Friday, June 28, 2013

Preach the word in and out of season

S-2 Tim 4
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with [a]great patience and instruction.

O - This is one Paul's last letters of exhortation to Timothy where he teaches him the nature of man even in the church, to want to turn away from god and listen to teachers that align more with what they want to hear rather than the firm truth of gods word and new covenant in Christ. So he exhorts Timothy to be ready in all seasons to preach the word to strengthen, correct, and encourage Gods people.

A - the application in this season for me is to remember that even though I am not as involved in ministry today as I was, I have a calling like Timothy, to no matter what season I am in to stay true to God s word and to keep his truth in front of me , my family, my friends, and thosemGos has placed in my life.

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotional time, and your exhortation of me by Paul's words to Timothy. I pray Lord that you would help me to unpack all of the word you have sealed in my heart for the encouragement and correction of those in my life. I pray all this in Jesus name.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Equipping for Christians -The word of God

S - 2 Timothy 3
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is [h]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [i]training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work


O- Paul's exhortation toTimothy here is one in which after warning Timothy of the trials of being a Christian he shows him where his hope lies. The answer is the word of God equips and provides the man of God for every good work. God is our source of strength. Gods word is our wisdom, direction, shield and sword.

A - the application for me is that I needed to both keep grounded in Gods word as well as continue to equip myself in his word for every good work. My daily devotions and personal studies of Gods word will continue to sharpen and strengthen me if I will stay with it.

P - Dear Heavenly Father thank you for today's word, may it be planted deep in my heart, restore my weary sole, and sharpen me so I may continue to serve you with all my heart mind, soul, and strenghth.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

My life scripture - the key to peace

S-
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9 NASB)

O - this is my life verse paragraph. Paul describes here how we are to live as a Christian full off confidence and joy. It is both an exhortation and an instruction. First we are to rejoice...always. How we are to accomplish this joy always is given by a number of things. First just express you joy outwardly regardless of your circumstances. Second, trust that The Lord is near and present your prayers to God . Lastly focus on what is true and excellent and lovely. The results of practicing these personal disciplines is a peace that goes beyond all of life's circumstances.

A - the application for me is to practice these habits not just once a day in my quiet time in the morning but throughout my day. This is my next level of growth challenge. To let my gentle spirit lead me throughout the day and when situations present themselves to me which threaten that peace and begin to bring anxiety, I need to internally pause and pray, allow Gods only spirit in me to restore His peace. I am to moment by moment ensure I am stay focused on what is true and positive in the day and surrounding me, and not get caught letting my mind travel down a path of negative things and lies to entertain my thoughts.

P - dear Heavenly Father thank you for today's devotions. I pray that you would help me to practice and live these disciplines and principles. It is the core principles that I need based on who I am. You have made me wonderfully and perfectly for a purpose, but because of my own prior decisions and the affects of living in a fallen world, I need these habits deeply ingrained in me to continue to live and serve you with the best of who you created me to be.

Rejoice in all circumstances

S-
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. (Philippians 2:14-18 NASB)

O - Paul is describing to the Philippians the attitude of a Christian in the world. He exhorts us to live these hard times times with humbleness and confidence. We can do this if we hold fast to the word of god which is the word of life. He even confess that while being a living offering being for Christ you will face tough situations we can and should rejoice, which is an expressing of joy. We are also to share our joy with others so that their faith and can be encouraged.

A- The application for me is to understand that I can and should rejoice at all times, during trials. That staying true and grounded in the word is essential to fighting the eternal battle that occurs when their is external opposition.

P - dear Heavenly Father thank you for helping me push through this devotional time this morning. Lord I rejoice that I am yours and you won't let me go, and I pray to be refilled with your Holy Spirit so that my heart and mind can be focused and effective for you, for leading my family and for leading at work. In Jesus name I pray.












Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Walking in the council of Gods word

S-
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3 NASB)

O - the blessed man is he who knows and delights in the law of God. He knows gods word and therefore can discern that which is wicked counsel. This blessed man understands the ways of those who sin, even he has been there, but now avoids those paths because he knows where they lead and the affects of the path on his life in the Long run. The council of the wicked is easy to listen to, the path of sin is easy to follow, and so it is easy to sit back and scoff at others, vice examine oneself. By staying firm in the word of God the blessed man receives a solid foundation on which to weather the storm and be fruitful in Gods time.

A - the application for me is to understand that despite circumstances and seasons that feel less fruitful or joyful, I am to continue in the knowledge that staying grounded in gods word and gods ways offers the promise of a blessed life. By not settling at times for the more attractive and easy path of sin and negativity we stand glorifying God the Father.

P -Dear Heavenly Father thank you for today's word, which stands as a strong reminder that your ways are better than my ways. I pray for Abby and I that you help us navigate this season where, doubt, anxiety and even fear keeps its way into our thought life. I pray all this in Jesus name, amen.










Monday, June 17, 2013

Wisdom in a godly wife

S-
The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. Many seek the ruler's favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD. (Proverbs 29:25, 26 NASB)

An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain. (Proverbs 31:10, 11 NASB)

She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:26, 28-30 NASB)

O - to trust in two things is important. That The Lord is the only ruler in which I need to fear. By seeking Him in all things I will receive the favor that my soul craves. Seeking the favor of man is temporary and many times infill filling. The second thing is to give recognition and prices for the godly wife that God has provided for me. Her wisdom, kindness, and discernment are a blessing to our family. Abby serves us humbly and with a purity of heart that is rare.

A - The Lord has reminded me that my relationship with Him and Abby are the two most important to recognize, nurture, and give attention to. I must trust that these relationships are the foundation upon which all other things can stand.

P dear Heavenly Father thank you for your daily reminder and refreshing through your word. I pay Lord you help me walk in confidence in these truths so I can increase my trust in you, and your provision for me via my wife Abby.












Friday, June 14, 2013

Wisdom for leaders , parents, friends

S-
Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:1, 2 NASB)


Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend,
And do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away. (Proverbs 27:10 NASB)

He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue. (Proverbs 28:23 NASB)

A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back. (Proverbs 29:11 NASB)

The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. (Proverbs 29:15 NASB)

The fear of man brings a snare,
But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. Many seek the ruler's favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD. (Proverbs 29:25, 26 NASB)

O - what a full package of wisdom revealed through proverbs. The is simply not one truth for us that can help us govern ourselves, there is one God, and one way, and truth, justice, and righteous comes from The Lord. We are to participate in what God is doing and do it in Gods way.

a - As a leader, a friend, a parent, and husband I am reminded I have a part to play and that it is to represent God and his ways . I am to use wisdom and self restraint to correct, and am to lead humbly, and to love unconditionally.

P - Dear Heavenly Father thank you for the day and for the your wisdom that you continue to poor into my life. I pray lord you would continue to lead me to lead and love those around me iaw your ways. I pray this in Jesus name, amen.
















Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Wisdom of humility

S-
Know that wisdom is thus for your soul;
If you find it, then there will be a future,
And your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:14 NASB)

Do not claim honor in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here,"
Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen. (Proverbs 25:6, 7 NASB)

Do not go out hastily to argue your case;
Otherwise, what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor humiliates you? (Proverbs 25:8 NASB)

Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances. (Proverbs 25:11 NASB)

By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft tongue breaks the bone. (Proverbs 25:15 NASB)

It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glory to search out one's own glory. (Proverbs 25:27 NASB)

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 26:12 NASB


O - honor, wisdom, and humility need to walk hand in hand for the man of God to glorify God. The passionate pursuit of wisdom and truth is a good pursuit but the application or use of that knowledge can often times be applied incorrectly and the results are less than desire able. The heart and motivation behind the use of knowledge will often make the difference. If to glorify yourself or tear down another it's use is less than righteous. If used to reveal truth to those who can't see so that a righteous path may be taken that is honorable.

A-The application for me is to realize that seeking promotion in others eyes is a terrible motive for actions. Allow my desire for righteousness and seeking God's best for each situation guide and fuel me. Promotion is from The Lord and is always more internally satisfying than striving for recognition for what I think I deserve.

P - Dear Heavenly Father, you are the king on your throne, and promotion comes from you.
Thank you for your recognition of me through the gift of your son Jesus. Lord a pray for continued overfilling of the Holy Spirit so that what comes out of me is of your spirit and not my flesh.








Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Guarding against anxiety and worry

S
Prov 19:11, 20-23 (NASB)
A man's discretion makes him slow to anger,  And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Listen to counsel and accept discipline,  That you may be wise the rest of your days. 
Many plans are in a man's heart,  But the counsel of the Lord  will stand.
 What is desirable in a man is his  kindness,  And  it is  better to be a poor man than a liar. 
The fear of the Lord    leads  to life,  So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

O -   God's word is true and without negative thought or anxious contemplation.   By saturating my mind with his truth and view life and circumstances through his perspective I can walk confidently in the path he has me on.   These specific truths from Solomon in Proverbs remind us that the character and habits of one that is walking in God's truth , are to be slow to anger, to accept discipline,  to be kind, to seek the council of the Lord, and to reverent follow God. 

A - The application for me is to recognize that I need God desperately to transform me daily through his word, so that I can endure through times of anxiety and worry, to be strengthened and edified daily by his words and guidance,  so I might ground my anger, and learn his loving kindness.  

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for you grace, and guidance and protection over this season.  I feel you have seen me be deconstructed during my time here in Monterey, and I pray that it is you that is rebuilding me for your purposes.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Leading and leaders - wisdom in following and leading

S -
A righteous man who walks in his integrity-
How blessed are his sons after him. (Proverbs 20:7 NASB)

Man's steps are ordained by the LORD,
How then can man understand his way? (Proverbs 20:24 NASB)

Every man's way is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts. (Proverbs 21:2 NASB)

Do not associate with a man given to anger;
Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways
And find a snare for yourself. (Proverbs 22:24, 25 NASB)

Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29 NASB)

When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you, Do not weary yourself to gain wealth,
Cease from your consideration of it. (Proverbs 23:1, 4 NASB)


O - The ways I am to follow I must be thoughtful and discerning of. If I am not going to isolate myself in a cocoon of Christians, I must make decisions about whose ways and values I will admire. I will admire Gods ways; when at work or in the world I will admire men after god's heart, especially those who display their faith confidently in the work place and in leading their families.

A - the application for me is to despite my tendency to look to authority figures for approval, I must still be discerning of God's truths and Gods ways. I must work confidently and with the peace to know God's ways are better than the worlds ways.

P - dear Heavenly Father, thank you for grace, and guidance today through your word.
















Sunday, June 9, 2013

God perfect provision

S-
Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
Than a house full of feasting with strife. (Proverbs 17:1 NASB)

He who conceals a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. (Proverbs 17:9 NASB)

The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14 NASB)

He who restrains his words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. (Proverbs 17:27 NASB)

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. A man's gift makes room for him
And brings him before great men. (Proverbs 18:15, 16 NASB)

He who finds a wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 18:22 NASB)

Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,
And he who hurries his footsteps errs. (Proverbs 19:2 NASB)

House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the LORD. (Proverbs 19:14 NASB)

Discipline your son while there is hope,
And do not desire his death. (Proverbs 19:18 NASB)

Many plans are in a man's heart,
But the counsel of the LORD will stand. (Proverbs 19:21 NASB)

O - The wise council of The Lord from these proverbs shows the diversity and who lenses of His wisdom. From relationships with our wife, our kids, our family ,our co workers. There is wise council which is behavior and a heart that represents God well. Both humility and hunger for knowledge, acceptance of correction and gracefulness in correcting. Gods plan for our life is perfectly sufficient and our only hardship is to understand his ways and follow Him.

A - The application for me is to recognize that these proverbs can serve as markers to remind me to be thankful for Gods perfect provision, in material things, in a wife, in children, and in skills and knowledge. I must trust in these perfect provisions to continue walk in the circumstances God has placed me in for His glory.

P - dear Heavenly Father, thank you for you perfect provision. I pray Lord you would build my confidence, patience, and prudence in heart, mind and soul in the days ahead.



















Friday, June 7, 2013

Uprooted lies in me and planting Gods truth

S
Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4 NASB

The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied with his. (Proverbs 14:14 NASB)

He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29 NASB)

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)

A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4 NASB)

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility. (Proverbs 15:33 NASB)

When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7 NASB

The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NASB)

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32 NASB)

O - emotional intelligence is what gods proverbs translated to today are saying . There are wise ways, which honor God, respect people, and bring life and not death. These are t
Hose ways.


A - For me it has been my walk with Christ goal to unwrap and rid myself of habits that halve taken root in me . The habits formed in quick to anger,full of pride, haunted by low self worth are we're the battle is. Today I desire to replace thosemwithnGods love and truth.

P - dear heavenly father thank you for helping me resume my therapy of soak in your word, allowing it to remove and restore. I pray your truths you would plant in my heart, and uproot any lies that remain. I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

















Thursday, June 6, 2013

Woes of wisdom to guide my feet

S

When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2 NASB)

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 11:4 NASB)

Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory. (Proverbs 11:14 NASB)

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid. (Proverbs 12:1 NASB)

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NASB)

The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
But a good word makes it glad. (Proverbs 12:24, 25 NASB)

The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 NASB)

He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. (Proverbs 13:24 NASB)

O- Words of wisdom feed my head, heart, and soul all at the same time. They provide woes of reminder, word o encouragement, and words of rebuke; all are necessary. I must continue to allow these words of truth to fill me and replace my own perverse thoughts.

A- The application of these proverbs is a reminder to maintain a humble, but diligent perspective on life. Worries or concerns about my position or wealth , yield a life much less than God intended. Keeping good company of wise men and women of God,

P - thank you lord for your continued investment in me. Pleas continue to feed and lift me up so that the days ahead I may continue to represent Jesus well here on earth.

















Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wisdom of proverbs


s -

Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love. (Proverbs 5:18, 19 NASB)

Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids; Go to the ant, O sluggard,
Observe her ways and be wise, How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep? "A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest"- (Proverbs 6:4, 6, 9, 10 NASB)

"Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my doorposts. "For he who finds me finds life
And obtains favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 8:34, 35 NASB)


When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise. It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it. (Proverbs 10:19, 22 NASB)


o - I must continue to act on what I know I am called to do, to act wisely, to live lovingly, and to bring people together, not tear them apart. I must do so the same at home and at work. I must fight the temptation to do nothing and observe life, but also be prudent with my words and actions.

A - I must be exhorted by the word of God today to not live passively in my love and leadership of those in my life.

P - dear Lord thank you for restoring my interest and encouraging me in my devotions. Please lord fill me with your spirit, guide me, prompt me so that I may be a man after you and be used to reach the people you have placed in my life.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Words of wisdom before the move

s
"For the waywardness of the naive will kill them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them. (Proverbs 1:32 NASB)

For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God. So you will walk in the way of good men
And keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land
And the blameless will remain in it; (Proverbs 2:3-5, 20, 21 NASB)


Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart. Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:3, 5, 6 NASB)


Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce; (Proverbs 3:9 NASB)

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding. Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:13, 17 NASB)


O - god is reminding me through his word that peace comes from seeking his ways, because they are better than our ways. daily seeking his discernment and wisdom keep me in his pleasant ways and brings peace.

a - I must continue to read and reflect on his word, continue in prayer to seek guidance, and listen to discern his ways through the day.

P - thank you Lord for continue to invest in me, never changing , ever faithful you are the true constant.