Repent and Return

 S - Acts 3:19-26   (NASB)

19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the [i]Christ appointed for you, 21 whom heaven must receive until the [j]period of restoration of all things, about which God spoke by the mouths of His holy prophets from ancient times. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your countrymen; to Him you shall listen regarding everything He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken from Samuel and his successors onward, have also announced these days. 25 It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God ordained with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 God raised up His [k]Servant for you first, and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.”

O - Peter and John healed the man who couldn't walk at the gate to the temple.   As a result many people so the man dancing for joy and pursued Peter and John.  Here Peter once again shares the good news to God's people.  They need merely to repent and return to God, so they may be absolved of their sins and refreshed in the presence of the Lord.  They exalt them to do this so the second coming of Christ may come and all who repent and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior shall be saved.  

A -  The application for me is to recognize that though I have repented and confessed my sins and call Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior that the kingdom of heaven is still yet to come upon the second coming of Christ.  I am a child of God who is now Kingdom of God oriented but living in a fallen world.   I must be a light in the darkness and lead my girls to you God so that they may not die but live in Christ alone.

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your word , may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would continue to lead me away from sin and toward your son.   I pray Jesus you would forgive me in times I have fallen short, and help turn around the effects of my sin.  I pray that you Holy Spirit guide me on shepherding my family.   I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

The coming of the Holy Spirit

 S - Act 2:   (NASB)
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood
    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
    on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

O - This is at Pentecost where the disciples have just received the Holy Spirit as promised, and they now were speaking in all the tongues of the people who were gathered in Jerusalem.  The people thought they were drunk but Peter stands up and rebukes them and speaks to the crowd letting them know that these men are not drunk but are fulfilling the promise of God that in the last days He will pour out His spirit on the them an they will prophesy.  Jesus promised before he ascended that a help would come and provide wisdom and guidance on how to continue the mission to evangelize the world.

A - The application for me is to realize that we are still in the end game and that Holy Spirit is with us , guiding the way.   We need to only call on the name of Jesus and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all circumstances.    

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord I repent for my past transgression in which I have grieved the Holy Spirit,  I set out today to rid myself of all the side affects of my transgressions.  Holy spirit guide me and protect me.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Revelation of the Risen Christ

 S - Luke 24: 45-49  (TPT)

45 He supernaturally unlocked their understanding to receive the revelation of the Scriptures, 46 then said to them, “Everything that has happened fulfills what was prophesied of me. Christ, the Messiah, was destined to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 Now you must go into all the nations and preach repentance[l] and forgiveness of sins so that they will turn to me. Start right here in Jerusalem. 48 For you are my witnesses and have seen for yourselves all that has transpired. 49 And I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise[m] to you. So stay here in the city until the mighty power of heaven falls upon you and wraps around you.”

O - Jesus here after His resurrection, returns to the disciples so that there faith in the God's plan for Jesus could be understood.  He revealed the scriptures to them so they would understand that this was God's plan from the beginning.  That he would offer his son as the atoning sin offering (just like Abraham with Isaac).  That he would be crucified and spend three days buried (just like Jonah).   When he rose on the Third day he rolled open the stone and walked away defeating death.   He gave the disciples their great commission to go forth into all the nations and preach repentance and forgiveness of sins and that they are to turn towards Jesus.   He also reminded them the Holy Spirit will come and dwell with them being their guide. 

A  -   The application for me is to realize it is finished.  Jesus perfect work on earth was completed when He died and resurrected defeating death, and reconciling us all with the Father.   Having received this promise of salvation and the spirt of God with me,  I am to be a light to this world and to preach the Gospel in the area where he has called me to.   I should start with my family , and my community and then seek were else God would have me go.   I pray all this in Jesus' name, Amen. 

S genesis 4

“Time passed. Cain brought an offering to GOD from the produce of his farm. Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat. GOD liked Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering didn’t get his approval. Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk.

GOD spoke to Cain: “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.”

GOD said, “What have you done! The voice of your brother’s blood is calling to me from the ground. From now on you’ll get nothing but curses from this ground; you’ll be driven from this ground that has opened its arms to receive the blood of your murdered brother. You’ll farm this ground, but it will no longer give you its best. You’ll be a homeless wanderer on Earth.” Adam slept with Eve his wife. She conceived and had Cain. She said, “I’ve gotten a man, with GOD ’s help!” Then she had another baby, Abel. Abel was a herdsman and Cain a farmer.

Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him. GOD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “How should I know? Am I his babysitter?””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭4:1-12‬ ‭MSG‬‬

https://www.bible.com/97/gen.4.1-12.msg

Setting God's people free from slavery

 S - Exodus 3

The Burning Bush

3 Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the [a]west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of [b]a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. 3 So Moses said, “[c]I must turn aside now and see this [d]marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

7 The Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. 8 So I have come down to deliver them from the [e]power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. 9 Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them. 

O - My observation is that I need to be ready to follow the prompting of an Angel of God.  Whether it be a burning bush, or a the Angel Michael who presents himself to me so that I might prepare to receive a communication from God,  I am not to be shocked or afraid but rather listen humbly what my Lord has to say.  Since I am a decendent of Abraham God remembers His covenant with Abraham and will find a way to set free from captavity anyone in my family who remains enslaved.   

A - The application for me is to recognize that is alive and active and is wanting to set His people free.  Even though I may be in exile from the land of my captivity God can still use me to set my family free.  It may seem large and impossible to do this, but with God all things are possible.  I pray Lord that you would use me to set my family free from the bondage in which they live.  For my dad Ed, for my mom Jan, and my sister Lisa,  I pray that you would set them free so they might know and follow you.  I know you have never left or forsaken them and that now is the time for them to take the steps toward your freedom.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's lesson, may it be sealed to your heart.  I pray Lord that you would begin the process to set your people in my family free.  I know I can't do it myself but with you on my side I cannot lose.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Proverbs 19

 S-  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:1-29‬ ‭MSG‬‬

https://www.bible.com/97/pro.19.1-29.msg

“Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust. Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste. People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does GOD always get blamed? Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies, but poor people are avoided like a plague. Perjury won’t go unpunished. Would you let a liar go free? Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone’s a friend to the philanthropist. When you’re down on your luck, even your family avoids you— yes, even your best friends wish you’d get lost. If they see you coming, they look the other way— out of sight, out of mind. Grow a wise heart—you’ll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head—you’ll find a good life. The person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined. Blockheads shouldn’t live on easy street any more than workers should give orders to their boss. Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget. Mean-tempered leaders are like mad dogs; the good-natured are like fresh morning dew. A parent is worn to a frazzle by a stupid child; a nagging spouse is a leaky faucet. House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from GOD. Life collapses on loafers; lazybones go hungry. Keep the rules and keep your life; careless living kills. Mercy to the needy is a loan to GOD, and GOD pays back those loans in full. Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them. Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse. Take good counsel and accept correction— that’s the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD ’s purpose prevails. It’s only human to want to make a buck, but it’s better to be poor than a liar. Fear-of- GOD is life itself, a full life, and serene—no nasty surprises. Some people dig a fork into the pie but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth. Punish the insolent—make an example of them. Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson. Kids who lash out against their parents are an embarrassment and disgrace. If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you’ll soon be out of your depth. An unprincipled witness desecrates justice; the mouths of the wicked spew malice. The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way; only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.

O-

Proverbs 18

 Devotions 1/18/2021

S ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:1-24‬ ‭MSG‬‬

https://bible.com/97/pro.18.1-24.msg

“Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good. 

Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth. 

When wickedness arrives, shame’s not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible. 

Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs. 

It’s not right to go easy on the guilty, or come down hard on the innocent. 

The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him. Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words. 

Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly? 

Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism. GOD ’s name is a place of protection— good people can run there and be safe. 

The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it. 

Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor. 

Answering before listening is both stupid and rude. 

A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed? 

Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights. 

A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people. 

The first speech in a court case is always convincing— until the cross-examination starts! 

You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision. 

Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond. 

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. 

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. 

Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD! 

The poor speak in soft supplications; the rich bark out answers. 

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.”

O- My observation is that God kept his promise to Solomon to make him the wisest man that was ever known.  Still yet his wisdom is but a small insignificant speck compared to the wisdom of God.  Solomon here in one chapter lays out 24 pieces of wisdom interconnected.  The flow and meter of the verses show the musicality of these proverbs.  Chapter 18 is a March to a drummer - you do this this is what happens is the cadence which is slow in meter and repetitious in the execution.  Mans tongue fail him over and over.  I good wife makes for a good life.  Loners only care for their own good and not for the team. Be generous in your gift giving, it brings the attention of prominent people.  Pick true friends who are like family.  Words can either bring death or life.

A - The application for me is to be sure I use my words to build up and not tear down that I give not wanting to receive but out of the abundance of God‘s love for me I am able to speak truth and love to give gifts of love without any expectation of reciprocation. This all starts with my relationship first with God and then with my wife. As I learn to love God like he loves me I start to understand how he loves Abby. He loves her in every way possible in words MDs in acts of kindness, in words of affirmation, through small gifts of appreciation. This life is not meant to be lived alone, because loaners care only about themselves, children of God care about God and everyone.

P-your heavenly father thank you so much for this list of Proverbs that you gave to Solomon but in a fact gave to all of us who CQ and seek your word. I pray Lord that you would give me this wisdom that you were given Solomon give me just even a small amount in which I can invest in the lives of those around me invest in learning more about you and how you want me to love others especially my wife Abby. Lord help me specifically find the right words of affirmation let me love Her lavishly the way you love her. I pray all of us in Jesus Christ name amen