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.