share the gospel the best way that he could. He also did it boldly, without apologies. Apollos is a man who loves God. Priscilla and Aquila displayed the vision to notice the kind of heart that Apollos possessed and volunteered to teach him the gospel and scriptures more accurately.
I hope to be like Apollos and to teach and declare God's love for us, boldly and with fervor. I hope that mentors will be patient enough to work with me and to teach me the scriptures more accurately so that I may possess a better understanding of the face of Jesus. I also hope to have the patience and willingness to mentor others who have the heart for Jesus, but lack the thorough knowledge of the scriptures.
Mighty God our Father, thank you for accepting me into your kingdom. Help me to be bold like Appolos. Also help me to be giving and full of compassion like Priscilla and Aquila. Thank you for your son Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Do Not Be Afraid
Daily Devotions
2-11-12
Do Not Be Afraid
(Have Courage)
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." (Acts 10:9-10)
We have been commissioned by Jesus to share his gospel with all of our brothers and sisters, near and far. We are to go out courageously and not have any fear. First of all we are with Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit guides us. Secondly, although we may not see them we do have brothers and sisters who are also serving in ministry with us. We dod not serve alone. As the passage says, there are many in the city.
It is God who sent me into the ministries that I serve. I will go courageously with my eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, looking neither to the left nor to the right. The Holy Spirit is my guide and comforter. While I am walking with God there is no fear for anyone or anything other than the mighty God himself.
Mighty Father God, I thank you for your sacrifice to save me from eternal damnation. Thank you for your love and your grace. Please use me as a vessel to share your gospel among the brothers and sisters that do not know and believe in you. Please help me to strengthen those that already know you, so that they will get to know you better. Father please help me to be fruitful for you. We say these things in the name of your mighty son, Jesus Christ.
2-11-12
Do Not Be Afraid
(Have Courage)
9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." (Acts 10:9-10)
We have been commissioned by Jesus to share his gospel with all of our brothers and sisters, near and far. We are to go out courageously and not have any fear. First of all we are with Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit guides us. Secondly, although we may not see them we do have brothers and sisters who are also serving in ministry with us. We dod not serve alone. As the passage says, there are many in the city.
It is God who sent me into the ministries that I serve. I will go courageously with my eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, looking neither to the left nor to the right. The Holy Spirit is my guide and comforter. While I am walking with God there is no fear for anyone or anything other than the mighty God himself.
Mighty Father God, I thank you for your sacrifice to save me from eternal damnation. Thank you for your love and your grace. Please use me as a vessel to share your gospel among the brothers and sisters that do not know and believe in you. Please help me to strengthen those that already know you, so that they will get to know you better. Father please help me to be fruitful for you. We say these things in the name of your mighty son, Jesus Christ.
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