Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Encouraged daily

S Hebrews 3:12-14 NASB
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end,

O - Here God is telling us through the example of the followers of Moses who wandered the desert for 40 years that their hearts were hardened and they unbelief caused them to fall away from the living God who had saved them.   God gives us advice through the author of Hebrews that we are to encourage each other daily so that we won't be hardened and become lost in deceitful sin. 

A -  The application for me is to recognize that I have allowed unbelief to creep in and have not allowed encouragement on a daily basis from God, His word, the Holy Spirit and fellow believers to pull me away from hardening of my heart.   I need to continue to surround myself with His word, and His people in this time.  

P - Dear heavenly Father, I confess my faith is stumbling , not because you are any different because I have allowed my heart to fall away.  Lord I so desperately want to work my why back to you.  I know I can do all things with you and without you it is a great struggle.  I pray Lord that you strengthen me to walk back toward you, and belief in the truths that you are speaking into my life in times of devotion, and pray that you are with me throughout the day. I pray you help me run to those in my life you would have me look to strengthen my belief,  and be encouraged.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Jesus understands our suffering

S - Hebrews 2:14-18 NASB
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
http://bible.com/100/heb.2.14-18.NASB

O - Jesus was made man by God and sent here with a purpose.  He was with God in heaven, leading all the angels, and then was made flesh and sent to earth and became less than the angels, for a purpose.  His purpose was so He could come to earth, walk among God's people, understand their temptation and suffering, and then offer the ultimate gift of salvation through His death, and then ultimate shepherd ship through his resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit.   The last verse explains why we can trust in Him, because he has already proven His trustworthiness , by his faithfulness to God's calling, and His willingness to sacrifice all for my sake.

A - The application for me is to recognize that Jesus understands my pain and suffering, but even more important He is able to come to my aid in my own temptation to wander from God and His ways.    I must put my trust in Him, and give all my burdens and temptations to Him.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus.  Jesus please come to my aid today and begin lifting the burdens of my mind, and protect me from the temptations of the devil and those he has sent to discourage and distract me.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Christ in me

S- 2co.4.7-10.nasb
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

O   - Paul describes the life with Christ in us as Christians.   They are sobering words of encouragement, exhortation and the reality of who Christ is in us.   This paradigm so differs from the perspective the people had prior to Christ coming and dieing for us.  They had parallel experiences,  God in the Temple,  a priest who interceded on their behalf,  affliction and challenges.  Now this is the power of Christ, that He is our High priest,  lives in us,  guides us,  intercedes for us.  Once we have allowed Him in, He resides in us and does not let us go.

A - The application for me is an acknowledgement that it was not in my power that Christ came to dwell in me but a decision God made on my behalf, long before I was born.  I have chose to accept this sacrifice and invite Christ into my life and He is with and for me.   Though I may walk through circumstances that bring my spirit down,  His Spirit resides in me and interecedes on my behalf.  I belong to Him.  

P -  Lord thank you for your sacrifice, that you died for my sins and dwell in my heart, interceding with the Father on my behalf.  I pray Lord you lead me in this season to  your will, and strengthen me in your ways.  I pray that Lord you cast out the spirit of despair and replace it with your spirit of hope and love.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

The least of the members of Christ

S -  1 Cor 12:21-25 (NASB)
21And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25so that there may be no division in the body

O -  My observation is that God puts all his people together as a collective body and uses the most unexpected parts to perform significant roles.  God is our redeemer not just from sin , but he redeems every part of us for His glory.     Here we see the reason why behind God  using the less presentable members as equally important, it is so there will be no division in the body.   That doesn't mean we don't celebrate what God has gifted the body with talented and presentable parts, it just helps us if we are one of those more presentable we humble ourselves, and use God's gift to influence and encourage the less presentable and the lost.

A -  The application for me is to realize that I have low self esteem as to my part of the body.   I feel less presentable and qualified, speak Lord from a place of truth into my life so that I may know my part, embrace it, and raise my thought life toward Him who is worthy of praise, and can change my perspective.   I need to step down from a place of honor and recognition to a place of humbleness and dependence. 

P - Dear Lord you know the funk I am in,  I thank you for this word today as a reminder of who you are and the importance of planting your truth in my heart; allowing your spirit to work within me.  I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Submit myself to my wife

1co.7.4-5.nasb
 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.  Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

O -  Paul's exposition of marriage comes in context and from God's own truth about marriage.   I believe we can start with the fact that in heaven there is no marriage, but there is much love,  this affirms Pauls sentiment that not getting married, if possible is preferrred, but instead to be wholly devoted to God.   God recognizes during creation that it is not good for man to be alone and gives him a helpmate in Eve, so God acknowledges something special about man on earth being in need of companionship/fellowship with one other on very special terms.   Now we get to verses 4-5 of the scripture where Paul says it is good to get married because for most it is impossible to live the celibate life, therefore we are to give ourselves in marriage fully in a manner pleasing to God, and that enhances our relationship with God and not harms it.  

A - The application for me and my marriage to recognize the need to submit myself physically, emotionally, and in many ways spiritually to my wife.  Not to deprive her of her physical, spiritual and emotional needs. In this trying season, I must submit myself to here to love her in a way that honors God, and ensures the enemy has no foothold in our lives.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for keeping me in your word, I will continue to seek your face through prayer and your word, waiting on devine restoration, revelation, and healing in this season.  Despite my feelings, I am asking for strength to stay connected, to wait patiently on you Lord.  If there is any unrighteousness in me Lord I pray that you reveal it that I may repent of it and be slowly rebuilt in the image that you created me to be.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Gods wisdom should reign in me

S  - pro.8.10-11.nasb
 "Take my instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold. "For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

O-I know here Solomon speaks from the voice of wisdom as to what to embrace , wealth, or fortune versus understanding and knowledge.   As he woo's us away from fortune to wisdom,   I believe God means to draw us near to Him and far from the enticements of the world.   "For wisdom is better than Jewels"  and God is the source of true wisdom.  Thoughts and knowledge of successfully rich and perverse men are the opposite of wisdom.

A - The application for me is to reject the perceived wisdom of the world. To lay down any previous thoughts or beliefs I may have hidden in my heart about what success is.   I must review and live by the wisdom and guidance of what God has planted in me.   I must dig out the weeds of old knowledge and put them to rest.   I must not mourn this lost, but mourn the effect of these possessions of old.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me.  I pray that today's wisdom from your word, would continue to weed out the untruth that lies in my heart.  I pray Lord to replace my past with your future, my thoughts with your wisdom, my desires with your purposes.  I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

He chose me because of weakness

S1 Cor 1:18-21, 26-29 (NASB)
18For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside."
20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe
...
26For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,28and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29so that no man may boast before God.

O - Paul here is really trying to turn the believers perspective away from their own foolishness, which is belief in their own wisdom, from their own strength which is truly their weakness, toward God who in His weakest is still stronger, and in his most simple things is wiser than our smartest things.   I think Paul knows that in Christ we gain a new confidence and that confidence can be turned against us as our pride begins to replace what God has done in us, a transformation from self reliance to God reliance, from individual led, to Christ led.  

A -  The application for me is to realize that I have allowed my life which I have professed a commitment to Christ,  to turn back toward my old ways of self reliance and personal wisdom.  I realize I have likely thought better of myself than I ought to have in the past, I am broken and flawed and confess I need a savior.  I had forgotten I had a savior because I couldn't be my own.  I also have to realize that it is in my weakness that He is strong, and that He has chosen me because of my condition, to share the Good News of who Jesus is, and how he can use even someone like me.

P - Dear heavenly Father,thank  you for Jesus, thank you that you died for my sins, and have called me to your side.    I pray Lord for a restoration and healing for my inequities that I might boast of you and be free from the temptations and negative thoughts of the enemy.  I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.







Thursday, October 29, 2015

stay in God's word

S - Prov 4:20-23 (NASB)

My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
22For they are life to those who find them
And health to all their body.
23Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.

O -   The lord through Solomon, has given wisdom for me to pay attention to and listen to.  God is telling us that we are to continue to seek Him in His word,  keep them flowing through my heart and mind and soul, because this is what will keep you healthy.


A -  The application for me today is to continue to read daily the bible, through devotions, let it enter my head and heart and reveal in me those things that are not of God, and well up in me the springs of life that come from the Holy Spirit.  Jesus has come into my life, He is the word of truth, my lord and savior , and I belong to him.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me back to your word, may it continue to inspire and cleanse me.  May it bring new life to my weary soul.   I pray Lord for a washing and renewing of my heart, and a healing of any physical ailments that keep me from the full joy of knowing who I am in you.   I pray for healing over depression and anxiety, I pray for wisdom and discernment of what it is I am to do today.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Keep the lords commandments in my heart

S -  Prov 3:1-2 (NASB)
1My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
2For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.

O -  Solomon shares wisdom that we have a natural tendency to forget the wisdom and commandments that come from God through His word.   But the truth is His word is alive and living, and if it is living inside of us,  it adds years of life to your life, and peace is the result.  

A -   Wow, this hits hard as I face a time in my life that seems to lack peace.   I am reminded that God's word, His commandments in His word, and His commandments to me through prayer, devotions, and holy spirit promptings are what He wants to restore in me in this season.

P - My application is my prayer, Lord help me to re-ignite the fire or fan the flame inside of me.  I recognize that in my weakness you are strong,  I confess your ways are so much better than my ways.  My prayer oh Lord is that you remove the paralyzing fear and anxiety that comes with my depression, that you help me to seize every moment you have given me to love others and love you.  Lord it is through prayer and confession and humbleness that I submit my whole self to your will. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Seek wisdom, gain fear of the Lord

S - Prov 2:
1My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
3For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
4If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
6For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding


O -    The words of wisdom we receive here from Solomon are from God,  so we can trust its truth and worthiness of receiving and planting in our hearts.    Solomon describes here a heart to seek God's wisdom,  for they are hidden treasures to be found,   but what we receive on this journey of seeking the wisdom of God is actual an understanding of the fear of the Lord and knowledge of who He really is.

A - The application for me is to realize while I have sought to know God and gain wisdom in his word, and discernment in His spirit, it may not have been leading me to where I would have thought. My knowledge of who God is, and how insignificant my plans and my ways are , is becoming more and more apparent daily.   My plans are folly and my ways fall short of God's ways.  I am coming humbly before him daily, confessing my shortcomings and seeking his hand and favor.

P -  Lord only you know my heart, and know my circumstance.  I am praying that through your spirit I would be filled, healed, and uplifted.  I truly am nothing without you.  I pray for restoration of hope and joy,  passion and empathy, and most of all filled with your love, so that I can outpour your love to those you have placed in my life.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Fear for the Lord, the restart of knowledge and wisdom

S -  Proverbs 1:7 (NASB)
7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

O - A healthy fear (or reverence) of the Lord is necessary to understand and learn from Him,  the creator of all things.  He offers up this opportunity to have revelation of His principles and truths, but those who are foolish despise the wisdom of God.   This doesn't mean they don't think they know or learn things, but instead seek the wisdom of the world.

A - The application for me today, was a reminder by the Holy Spirit to get back to devotions by seeking God's wisdom and instruction and rejection the worlds.   It begins with a genuine reverence for who He is , and a healthy fear of not being with Him.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's encouragement, correction, and direction.  I am so sorry I have not stayed devoted to putting your word deep in my heart, and am thankful to let you back in to begin depositing gems and your spirit to fill me.  I pray Lord your spirit would guide and refresh me in this endeavor.  

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Last days - we must prophesy what the spirit is prompting

S - act.2.17-18.nasb
'A nd it shall be in the last days ,' God says, 'T hat I will pour forth of M y S pirit on all mankind ; A nd your sons and your daughters shall prophesy , A nd your young men shall see visions , A nd your old men shall dream dreams ; E ven on M y bondslaves , both men and women , I will in those days pour forth of M y S pirit And they shall prophesy.

O - This is Peters explanation of why at Pentecost the Apostles received the Holy Spirit and were able to speak the tongues of all the differing languages that where represented by the Jewish people in Jerusalem.   As these people heard the gospel coming forth in their own language, from Galileans whom didn't grow up speaking their language they were compelled to listen and give glory to God.  This is who our God is , and how he operates.  He reaches each and everyone of us, personally, right where we are.  There is not a need to be learned of a particular language, or conversant reading latin, or greeek, or even Hebrew.  His plan as prophesied before was that young men will see visions, and old men dream  (young to old) and that this will be sent out to everyone.  From their sons and daughters will speak with God's spirit to reach all those God is calling.

A - The application for me is to recognize, and even acknowledge that we are in end times,  which means only in this context,  God has poured out His spirit on us for the purpose of proclaiming the good news of salvation through Christ.   If I will draw near to Him,  His spirit can flow through me to reach those whom He is calling to repentance and restoration.    I must seek the Holy Spirit, and seek to speak the words that He is calling me to speak.

P -  Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your great leadership and grace.  I thank you for hearing my voice, answering prayers, and filling me with your spirit.  Lord I pray you would help me to love you, an dspeak your love tand grace to those you have put in my life.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Keep the temple clean

S -luk.19.45-46.nasb
 Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, saying to them, "It is written, 'A nd M y house shall be a house of prayer ,' but you have made it a robbers ' den ."

O - Jesus came to restore God's best for God's people, and to incarnate the church, in flesh vice stone.  Jesus' desires to see God's plan fully filled, and as he exampled here in the temple, he want to rid God's temple of anything that can corrupt it.   Here it is the money changers and merchants who had created an environment not aligned with God and the temples purpose, for us today, our bodies are the temple, our hearts and minds are where we must maintain in order to prevent the temple from being corrupt.

A -  The application for me is to ensure that the love of money and possessions, the desire for easiness over righteousness does not overtake my heart and mind.   I must rid myself of the things of the world making unclean the temple of my heart and mind, where Jesus and the Holy Spirit live. 

P - Dear heavenly father, please help me to rid myself of all unrighteousness in the temple you have provided me.  Lord I can't see it or rid it without you.  I pray all this in Jesus name.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Pray continuously to the Lord

S -  Luke 18:4-8   (NASB)
4For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" 6And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly.

O -  This parable was spoken by Jesus to those listening in context to their own prayers to God.   The purpose appears to encourage them to present their request always (day and night) to the Lord,  and he will represent and honor these requests.   Honor these requests may not be as a wish is presented to a genie, but more like an agreement between the judge and the widow in parable,  will give her his legal covering.   God will do the same for us, as we present our request to God, He is good and faithful,  for Christ intercedes our behalf at the right hand of the Father.  The holy spirit works within in us to know what to pray and even when spoken inexactly ensures the Father knows our prayers, and guides them.

A -  The application for me is  to remember to pray continuously throughout my day, into each and every circumstance, because God is listening, and has agreed to  provide a covering in my life.   I will walk the day presenting my request and let God's peace reign in my head and heart, and trust in his methods and means to answer my prayers.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Praise him in all circumstances

S - Psalm 150
1Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
2Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
3Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
4Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
5Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
6Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!

O -   This sounds like David, to praise the lord always is his heart, and it is a heart I wish to catch.   My observation is that Davids reminder is that is how great our God is,  worthy of praise when I go to church, when I leave church,  when I see His workings in the the community,   we I see the greatness of His creation,  when I hear and sing worship songs,   when I see walk amongst a world of His great creation.   Because bottom line Praise the Lord in all things.

A-  Lord I give you praise in this season I walk.  My outlook internally is bleak but that is me not seeing you in every place I am.  I am allowing to darkness to cloud my view and need to break the darkness by seeking the light;  the light is worthy of notice, and worthy of praise because it is from God.  As I am moved it is easy, but in times of darkness I must stand of God's truth and his ever presence that each moment is worthy of God's praise, seeking the light and rejecting darkness will get me there.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Reborn in the Spirit

S - John 3: 4-6 (NASB)
 "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

O -  Jesus is teaching Nicodemous,  an educated and aged Pharisee,  that there is a new understanding and truth that He is bringing.  That as man we are born of flesh and we work in our flesh to strive after righteousness.  But the new truth is that which is born  of flesh is temporary and will pass away.  That which is born of the spirit of God endures.   Jesus came to deliver the spirit of God into those who will receive and be reborn in the Spirit.   "the grass will whither, the flowers will fade, but your word will last for ever".


A - Today's message for me comes from a God who loves and is pursuing me.  I reflect on the things born of my flesh,  that these things are and will fade away.   What endures is what truth He has spoke into my life, and what peace he has given me.  My mother in laws witness to me of what man cannot do in flesh, but God can do all things when we give His spirit to the situations we find ourselves in.   
P - Dear heavenly Father, I give you my life,  I desire to be reborn in spirit and truth.   I desire to once again die to my flesh and be reborn, so that I can live a life that is honoring to you,  so that your name would be glorified, and many more would know you.  I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Trusting in Jesus

S - John 2:24 (NASB)
But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

O -  As Jesus began his ministry, his teaching, passion for God, and miracles caused many to believe and begin to follow Him.    What is interesting as his popularity gained and his following strengthened he did not entrust himself to praise and desires of these followers.   He was there from the beginning and new the sinful nature of man, even while giving him praises.   This isn't saying he didn't love them, or didn't desire to lead them to salvation, but rather He knew that God had a personal relationship with His people from Adam and Eve to present, and they are capable of  turning away.

A -   The application for me is to recognize that Jesus loves me, and he knows me and my nature deeply.    He is pursuing me, despite my sin and failures.   He desires to have me be restored with the Father at all times.   So when I sin, and fall away, he is faithful to be standing there with open arms to receive me in my flawed weaknesses.    He knows me better than any other, including myself.   I must continue to not condemn myself,  because Jesus doesn't.  I must run to him.

P - Dear heavenly father, I run to you this morning prayerful that you receive me in my weakness, and that you see me in my circumstance, and guide me to you.   I am praying for restoration of your spirit in me.  A spirit that drives me to love you unabandonedly and seeks you constantly.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Jesus, the light that drives out darkness in my soul

S - John 1:4-5 (NASB)
4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
O -   John starts off in His book on the Gospel story of Christ helping all of us understand that Christ was there from the beginning, one with the Father.  He was part of the Holy Trinity and from the beginning in him was life,  the life that would light and fill men,   would uncover and cause darkness to retreat.   In essence He was the source of the spirit in us.  Once sin entered our lives, and darkness began to fill our spirits.  It would be and is Christ who would come and chase out the darkness in us, with his spirit, that would dwell in us. 

A -  The application for me is recognize it is Christ in me that pushes the darkness out.  I am a child of God, but first I was a child of Adam.  Darkness entered my life and had been pressing out the light until I came to know Christ.  I have for a long season embraced the light, and Jesus in me has pressed out every darkness.  Recently I have allowed the darkness to creep back in through passivity and withdrawal.  I must draw near to God,  remember my first love, and invite Christ back to shine light on my darkness.

P - Lord this is my  prayer, that I confess I have allowed the darkness to creep back into my life, and I can not rid myself of this darkness without you.  No amount of rest, or recreation can replace you love, and I am petitioning you to come spirit into me, and light the darkness and restore my soul.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Cleansing and restoring of our spirit

S -  Ezekial 39: 25-27   (NASB)
5Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.


O - The prophet Ezekial speaks words of hope and mercy from God, who was correcting the people of Israel.   The Lords promise is to give the people a fresh start,  Sprinkling clean water on them to purify them from their past baggage that is keeping them separated from God.  He restores and renews to include a new heart and spirit.  These words are likely the prophesy of what was to come through sacrifice in Jesus, where we are purified by the  lamb of God, and the Holy spirit is given to each of us, and Christ lives in us, helping us stay close to God.

A  -  This story of salvation is refreshed in me.   I am encouraged that salvation is not a one time experience with God, but rather a on going process of Christ in me.  In this season I feel encouraged by this scripture that God is still sprinkling me with his righteous water to clease me , and restore my heart of stone to a heart after God.


P -  My prayer Lord is that you wash me clean once again, because I have strayed from my first love.   I need a renewing and restoring of my heart, mind, and spirit.   I ask that this scripture be hidden deep in my heart.  I pray Lord that you would guard my heart and mind in Christ name,  Amen.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Posture yourself correctly

S Rev.14.7 (nasb) and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."

O -  The testimony of the angels from the throne of God to the lost and saved during the end times is clear and consistent with all that has ever been spoken by God to His people from the beginning.   Our posture is to be one of reverence of who God is, our creator, our father, and our king;  and recognition that He above all others deserves the credit for His wonderful creation.  At this point in revelations the 144,000 have been marked, and the remaining have been afflicted, all that remains is the final judgement.   

A -  The application for me is to find God's truth for me is this season.  I know God is worthy of my reverence and deserving of my praise.   I can imagine this vision of the end times God portrays to us through John, that times are not easy , even for those who have been marked as a child of God.  But when I made Jesus my Lord and savior I invited him into my heart and soul and His spirit lives in me.  I therefore don't have to go anywhere but within me to understand His great power in me, and His great love for all.   I only have to turn toured that spirit within me, and reject the spirit of this world in order to maintain my posture correct in trying times.
P -  Dear heavenly Father thank  you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord I pray that you would continue to find ways of reminding me of who I am as a child of God.  I pray that you remove this afflection I have and restore my right thoughts toward and through you.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.