2 Cor 7-10

Scripture - 2 Corinthians 9:10 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.

Observation - Paul is addressing the giver in this chapter. he is speaking to the Corinthians, who are a very advanced and modern society, and have prepared to help his missionary efforts. The tenor of the passages before and after this describe a people that know they should give but are having a hard time releasing it. Paul encourages them to be cheerful in giving and that once the seed is sown God will multiply it for them. I love what verse 10 says that God multiplies the seed you have sown and increases the fruit. God only multiplies seed that is sown. Seed that has left your hand and been placed in God's harvest field.

Application - Economic hardship is hitting many people these days. But as the people of God we must continue to sow seed, both financially and spiritually. God will multiply the seed that has left our hand and been placed in His. God will increase not only the seed, but the fruit of righteousness which if you remember is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The fruit will increase by the sowing of the seed.

Prayer - Father let us continually look for places to sow seed.

Ps 122; 1 Cor 9-11

Scripture - 1 Cor 9:8-12 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?

Observation -It is probably that some in Corinth were debating his Apostleship and his right to receive materially for the work that he was doing. Paul goes on a rant here and begins to not only confirm his apostleship but the necessity that the man of God be taken care of. He explains that a man that plows should plow in hopes of bringing in a harvest. He should not plow, not expecting to reap anything. I believe that Paul connects the work to spiritual deposit into the lives of the people and it is not immoral or immaterial to expect to receive care and material blessings for that work. He compares the work of the man of God to the work of an ox. He explains that God cares much more for man than the ox but yet gives food to both.

Application - I believe that some shifting of expectations needs to happen. It is time to start hoping for the harvest from the labor. The interesting thing is that in agriculture there are seasons. Seasons for plowing, seasons for planting, seasons for caring, seasons for reaping. Too often we only focus on the plowing and maybe the planting - but now its time to expect the harvest. Paul tells us that we can expect to gain the harvest and that the harvest is the real focus. Spiritually or materially God wants to bless those who plow.

Prayer - Father open my eyes to the reaping. I get the sowing and the plowing, now teach me to reap.

Job 38; 1 Cor 4-6

Scripture - 1 Cor 5:6 Your glorying is not good. do you no know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

Observation - 1 Corinthians writings contain very direct instruction for living. While the compassion of the Apostle can be seen, he is very direct in dealing with sin and sinful living. In the previous verses to this passage Paul is dealing with gross sexual immorality and not only saying not to do it, but instructing the disciples and believers not to even talk about it as if it is ok. He says your glorying is not good. In other words "Your innocent acceptance of the actions by another is not good".

Application - It seems like the lines between sin and purity are becoming more and more blurred. Paul cautioned that we should not even eat dinner with a sexually immoral person. His instructions were harsh, in fact he explained them in the last few verses of the chapter. Paul was cautioning the church not to make light of the sin, not to accept the sin, to to watch others engaged in the sin. Too often we blur the line - we may not be engaged in sexual immorality but we don't mind watching it. We may not be doing it but we celebrate it as if we do. The line needs to be clear.

Prayer - Father help me to understand how to offer a hand of compassion but keep the lines clear. I know that radical extreme views are the concern, but God help me to continue to advocate pure, holy living without isolating those you love.

Job 19; Mk 1-2

Scripture - Mk 2:1-4 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

Observation - These four men carrying this paralytic men had simply heard word that Jesus could do miraculous, life changing things. They were so overwhelmed by that testimony that they wanted to get their friend in front of Him. They were persistent and actually aggressive about getting him there. They really didn't let anything stop them from getting to Jesus. They couldn't get through the front door or the windows so they ripped the roof off the house to get in front of Jesus. What determination to get in front of Jesus. These men had some passion to get the answer that they needed. Their focus was squarely on getting in front of Him. Getting their friend the touch from Jesus that he needed, so focus in fact, that nothing would stop them.

Application - I wonder sometimes if we have the same passion to get in front of Jesus. So much passion that we don't let anything get in our way. These four men simply heard that this man could do something and believed it so much that they actually ripped the roof off the house. How would Jesus respond today if we were so passionate about getting to him that we didn't let anything stop us. If we really approached Him with that kind of determination. That we knew He holds the answer to our problem and all that we have to do is get in front of Him. Further that we know that He has the answer for our friends and that we will rip the roof off the house to get our friends and family in front of Him. I really believe He is looking for that kind of passion from us today.

Prayer - Father - Help me to be passionate about getting in your presence today. I know that one spoken word from you takes care of many years of worry and stress. That if you simply speak in my direction all things are great. Father help me to get anyone and everyone in front of you - because you hold the same desire to heal them as you do to heal me.

Job 18; Ps 114; Acts 27-28

Scripture - Acts 28:30-31 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Observation - I was thinking about the way that the book of Acts ends with Paul in his own rented home in Rome preaching the gospel and no one forbidding him. He was there preaching as he wanted, converting people to Christianity and building ministry. I am sure he was also sending messages to his churches throughout the regions, discipling the men that he planted in those churches. But what is interesting to me is that no one was forbidding him. He was in this place where his ministry just worked. But it took a whole lot of beating up to get there. He had been through prison, beatings, accusations, shipwrecks, viper bites, persecution, slander, and every other type of personal attack, but ended up in a house that he rented preaching the gospel.

Application - How many times do we want the prize but don't want to pay the price. Paul had hit a stride in his ministry but had to pay a tremendous price to get there. Ministry does not come without some prison experiences, some beatings, some accusations and some personal attacks but if you can endure all of that God will get you to the place where your ministry will go without anyone forbidding it.

Prayer - Father help me to endure. I am willing to pay the price to get the prize. We are on our way to ministry that the devil can't forbid. God bless every step of the way.

Neh 9-10; Acts 2

Scripture - Neh 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God.
Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Observation - In Nehemiah 10:39 we see that the temple is completed and dedicated to the Lord, the priests have been commissioned, the people have committed to bringing in the tithes and the storage rooms are full and yet they continue to bring in the tithes so that the ministry can continue. In Acts 2:46 the birthing of the new testament church takes place with God adding to it daily. The scripture just before this one describes the people selling their possessions and bringing them to the house of God so that no one had any needs and that the house of God was taken care of.

Application - I love that in both instances the people cared so much for God's house that it was not neglected. There was a real emphasis in both the old and new testament that the house of God be maintained and cared for. In Nehemiah it goes on to say that "we will not neglect the house of God". To have that much emphasis on the house of God understanding its vital role in the continuation of the ministry and the fulfilling of God's plan. Building or no building - the house of God is a vital aspect of God's plan and every effort must be given to care for it as such. I love that the people were willing to bring all in to take care of the house...

Prayer - help us to see the vital role your house plays. While the church is the people the house of God is important to the kingdom and the work that you are doing here on earth. God help us to never neglect the house.

Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

Scripture - Acts 1:4-5 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which" He said "you have heard from Me; 5 "for John truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now"

Observation - "Wait For The Promise" - "Do Not Depart" - these gentlemen were gathered together in the upper room waiting for 120 days with nothing. No indication that the promise was coming, no indication that anything was happening. Wait for the promise and do not depart were the instructions from Jesus - as a matter of fact he went on to say "that you heard from Me". In other words I have given you specific instructions and a promise that I will fulfill - don't move until it happens. Don't run, don't walk, don't go, don't leave the room until you see the promise fulfilled.

Application - All too often we leave before the promise is fulfilled. We depart Jerusalem, for that matter we leave the room before the promise ever arrives. Jesus told the disciples very specifically don't depart Jerusalem and wait on the promise. If Jesus can get us to stick around long enough and hang in there even when it looks like things aren't happening He will bring the promise to pass.

Prayer - Father help me to take my eyes off of the tangible results and just wait for the Promise...

Ezra 9-10; Ps 131; Lk 21

Scripture - Ezra 9:1-2 When these things were done, the leaders came to me, saying, "The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, with respect to the abominations of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2 For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed is mixed with the peoples of those lands.

Observation - God had some pretty strict rules about intermarriage and defiling the seed of the holy people of God. The pagan cultures were not to be integrated into the Jewish culture. God's people were to be separate. Mixing seed with pagan culture causes distraction and eventually pulls away the believer. God did not want the philosophies and the rituals of these cultures to affect the worship of His people. The design was to keep the people of God squarely focused on the purest of worship following prescribed methods and with the right heart. Pagan beliefs begin to gain influence when mixed with holy seed.

Application - I was thinking about some time ago when I needed to plant a new yard at my house. I was so excited about getting the lawn level and preparing the soil to receive the seed and making sure the right fertilizer and nutrients were in the soil. After all the preparations were made I had a company come and spray seed on the top of my painstakingly prepared soil. Unfortunately the batch of seed the man used contained some wild, dominant seed mixed in with the rye, fescue and blue grass that I wanted. This crabgrass content mixed in with the great seed caused me much problem. It took me nearly 2 years to finally get the crab grass all killed and the right grass to be full and lush and green. As Christians - we need to be careful what kind of seed we mix with the pure holy seed God has given us.

Prayer - Father kill the crab grass that can infiltrate the good grass in my life.

Esther 9-10; Luke 10

Scripture - Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Observation - Jesus was talking to Martha here about the difference in focus. Jesus was trying to keep the main thing the main thing. Martha's complaint was that she was doing all the work and was distracted by all the things around her and that Mary was just sitting there listening to what was going on with Jesus. Jesus replied to Martha - you are worried about the wrong things. Mary is focused correctly and is doing the better thing. Martha was distracted by the business of the house.

Application - My wife has a book on the shelf (one that I haven't read) entitled "Being Mary in a Martha World" the title alone is enough to convict you to doing the right thing. This scripture is timely today. The busyness of life can cause us to really loose focus on the "Main Thing". Our worship of Jesus, our relationship with Jesus, our time with Jesus. Sitting at his feet is really the only place that we need to be. The only pressing thing in life is what we learn from Him. I know that the demands on my time can be VERY distracting. But the "Main Thing" needs to be the "Main Thing". Mary basically thumbed her nose at Martha and said I am sitting here learning something today. I am not getting up until I have spent some time with Jesus. Every day must be a Mary day! Slow down, put away the distractions and get some time with Jesus.

Prayer - Father, there have been several men tell me to slow down. Please help me Lord by giving me the strength and the discipline to make the main thing the main thing. Jesus I love you and long to spend time at your feet, listening to your word over my life and over my days. You are the one that I am here for and am willing to be taught. Help me to put the distractions away and focus on what you have to say today. To quote a phrase from the old show Frasier "I'm Listening!"

Zech 10-12; Ps 126; Luke 14

Scripture - Luke 14:13-14 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Observation - Reaching out when someone can do nothing for you is the key to major blessing in our life. This concept is such a opposing position from the world. Every day we are motivated to do for and hang around those that can in some way help us back. Work drives us to do for those that can promote us or help us or advance us. Our position should be to do for those that can do nothing for us. Opening the doors of the church to all - no matter background or social standing or political position. Each week we set the table for the feast and are eager to invite all.

Application - Everything we do must be motivate by a heart to help and to serve not to get and attain. I want to prepare for this Sunday's banquet in such a way that the feast is open to all and the invitations get sent to "whosoever will".

Prayer - Father bring them all!!!!!!

Zech 7-9; Luke 13

Scripture - Zech 8:9-13 "Thus says the Lord of hosts; Let your hands be strong. You who have been hearing the these days These words by the mouth of the prophets. Who spoke in the day the foundation was laid For the house of the Lord of hosts, that the temple might be built. For before these days there were no wages for man nor any hire for beasts; There was no peace from the enemy for whoever went out or came in; For I set all men, everyone, against his neighbor. But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days, says the Lord of hosts. For the seed shall be prosperous, The vine shall give its fruit, The ground shall give her increase, And the heavens shall give their dew. I will cause the remnant of this people to posses all these. And it shall come to pass that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, So I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, Let your hands be strong."

Observation - Let your hands be strong - what you have been through you will not always be going through. The punishment of the fathers can be the blessing of the sons. God is telling the church here to hold on and be strong. Just prior to this passage he is talking to Israel and Judah about obedience and sticking to the commands given by God for his people. He reminds them that their forefathers rebelled against him and they ended up in exile apart for God - but this remnant will be different. He is bringing overwhelming increase, blessing and anointing to the people that will hold on strong and keep the commandments tirelessly. God's desire is to bless, to empower to increase and to expand. These are part of his nature. We must "Let our hands be strong". This phrase means that we must keep our hands doing honest, trustworthy, kingdom worthy business. Keeping our actions honoring God.

Application - Today I need to put my hands to business that will expand the kingdom and honor God. We must keep in mind that weak hands allow the wrong activities, actions and desires to creep in and dishonor God. Keeping strong hands allows us to be diligent with God and His call for our lives.

Prayer - Father help me to do your work today. To put my hands to your labor and to your desired activities. I need to be your hands and your feet today. Keep them righteous and bless their efforts.

Ezra 5; Ps 113, 127; Luke 9

Scripture - Luke 9:2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Observation - Several times in this section of scripture the bible says that Jesus sent them to heal the sick. What is interesting to me is that He didn't say to pray for the sick that they may be healed. He said that He sent the disciples to "heal the sick". It is a distinct difference! Too often we are praying for the sick and waiting on the Lord and yet structurally we 'as disciples' have the authority to 'heal' the sick. The transfer of Jesus authority into His disciples gives them the authority in ministry to preach the gospel and to heal the sick. He gives equality to each area in ministry. I believe we have all but perfected the first and have ignored the latter. The mandate is to "heal!" While I understand he is speaking of infirmity - it would be wise to consider that he is also speaking of emotional and heart healing. We have a mandate to touch lives and help them see the power and authority of Jesus.

Application - Jesus has given clear instruction to his disciples. Go, Preach, Heal! This is a recipe for success in our Christian walk. To go where we will go not giving consideration to the reception of the people, to preach the word and the gospel "good news", and to heal. I must look for the wounded and heal that life today. It is a mandate that God will bless.

Prayer - Father today I am prepared to preach the word, help me walk in the authority of healing the sick. The physical sick as well as the emotional sick. God there are many in this community that NEED a touch from your Spirit.

Ezra 2-3; Luke 8

Scripture - Ezra 3:11-13 Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.

Observation - The church was completely destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar earlier. Totally taken down and the people taken to exile. No place to worship, no place to assemble, no place to be reminded of the greatness of God. Here we find the people coming back to Jerusalem and beginning to build the foundations of the church. Laying the ground work. Just bringing the materials to rebuild the temple and young and old are shouting and praising at the work that is going to be done. Old people because they remember what it was like and young people because of the progress and purpose. Both shouting and weeping at the work that is going to be done. Shouting so loud that it overshadows the weeping. Praising and singing "For HE is good, His mercy endures forever". Reminded of what God can do to restore and replenish. They were excited to have a place to worship again. Excited to have a place called God's House. What zeal for the house of God.

Application - Sometimes I think we take for granted the house of God. We get so critical of the things that are being done we miss the purpose they are being done. We are a generation that is looking for the flash and the show and don't really know what it would be like not to have a house to worship in. I get so excited about the building of God's house - not the physical structure - but the people of God that are being brought together. In our case the house has been being built for about 4 years now and it is just now that I see such progress that gets me shouting and praising and truly experiencing the "His Mercy Endures Forever" perspective. It seems as though we have been through many exile experiences and the house gets somewhat torn down, but God is faithful and brings those that want to build and want to see the erection of the great temple of God and begin to shout at the foundations being laid.

Prayer - Father keep us focused on the prize. The eternal prize. Building your church and rebuilding your temple. God I love you so much and am praising you today for building your house and while I live in a country with many choices in temples - thank you for building that eternal temple in me and bringing in the necessary materials to lay and eternal foundation.

Ezekiel 20-21; Ps 111; Rev 8

Scripture - Rev 8:3-5 He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand.

Observation - The setting for John in the throne room of God watching the end unfold must have been troubling. Here is sees what is about to happen on the earth and John sees an angel with smoke and incense going up before God. He immediately knows that these are the prayers of the saints and describes them as going up before God. It would stand to reason that in this time the churches would be offering much prayer during a time like this. God is about to send down judgment on the earth and the prayers of the saints with the incense of angelic being are offered up to God. The ascending shows Gods accepting of those prayers.

Application - I don't spend an extraordinary amount of time looking at end times and contemplating the doom of the end. While I understand that it is coming and we are the end time church, I believe that our position should be one of hope and love. One that helps people see our God as loving and caring and compassionate. That said, I am very encouraged by this scripture because we see John here watching the eminent judgment about to happen and what is taking place is that the prayers of the saints are going before God. To me that just lights my spirit up. I fall so in love with a God that will receive and respond to the prayers of His people even in the midst of His judgment. We serve a God that will listen no matter what.

Prayer - Father I pray that you help me continue to be directed your way even in troubling times. God that we send up prayers before you in the midst of judgment and trouble. God you are a merciful and gracious God and I love you. Amen

Jer 26,35,36; John 20

Scripture - John 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed."

Observation - Jesus has been showing up for the past week with the disciples - the first time Thomas was not there and when told about the encounter said "unless I stick my fingers in his wounds, I will not believe". Thomas need to have physical proof that Jesus was alive again. He needed not only his spiritual sense to be confirmed but his physical senses to confirm Jesus as alive. I love that Jesus did not show up the second time to condemn Thomas but satisfied his need to have they physical confirmation. I love that Jesus understands how we think and what we need. Jesus will not only confirm himself to us both in spirit and in flesh. The reality of Jesus is real, tangible and alive and he wants everyone to be convinced of this not matter what. However Jesus explains that the greater blessing is in believing without seeing. Too many of us need proof before we will make a move and Jesus in this statements confirms that Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

Application - There is an old saying "Seeing is believing". While that may be true there is a great blessing that comes from not needing to see the physical manifestations of God but simply to know that HE IS! To know that Jesus is Jesus because he is Jesus and not needing to stick our fingers in his wounds constantly. It seems to be human nature to want to go poking around Jesus hands to prove that "yes in fact this Jesus". Jesus wants us to trust him without seeing. To believe without the needing a sign. In fact he says that "the foolish look for signs". To believe without seeing gives us a foundation that is strong because our senses will fail us and can be swayed by circumstances. Faith alone is strong.

Prayer - Father help me to see you my faith and not my eyes.

Amos 7-9; Ps 104; Titus 2

Scripture - You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. ²Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. ³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. ⁶Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. ⁷In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Observation - Paul is continuing to teach Titus how to train and develop leaders and those faithful to the gospel. Over and over in the new testament there is the theme of teaching sound doctrine. It becomes apparent that there are those that teach false doctrine. In fact Paul says in 1:11 that this false doctrine is ruining families. Here is the second chapter he tells Titus to teach from sound doctrine. Teach men to be temperate, self-controlled and sound in faith and to teach women the way to live. He goes on to talk about the younger men and women. The entire family must receive sound doctrine. Doctrine that does not hurt but stands to encourage and correct the behaviors of this world. Sound doctrine will build families to strong positions of faith.

Application - Continuing to teach principles that families can live by is the call and the directive of God. Thinking of entire families and how the doctrine will help them become stronger in faith and to leave a legacy is very important. Throughout our church we should see the fingerprint of God on the families as men become temperate, strong, faithful and serving and women become reverent, self controlled and honoring of their husbands and both are able to teach the younger the right way to live.

Prayer - Father help me to keep it real and keep it sound.

Amos 4-6; Ps 86; Titus 1

Scripture - Titus 1:15-16 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.
NIV

Observation - Paul is giving instructions to Titus in this book regarding the establishment of leadership and elders in the church. Paul says earlier that Titus was left to finish what was unfinished. Here in vs 15 Paul is giving Titus some much needed education on what to look for in leaders. He says that people claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. It is amazing what our actions tell about our beliefs. You could ask someone if they believe God and have them tell you yes - but with their actions you can tell they really don't. Interestingly enough my son Dylan has a great ability to spot these things. Dylan is quietly influential and can see through what people say to their actions. Because Dylan doesn't talk alot - he is watching the actions to determine a persons faith. The old adage "Actions speak louder than words" seems very appropriate here. You can claim to be a Christian all you want but what do your actions tell those around you. In many cases life actions are a stronger testimony than the words we say. Can people tell you are a Christian without opening your mouth. Or do you claim Him with your mouth and deny Him with your actions.

Application - As a pastor I know that I come under a higher scrutiny because of the position I hold, however, irrespective of that position - I need my actions to line up with my verbal testimony. In everything I do, I want Christ to shine through. I want my actions to scream to the world that I love God and am faithful to His son. My life must scream by my actions that my life is dedicated to the one true God. I never want my life to deny the Christ that I love.

Prayer - Father watch over me. Watch over the things I do both in public and in private. God I pray that my life be a living testimony of my love for You. Father help me to walk in the commandments that you have detailed for me in your word. Father you mean the world to me and I want the world to see you in everything I do.

2 Kings 1-3; Ps 82; 1 Tim 1

Scripture - 2 Kings 2:19-22 Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren." 20 And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, "Thus says the LORD: 'I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.'" 22 So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.

Observation - This land had been barren, not producing any results. Nothing would grow, no harvest would come. The city was placed perfectly - everything seemed to be well. But the water was bad and the land would not produce anything. Elisha says bring me a new bowl with some salt and throws the salt into the water and heals the water and the land so that it produces crops even to this day. The salt in this scripture represents purification. Salt is the medium by which preservation come and purification comes. Christ says we are the salt of the earth. Salt to bring flavor and truth to the dark and deceitful. In order to produce we must have purification and truth with light in the darkness. To make our land produce we must throw salt...

Application - For several years we have been working land to make it produce. Sowing and sowing and sowing and waiting for the harvest. The city is positioned perfectly. The land is perfect for harvest. It is pleasant for a move of God but the land seems to be barren and unproductive. I believe it is time for a salt treatment. I believe that the land needs to be purified and taken back from the enemy. The spirit of the anti-Christ (death) has attempted to claim the land but we must take it back. We must throw the salt on it and take it back for Christ. The land we are standing on is holy land. The place where we worship is claimed for Christ. It is perfectly placed and perfectly positioned for God's mighty move. Today I throw salt on the land and claim it for Christ.

Prayer - Father - Help me today. Let me take salt and purify the land and pray from hearts to be radically changed, radically transformed so that we might radically change a community. God I pray that you heal the land and let it produce in abundance.

1 Kings 17-19; Col 2

Scripture - Colossians 2:1-3 - For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Observation - Paul is in prayer for the churches at Colosse and Loadicea. He knows that the false teachers are at work with philosophy and worldly wisdom trying to move the Christians back to their old ways. He is praying earnestly and is praying for their unity that together they would defeat the false teachers. In intense spiritual warfare he is praying for the believer. It is the prayer that touches me today. He says "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love..." Paul makes a strong connection here that if their hearts are knit together in love they can over come the false teachings. If their hearts are knit together in love they can become stronger and attain the riches of God. If their hearts are knit together in love they are stronger in their faith. All too often our hearts are not knit together in love. While we associate with each other - we don't become "knit" together. I believe that it is love that conquers all things according to 1 Corinthians 13. Love requires that we go out of our way. Love requires that we make sacrifices. Love requires that we do something for someone. In our churches - people come in looking for something. They have been beat up by the enemy and by the world and are looking for something different. Too often we look right by them. If they don't engage us we don't engage them. If they don't talk to us we don't talk to them. That is not their role. The need to be knit together with us in love. Love...

Application - Today I begin strategically, emphatically, carefully and mindfully planning to love more people. The only way we can make a difference anywhere is to gain the strength that unity of knit souls together brings. We must do our best to make everyone feel love. We must put ourselves aside to transmit love to everyone we meet. We must focus our attention on loving our neighbor and our guests and begin the weaving process of their hearts to ours.

Prayer - Father help me to teach and to live love. Help me to show the power of hearts knit together in love. Help me know the power of God's love working through our church and our lives.

1 Kings 12; 2 Chron 10-11; Phil 2

Scripture - Phil 2:12-16 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Observation - This is one of my favorite scriptures of all time...The idea of continuing to work on your salvation and become what God needs me to be for His good pleasure. The idea that everything I hope to do and want to do is for God because it in some way blesses Him completely wins my heart. God is my father - like the scripture says "Abba Father" or daddy. Further - I love the idea of doing all things without arguing or complaining. Too often we do it but we grumble all the way. We need to be blameless and harmless for this generation. We must perform without the moaning and groaning. God is waiting for us to become the testimony He has called us to be.

Application - I must take the advice of the scripture here. For too long I have been in this place wondering what am I doing and why am I here. But God is rightly saying "You are here for my good pleasure". That should be and is plenty of reason. Now I need to work out the salvation portion and continue to be a blessing to God.

Prayer - Father you know what I am talking about. You know how I think. God I love you so much and want my life to be used for your good pleasure. Whatever that takes - God I am willing.

Song 5-8; Phil 1

Scripture - Phil 1:27-30 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Observation - let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, stand fast in one spirit, one mind, together and not terrified by your adversaries. I love these words - Paul casts vision and deposits faith in every letter. He is telling the Philippian church that there actions are so very important. Everything they do represents Christ. That together they should be standing in one spirit - having the same goal with the same purpose and the same Christ. They should be in the same mind with the desire for the same things. If we could get Christians today in the same city going in the same direction with the same purpose with the character to back it up we would have no problem filling every church in that city.

Application - While I can't affect every church in the city - I can affect mine. I take the personal responsibility to instruct us on the vision, desire and passion of God for our community that will change the hearts of our community to change the community. If we are all on the same page we will crush the adversary that tries to attack any one of us.

Prayer - Father - unity, direction, and passion to complete the task. God help me to communicate your vision to your people your way.

Ecc 7-9; Eph 4

Scripture - Ecc 7:21 Also do not take to heart everything people say, Lest you hear your servant cursing you.

Observation - Oh - the wisdom of Solomon. Do not take to heart everything people say because you will definitely hear something that irritates you. This is especially true with leadership. As a leader people have all kinds of opinions about how things are being done and why things are being done. To the point of criticism. I love what Aristotle says "the sure way to avoid criticism is to do nothing, say nothing and be nothing." As a leader makes progress and begins to move mountains physically and spiritually the critics will come out. What people say should not be what settles in your heart, that place is reserved for God's word and direction for your life. Only take to heart what God says - His word is true and infallible.

Application - To hear God's words of any other. Progress is wrought with accusers and objectors. The interesting thing is that it only happens as progress is being made - as Aristotle says "We can do nothing". I choose to do something. I choose to continue to move forward. I choose to make waves in the community and to continue to strive for excellence.

Prayer - Father shield my heart from the words of man and replace them with the words of God. Father your word and direction for my life are of ultimate importance to me and they are what I build my future upon. Amen.

Ecc 4-6; Ps 18: Eph 3

Scripture - Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.

Observation - Solomon is looking at this life and with all the wisdom God has blessed him with is looking at the life of a person that works for what he has and one that has abundance through wealth. The laboring man's life allows him to sleep in comfort and peace - while the man with abundance is up all night trying to figure out how to keep what he has. I know that most every one's desire is to be wealthy, thinking that the other half lives so well and has no worries. The fact of the matter - wealth without Godly principles and peace cause sleepless nights. While the wealth is not the issue - the condition of the heart that has the wealth is.

Application - Whether I am in poverty or wealth - abundance or lack - I should live like Paul describes "whether in abundance or lack I have learned to be content". Being content with what and where you are allows peace to invade your life.

Prayer - Father help me in this time of economic chaos to see your provision as plenty and to have the peace of a laboring man.

Ecc 1-3; Ps 45; Eph 2

Scripture - Eccl 2:21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

Observation - Solomon is discussing the frustration of having to leave something that he has worked so hard to achieve to someone who potentially will squander the responsibility. There is a grave difference between earning something and being given something. I can remember back to my first car and how proud I was of that car. It was mine and I earned every dollar that paid for it. It caused me to respect it and to take care of it and to make sure that it was in good condition (even though it didn't run all the time). It was mine because I earned it. Many times people are looking for something they haven't put any time in to gain. The get rich quick and the fast anointing of God. People want all the glory with none of the guts. Solomon calls this vanity and evil. While none of us can earn our place in the kingdom - we can work for our relationship with God. We can put the time in to develop our relationship skills and our understanding of His word and the nature of the God we serve - the issue becomes taking on responsibility to fast before you have put in the time - cause you to be weak and ineffective. Solomon says that for ever time there is a season - its waiting for that season that is tough.

Application - I know that there are many things in store for me. As a competitive person - I don't always wait and put in my time to develop the necessary skills and temperament to fulfill the call. I am anxious to see the result and sometimes look for the given thing. It is the working it out that causes the deep development in life. I believe that this scripture has application to both my personal life as well as my ministry. Personally I need to wait until I have worked to develop the spiritual tools necessary to achieve God like results. Ministerially placing someone before they have developed the spiritual tools can cause a stumbling in their walk. It is all about the work and the timing of God.

Prayer - Father help me not to be the one that just wants everything given. That I can work for the skills to accomplish your goals. God I need your help to assist those around me in developing the skills to achieve your goals. God help us to wait and to develop and to form the spiritual muscles necessary to carry the load of ministry.

Prov 30-31; Ps 33; Eph 1

Scripture - Ephesians 1:19-23 What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church. 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Observation - I love what Paul is establishing here in these verses. He tells us that the church is the physical manifestation of Christ to this world. That we are to be filled with Him by the power of the Holy Spirit and that the church should represent Christ to the world. The church is His body and He is head over all things in the church and to the church. He has been given supreme authority over all things named and all things to come. Through the church there is power to transform, power to be successful, power to have dominion over all the accusers. Christ is embodied in the church and a church that understands that Christ is represented there will gain His feet, His hands, and His heart to affect the world.

Application - Modeling after Christ...The church should be the physical representation of Christ to the world. Our church should represent the physical attributes of Christ and the spiritual attributes of Christ. From headship to servanthood. To lead a church that is Christ to the community is not only the goal but the mandate.

Prayer - Father help me today to not only bring you into the church but to model the church after your son. To use Christ as the example and the purpose for our very existence. Amen

Prov 25-25; Romans 15

Scripture - Romans 15:1-2 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

Observation - The Roman church was wrought with individuality and competition to be the best. The instructions given here by Paul tell the strong to bear the burdens of the weak and to go out of your way to please your neighbor. Today that same is true. In modern society there is a distinct push to be the best, to beat everyone else, to out pace and out do everyone. The individuality of our nation has divided and separated people. Paul as well as Christ instructs us to not only bear the burdens of our neighbor but to serve our neighbor, go out of the way to please them - do something for them - serve them when there is no reward for us. These kind of actions cause a harmonious culture where all needs are being met. We must take our focus off of our needs and place them on someone else.

Application - As a pastor - I not only need to live selfless service - I must find a way to teach selfless service. There are those that are weak all throughout our community and the only way to make a Godly impact is to find and bear their burdens. I must find those burden.

Prayer - Father help me to find those burdens that you are concerned with. The burdens that you would ask to be addressed. Father help me to look at life today in terms of others needs and desires and weaknesses and build them up.

Prov 22-24; Romans 14

Scripture - Prov 24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity,Your strength is small.

Observation - In the verses written 5 before this one - Solomon links strength to wisdom by saying that "a wise man is strong, yes a man of knowledge increases strength". It is evident that as we increase our Godly wisdom and our knowledge and understanding we have the strength to endure every adversity. The adversity that comes our way is planned to test our strength. Too many times we crumble under the adversity when in fact we should be looking at adversity as the gauge of our strength in the Lord and our knowledge and understanding of His ways. Adversity is our weight machine that allows us to continue to build our strong spiritual muscles. Fighting the adversity, becoming angry in the adversity only proves our lack of strength in the Lord. James says to count it joy when you fall into adversity and Peter says rejoice in the trial. They both testify that the trial serves as a test of our perfected faith in God. Remembering that "All Things Work Together For Good" allows us to look very differently and what we face each day.

Application - It has become abundantly clear that EVERYTHING that I have faced in my life - personally, professionally and ministerially has been for a purpose - I know that we are on the brink of breakthrough and with it comes new adversity and new challenges - today I will look at every challenge and every adversity as a test of my current level of strength.

Prayer - Father - give me the wisdom and knowledge to be strong in the adversity. Give me the tenacity to push through and the compassion to restore the lost to you.

Prov 19-21; Romams 13

Scripture - Rom 13:1-3 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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.

Observation - Paul is giving instruction here to obey earthly government. While this scripture does not authorize a Christian to obey when asked to sin - the command is there to bring order in the kingdom. Paul is speaking to the church in Rome that has one of the strongest governmental powers of the time. The fiercest army and the strongest non-christian leadership. The church must have been trying to discern the purpose for non-christian rulership. Paul simply states that God has a purpose for Godly and ungodly government. Following them will allow God's purposes to be fulfilled. He says that rulers are a terror to evil. Throughout the old testament God used ungodly rulers for a season to chastise a sinful people and bring repentance.

Application - In a recent class we had a discussion on obedience. One of the taboo words of the 21st Century. The bible says to prefer obedience to sacrifice. We are a people called to obedience to both God and those that rule over us that are appointed by God. In the church it is our pastors and our leaders, in society it is our president and government. Our job is not to abandon either when we don't like what is happening - our job is to pray that God's purposes would be fulfilled through those men and women. That we are able to submit our lives to those that God has placed over us - that I am to submit my life to those over me in the Lord. God has placed some great people over me in both government and in the church and it is time to see the purpose of God fulfilled.

Prayer - God help me today to submit to the authorities you have placed over me. God you have appointed men and women in our church leadership as well as in our governmental bodies to lead and guide and cause a change. Father I pray that today and everyday I embrace your purpose for my life and follow with honor.

Exodus 1,2; Ps 88; Luke 21

Scripture - Luke 21:38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

Observation - Jesus can always draw a crowd. No matter where or when - the presence of Jesus in any area will draw a crowd. They followed Him to other parts of the country, they followed Him to other sides of the lake, they followed Him to the temple. No matter where He goes they will follow Him. In this scripture Jesus was in the temple early in the morning and all the people come there early in the morning to hear Him teach. They wanted so desperately to hear what He dad to say.

Application - My life needs to be more about Jesus, my ministry needs to be more about Jesus, my every thought and every day needs to be more about Jesus. While I am so in love with Jesus and thankful for the saving grace He has brought to my life and while I teach Jesus to the people in my church. I sense a desire to make Him more a part of every service, every teaching, every sermon, every conversation. If ever there was a way to build a church - it is to make it about Jesus. The people were at the temple early in the morning. The people today would undoubtedly come no matter when our building was open to see and hear what Jesus had to say.

Prayer - Father - help me make the transition from one that loves You to one that loves You and preaches and teaches and is totally consumed with Your son. God, I love you for giving me Your son, I love You for offering Him to me, I love You for the life You have given me - now help me to profess it in everything.

Gen 31-33; Luke 13

Scripture - Gen 32:24-26 The Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He say that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with Him. 26 And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!"

Observation - Jacob was one persistent person. I know this scripture is very well known but today is it speaking clearly. As we are continuing in our 21 day fast - it seems to me that we need to understand the persistence that Jacob had to wrestle until he was blessed. Jacob refused to let go even in pain and discomfort. Even when he was injured in his hip, Jacob had a mindset that he wasn't letting go of God until God blessed him. Ironically that is exactly what happened. God blessed him and let him go and Jacob was forever changed by this event. In fact it changed the people that followed him and the diet they ate and the way they worshipped. This event not only affected Jacob but everyone that followed him.

Application - I think sometimes we need to get our mind on wrestling with God. We need to have the mindset that we are going to pursue God until we reach the break through. So many of us stop short of our goal but praying a bit and asking God for his blessing, but God never experiences the joy of one of his children pursuing him and chasing him and wrestling with Him until the blessing comes. Like a professional athlete, that is where the spiritual strength comes from. That constant wrestling until day break. Staying up with God could be the greatest blessing we have ever experienced.

Prayer - Father, I know your word says "You are a rewarder of those that diligently seek you." God help me to have the persistence of Jacob. Help me to pursue and to wrestle with you until the blessing comes. I want to experience you in greater and more complete ways. Help me God with this pursuit.

Gen 29, 30; Luke 12

Scripture - Luke 12:33-34 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Observation - What Jesus is trying to do in this scripture is to transfer the focus off of material possessions and things that are temporary and place them on the eternal. He is attempting to get His disciples and the people He ministered too, to focus on the eternal kingdom of God instead of the temporary things in this world. He gives the instruction to treasure the kingdom of God and it will have your heart.

Application - It is amazing how true this scripture is. That the things that we treasure our heart is wrapped around. For instance our children. I cherish and treasure both of my children and they have my heart. My wife - I absolutely adore her and treasure her and she has my heart. Anything in my life that I treasure I put my whole heart into. Our focus must be to begin treasuring the kingdom of God. To make it so valuable to us that we place our whole heart into its pursuit. That it become precious to us - more precious than any prized possession. We must treasure the gift that God has given.

Prayer - Father never let me forget the value of your promise. God I love you and never want anything material to take priority over you. Help me to treasure your promise and your kingdom.

Gen 15-17; Luke 6

Scripture - Luke 6:12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountains to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Observation - Jesus was about to make some major decisions. He was about to choose who were going to be his disciples. His commitment to prayer is unprecedented and is truly a high priority in His life. Jesus retreated to the mountains to pray and stayed there all night. He prayed to God for direction and instruction in making decisions that affected the whole of the newly forming church. Jesus dedicated himself to fasting an prayer and seeking God at every turn. He makes the statement "I can do nothing except what the Father tells me". His desire to hear God drives the decisions that He makes.

Application - To be found praying all night before making any decisions. Primarily decisions of paramount importance in our lives. Jesus model for prayer gives me the example that should be modeled for every decision facing our family and our church. To retreat with God. To pray all night for the direction and the instruction to move forward. To be able to do nothing except what the Father tells me. Too often I face decisions in my life that need more prayer. I would consider myself a praying man, but prayer that is laid prior to making a decision would eliminate the need for worry, stress and massive deliberation.

Prayer - Father I need your help to pray. Not simply the life of prayer but instructional prayer, pre-decision prayer, prayer that touches You and gives me the appropriate information for moving all of life forward.

Gen 3-5; Luke 2

Scripture - Luke 2:36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years fro her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Observation - What kind of diligence this woman has. Sitting in shear anticipation of the coming Christ, serving God with fastings and prayer. This woman had only been married 7 years and was widow for 84 years. She was spending her days and nights serving God in the temple. Not out trying to make a name for herself, not out doing anything but serving God with fastings and prayer. She was dedicated to seeing the Christ and wasn't going to leave the temple until she accomplished that very thing.

Application - We are quickly approaching our 21 days of fasting and prayer. We see here Anna who served God day and night with fasting and prayer and she was able to hold the son child of God. The Christ! She was able in her diligence to hold in her hands Christ the son of the living God. What might we be able to do as we serve God with fasting and prayer. As we dedicate our time in the temple and serve God with our fasting. Might we get to see a clearer picture of Jesus? Might we get to be quickly in His presence? Might we be overwhelmed by God and His mercy through Christ His Son.

Prayer - Father bless us as we prepare for fasting and prayer this month. Help us to walk away with a clear picture of your son Jesus and His purposes in our lives.

Gen 1,2; Luke 1

Scripture - Luke 1:20 "But behold you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."

Observation - The angel was giving Zacharias a sign to prove his word. He told him that he would not speak until the fulfillment of the promise. That he would be mute until that day. Then on that day when Zacharias named his son John, his mouth was opened.

Application - What a way to go. To be silent until the day the promise is fulfilled. I think too often we receive promise from God and then talk ourselves out of the fact that we heard from God. What could a more fitting solution for Zacharias be than to be silent til the promise was fulfilled. Sometimes I think if we would hear, and wait, and do we would see the promises of God more readily fulfilled in our lives. We would not talk ourselves out of the dreams that He has placed in our hearts.

Prayer - Father help me to stop talking and start listening. To stop talking me out of what you have planned to fulfill in my life. To use the ears...