Christmas Season Break

Sorry for the lack of Blogs - I have taken a break from blogging and will resume January 1st. God Bless...

1 Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

Scripture - Titus 1:10-16 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Observation - Over and over throughout the Epistles Paul mentions the issue of those that talk against the faith. In this case he is dealing with someone that is in the faith (of the circumcision) that is not submitted to authority, not teaching the doctrine with a right spirit and speaks idle chatter. Their mouths must be stopped he says. Rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in faith. The issues of result in erroneous doctrine and an acceptance of any word as gospel. Allowing any teaching to be given to the people begins to spread spiritual disease throughout the congregation and festers until it is dealt with. What we teach, how we teach and where our inspiration comes from are all of the greatest importance. It is evident by these scriptures that someone in spiritual authority must be submitted to the leadership and willing to hold his tongue when asked.

Application - Zeal to perform for God can allow us to be to eager to place those in spiritual authority. God speaks clearly through his scriptures to his church. Opinion never reaches anyone. Gossip never builds and false doctrine must be stopped aggressively. To allow any teaching that is not sound would be to lessen the powerful message of Jesus Christ. We have one doctrine and one source of inspiration. As a pastor it becomes of paramount importance to be watchful of what is said over the congregation and who says it.

Prayer - Father - I love you and pray that all words spoken over our great church would be straight from the throne room of God. That you would bless them and anoint them abundantly. Eliminate any that would teach contrary to your word.

1 Timothy 1-4

Scripture - 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Observation - I love that as Paul is giving instruction to the young pastor on how to act in church and how to train new leaders and what qualifications men need to have before they can serve in God's house - right in the middle of all the exhortation - he stops and says almost pointedly "Don't forget about Jesus" Paul wants to make it abundantly clear what message we are preaching. That there is one God and that Jesus is the only Mediator to reveal God to us. That Jesus does not stand and justify us to God but He stand to reveal God to us and to mediate our sins before God that we might obtain the mercy. Paul is very humbled in this passage and makes it clear that he is not worthy of what Christ has done.

Application - The more I move forward in my relationship with God the more it is pointed out to me to celebrate Jesus. Right in the middle of all of my exhortations to the church must be the understanding that Christ came, Christ lived and Christ died. To forget Christ would be to miss the point all together. There is only one way to reveal God to people and that is through the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. He is the mediator that reveals God to a world that is so desperate for change. The Man Christ Jesus could be the theme for all service. Christ is the mediator.

Prayer - Father help me to reveal Christ in all that I do. Paul says that you counted him faithful, putting him into the ministry. Father, count me faithful to be in the ministry by remembering always Christ Jesus.

Romans 13-16

Scripture - Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Observation - Paul in this final section of Romans is encouraging the people of God to not only be law abiding citizens but to submit to the authority of the government. Not to be rebellious and obstinate as it relates to our country's leaders. The scripture admonishes that God uses those in power to help discipline those of God.

Application - I am reminded of our recent election and the massive debates and the words that have been throw so carelessly at each candidate. The views that the world was going to end with the selection of one candidate over another. I find peace in these passages today that God is ultimately in control. No matter who is leading us - God is leading them. Only things that God allows will take place in our nation and in our world. I feel an overwhelming burden to pray for those leading our country in such perilous and tumultuous times. Leading a country is not an easy task no matter what party your align with. While I am not so naive to think one side has more similar values to me than the other. God is in control and will influence those that lead us as we pray for them and seek the face of God for their lives.

Prayer - Father today I pray for our leaders. While there is still some time before the transition - as selections are made for various positions - lead our leaders and guide their decisions. Father bless them today and help me to submit to the authority placed over me. God I trust you to lead our nation and to keep us from every evil.

Romans 9-12

Scripture - Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Observation - Paul's instructions to the Romans here in chapter 12 actually starting in verse 9 are fairly specific on Christian behavior. In much of the world Christians are viewed in a fairly negative light. Sometimes within the church there is less that Christian behavior. The Romans were a very advanced society and Paul was giving instruction on how their newly found faith should play out in their relationships. He tells them to love one another above all. He tells them to prefer others above themselves. He tells them to show kindly affection to on another. He says to be given to hospitality and then in the middle of his dissertation he says "Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." There is nothing that sets people off quicker than someone who thinks they know it all. Someone who thinks they are wiser than the rest. Humble and compassionate are what win friends and influence people. Serving on another and loving them to the kingdom. Paul's instructions here are very pointed to the Romans that were a class above in their minds. Paul says to not be wise in your own opinion.

Application - There are many ways to show people your wisdom. One of the greatest is to show them how much you love them. To display a kind corrective word or compassion in the heat of battle. People are put off by self proclaimed wisdom and attitudes of super spirituality. We are here to love our brothers and sisters and to contend for the faith with them. We are co laborers with Christ as our commander. Too often we are quick to point out the "I" to those around us. I have heard it said that the word "I" is the most over used word in the English language and "I" am in agreement. I believe Romans 12:9-21 should be a study for evangelism today.

Prayer - Father - help me to take the focus off of ME. Let your wisdom shine through me and let it be a blessing to those around me not for me but for You. Amen.

Romans 5-8

Scripture - Romans 8:12-14 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.

Observation - The war between the Spirit and the flesh is a continual one. Paul is pointing out here that you can not live both lives. If you live according to the desires of your flesh you will die. Supported by the scripture that says "the wages of sin is death". There is no positive result for sin that rules a body. Paul is encouraging the Romans to look to the Spirit for life. Walking according the Spirit that has been placed in us by Christ death. That Spirit that leads us always to Christ and the desires he has for our lives. Walking according to the flesh will result in a funeral but walking according to the Spirit will lead to life eternal. I love what he says "but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body..." When you convert over the Spirit living it mortifies the deeds that were motivated by the flesh. The Spirit puts those things in you to death, breaking the addictions, the depressions and the deeds desired by the flesh.

Application - Paul goes on in Romans to say a carnal mind is enmity with God. A constant warring is taking place to claim the soul. By the flesh or by the Spirit. How shall we walk. What motivators for life do we have? We must walk in the light of the scripture that will guide us by the Spirit to eternal life. Never giving an inch to the desires of the flesh. Never giving in to the pull that is in all of us but choosing to live by the Spirit.

Prayer - Father - let today be a Spirit led day. Let everything that happen be a result of a life continually pursuing the Spirit and its light for my path. Amen

Matthew 11-13

Scripture - Matt 12:34-36 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

Observation - Jesus is reminding the Pharisees of the power of the spoken word. He goes on to say that every idle word spoken will be judged. Jesus is wanting them to know that what they allow to come out of their mouths has already been birthed in their heart. He was talking about how they were evil people and how could they possibly be expected to speak good things. But those that have been redeemed - should allow the tree to bear good fruit by allowing the good things to be spoken from their lips.

Application - Speak the good things that have transformed in your heart. Too often we allow the heart to be converted but we don't ever transform the speech to emulate what it in the heart. Often what is coming out of the mouth is more of an indicator of what is going on inside that anything else. When we see the mouth speaking the good things of God we know that a transformation has taken place in the heart. As disciples of Christ we must allow the tree to bear good fruit and speak the good things of God.

Prayer - Father help us all to speak the good things that you have done in our heart. Let us be a tree bearing good fruit.

Matthew 8-10

Scripture - Matthew 8:3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Observation - I love Jesus. No matter what situation I am in, the answer is always "I am willing." Jesus is willing to help, willing to love, willing to care, willing to meet every need according to His riches in glory. Jesus is willing. I love that he reached out and touched the man and changed all of life's circumstances for this guy. He went from being an outcast with leprosy to someone that was touched by God and clean. He no longer was identified by his disease. He was clean.

Application - Jesus is willing. I am not sure what else needs to be said. It is the greatest message on the planet. Jesus is willing. I guess you could go on to say "He touched him". The greatest message in the world always has Jesus at the center.

Prayer - Thank you for being willing...

Matthew 5-7

Scripture - Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? if you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Observation - God knows the things you have need of before you ask. His entire goal is to get us into relationship with Him. He knows the things we need and how to get them to us. When we need one thing He is not going to give another. God is waiting for communication from me. He is waiting to talk to me, He wants me to ask, knock, seek and find. He has set up a system of Father - Son that I might access the good things of God by simply asking Him. As I pray and seek God for the things in my life and in my ministry, He already knows the things I need and desire and is ready to give them to me. The key here is the last line - The Father in Heaven gives good things to those who ask Him.

Application - I don't think I am asking enough. I know that this can seem like we are using God as an A.T.M machine, but there we must go to the father. I am reminded of David in the old testament constantly inquiring of God. Shall I Go? He would say or Will You Deliver Them? He would ask, or in 1 Sam 30 he simply dwelt in God's presence for encouragement. My mother in law used to say "No Battle Fought in Prayer is ever lost!" God knows what battles I am fighting and what things I need in my life, He is simply looking for me to ask Him for those things.

Prayer - Father - I come asking today. I need you in so many ways. Honor my prayer as I come asking, seeking, knocking and prayerfully finding today. Amen

Matthew 1-4

Scripture - Matthew 1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

Observation - Probably some of the most comforting words in the whole bible. Jesus WILL save His people from their sins. What Matthew puts to pen here in the first chapter sets the stage for all of the new testament. The words of Jesus saves come ringing through every page and every chapter of the entire bible. They are the most important words - so important in fact that Jesus very name meas Yahweh is Salvation. It was not only what He was sent to do, but what He is. Jesus must not be a concept that we teach or preach - but the reason that we teach and preach. Jesus SAVES!!!

Application - It is interesting in America how you can talk about God all you want, but the minute you mention the saving power/grace of Jesus Christ you get the strangest looks. God is readily accepted because people have decided that there are many gods and many avenues to spiritual enlightenment. The truth is that there is only one way - Jesus must become the primary word rolling off our lips. We need the world to understand that God sent His son - not as A way but as THE way. Jesus saves must become the paramount message to a world desperately in need.

Prayer - Father - help me to preach Jesus, not as one of a host of topics, but as the main character in every sermon. Let your son be the center stage of all that I do and all that I say and all that I teach.

Ps 124; 2 Cor 11-13

Scripture - 2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

Observation - While there is no real description of this thorn it is evident that Paul was very concerned about this issue. He says that he pleaded with the Lord 3 times to remove it and the only answer was from Christ - My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness". Paul was struggling with an issue and the answer from God on its removal was - its o.k., I have allowed it to happen to keep you real.

Application - Keeping it REAL. So many times we get to places where we are "Above the Law". Where we are not really relating to those around us. We are either too spiritual for our own good or we are totally disconnected from the issues people face. Paul was left with this irritation from a messenger from Satan so that he would not rise above the rest. God wanted him to know that he needed to keep it real. Don't get overly dramatic, don't get all caught on yourself like you are doing something special, don't think it's all about you. Remember that I am the Lord. I am YOUR GOD. Remember who you are and keep it real.

Prayer - Father, let's keep it REAL today...

2 Cor 7-10

Scripture - 2 Cor 9:6-10 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 so let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you , always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in every thing for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

Observation - Paul is talking to a very advanced society here in Corinth. He has written these two books to them and in the first one discusses much about Spiritual gifting and order and in this second book speaks much about giving and freely giving to the poor and those less fortunate. The overarching theme in both books is salvation in Christ. This scripture in 2 Cor 9 is indicative of Paul's encouragement to the Corinthians to be people that give. He instructs them to give richly and bountifully so that it will be given to them bountifully. He uses a farming analogy of sowing and reaping. When the farmer sows much seed into the ground he expects a bountiful harvest. He goes on to say that God makes sure that all the supplies that you need are available. That you will have what you need. He will bless you and give to you so that you will give thanksgiving to Him.

Application - To give, to give, to give. A principle that can be strained in an economy like the one we have. There is a spiritual dynamic taking place as we give from a cheerful heart not grudging. When we give as giving to the Lord, we are moving things in the spirit that begin to align and work on our behalf. Not matter how hard it is we must (yes must) give.

Prayer - Father I know that when times are tough - giving becomes harder and harder. But God help me to have the faith and the knowledge that you own everything anyway. I know that you will supply all our needs according your riches in glory. God thanks for all you do and are doing in our lives.

Job 39-40; 1 Cor 13-14

Scripture - 1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Observation - With so many things screaming for our attention life becomes very chaotic. Paul was dealing with the Corinthians church where super religion was taking place. The people were so exuberant in the spiritual things that speaking in tongues was out of control and the spiritual gifts were running with no order. It was causing much confusion in the church and Paul speaks up and says "God is a God of order". He brings peace, He brings comfort and compassion. You should not be sensing this out of control, chaotic feeling.

Application - Life can be the same way. As we take each day - step by step - life gets out of control. Which decision do I make? How do I get to the goal? What do I do with my life? Where am I going? While one at a time they may not seem all that overwhelming. The enemy would love to have us contemplating everything at once. Paul's words are very direct and wise. God is not confused. He is not the author of it and does not even have a character that is confused. God is a God of peace - when we can begin to make our decisions through the word of God and understand that it will guide us through the treachery of life with step by step instructions we will find that peace to make the right decisions always.

Prayer - God bring peace in the midst of the storm. When it seem the most chaotic show me your word and how to navigate through the roughest of waters.

Job 37-38; 1 Cor 12

Scripture - 1 Cor 12:22-26 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it

Observation - There is not one member of the body that is not important. Every single part has a purpose and consequently the body does not function nearly as well without it. If we lost our hearing life would be difficult and the body must compensate through another sense. If we lost a hand the body would not function as well and the body would have to compensate in other ways. Likewise, every member of the church is necessary. The whole body does not function nearly as well without the giftings that the individual brings. Every person is wholly needed and missed if they are not present. The scripture says that "if one suffers, all the members suffer". Just like in the body if one part is injured it affects the whole. And if one rejoices we all rejoice.

Application - It is necessary to change our view of the body of Christ. Every person that walks through the door brings a gift and a blessing to the whole. When we can change our view of each person and look at them as vital to the mission, we would be winning the whole of our region to Christ. People are not a nuisance they are a necessity. It is our duty to mourn when they mourn and celebrate when they celebrate. God is so awesome to allow us to be blessed around others.

Prayer - Father make the whole body of Christ in every part of the globe - celebrate each other. We are in this for your glory and know that you have placed each member with us on purpose.

Ps 122; 1 Cor 9-11

Scripture - 1 Cor 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Observation - Paul is using a very well placed example for the Corinthians. They were athletes and very advanced in their community. He is saying to them that those of us that are in ministry and seeking the wonderful purposes of God have an even greater responsibility to keep ourselves from stumbling and making the errors we preach about. Because we are preaching the enemy would love to throw road blocks in our way and keep us from winning the prize. We must watch our step and practice self - denial and self-control as we minister the gospel to those around us.

Application - Self Control and Self Denial are not popular themes in a very materialistic world. I think it is interesting that Paul goes on in chapter 10 to talk about how as ministers of the gospel it is not bad to gain some material things, but the warning is serious. We must be able to be content in spite of our circumstances. He says whether in lack or in abundance I have learned to be content. This scripture is also warning of the bodily temptations that face us as we preach the gospel and minister for the Lord Jesus. As we move further in ministry - the more the challenges of our own flesh becomes. We must discipline our bodies and keep them from the challenges of the enemy.

Prayer - God I know that Satan would love to throw a snare in front of me to keep me from pursuing you. I pray today that every thing that would face me would be swiftly put aside. That my life would be a testimony to a great life with you. Father bless me in all that I do.

Job 35-36; 1 Cor 7-8

Scripture - 1 Cor 8:1-3 We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who things he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.

Observation - Paul is addressing the Corinthian people in this passage. The Corinthians were a very advanced society that loved knowledge and information. Paul was challenged with teaching them to have a heart relationship with Christ versus just knowing information about Him. Paul wanted them to gain the spirit of the message of Christ not just the letter. He tells them in the second book that "the letter kills but the spirit give life". He warns here in this passage not to be built up on what you know because that knowing can be a hindrance to those around you. He uses the term "puffs up". But to teach through love because love builds up.

Application - It is very frustrating to be around people who think they know it all. You can't tell them anything because they already know or already have that information. They know it all and what ends up happening is that it isolates people from the true message of Christ. They look good - but the message of Christ is tainted by their knowledge. Even if they are right in the information they are wrong in the spirit. We must approach every situation, training, and encouragement in love not knowledge. We must know the word of God but it must be communicated in love.

Prayer - Father help me to know how not to make the message of Christ something reduced to debate and information. Help me to communicate the life giving message of Christ through a spirit of love and humility.

Job 28-29; Gal 1-2

Scripture - Gal 1:9-10 As we have already said, so now I say again; If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! 10 Am I now trying t win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Observation - Paul is addressing a problem in the churches of Galatia. He is trying to keep the message of Jesus Christ pure and free of rhetoric. He is attempting to compel the Galatians to hold true to the message and not allow anything to get into the mix. He says "Who am I trying to please?" Asking this question denotes great concern that the message would be changed based upon the people who would try to influence the ministers of the gospel. Paul is telling us that the message is not to be changed based upon the people, the message must stay the same and the people must change. There are so many things today trying to get into the mix of preaching the gospel and they need to stay out of the message.

Application - As a pastor many things vie for your attention. There are so many opinions of what should be done and how they should be done. It seems that the message of Jesus gets lost in the show. We are so busy trying to attract people to what we have going on that we forget that Jesus has the power to draw if we allow Him to do just that. The message of Christ can not change because of where you are or who you are. The message must stay true and pure. The stuff that we do - is just that stuff. There needs to be a clear understanding that we are servants not to please man but to rescue him.

Prayer - I have only three words today "Father, Help Me!"

Job 25; Mark 13-14

Scripture - Mark 14:32-42 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch." 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand."

Observation - Jesus needs His disciples to be praying at this very tough hour. The betrayal of the son of Man is about to take place and Jesus needed the prayer support of His beloved disciples. They were to stay with him a little while and pray and when he returned they were sleeping. You couldn't even make it one hour - He accused. They were asleep when they should have been praying. He reprimanded them for the actions and encouraged them to pray and when he returned a second time they were asleep again. And a third time he returned and they were asleep and this time it was too late - He was being betrayed and the betrayers were at his front door.

Application - We need to wake up. We really don't know what crazy circumstances are right around the corner. We have not idea what is looming right around the next bend. There is so much to be praying for and to be seeking God for and sometimes we are just sleeping when we should be standing watch. 2 Tim 4:2 says "be instant in season and out of season". In other words be ready for anything at anytime. We need not be falling asleep. The hour is coming when we will need to be prayed up and ready. Mark 13:35 says "keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will return." We should be constantly asking ourselves "Are we ready?" Have we been faithful to stand watch or are we sleeping on our shift. It is time to wake up and pray...

Prayer - God give me a passion for prayer. A passion to pray without ceasing as your word says. God I want to be unwilling to give up and to be ready all the time for what you may ask of me. God I love you so much and want to have my spirit and my body ready for service at all times. Give me strength when I am weak and help me to push through the fleshly desire to sleep.

Job 20; Mark 3-4

Scripture - Mark 4:16-17 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

Observation - Jesus is giving a great explanation to the nature of some of us. We are so excited over the things that are happening that we forget to dig in and grow some roots. We have the joy of a new found revelation but don't take the time to dig it into our heart and into our spirit and when something happens, not if something happens, but when something happens we quickly fall away. Jesus is giving instruction here to the disciples in this parable to help people dig deep. It is like the old oak tree that can stand through any storm because the roots are deep in the ground and strong to the test. We need to dig our roots deeper and deeper everyday.

Application - Farming is very interesting. It is all about the root. The root is the lifeblood of the plant. With strong roots you get strong plants that give strong fruit. But it takes cultivation. You have to take care of the soil and plant well and then give the roots moisture and fertilizer to grow strong. If the soil is hard and rocky the roots can not grow. They become weak and brittle. Everyday must be a new endeavor to prepare the soil and take care of the root. Don't let the ground of your soul get rocky and hard with no water from the word. The bible says "washed in water by the word" that refreshing touch of the word of God that will allow us to build and grow great roots.

Prayer - God don't ever let the reading of your word become a task. Please help me to find refreshing in your word and growth in your word. God I need to have a touch from your word every day that cultivates the soil of my heart. God I love you and want to grow closer to you than ever before.

Job 19; Mark 1-2

Scripture - Mark 2:21-22 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins."

Observation - God is very concerned with the tearing and tattering of a young life in Christ. This concept of putting new wine into new wineskins and sewing unshrunk fabric on to old fabric is one that many elder Christians need to understand. Putting old habits into a new vessel is going to cause the vessel to break just like putting new habits into an old vessel will cause both the habits and the vessel to have issues. A new life in Christ must progress in such a way as to allow the old vessel to be made new. Too many times we are trying to stuff our old things into this new life that we have with Christ and it just doesn't work. Both things need to be made new together and then progress can take place.

Application - Coming to know Christ and then tearing at a life to try and force perfection is not the design of God. We must understand that this life with Christ is a journey not a destination. When we come into relationship with Him, we are allowing him to mold our lives and eliminate the stuff one item at a time. He does not throw the baby out with the bath water - so to speak. As believers we should be striving for a life that resembles Christ. This doesn't happen over night and can not be done by holding on to your old habits, issues and stuff that defined the old you. You must put your new life into a new vessel.

Prayer - God help us to all to move our lives toward you. I don't want any new wine in the old skins. God make it new...

Job 15; Acts 19-20

Scripture - Acts 13-16 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus, I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Observation - Tantalized by the super spiritual. This Jewish High Priest wanted the power that Paul had in the spirit without the relationship with the one that gave the power. He sure wanted to be able to speak to the evil spirit but had no idea who it was that he was speaking in the name of. The evil spirit did not know him and overpowered him and beat him and let him leave the area naked and bleeding. This principles of Christ only operate when you know Christ. They are only given as you are given to Him. The anointing is transferred to those abiding in the vine not to those looking at the vine. This high priest did not know Jesus therefore the enemy did not know him.

Application - I think that many times we face obstacle in our life with out knowing that in the name of Jesus we have power to overcome. We don't operate in full authority because we don't bring our Jesus to the party. Our enemies face us and we have forgotten to bring the authority with us. We can never beat a devil in our own power - he will look at us and ask "Who are You?" But when we bring Jesus with us there is no doubt what is going to happen. This evil spirit knew Paul that knew Jesus and operated in authority from Jesus. But he didn't know the priest - because the priest didn't know HIM.

Prayer - Father never let me face any challenges with out Jesus. He is the ONLY way anything gets done.

Job 13-14; Acts 17-18

Scripture - Acts 17:10-12 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.

Observation - The Bereans were more fair-minded that the Thessalonians. They were determined to find out in the scripture what the truth was all about. They weren't going to take anyone's word for it, they wanted to know for themselves. Searching the scriptures everyday to find out what God has to say. Can you imagine. Searching the word for a word. Proving the things of God through the scriptures. Getting revelation from God through the scriptures. Using the scriptures as a guide for your life. I love that it says then many Greeks believed and also prominent men and women. Therefore many believed.

Application - The more we can get ourselves in the scriptures proving the things of God, the more we build our life as a believer. We must be searching daily for new truths and new revelation from God. Later in chapter 17 Paul describes the men of Athens that spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the new and latest ideas. While I don't prescribe to listen to the latest ideas of the world, I think there is some discipline in spending my time contemplating the things of God. Listening to the word, hearing the word of God and studying for the fresh word that will change me and the world around me. We should be more noble than the others and get into the word daily. I find it interesting that nobility was built based on the desire for the scriptures. Let us feast daily.

Prayer - Father - your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to flip the on switch on your word and illuminate my life. Let my life be filled with a desire to search and to hunt for what you are saying and how you are saying it. God speak to me through your word daily and let me life affect those around me.

Job 9-10; Acts 14-15

Scripture - Acts 14:8-11 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice,"Stand up straight on your feet!" And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"

Observation - Paul was doing the work of God no matter where he went. He has just been moved out of Iconium for preaching the gospel and the good news of Christ. He was being threatened and just about to be stoned so he leaves and heads to Lystra. In Lystra he meets this man that was without strength in his feet. I love the word here - "he saw that he had faith to be healed". So Paul told him to stand up...the man had faith to be healed. Paul could see his faith by looking at him.

Application - I often wonder if people can see my faith by looking at me. When I am in a troubled spot - do people look at me and say "that man has faith to make it through" or do they look at me and say "wow, he is miserable". I believe that we are called to have faith that is revealed. Faith that can move the mountain. Faith that can change circumstances. Faith that can eradicate even sickness. The issue is not God's ability but our faith to believe in his ability. Someone needs to look at us and say that man has faith.

Prayer - Father I need faith that can be seen. I want to have the whole world look at me and say "that man has faith". You are awesome - God and I love you and pray that today begins an elevated journey of faith...

Job 6-8; Acts 12

Scripture - Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell.

Observation - The world is always out to attack the leadership of the church. If you can take out the leadership you can take out the church. Peter was arrested by Herod simply because he was preaching the gospel and Herod found that he gained popularity from the Jews by doing this. He had Peter arrested and had already killed some of the other leaders. I love the way the church rallied around Peter and began to pray earnestly for him. The didn't disown him, they didn't write him off, they didn't talk behind his back they just began to pray for him and ask God to release him. They trusted their leader and knew that the world wants to eradicate the shepherd.

Application - I have been thinking lately how hard it is for Pastors. How much they must endure from every direction. To carry the wait of being the shepherd of a flock that God has entrusted to your care is one heavy load. Some sort of "prison" seems to be looming right around the corner everyday. We can't let it be. We must begin praying earnestly to God for our pastors. The church leadership needs to have those that are crying out for help from God. Laboring before the Lord on behalf of the pastors. The pastors need reinforcements and reassurance. To be the mouthpiece of God and to speak to a world that doesn't really want to hear the truth is a great and admirable task. To care for each lamb as if it were the only one is a noble cause. To help restore the wounded is a worthwhile effort. But in the midst of all of that is a dirty attack that leaves the pastor laying between two guards and sentries are at the entrance. Let's spend today upholding pastors and church leaders and pray that God would strengthen them and give them much wisdom and insight.

Prayer - God the pastor is your man. You have called him to a place of humility and servitude. You have asked that he live to a different standard and you have chosen him to serve your church. God I ask for strength for all pastors today. Touch their lives and heal their wounds. Take the chains off of them like you did Peter in the jail. Remove them from the prisons in their minds and in their lives. God touch their hearts with a fresh touch of your Holy Spirit and bless their lives abundantly. Give their families the strength to endure and the joy to continue serving. God Bless them immensely.

Malchi 3,4: Ps 148; Acts 5

Scripture - Acts 5:17-21 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." 21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Observation - The world never wants the power of God to be displayed. The high priest couldn't handle the fact that the Apostles were advancing the kingdom and were praying that people were set free. It was causing a buzz in the community and God was blessing all around. Jesus was setting people free and was healing the sick and those that were tormented were being released. The world is always going to look at this with indignation. When God decides to pour out power on His people, it will always cause indignation and frustration amongst those that are against Him. It is amazing that even though the Apostles were put in jail, God wanted his message of life to go forth. No matter what obstacle is before us - when God wants it not even the jail can stop the work of God. The jail cell was opened and the Apostles were instructed to go into the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life. The full message. We are in jail to too many things and are being released to tell the full message of this new life.

Application - I was just thinking early this morning, how many things try to trap us and put us in jail, emotionally and spiritually. How many times we are moving forward for God and along comes someone or some thing that tries to capture us and keep us from the forward movement of God's message of new life. This life is full of things that will get in your way and trap you. I need to break out of jail, so to speak. Nothing can stop me. When God has ordained the message - even the jail cell can be opened and I will be instructed to make it to the center of the city to tell the full message. There is new life and everyone in our city needs to hear it.

Prayer - God let nothing stand in the way of your word. Let it be that you move your message forward despite the physical, emotional and mental jails that we are put in. Move the full message forward and help me to be obedient and walk into the center of the temple courts.

Nehemiah 13; Mal 1,2; Acts 4

Scripture - Mal 1:12-14"But you profane it, In that you say,'The table of the LORD is defiled; And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.' 13 You also say,'Oh, what a weariness!'And you sneer at it,"Says the LORD of hosts."And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick;Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?"Says the LORD. 14 "But cursed be the deceiver Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished — For I am a great King,"Says the LORD of hosts,"And My name is to be feared among the nations.

Observation - Malachi is putting an end to the people bringing less than the best to God. They have been bringing wounded offering, offerings that are the last thought or those with blemishes and spotted and broken down. Malachi says that they say "Oh, what a weariness". That even the offing that is being brought to the table is challenging to bring and they are complaining that they have to bring anything at all. God is saying here - "Wait a minute, do you remember who I am" I am the great King. I am the your God. I am the Lord of all. I deserve the very best you have. I deserve to have the very best you can offer. Come with great pleasure not holding anything back and offer me the greatest of your praise and the fullness of your heart. Give me the very best and I will bless you with the very best. God wants us to bring the greatest that we have to Him.

Application - It can become such a chore to bring ourselves to God. To continue day in and day out bringing ourselves before the Lord. To offer the greatest when we feel the worst. To bring with weariness and out of obligation is to bring a profane offering. We should bring with joy and with gladness of heart. God wants to bless us with the very best of his kingdom. He wants to give us the very best that He has and wants the very best we have...

Prayer - God, never let me bring you less than my very best. I do not want to bring the profane before you. I don't want to defile the offering. God make it pure...

Nehemiah 11, 12; Ps 1; Acts 3

Scripture - Acts 3:11-16 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

Observation - I have always loved this portion of scripture. Peter and John are on their way to church and they see a man laying there by the door that is in need of help. Since he was born the man could not walk and had to beg for everything he had. Peter walks by the man and through a bit of dialogue he tells the man to get up in the "name of Jesus". The man goes leaping through the temple as an unruly display for all to see. He was completely healed. In my life, I have focused on this healing and thought how miraculous it was, but today I am seeing a new emphasis from Peter. Peter uses this opportunity - the unruly display of healing - to get peoples attention and to speak to them about Jesus. He indignantly says "Why are you standing here in amazement, Jesus can do so much more than this for your lives". He uses this opportunity to bring attention to Jesus. I think so many times we get stuck at the miracle and forget the Jesus of the miracle. Peter began to preach the gospel through the healing and in conjunction with the healing. No discredit to the guy who was cured, but it was a miracle that allowed the people to see what kind of God we serve.

Application - Boy do I believe in healing. I believe it, I want it, I pray for it. The miraculous God has always intrigued me and excited me. The fact that people don't have to hurt and don't have to live in pain that doctors can't figure out how to cure is amazing to me. I love it when God shows off in public and makes a grand display of His power. However, I need to understand the purpose. The purpose is not only to bring a touch to the individuals life, but also to show His son Jesus to the world. God shows up not to put on a performance but to point to Jesus. As Peter said, "It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through Him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can ALL see." I need to always point the signs and wonders to Jesus.

Prayer - Father, let is always be about your son. You created this whole world and from the beginning you had Him on your mind. Let there never be a moment in my day or in my life that I am not pointing the crowds to your son. I want Him to be the most important thing to me and to the church I serve. I love you today and always. Amen.

Nehemiah 9, 10; Acts 2

Scripture - Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to the number daily those who were being saved.

Observation - Luke is describing here the simplicity of the faith and the life lived with God. He is depicting a functioning community of believers that are working in harmony with one another and concerned about the overall health of all constituents. After such and phenomenal outpouring of God's Spirit on the people as promised in the Gospels and by Joel the prophet, the people of God began to work in unity. Emphasis was placed on the apostles teaching and the signs and wonders performed by the apostles. It brought the people together with the same emphasis and the same focus - to see God's powerful hand moving in their lives.

Application - As a pastor I must always work at getting the people to be together and having a common focus and a common vision. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and the power of God's word - God wants us as a community of believers to want the same thing and be investing in the same goals. I love the last verse that says the Lord added to their number daily those that were being saved. I long for the day that we are adding to the church daily those that are being saved. To see the community I serve and to know that when my church devotes themselves to the apostles teaching and begins to works together to accomplish the vision - we will begin to see many saved for the Kingdom. It must become the top priority. To be together and have everything in common. That is the Goal.

Prayer - Father teach me how to lead...How to build community...How to work in such a way as to help us have common focus with common vision. God I know that in unity is strength and favor and in that we can build your great church.

Ezra 7,8; Luke 20

Scripture - Luke 20:1-8 Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him 2 and spoke to Him, saying, "Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?" 3 But He answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4 The baptism of John — was it from heaven or from men?" 5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 6 But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet." 7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from. 8 And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Observation - Jesus is once again questioned about His authority. People are always looking to try and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is who He says He is. Questioning His authenticity, questioning His authority, questioning His motives. Jesus came in to this world and confounded every one He met. I love that He didn't answer the question here. He simply asked one. What He was really trying to say was that you don't believe anyway, why should I justify this with an answer. You won't believe me when I tell you so I am not going too. I can imagine what would happen if we would stop questioning Him on every point and simply believe that He is and He is willing to do what ever it is that we need. I remember the scripture where the person asks "Master, if you are willing" and He replies "I am willing, be healed". I love that "I am willing...". It doesn't seem to be good enough though. We have to have proof!!! More questions and more doubt. We need to just believe that He is...

Application - Jesus authority comes into question with me, not so much as my Lord and savior, but in regards to operation in my life in the supernatural. I wonder often will He take care of this situation? Will He respond? Will He rescue me? Every time those questions are asked - I am just like one of the elders saying "By what authority are you here?" I need to stop questioning and start responding to the call that trumpets from my life every day. He is operating by authority, with authority, on my behalf.

Prayer - Father - let me remember your sovereignty today. Let me remember your authority today. I love you so much and know that you are my God and my father, my abba father. Keep me from questioning that authority and taking the authority that you have given.

Esther 9-10; Luke 19

Scripture - Est 9:1-3 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king's command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people.

Observation - The Jews had come into great power under King Ahasuerus and were being tormented and persecuted by those in adjacent cities and provinces. The leaders of these areas sought to do great harm to the Jews. I think the key phrase in this passage is "the opposite occurred". It is amazing what happens when the King is involved. All of a sudden what your enemies intend for harm actually turns out for good. The bible is so interesting in the description of God turning bad situations into good and what was meant for evil into something good for your life. God is a master a spinning the circumstances and creating situations where you can and will overpower your enemy.

Application - To look at a situation and know that what was intended to take me down will only bring me up. That every fight I fight is fought with the outcome already sealed. I can overcome, I will overtake the enemy that has his sights set on my destruction. In a world that is so negative and defeated - it is good to know that even though there are things that want to bring me down "The Opposite Occurred". I have the Kings blessing in the fight and that makes all the difference in the world. I have the King behind me to insure the victory.

Prayer - Keep me focused on the opposite. God every time the enemy tries to take me down, remind me that the opposite will occur.

Ezra 5-6; Ps 138; Luke 16

Scripture - Luke 16:1-10 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' 3 "Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' 5 "So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7 Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. 9 "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.

Observation - In this parable Jesus is describing the proper use of ones position and ones money. He makes it very clear that at some point you are going to lose what you have materially and that even your position in job is not guaranteed. The rich man comes and basically fires the manager for improper use of his position and of loosely managing the rich man's money. He gives the manager direction to give account of himself and the manager right away understand that he needs to make long term plans and protect himself from the pains of unemployment. He does this by using what he has to make friends of his masters clients. The understanding that we gain from this parable is that we must use the wealth, position, job and material positions to rightly serve the kingdom of God. All can be lost in a moment - with today's economy everyone is panicking and totally unsecure. It is times like these that we rest knowing we are using what we have to glorify the king and to secure our positions beyond this life.

Application - We must use what we have for God and to work toward the kingdom of God. We only have a limited time here, we are only given so many resources and everything we have must be used to make friends of the kingdom. Looking to invest in the harvest and working to make friends of our father's clients must be our focus. Many of us take the resources that God has granted us and we squander them and are not accountable for them. We must redirect these resources to the harvest and the work of God. Looking toward heaven as we approach every day - knowing that at any moment we could be standng in front of Him.

Prayer - Father - Help me to use what you have given me in gaining friends that will endure to the end and will be welcomed into eternal life. Father I want to reinvest what you have given me to reach the world for the kingdom of God. Help me each day to employ your resources wisely.

Zech 13-14; Ps 147; Luke 15

Scripture - Luke 15:4-7 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them,'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Observation - Jesus is beginning to teach the disciples the importance of the harvest. He is setting forth the expectation that people are the purpose of Jesus on earth and the Father's plan for salvation. In the presence of tax collectors, sinners and the Pharisees, He begins to teach them of the importance of "Just One" that is lost. How passionate heaven is for one that gives themselves to the Lord. In two parables back to back He explains how intently He is searching for the one that will be rescued.

Application - I believe we need to have that undying passion for "Just One" that needs to be rescued. It is so easy to get focused on the things of everyday life and forget that we need to be formulating plans and putting together strategy that puts us in front of the harvest. The focus must be on the one. We must raise our awareness of the one that is lost from the pack, the one that is hidden away in hurt and pain. We need to go after the one.

Prayer - Father - help me to redirect my focus on the "One".

Zech 10-12; Ps 126; Luke 14

Scripture - Luke 14:13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Observation - Jesus is trying to fill His house. His father is about to have a party and it will be the party of a life time and Jesus wants us to invite everyone we can find. he says if you invited all of these - the poor, the blind, the crippled, the lame you will be blessed. I believe I just found a key to blessing that has yet to be unlocked. God is paying back blessings for the invitations that we make. Going to get the broken people and the hurt people opens doors to blessings. God has placed a motivator in the mix. He says if you go get these I will bless you. What a deal...

Application - Yesterday I met a man outside of a restaurant. I was with one of my associates from the church and we were finishing a brainstorming session about direction and spiritual direction for our body. Right outside the door was a man that looked to be in his mid 30's. When we came through the door he immediately started his speech "Do you happen to have a few bucks to spare, I am diabetic and need to get some food." Once engaged in the conversation I felt I had permission to ask some questions. After all the price of answering a few questions was a meal across the street. Fair deal, I think. I began to talk to this young man and ask him about his past and what got him to the place of being homeless. I wanted to know what really drove a mid 30's man to the place of no hope, no plan, no purpose, no anything. What got him there? He began to tell me a story of his past and where he was from. He told about how he once knew the Lord but was disappointed by the people in the church. He was focused in the wrong direction and doing the wrong things. It was amazing to hear him speak and the more he spoke the more you could see God beginning to work on his heart. I made the man a deal. I told him I would buy him lunch but I wanted 2 things in return: 1. I wanted to pray for him that God would bless him and change his circumstances and 2. I wanted to invite him to church. Simple. He agreed and we proceeded to purchase the lunch. By the end of our conversation this young man and I struck the beginnings of a pretty good relationship. I know this is a lot today but as I read through Luke this morning I remember this event and realized there are so many that need to be invited to the party. I thought as I was standing there with this young man - there are so many opportunities to share Jesus if we will only open our eyes. I was totally focused on them and now looking in Luke realize that God wants to bless my life through the invitations. There are so many like this young man that need help and they need it today.

Prayer - God refocus my attention! Get me out of the four walls of our building and into the neighborhoods and businesses of our community. Get me out there inviting them to your party. I know that your banquet will fill them up and meet every need they (we) have. God help me to refocus on the important priorities.

Zech 7-9; Luke 13

Scripture - Zechariah 8:1- Again the word of the Lord Almighty came to me. This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her." This is what the Lord says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain."

Observation - I love these words. It is so refreshing to hear God say that He is jealous for His people. In Ezekiel, God had said that He had taken His special presence from Jerusalem, but when His people begin to call out to Him it draws Him back. He is so in love with His people that He is jealous for her and longs to be with her. I reflect back to the words in Genesis that describe God's desire for fellowship with His people. I am reminded that God truly wants to be with us and with His people. It is us that moves away from Him and by our actions push God away.

Application - I think the application for today is simple. Everything I do - and everything I think must draw the presence of God. He is jealous for my attention, He is jealous for my life, He is jealous for my praise, He is jealous for my love. God wants to be with me today and wants my attention to be on Him. God wants to be in close relationship with His people and does not want anything in my life to move me away from Him. I want to be on the mountain called Holy and in the City of Truth.

Prayer - Father I love you so much! I am so glad to be one of your children dwelling in the house of God. I am so anxious to see your hand move in my life and in my family. I pray god that You would help me to draw near to You today. I need your special presence more than ever before.

Ezra 4;Ps 113,127; Luke 9

Scripture - Luke 9 When Jesus called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons, and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Observation - Jesus sent them is a tremendous statement to me. He gave us all the power and authority that we need to get the job done. Too many are walking below our anointing level and think that we don't have the power to get through. Jesus gave the twelve that He called together power over the devil, over disease, over sickness and to preach the kingdom of God to all the world. It is when they came together than He gave them the power to overcome. When we are drawn to Christ we receive the power to overcome all that would oppose us and try to take us down.

Application - I think sometimes it is easy to think, as I am facing certain challenges, that I am not equipped for what I face. The truth is that as we were called together we have all that we need to make it through and to win every battle. Christ has given us authority. Christ has given us power. Sometimes I think that we forget that we have power that will drive out the demons, the sickness, the disease, and will preach to the nations. Christ gave us what we need to win.

Prayer - God help me to remember the power that you gave through Christ. Help me to remember that I don't have to take it from any devil anywhere. There is dominion because I am in you and you are in me. Thanks for keeping me and strengthening me and giving me what I need.

Ezra 2,3;Luke 8

Scripture - Luke 8:50-53 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.

Observation - I love this portion of scripture and often wonder why did he put everyone out of the room except Peter, James, John and the mother and father. He made everyone leave the room except these 5 people. There must have been some significance to those that remained. As I began to think about who the 5 were and what the task was that was at hand, It made sense to me that he would have surrounded himself with people that believe for what can happen. Peter, James and John had seen everything. They were the disciples that were on the inside track walking with him everywhere and seeing everything. They would have been the ones that would believe for this miracle. The mother and father are easy to understand. Who better to believe that a child can come back to life than a mother and father that so desperately want that very thing to happen.

Application - I was thinking about many of the tasks that I have to accomplish at the church. The task God has put before me requires much faith. I am trying to build a church in the most unchurched county in the nation. I am trying to preach the gospel to people that are not really receptive to it. I am trying to help people that are resistant to anything weird. I need the child to be revived. As I approach the tasks of my daily life I need people around me that will believe for the miracle. I need people in the room that will stand for what God is going to do. People that have faith to see the greatest of things happen. People that believe that God can do anything and wants to do them for us. We don't have time for unbelief. We don't have time here for the disbelief. We need those that are unified for the cause that will stand with the shepherd even when it looks like death has claimed the body. We are praying for miracles and we need to stand believing in the miracles.

Prayer - God surround me with Peter, James and John and the mother and father. God give me those that will believe in what you are doing and going to do in our region, our state and our nation. God we are going to revive your people, to wake them up and show them the great God that cares for them. Equip me with the resources to accomplish the mission.

Ezra 1;Ps 84-85;Luke 7

Scripture - Luke 7:11-17 Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. 16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying,"A great prophet has risen up among us"; and,"God has visited His people." 17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.

Observation - Luke is the only writer that mentions this encounter. Matthew briefly discusses the fact that many were raised from the dead. I wonder what the reaction must have been that day as the people were carrying a coffin around the city on their way to the burial place. Ready to give it all up and follow through with the ritual of burying their dead. Putting this young man - whose life was cut short for what ever reason. The only son of his mother - her only way of taking care of herself in her old age - was now gone. She must have been at her wits end thinking what shall I do now? There is much despair in the early portion of this scripture. The dead body - carrying the coffin looking for the burial site. Then Jesus comes on the scene and changes everything. He touches the young man and speaks to him and brings him to life. This one act affected so many lives. The young man was now living, the mother now has her son and hope for the future, the people standing by get to see God in action and expand their faith.

Application - I think so many times in life we walk around with coffins in our hands looking for places to bury the dead things in our lives. We are in some ways like the mother who has no hope for the future. Everything I was working on is dead. Everything I love is dead. Everything I was hoping for is dead. We are walking around with that coffin in our hand looking for the proper burial place - we think it is all dead. But there is hope if we allow Jesus to touch our lives. He spoke words of life to the young man - "Young man, I say to you get up!" This is an exclamation. GET UP! I really believe that some times we just need to be told to GET UP!. Let God breathe life back into our dead lives and our dead situation. Just because it goes beyond human limitations does not mean that God is finished with it yet. Let Jesus touch your life...

Prayer - Father, I love you so much. I am so thankful that you can touch my life and bring life to otherwise dead circumstance. Even though I have packaged it and prepared it for the burial site you have the power to bring life back to it. God I place everything in my life in your hand. Tell me to Get Up and I am up.

Dan 5,6; Ps 130; Luke 3

Scripture - Luke 3:7-14 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him,"Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10 So the people asked him, saying,"What shall we do then?" 11 He answered and said to them,"He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13 And he said to them,"Collect no more than what is appointed for you." 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

Observation - John is paving the way here for Christ. He is the front runner and preacher to the nation and telling people that Christ is on the way but you have an opportunity now to change your life. To live according to repentance for salvation is at hand. John was "A voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord". He was speaking to all that were gathered there and gave them instruction for living. I think it is so profound - the fact that not only did John offer them salvation through Jesus, he also told them how to live it out. He said "produce fruit in keeping with repentance". In other words - act like you are saved. Act like you have a relationship with Jesus. Act like there is something greater than you working in your life. John didn't leave them at the altar but gave them something to function in their life with. John gave them instructions on how to change, how to exemplify Christ. They asked him - So what do we do now - and John had an answer. He instructed each of then how to impact their community.

Application - I believe the key to changing the world for Jesus is all of us that walking with him to employ the concepts that John is speaking of here. He tells the man with two tunics to share one of them, he tells the tax collector to stop cheating, he told he soldiers to be content with their pay. He told them all to bear fruit in keeping with repentance by changing how you relate to those around you. I have met so many people that have a relationship with Jesus and you couldn't tell it by talking to them. You couldn't identify any change in their life or any difference in the way they act. I am telling you we have the best kept secret on the planet. We have Jesus Christ! We need to begin sharing with one another, building up one another, loving one another and telling one another about the greatest message in the world. I live in a community with many needs. Probably not uncommon across the country. The people of God sharing their tunic, being honest in their work and being content with who they are can change the entire community around us. We need to start producing fruit in keeping with repentance.

Prayer - Father thank you for the word today. I need to continue to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Fruit that shows the world who I am in You. Father your will is that none should perish but come to repentance. Help me to be a front runner in showing the way.

Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2

Scripture - Luke 2:36-38 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Observation - What a devout old lady. Anna was eighty four years old and spent her days in the temple worshiping, praying, and fasting in great anticipation of the coming savior. She simply spent her days waiting to see God. Disciplined to never leave the temple. She resolved herself to fast and to pray. Once she was in His presence she spent her time talking to anyone who would listen about the redemption of Jerusalem, the path to righteousness, the way to heaven. This was an eighty four year old woman that had set her mind that she was going to serve God. She only lived with her husband for seven years and didn't go looking for another one but resigned herself to serve Her God.

Application - There is so much that we can learn from the older members of our church. They have such discipline in their lives and such passion for serving God. The younger members that bring such a vibrancy and unbridled worship - can learn from the elder group that has been there and is still hanging in there in holy anticipation of their King. We have many in our churches that have resigned themselves to fast and pray and worship God. They are not looking for flashy or fancy - they simply want to touch Him and to see Him professed throughout the land. I am so encouraged by the elder saints that I am associated with. I look at them not as nuisance but as wisdom waiting to be unleashed on the church. Anna was dedicated to fast, pray and worship. We can learn from this little lady. We must resolve ourselves to hear the word of God and to fast, pray and worship. Having a longing to be in the temple...

Prayer - God help me to look at our Anna's with an anticipation of great wisdom. I know that as Anna was able to preach the redemption of Jerusalem at eighty four - you are looking for a generation that will stand in anticipation of seeing you, holding you and speaking of you. Help us to learn.