Thursday, August 31, 2017

A high priest in heaven, a fleet of priests her on earth


S - rev 5
And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song with these words:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become
    a Kingdom of priests for our God.
    And they will reign on the earth.”

O- my observation today is may be shallow but I know Revelations is deep in meaning.  In this setting we see Jesus the Lamb of God in heaven opening up the scroll and I'm thinking that scroll is list of those who are saved. And those who are saved ie who give themselves to Christ to become children of God they will now represent the high priesthood on Earth,  answer the high priest in heaven Jesus. You see in the Old Testament times the high priest for out of the family of Aaron or the Levites and were chosen because of they were born into it. Their leadership and intercession for the people of Israel at times was good but always seem to find a way to deteriorate. God's Eternal plan was to have Jesus be our high priest hand those who serve under him on Earth R Us who have been born again into this priesthood. What that means is we are given the responsibility than as Christians who are saved to go forth and do the work of the savior. That work is that of a priest who intercedes for those people who are separated from God. We as Christians are to attempts to close that Gap by letting people know who God is what Jesus Christ has done for our life and walking them towards God the Father and Jesus the son.

A - the application for me is just understand my role here on Earth. I have a Colleen based on my being saved and now Jesus Christ is my Lord. My Lord desires that I serve him here on Earth as his representative and therefore in my daily activities I must keep that perspective in the Forefront then dealing with people when correcting people when loving people.

P- dear heavenly father I asked that you would just help me Lord in this season I'm in to stay focused to stay aligned with you and to fulfill the calling you were calling me to be as a Christian here on Earth as a leader here in the Navy in the shipyard in this town in Bremerton and Lord I would just ask that you would just grant me peace and wisdom to lead your people both those that know you and those that don't. In Jesus Christ name I pray amen.

O-

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Worship in heaven

S - Revelations 4

Song -Crystal Lewis

Worship in Heaven

4 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, position: relative; vertical-align: top;a] and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit position: relative; xof God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

O - my only observations here which isn't really insignificant  but it is simple and significant. All of my adult Christian Life I have in seeking for great worship to participate in, and here we have John's revelation of those who are in God's presence in heaven worshipping him. It is not surprising this description is somewhat foreign to us because the truth is we can't imagine with our own mind what it means to be in the presence of God. What we can do is take John's word recognize it is revelation of what is to come for us and sit in all and wonder of our God who sits on his throne in heaven.

A- the application for me is to understand that God is with me today in my heart through his Holy Spirit and I can participate in worship with them here on Earth. That is sufficient for now but there is something more great to come. My soul longs to be a part of this Worship in heaven with all the great Saints and all the heavenly Creatures that bow down before him calling him King of Kings Lord of lords. The best I can hope for here on Earth is that I would experience moments of worship similar to that seen here in Revelations.

P- dear heavenly father thank you for your Revelation this morning through your word and through your spirit I feel uplifted understanding what it must be to Worship in your presence. Lord I pray that you help me to grow in this understanding and knowledge so that I might be filled with the joy that comes from being in your presence here on Earth Lord so that I might step out in faith and strength in who you are in me, so I might serve your purpose here on Earth as it is in heaven. I pray all of this in Jesus Christ name amen.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Trust and obey the Lord's commands and Promises

S Revelations 3
8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. 9 Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.

10 “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.

13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

O - my observation is that Jesus is speaking to the church at Philadelphia because they are enduring the trials of the early Church in a honorable and credible way that is to be example by Churches even today. He is saying that he has open the door to eternal life and no one can take that away from the church but that he acknowledges the church operating in the world will be challenged and even have little strength to face the world, but with faith in who our God is and what his promises are we are able to face these challenges and not turn from God. In the history of God's people they frequently repented and return to God. But after some period of prosperity often came a period of adversity in which God's people would end up turning towards other Idols rather than turning towards God. Jesus is Praise of the Church of Philadelphia is merely saying you have not follow the old patterns of God's people and for that you are to be praised.

A- the application for me is to understand even in looking in my past recent trial and struggle that if anything the reason I feel favored today is because I stayed faithful and true to following Jesus despite the circumstances that surrounded me or the thoughts that filled my head. These thoughts were of fear and uncertainty and had me questioning my own faith in God. But rather than to capitulate and go the ways of the world I chose to endure and wait on the Lord. Many days were dark and I honestly thought they were my last days of holding on to God but each day he gave me the strength two to walk one more day. This is how we as Christians hard to live. We will face trials and distraction but we have already faced our biggest challenge which is our sin, that fights Jesus has one for us already. Now we are to walk through that Open Door knowing it will never be shut, knowing that we must simply trust and wait on the Lord in all seasons.

P-dear heavenly father I thank you Lord for this scripture and your message for me and for your people. I asked Lord that you would help me to apply it to my daily life. To help me store it in my heart and remember it when I face my next trial. Where my faith is tested and decisions need to be made as to which side of Eternity I plan on trusting in. I pray today that you would continue to guard my heart and mind with this knowledge that though I feel great and have lots of energy Lord that you would guard my heart and guard my mind to help me protect them from the influences of the world, the worries of the world, and the ways of the world.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Live like there is no tomorrow

Live like there is no tomorrow, 
S - Revelation 2
9 “I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.

11 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.

O - the spirit of Jesus thru John the Apostle is reviewing the nature of Jesus's vision for Christians following him in the young new churches. Much of our Doctrine today I realize now comes from both the gospels which are the news of what Jesus did while he was here on Earth and the letters of Revelation to the early church. Here Jesus is making it clear to the young churches in this case the church at Ephesus that being a Church of God meaning that you experience suffering and poverty but that your riches lie in heaven. The reason this is good news is because Jesus knows about the coming second death or the death of all those who haven't believed in him and the life, eternal life, of those who know him followed Jesus. Suffering in this world is temporary life with Jesus his eternal.

A- application for me is just a reminder of how temporary this life is, how as a Christian in this world I will suffer, but my hope does not lie in today, though I am enjoying today, my hope lies in the eternal life and eternal mission that Christ has for me. So as I face challenging circumstances I can use this knowledge as a means to set my attitude by the right perspective. The devil will tempt, the world and it's entropy will tend to drive me away from God's plan, therefore I must cling to him daily and stay close.

P-. Dear heavenly father thank you Lord for this day that you have given me. I thank you for the place you have placed me for I know Lord you have good plans for me plans not for my destruction but for my prosperity and more so Lord for your kingdoms come purpose. I am thankful to have this opportunity to continue to grow in both leadership of people and internal leadership of myself. I pray over the upcoming planning sessions for the operations Department in lower that you would guy to be to know who when and what words to say with regard to this planning session Lord asked for your inspiration and your confirmation in Jesus name.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Seven habits to the seven nations

Seven habits to the seven nations
 S - Revelations 1
I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis,Philadelphia and Laodicea.

O - My observation is that John recognizes as he writes the book of revelations  he recognizes he needs to explain who the author is and that it's message which may be difficult to hear or understand is directly from the spirit of God.   More specifically it needs to go out to the seven example churches so that this revelation message can help them to lead the church of the future.  My observation is this is a critical message for the future Church of God to here and like God, it is timeless and clear in its direction.

A -  The application for me is to see how this ties into my calling to develop leaders and  teach them habits of highly effective christians.   Perhaps this book of revelations is god's lesson to the seven churches on how to lead the church. 

P - Dear heavenly Father thank you for your spirit pouring out on me today, help me to know how to temper this to stay aligned to your timing and my physical limits.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

The, or ever present help

S. Jerimiah 33
3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. 4 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: You have torn down the houses of this city and even the king’s palace to get materials to strengthen the walls against the siege ramps and swords of the enemy. 5 You expect to fight the Babylonians,but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness.

6 “Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. 7 I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns. 8 I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion. 9 Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.

10 “This is what the Lord says: You have said, ‘This is a desolate land where people and animals have all disappeared.’ Yet in the empty streets of Jerusalem and Judah’s other towns, there will be heard once more 11 the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the Lord. They will sing,

‘Give thanks to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    for the Lord is good.
    His faithful love endures forever!’

O -the description here is of God's people and  there banishment to Babylon, this was followed by God's plan for rescue and restoration.  Good based on his character and quality is trust worthy and true to his promises to never abandon or forsake us, despite our periodic sin and rebellion. 

A - the application for me is to recognize the parallel to my own recent season.   I felt vanished and hopeless to ever being rescued, and toiled many days, to find my sin and repent,.to Seek God and hear his voice, but in my valley low, I felt no relief.  As a I sit here now in reflection of where I am today (Puget 300), on travel to Bahrain, feeling blessed and provided for, as well as called to serve God for His purpose I know now He will always have my back, for he knows the plans he has for me, plans for me to prosper, not plans for my demise.

P -.  Dear Heavenly father thank you for you, inspiration through your written word,. And for your ever present Spirit inside of me. Lord I I ask that you help me remember this season and  the rise up and in the valley , should I ever experienced another Valley season help me to remember this perspective .  In Jesus Name I pray Amen.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Clinging to Jesus in this world and his world

S John 20

 “Mary!” Jesus said.

She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).

17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

O- my observation on the scripture is a revelation online Jesus said quotes don't clean to me for I haven't ascended to the father. The reason he may have said this was because he realized that Mary who was excited to see him after his death and Resurrection may have wanted to clean to him in this world and keep him for herself Vice understanding that Jesus's place was at the right hand of the father interceding for us as our high priest.

A- the application for me today is really one in reverence of Jesus's wisdom and understanding Mary's desire Keep Jesus near her. For me I want Jesus with me all times and if it could be physical and not just spiritual presents I would want it. But that is my flesh not realizing and recognizing who Jesus is and how much more he does for us in heaven. I am thankful that Jesus is in heaven at the right hand of the father interceding for me so that my sins don't get in the way of my relationship with God so that I am discipled and and Sanctified overtime that I might be more and more like Jesus here on Earth, that I one day we'll be with Jesus in heaven.

P -Dear heavenly father thank you so much for this day and for what you have done thank you for sending your son here on Earth so that we might get to know him and understand your teachings and your ways. I pray Lord that you would continue to sanctify me through each trial through each Miracle through each opportunity that you are giving me to learn and grow in my love for you. My heart's desire is to kapura fi your name through what I do and I pray that you would help me to keep that perspective even in the most challenging times. I pray all this in Jesus name amen.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Discerning God's true leaders l

Discerning God's true leaders

S  Jeremiah 23
25 “I have heard these prophets say, ‘Listen to the dream I had from God last night.’ And then they proceed to tell lies in my name. 26 How long will this go on? If they are prophets, they are prophets of deceit, inventing everything they say. 27 By telling these false dreams, they are trying to get my people to forget me, just as their ancestors did by worshiping the idols of Baal.

28 “Let these false prophets tell their dreams,
    but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word.
    There is a difference between straw and grain!
29 Does not my word burn like fire?”
    says the Lord.
“Is it not like a mighty hammer
    that smashes a rock to pieces?

O - the scripture from Jeremiah is both timely and relevant for me today but I will get to that more in my application of the scripture. This scripture is at a time that the Prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Israel who are being exiled and those left behind that soon there will be many false prophets that come and deceive you and by telling you there are ways in which you can be saved. However for Israel there was only one way and that was God's way. God needed to break them up there habits of turning to false idols and false prophets instead of turning to him and His prophets.

A- the application for me is that today I'm facing a new job and a new leadership role in the shipyard. I am organizing my thoughts and getting ready to cast a vision for the Department that helps this entire Shipyard move forward. However I have leaders of differing vision and prophecy. There in particular is a leader who is a man of God but is of the old school in the shipyard. His perspective is helpful for me because I think it's grounded in the right heart and Truth I am just not sure if he is speaking from God or from his past. Others in my leadership Circle also have history and vision, and they are the new leadership and group that will lead the shipyard in the future years. My role now my challenge is to discern which one is a true Messenger because I know that that word will smash all other things into pieces. It needs to be god-centered God inspired leadership that takes us forward no other way can end in the fruit that God wishes to produce here in Puget Sound.

P- dear heavenly father thank you Lord for this day for the scripture that you have given me as it is timely as my heart is being checked in building relationships and learning who the people of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard R. In particular Lord I pray that you give me discernment and guidance let your spirit be upon me as I make the decisions on who who's trust to invest in and who's course to correct I know Lord you have a plan and I am watching those plans come together right before my eyes and I give you thanks and praise for everything that you are doing here in my life in the ship yours life in the Navy's future and I just pray for our country that you would continue to lead us as your people to be lights in the world. In Jesus name I pray amen

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

God's level 5 Christians

Gods level 5 leaders

S - Psalm 112

How joyful are those who fear the Lord
    and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
    an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
    They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
    and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
    Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
    and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
    They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
    They will grind their teeth in anger;
    they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

O - This entire Psalm  extremely motivates me. It describes the man I want to be and I know God is creating me to be. No I am not there yet but I can see God carving out his image in me through the experiences and lessons he is teaching me. I understand now that the important thing is to fear the lord and truly delite in obeying his commands. It is from this place that we can be the best of who we are and the best of who God intends us to be. The words of this song describe in vivid detail what it means to be a level 5 leader. That term comes from a book by Collins on what it takes to have great leadership and Lead great organizations, level 5 leaders distinguished themselves from the rest and have very distinct characteristics. I believe God is creating level 5 Christians who are by definition are God's level 5 leaders. In my heart's desire is to be used by God to be one of those leaders, to work alongside other level 5 leaders, and to raise up level 5 leaders for the future

A- The application for me is simply this , to add this to my Psalms to study and emulate the characteristics of a level 5 Christian. I need to break this down and understand how God has already shown us in the Bible level 5 Christians and how they went on to be level five leaders, my thoughts go to Abraham and Moses and David. For me it'll be a application of study and practice until it becomes muscle memory and God's DNA is in me.

P- Dear heavenly father Lord I Thank you for all that you have done in my life I see now that through the highs and lows through the good times and the trials you have been with me. Thank you for showing such Grace and love that you are willing to continue to work with me despite my shortcomings. I pray in the season of leadership that you would give me the strength to be a level 5 leader if not through my own muscle memory than Lord through your Holy Spirit and guidance and favor. I pray all this in Jesus Christ's name, amen.

Monday, August 14, 2017

How to decide what to pray for

How to decide what to pray for
S John 17
25 “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.b]"28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”

O- I love this verse as it shows quite clearly that Jesus is our high priest to intercede for us between God and man. Heelys it out clearly that we are to ask but, he is not saying you will always ask what we ask. He of course plays the role of intercessor and therefore knows the heart of the father and our heart and would not allow selfish sinful requests to be translated to the father but instead work with us to check our own hearts. Other notable item is just the fact that the father directly loves each and everyone of us dearly and it is because we believe Jesus came from God. Yes we are reconnected with him through Jesus.

A- the application for me is to remain in close relationship with Jesus. As I process things in this world decide what I'm going to do, what I'm going to meditate on, and what I am just going to bring to Jesus, this balance of my role and Jesus's role in God's role in my life becomes clear. I am to have the conversation with Jesus about my concerns and fears and then through dialogue make the wise prayer request to God the Father. It is through this process I can be discipled by Christ as well as do God's kingdom work here on Earth.

P-dear heavenly father thank you Lord for these words of knowledge words of wisdom and words of inspiration that you have given me. I pray that you would help make it a habit of mine to threw a relationship with your son Jesus process all of the things that are going on in my life working on the things that are mine to work on giving the things that are I should hand over to Jesus to him and above all involving you in my life by presenting my request to you on the areas I just need help in things only you can do. I pray this in Jesus Christ name amen,.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Servant leadership exampled

Servant leadership exampled
S-JOHN 13
He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

O - My observation today is Jesus' example of servant leadership. It was revolutionary at the time and it is still revolutionary today.  We all have to remember the reason we are willing to be servants is because we all serve a God who is much greater than us he is our master . Jesus reminds us that even he was sent by the father and came to serve and not be served. Finally he leaves it as an example for his disciples to to choose to follow his example and serve one another because he has served them. The act of washing an others feet was a great example and humbleness in service.

A-   The application has been one in which I am trying to both develop the personal habit of servant leadership and describe so that others can understand what it means. I must first look introspectively them to understand the challenges of being a servant leader.   Self interest is often the driving factor that drives us away from the knowledge and practice of the truth of  servant leadership. When our needs or circumstances around us cause us to think in a scarcity manner we have a hard time serving.  An example is when we are hungry and without money with it is hard to in that moment to want to serve others. Once the basic needs are cared for we have an opportunity to move forward but beyond basic needs  of health security and protection.  We can focus on next level needs to be wanted and feel useful and full of purpose.   When I look at times in my life when I was drawn to self preservation and away from servant leadership it was times of crisis in which I didn't have enough capacity my soul and I feared for my own self destruction. When I allow the peace of God to rest on me when I put my faith in Christ when I understand he has a good plan for me and he has me in his palm I realize his yoke is easy and his burden is light,  my life light then once again is restored to a place I am able to focus on serving others .

P - dear heavenly father thank you Lord for today for your abundant provision in my life for lifting the fog of depression in for a lift in the weight of my own self interest off of my shoulders. I pray Lord that you would continue to do that on the way forward and help me to understand how I can travel through times of stress without turning to my own self interest.I pray also Lord that you help me to understand this lesson in a way that it is sealed to my heart and that I would share can share with others so that they may benefit from one for knowledge and relationship with you and might feel the freedom of living for and serving our great God. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Jesus the true Eternal fruit

Jesus the try eternal fruit
S -John 12

And Jesus *answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

O-Jesus's Parable hear about the green wheat that falls is one that is telling his story about why he needs to die so that he might bear much fruit and produce 1000 fold more.  Jesus here on Earth was like a very ripe fruit it was delicious and pleasing and had much to give but was limited and how much you can give by the size of the fruit. God's plan was bigger than just a man of Flesh coming to give what only one man can give but was to produce a fruit that multiplies, this is God's ways. People got to experience Kingdom fruit when Jesus was here yet he was just one apple. Because he died and was buried he produced a million times more the opportunity for fruit by Rising again and sitting at the right hand of the father eternally. He was the Tree of Life under which all Humanity had an opportunity to taste an bear fruit that gives life.

A -the application for me really is to understand how I was made in the image of God that I am born again and I'm being sanctified to be more and more like Christ everyday. That means God expects me to like Jesus died to myself so I might produce more fruit. What that looks like in my life today is I must die to self in order that I might produce fruit in my wife, I must die to myself in order to produce fruit in my children. And perhaps as importantly I must die to myself so that people around me might know the goodness of Jesus and the fruit he offers and that they too might join the Harvest.

P- dear heavenly father thank you so much for just your inspiration in these words out of the Book of John thank you for your perfect imagery allowing us to understand how great the fruit of your kingdom it really is through the example of your son Jesus Christ. Thank you that you've shown us a simple way to understand our role to play which is to be children who for a Time bear fruit and let that fruit be sweet and attractive to those in this world so they might be attracted to you. But let us remember death is our destiny in this world we are to die to ourselves and we are to live for you cuz it is those seeds which will be planted in generations to come to bear fruit or thank you for your perfect plan in Jesus Christ name I pray amen.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Repenting and turning towards the Lord

S - Jeremiah 3
O Israel, my faithless people,
    come home to me again,
for I am merciful.
    I will not be angry with you forever.
13 Only acknowledge your guilt.
    Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God
and committed adultery against him
    by worshiping idols under every green tree.
Confess that you refused to listen to my voice.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

14 “Return home, you wayward children,”
    says the Lord,
    “for I am your master.
I will bring you back to the land of Israel
    one from this town and two from that family—
    from wherever you are scattered.
15 And I will give you shepherds after my own heart,
    who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

O-I was pleasantly surprised to find this verse in Jeremiah because I really think it is applicable even to us today as Christians. The verse discusses God's words to the nation of Israel as their about to be sent out into exile and they are words that God is showing his love and mercy by showing them the way back to him. As Christians we have the extra benefit of having an intercessory person in Christ who helps us on that Journey back to God but the process is still the same. We must confess and admit our shortcomings you must confess and admit that some how often the Lord has already spoken to us his truth and what we are to do and many times we do not follow. And lastly I observe that God is just waiting to send us people in our lives who will Shepherd us well back to him if only we would start with repentance and turn towards him.

A-the application for me is as a Christian to develop that daily if not situational habit of recognizing when I do not have God's favor and I need to assess my own sin my own rebellion and my own areas of my life where despite God's guidance I have wondered from his ways. Recently I went through a period of great doubt and concern about how how I had wandered away from the Lord and if I could ever make it back. This verse from Jeremiah tells me there is always a way back with God we are simply to repent turn away from the things that are not of God and turn towards him and lastly wait on him patiently for he is trustworthy and able to deliver on his promises. For me that look like over a year of waiting on the Lord dealing with my sins but I can Proclaim that he has delivered me he has giving me leadership guidance and Restoration in the current season here in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

P-DEAR Heavenly Father thank you Lord for this lesson this message this reminder of Who You Are. You have laid out your Commandments you have given us your truthes and I am just too week at times to stay disciplined to them all but I am grateful for the chance to come and repent and turn back towards you. Lord I confess in the past that I had let Idols of work money house and things of this world become my God when you are my one true God. I thank you Lord for delivering me and restoring my mental emotional spiritual and physical health in the season now can I ask Lord that you would keep me close to you you would give me frequent reminders and help me to repent from the small before the Gap becomes large. I pray all this in Jesus name amen.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Good Shepherd and His Sheep


S John 7
 Good Shepherd and His Sheep

10 “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before mea]"] were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

O-every time I read this I am always get it wrong I think Jesus is the GateKeeper because that is who has to discern who are robbers and thieves. Or I think he is the shepherd who goes to the gate and asks the gatekeeper to let him in. But this time around I'm starting to see in this parable Jesus truly is saying he is the gate that no one enters the kingdom of God except through him. And because he is God he knows who is Faking It and who is not. The robbers and thieves he speaks of here are the leaders of Israel the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He says the true sheep do not listen to them but wait for the true Shepherd. He is the true Shepherd and the gate, now when people come to him they know his voice those who are called by God respond and he shows them the way.

A- the application for me if is not exactly simple but it is simplistic in nature. God is calling people to him and Jesus is the way. Now I may not be able two let people in the kingdom of God but I can leave them to the one who is the way. The second thing I must understand is that it is God who was calling them whose voice they need to know otherwise they are still just lost sheep looking for a good shepherd. In this world today there are many false Shepherds in which in which people are seeking someone to follow but Chase many false profits four Idols such as money wealth Fame recognition. So the application for me is to share what I know of the father to pray for people that God would call them to him to leave them to the truth and understanding of Jesus Christ and help them find the way.

P-DEAR heavenly father thank you for today's message you always come through and I trust in you. Today's message helps me understand who you are and who Jesus is better Lord help me to use this knowledge and understanding to leave the lost children that you are calling back to you to Jesus help me lower first and foremost with my own children I pray for Ashley and Chloe that they would get to know you more and everything they do Lord and that they would know your voice and they would come to the feet of Jesus and he would show them the way.

Monday, August 7, 2017

God's perspective is always better than ours

God's perspective is always better than ours
S  -john 9

1 As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 

O- These are the words of Jesus after he healed a man who was blind from birth. His disciples wanted to know what sin caused the blindness. His answer is a revealing one and shows our perspective versus God's perspective on many things. First our perspective is often what did I do wrong or what did they do wrong that they are receiving this punishment. God sees what he's about to do and the good works he in store and even the worst of circumstances. We know he is able to work all things for his good through Christ Jesus.

A-. The application for me is to reflect on Seasons past in my own life where I thought Lord show me my sin that I might have this pain or trial removed from me. But it is now that I understand that our pain is just waiting for God's perfect plan to redeem and glorify his name. That does not mean that God is a masochist who likes to see his people in pain, it only means that his perspective is greater than ours because he knows the future and a hope for his people. We have been reading quite a bit about the Israelites before they were sent to Exile in Babylon. There was great pain and gnashing of teeth, and even great sin, yet we look at the glory that came out of this exile return and eventually the birth of the Christ.

P-dear heavenly father thank you Lord for his passage out of John thank you for your reminder of your future and a hope for me for my family, and for the world. Lord I pray that you would open my eyes to see the challenges that lie ahead and and the ability to walk in peace and joy through the seasons that both challenge me and glorify you , I pray this in Jesus Christ name amen.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

God Alone a Refuge from Treachery and Oppression.

God Alone a Refuge from Treachery and Oppression.

S -psalm 62
For the choir director; according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will you assail a man, That you may murder him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
4 They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah.
5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God my salvation and my glory rest;The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie; In the balances they go up; They are together lighter than breath.
10 Do not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.
11 Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God;
12 And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord, For You recompense a man according to his work. 

O-  this song is a stream of wisdom that is helpful in understanding different seasons in our walk. In this case we see a song from David from a leader who is giving advice from many people of which all that's not wise advice. So David helps us understand the wisdom in putting our trust in God and waiting on him. 

A- The application for me is to understand that during times of great influence I must be careful not to put my trust in myself or the advice that surrounds me slowly. In there is a need for discernment  and deference to God.  This can be especially true and essential during times of trials where in voices and directions externally and internally begin to get confusing.  Seeking to find a place where you can sense the peace of God and hear his voice is the application I would take from today's devotion. 

P-  dear heavenly father thank you for today's devotion me and be sealed to my heart. Lord I pray that you would give me the same discernment and clarity that I am hearing your voice today in times of trials. I pray that as I make decisions and I listen to it advice from others that he would be filtered through your Holy Spirit  and that you would help me make wise decisions. I pray this in Jesus Christ name amen. 



A lesson in patient endurance

A lesson in patient endurance

S -Habukka 2
1
I will climb up to my watchtower
    and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the Lord says
    and how he  will answer my complaint.

O- this is habakkuk observation after he puts his requests to God about why God is allowing so many bad things to happen to his people and supporting and the Babylonians in there less than holy Pursuit. Habakkuk boldly ask God to answer his question hand in Chapter 2 here we see his posture was not on of arrogance but one of patience. He said he would stand and wait stand guard and not make him move in till he Lord give him an answer he can act on.

A-. Are two-faced a dark season where I wondered what God was doing as so many things around me seemed not too good. I still sought-after God but can honestly confess I was not as faithful of watch danger as habakkuk. I am encouraged by have a Cook's words though in the future to continue to bring my request to God but to stand strong and tall in the guard posts God has placed me and work on my patient endurance while I wait for his reply.

P-dear Emily father thank you for being before during and after my problems. Thank you for habakkuk is example of what a faithful watch stander in Your Kingdom looks like. I pray Lord in the future that you would help me to grow my patience and my endurance in a manner that honors you so that when I face seasons of waiting and seasons of trial I might glorify you and how I react. I pray all this in Jesus name amen.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Knowing the truth and voice of God

Knowing the truth and voice of God
S-John 7
Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. 15 The people were surprised when they heard him. “How does he know so much when he hasn’t been trained?” they asked.

16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18 Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. 19 Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me.

O- the scripture that Jesus is speaking about that the people did not follow was the law. Now we see the people questioning if Jesus who is bringing directly the truth from God to them still do not believe we can understand how God loving fearing and seeking people will know God's message when they hear it. The barriers to being able to receive God's word are often the sins in our own lives, the distractions in this world and our own worries and concerns. When we are focused on listening for God and honoring God in what we do his word becomes clear to us.

A- the application for me is to understand and reflect on the previous dry season I spent both struggling to hear God's voice yet Desperately Seeking him. I can recognize only now that it was my distraction by things of this world, the battle in my mind with sinful thoughts, and anxieties and worries that came from wanting the world to accept me and not being satisfied that God loves and accepts me. The application for me today is to spend my daily time examining my environment my thoughts and my motives confessing and repenting anything that isn't pointed to God and more importantly everything that is pointing away from God. I need to ensure I am grounded in this truth so that as I face the challenges ahead I can't endure and even more so Thrive because I know I am seeking God hearing God and most importantly serving him in all that I do.

P- dear heavenly father thank you for today's devotion may it be sealed to my heart. I pray Lord that you would reveal in me any on pure thoughts that remain that you would show me what Idols are navy chasing and Lord any sins I need to repent. I confess Lord it did not do so well in the last season to resist sinful thoughts and trust in you and look to honor and glorify you in what I was doing. Thank you for your grace for your provision and for the future that you have planned for me, I pray this in Jesus name amen.




Thursday, August 3, 2017

Working where the Father is

Working where the Father is
S - John 5

19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater work.

O -  The observation is that Jesus once again modeled how we are to live.  It seemed to foreign to the pharisees to see how Jesus operated with God the Father as His guide.    We are to do the same .  To live our lives looking for where the Father is, and what He is doing.

A - The application is to walk each day looking for what the Father is doing, to seek in in what part I should play and walk in confidence and peace knowing I am a part of what God is doing.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for todays lesson, may it be sealed to my heart , amen 
Be refresjed with Gods living water

 S - John 4
“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She *said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” 13Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

O-  this is a passage where Jesus is talking to the woman at the well. He is exemplifying two things here  as he talks to this Samaritan woman. First that he is the living water I will quench are an Indian thirst and that he is here to save all of the man by his example of talking to the Samaritan woman and offering her living water voice only speaking to the Jews. This is the same for all of those that card wishes to save. We cannot save ourselves we can find temporary means to quench our thirst but it will always return. Jesus offers  A burden that is light and a life filled with peace even amongst the desert his water is truly living water. 

A-  The application for me is to recognize that I need to continue to drink from the living water not just the water this world offers me. Life is full of joys and challenges and when those challenges come wider of this world is not enough.  I am reminded that it is Jesus do I need to stay close to it is God's word that I need to continue to feel myself with as with the Holy Spirit that I have hope in desert seasons. 

P dear heavenly father I thank you for today's Scripture and message may be sealed to my heart. I pray Lord that you were just continue to fill me with your living water in the season I am so grateful to feel like my thirst has been quenched to understand it is you that has done this and I just asked that you would continue to feel me so that my might overflow with your love and peace on to my family and friends and coworkers. I pray this in Jesus name amen