Ex 12-13; Ps 21; Acts 1

Scripture - Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Observation - The disciples have a meeting here with Jesus, previously Jesus had promised that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receive power from on high. They were waiting in anticipation for that moment - now Jesus reiterates the promise and says don't leave here until it happens. They had an expectation for this power - interestingly though - the power was for a purpose "to become witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to the end of the earth." In other words we are to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness. To take the message of Jesus out of the four walls of the church and into the streets and homes and businesses of our community and around the world.

Application - Man we need to grasp this word. We spend alot of time focused on the Holy Spirit and I believe the Holy Spirit is necessary for each believer. The problem is that it seems like the power we have been given does not translate into witnessing. Something I would like to see is the people of God - actually taking the message outside the church and let the Holy Spirit help them to witness and make Jesus famous in our community.

Prayer - Father help me to be a better witness and inspire my congregation to follow.

Ex 9-11; Luke 24

Scripture - Luke 24:17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"

Observation - Christ has been crucified and was risen and was walking with them. He was listening to their conversation and how they were in dreadful despair of what had transpired in Jerusalem. They were talking about Christ death and how tragic it was. In the following scriptures - Jesus rebukes them and says - ought not the Christ have died to bring forgiveness to Israel. In other words - this is exactly what is supposed to happen. We are not to be down about what is taking place but to rejoice in the good news that He is risen. We are to rejoice in tribulation that we are partakers of Christ suffering. Too often we look at our situations as tragic instead of looking at them as bringing a new life to our world. Jesus is still in control of everything and knew exactly what would happen to him and he knows what is happening to us.

Application - We should control our conversation to discuss the holy things of God and the powerful testimony of our Jesus that is risen. So many of us crucify him over and over again because we only think of tragedy instead of talking about the glorious resurrection. The power was not in the death but in the life that followed.

Prayer - Father help me to constantly proclaim the good news!!!! Forever!!!!!!!!!

Ex 6-8; Luke 23

Scripture - Luke 23:39-43Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Observation - It is amazing how in this tragic situation the different responses that the criminals had. The one was mocking and arrogant and the other was repentant and humble. The response to the humble man was amazing - he said "today you will be with me in paradise". I love how the way that we come to Jesus determines His response back. If we come arrogant and condescending, he will respond harshly - but when we come with compassion and mercy. Even when we are hanging on our cross dealing with our deeds. Even at the very end of our life - Jesus will come and tell you that everything is about to change. Repentance brings the mercy of God and the compassion of Jesus.

Application - I know that we all sin and fall short of God's glory. Some things in life seem irreparable and unchangeable. Yet when we come to Jesus with are heart of repentance understanding that we probably deserve the death sentence - Jesus is quick to forgive and deliver us from the treachery and the death sentence. He brings life in an abundant way.

Prayer - Father help me always to turn to you. I know that I am not perfect and probably make too many mistakes - but I ask your forgiveness today - let me live with you in paradise.

Ex 3-5; Luke 22

Scripture - Ex 3:10-12 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." 11 But Moses said to God,"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" 12 So He said,"I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."

Observation - God is sending Moses back to Egypt to face Pharaoh. Remembering the history of Moses one will find that Moses was being chased out of Egypt for killing one of the Egyptians. He was caught between his life and his calling and was trying to do what was right but missed the mark. Pharaoh wanted to arrest him for his crime - but Moses fled. Now God is sending him back to face the problem and to bring deliverance. Israel can't be delivered without facing the thing that has control over their lives. Pharaoh represents a stronghold over them - represents control over them - represents their oppression - once that is faced there can be freedom - remembering always that God says "I will certainly be with you!"

Application - Too many of us keep running from the thing God wants to deliver us from. He is trying to get us to face our fears, our oppressor, our addiction, our struggles. But instead of facing it we run from it and while running we are kept in bondage to that very thing. It is time to face our oppressor. It is time to look the one thing that has us under its control and tell it to let us go. God said go speak to Pharaoh. We need to tell that thing our God has intended to deliver us and we are on our way out.

Prayer - Father - help me to face the very things that try to control me. Help me to face the things in my life that try to keep me from reaching my greatest potential. Help me to tell it "I am outta here!"

Ex 1-2; Ps 88; Luke 21

Scripture - Ex 1:11-13 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel.

Observation - Times have changed, Kings have changed and the circumstances have changed. The new king in Egypt did not know Jacob, Joseph or any of the legacy of the Israelites. He simply saw that they were multiplying and growing in influence and in size. He became fearful of their power. Pharaoh began to try to eliminate them and keep them from growing. He placed oppression on them and pressure - he tried to eliminate them at birth to eradicate the people but not matter what he did God's favor was on His people. He blessed them and multiplied them, the more pressure the more they grew.

Application - This story reminds me of the diamond. Diamonds begin beneath the earths surface as coal. When the coal is under tremendous pressure the substance changes into a diamond. Something that is very precious and very valuable. The more pressure the more purity in the diamond. If the substance is removed from the pressure it does not have what it needs to become a diamond and stay a fuel that is burned and consumed. Pressure in life is the same way. God uses the pressures that face us to perfect us and make us pure. Under the pressure is when our lives become valuable and we will grow and multiply.

Prayer - Father as I look at my life and see the pressure points. Help me to endure all that comes my way so that I may be pure and valuable to the kingdom.

Gen 49-50; Psalms 8; Luke 20

Scripture - Ps 8:1 and 3 O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!...3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,

Observation - The whole world testifies of the greatness of God. It is overwhelming to think of God's wonderful mercy and grace in light of the majestic presence in this world. Looking around at the moon and the stars and the earth and all its fullness causes me to rejoice in the greatness of the God that I serve. This world is full of reasons to be depressed and down, but to see God's creation and all its majestic glory brings warmth to the soul and a smile to the face.

Application - When we begin to think of how overwhelming our problems are and how gigantic our issues become - we need to stop and consider the majesty of our God and the greatness of His creation. Stop to look at the power of His creation and the majesty that our king commands.

Prayer - Father, thank you for your majesty and your wonderful presence. You have made the moon and the stars to remind me of your greatness. God I love you and all your wonder.

Gen 47-48; Ps 10; Luke 19

Scripture - Luke 19:42-43 "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

Observation - Jesus is instructing us to know the time. We are so oblivious to the time that we are in. The time that is made for our peace and made for our advancement. We don't understand the things that unfolding before our eyes and if we are not careful they will just pas us by and we will not have accomplished the things God has placed before us.

Application - We need to be keenly aware of the season we are in. Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunities of God. We need to be aware of the time and the direction from the Lord - to take the territory for Jesus.

Prayer - Father help me to know the time we are living in and the season. It is time!

Gen 44-46; Luke 18

Scripture - Gen 45:16-20 Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, "Joseph's brothers have come." So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. 17 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Say to your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. 18 Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. 19 Now you are commanded — do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. 20 Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.'"

Observation - A pagan nation, a non-believing Pharaoh in a land that is not theirs and yet God's favor continues to dominate the situation. Because of Joseph's faithfulness, Pharaoh blesses all of Josephs family. Jacob to Benjamin received from Egypt. God can take the most unholy environment and cause it to bless the people of God. So many of us pray to be delivered from the ungodly work environments and the truth is that God can take the leaders of those organizations and use them to bless the people of God. Take from the unrighteous and give to the righteous.

Application - No matter what situation we are in, we need to glorify God and be honorable in our actions. Be faithful with little and we will be blessed with much. The rulers of our earthly world can be used to bless the kingdom of God. God can take the most difficult environment and cause it to bless the kingdom. As a pastor, many of people ask to pray to be put into Christian organizations or jobs with more believers - truthfully we need to be the light in the darkness, the bible says not to hide the light under a bushel but let it shine. God's house could be blessed by the faithfulness of our lives on the job.

Prayer - Father let me take every situation, every environment and through faithfulness bless the kingdom.

Gen 42-43; Ps 5; Luke 17

Scripture - Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."

Observation - Forgiveness is something that we all need to understand. Jesus was teaching here the capacity to forgive. He said that if your brother comes to you seven times in a day and repents, then forgive him. The concept is that there is no maximum number of tries that a person gets. We are not to be limited on our forgiveness, no matter the number of times someone disappoints us. Jesus said to keep forgiving - no matter how many times they sin against you. No matter how much they talk about you, no matter how many times they are rude to you, forgive them if they ask forgiveness.

Application - Some of us keep track of the offenses. We keep track of the amount of times that we have forgiven someone and if they get to the place that they are maxed out on offenses, they are done. We toss them out like an old pair of shoes and don't allow them to be restored in our lives. People are too valuable for that mode of operation. Relationships are too valuable to be tossed aside. We need not think of people as expendable, but as valuable and a blessing in our life. People will make mistakes and will need forgiveness - as the people of God let's be quick to forgive.

Prayer - Father make me quick to forgive and even quicker to forget. Father so many will disappoint, but help me to overlook the disappointment and see the hands of grace you have for them.

Gen 39-41; Luke 16

Scripture - Gen 39:6-9 Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said,"Lie with me." 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"

Observation - Joseph had just been placed in a very esteemed position by Potiphar. What his brothers had intended to hurt him, God intended to bless him. Joseph continued to find favor with God and with man because of God's blessing on his life. Joseph was doing exactly what he was supposed to do - tending to the business of the house. Joseph was striving to fulfill God's call and God's direction and was working diligently to honor God with everything he was doing. Potiphars wife saw the favor of God on Joseph and attempted to sleep with Joseph - she was a snare to his life and his ministry.

Application - Even though you are doing everything right, you are striving for excellence and striving to bring honor to God with all of your actions - the enemy is sent as a snare to you. The enemy will attack in your prominent hour, he will attack right in middle of the best job in the world. Right when you think - man I am moving ahead with God, I want to serve him with all my heart and will honor him with my actions - something will pop up and want to cause you to stumble. Joseph was honorable in his actions and withstood the temptation. He did not give in, even though no one would know, God would see and be disappointed.

Prayer - Father allow my actions in secret and in public to please you. Let me be aware of the temptation of the enemy and to act honorable in-spite of the offers.

Gen 37-38; Ps 7; Luke 15

Scripture - Luke 15:28-32 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' 31 "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"

Observation - The older brother in this passage of scripture had always been with the father, he was always doing the right thing and was constantly and consistently serving his father. When his brother that went out and squandered his possessions came back - he was angry that his father was celebrating the disrespect instead of the consistent. The fact is that he was so comfortable in the house of his father that he no longer had compassion for those that were lost. He was no longer excited about those that are found.

Application - It is easy to get comfortable in our fathers house. We have the spirit of God, the constant preaching of the word, good wholesome fellowship, constant goodness all around us. But there are those that are lost that do not understand this life - we must have compassion on them - when they come in and come back - our hearts must be to embrace them and give them the warmest welcome with the greatest celebration. I recently met a young man that was saved in the churches in Vera Cruz. He is so excited to be part of the kingdom and part of God's family. He brings a renewed sense of excitement to serving God.

Prayer - Father never let me lose the heart to celebrate newly saved people. Those that come home - help us to roll out the red carpet in our lives and bring them in with a party.

Gen 34-36; Luke 14

Scripture - Luke 14:25-33 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Observation - Jesus is teaching the disciples the cost of following him. I have seen many use the first part of this scripture to say that if you follow Christ you must literally hate your family. What is being said upon further research is that; to follow Christ you must love your family less. Christ is telling the crowd and the multitude that you mist place your primary affection on Him. He will not come second - only first. He goes on to explain that even people in the world know what it costs to build or to go to war - they know the last dollar and the last soldier that they will pay for their victory - do we understand what it takes to follow Him. Have we truly stopped to look at the cost and then decide to pay it willingly?

Application - Serving Jesus is not free. It comes at a cost - the cost was paid by Jesus to allow us the opportunity to serve Him. But there is a cost on our side as well. We must give everything to serve Him. I was thinking about this 21 days of fasting and how this is a true symbol of laying it all down to serve Christ. To not eat or limit our food intake for 21 days to focus our attention an prayer and communicating with God - Jesus is truly being worshiped. He is the focus of our attention - we must live a fasted lifestyle the remained of the year. Laying it All down for Him.

Prayer - Father, help me to live fasted - a lifestyle that is totally dedicated to you and your desire for my life.

Gen 31-33; Luke 13

Gen 32:26-28 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." 27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. 28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."

Observation - Struggling with God and with men. Jacob wrestled for his blessing. he did not want to let go until he was blessed. He was even injured in the process but struggled with God until he received the blessing. Jacob was not distracted by anything - not even the daybreak - he would not let go. He wanted the blessing.

Application - Sometimes I think we need to wrestle until we get breakthrough. We give up too easy or don't want to go through the trouble. We don't want to put up the fight to get the blessing we need in our lives. The enemy has worn us out - he has tattered us and torn us and totally worn us out that we don't have any fight left in us. It is time to get back in the fight and wrestle until the blessing comes.

Prayer - Father give me the fight to get the blessing - I will not quit - I will not quit - I will not give up - I am in this til the blessing comes.

Gen 29-30; Luke 12

Scripture - Luke 12:15 Watch out! Be on your guard against all kind of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Observation - Jesus was teaching his disciples to focus on spiritual gain over worldly possessions. Money, wealth, and possessions only serve to distract us from the real purpose of life. Scripture describes a man with overflowing barns and didn't know what to do. So he built bigger barns. Those possessions should have been used to bless the kingdom - but the focus was on the possessions not on the kingdom.

Application - Be on guard - words of wisdom and caution. It is so easy to focus on the wrong things in life. To focus on making money even earning wages as your main focus can distract you from the provision of God. Jesus said "Your father in heaven knows you need them - BUT seek first the kingdom. Seek first the kingdom and all will be added. Seek first is the key - it isn't the possessions that becomes the issue or earning wages - both are good things for believers to do - its the seek first part that is key.

Prayer - Father - simply keep the main thing the main thing - ALWAYS!

Gen 27-28; Ps 4; Lk 11

Scripture - Luke 11:34 Your eye is a lamp of your body, When your eyes are good your whole body is good. But when your eyes are bad your whole body is full of darkness.

Observation - Jesus is teaching the disciples to control what they look at and what goes in. Garbage in garbage out (to quote an old computer cliche). The eyes are the gateway to the heart and we need to make sure that what we gaze upon will bring life to our whole body. The scripture says that when our eyes are bad our whole body is in darkness. Sometimes the dark cloud we feel around our lives has more to do with what we see than with where we are.

Application - Bouncing eyes is a term that I heard recently. It was in a seminar about sexual purity and maintaining a pure heart. Bouncing eyes means that when your eye gets to something you shouldn't be looking at, that you bounce your eyes to a good place. Guarding your vision and where you look is very important to our spiritual health. When we see dark things our life will resemble those things - but when we see life our life will resemble that. Keep looking at the good that God is doing.

Prayer - Father - help me always to see the good in everything. Let me see the good vision, the good in people and the good in life.

Gen 25-26; Ps 6; Luke 10

Scripture - Gen 25:6 But while he was still alive, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.

Observation - I am so impressed with Abraham to not only prepare inheritance for Isaac but while he was still living he was giving inheritance to his other sons. Abraham passed on to his sons more than just wealth. He passed on care and compassion and the Godly wisdom to take care of your family. Inheritance was an issue of Godly direction and value as a father. It was considered problematic if you had nothing to pass on to your children.

Application - What are we passing on to our children? What inheritance are we leaving them. Abraham left legacy with his children. Are we investing in our sons and daughters while we are still living? Are we giving them the knowledge of God and the wisdom of Godly principles? Or after we are gone are we leaving them to scramble and find them for themselves?

Prayer - Father help me to be the model for my children. Help me to pass on a rich inheritance of Godly wisdom and Godly living that will bless them for generations to come.

Gen 23-24; Luke 9

Scripture - Gen 24:18-21 18 So she said, "Drink, my lord." Then she quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and gave him a drink. 19 And when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, "I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking." 20 Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Observation - Rebekah had not idea what blessing she was in for as she served the man at the well. Abraham's servant went looking for a bride for Isaac - one to whom he would give all the wealth and riches that had been gained. Rebekah was simply being faithful to serve the man. Her kindness and compassion to bring give the man a drink and then water his camels was the very character quality God was looking for. I don't think we take time to understand what she really did. The bible said that she gave water to the camels til they finished drinking. Camels don't drink water for large periods of time - when they drink they can drink up to 20 gallons of water each. There were 10 camels for a total of 200 gallons of water. Assuming the pot she was carrying was 5 gallons (unlikely) she would have had to go to the well 40 times. Not to mention filling each jar, pouring the water, carrying the water up the stairs - each 5 gallons weighing some 40 pounds.

Rebekah did all this for a stranger. What a quality. And she reaped a great reward for her efforts. Can you imagine the blessing we would reap if we would be half as compassionate and half as faithful.

Application - All too often we assess the amount of work that we will have to do to bless someone and weigh that against the reward. Rebekah simply served the stranger. She did all that work to bless the man, a man she didn't even know. I believe we need to start serving the strangers around us. Serving them and filling them with living water. Blessing them until they finish drinking. Stop evaluating how much work goes into the blessing and just give ourselves fully. Let God take care of the reward and recognition. How many pots of water can I carry today.

Prayer - Father help me carry pots of water to the strangers in my life. Help me to serve without regard to what is in it for us. Without measuring the results. Just SERVE!

Gen 20-22; Luke 8

Scripture - Luke 8:16-18 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

Observation - Jesus is trying to educate the disciples on the importance of the Word. He tells them that it is meant to be a light and to shine so that all can notice - not hidden under a bushel. When that word is in you it is meant to beam out of you like a beacon for All to be pointed to Jesus. Not kept as some secret that no one can understand. Gods wants us to take the word in us and set it on top of our life. The LIFEJournal allows an intimacy with the word and the sharing of the word allows that light to shine.

Application - We can't stop sharing what we are learning and hearing from God. He wants us to not only take the word we are studying and apply it to our lives but to share it with all that will listen. Not everyone will listen but some will hear and want more.

Prayer - Father make us ALL beacons of light!

Gen 18-19; Ps 3; Luke 7

Scripture - Luke 7:11-15 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.

Observation - It would be foolish to read this passage of scripture and not celebrate the major miracle that had taken place. The men were carrying this young boy in a coffin and Jesus speaks to him and he gets up and pops out of the coffin. Can you imagine what the crowd was saying. Inf act the scripture says "they were in awe and praised God" I was thinking however, as I read, how often we have things in our life that we put in coffins and are on the way to bury long before God has finished His purpose with those items. This young boy had a role to fulfill in life. He was the only child of his mother, he would be the only one to carry on the name of his father, she could not be provided for without him and the lives he would touch would not be touched. In short this young boy had purpose. He passes away too early and Jesus speaks to the coffin and the boy awakes. Amazing how all hope was lost in the sight of the people but not to Jesus. One word and he is back in business (so to speak).

Application - I think that too often there are things in our life that have great purpose and potential and because maybe it gets too difficult or it seems to not get legs and go, we pronounce it dead. We carry those things to the grave yard in the coffin and attempt to bury them long before they fulfilled their purpose. It seems like we do this with relationships, with jobs, with churches, with family, with many other areas and activities. We are burying them pronouncing their death before we can see the miracle bring them out. Jesus can speak to those things that are in coffins in my life. Those things that are dead that should be living. Those things I have tried to bury that should have life. Jesus can speak to them and when they live we should stand in awe and praise the Lord.

Prayer - Father help me not to write anything off too early. All things work together for the good of those who love You. Father, I love you - help me to pray life into the dead places and perform and coffin miracle in me.

Gen 15-17; Luke 6

Scripture - Gen 17:4-8 "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."

Observation - God is unfolding the plan for Abraham's life right here. He is telling Abraham what is going to happen to him and what his promise is for Abraham's life. God said "I am naming you Abraham because I have made you the father of many nations". Abraham was not currently the father of many nations and really didn't see any physical proof of that being possible. Sarah was old, he was old, really it didn't make sense. But God had the plan already in place even when the physical evidence speaks to the contrary.

Application - I am reminded everyday of the physical limitations that face my life. Financial limitations, time limitations, people limitations and the list goes on and on. There is a promise burning inside of me that God has placed there. This promise was not given based upon any human limitation but based upon God's ultimate design. When He makes a promise He already knows the end of the story. I love that He told Abraham - "I have made you" even before it was a reality to Abraham. God let me respond as Abraham responded "I believe!"

Prayer - Father help me to see the plan as you see it. Let me know that your plan and your promise is not dependent on anything I can or will do but upon your word only. This whole world was put in place by your spoken word - Father speak over my life.

Gen 12-14; Luke 5

Scripture - Luke 5:1-8 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"

Observation - Peter and the men had been working all night to catch fish. This was their profession. They were skilled, trained and professional. They knew the right fishing spots, the places that were profitable to catch fish. Yet they didn't catch anything. There they were frustrated and broke with nothing to show for their efforts. Jesus enters the boat (at the wrong time of the day for fishing) and tells them to push out and let down for a catch. It is amazing that the only change is Jesus in the boat and his word spoken in their direction. They catch so much that they have to call partners in to help them. The blessing of Jesus flowed over their boat into the boats around them.

Application - It is amazing how you can work and toil all night doing what you have been trained to do, what you are skilled to do, maybe even what you are an expert doing with very little results. The production and return can be so disheartening, but one word from Jesus and the whole situation changed. These men knew what they wee doing and Jesus gets in the boat and says push our and let down - now everything is different.

Push out - some of us aren't going deep enough. We need to push out into new depths - new areas that we haven't approached yet, maybe because of fear or whatever, we need to push out today. He also said let down, we need to let down our guard, let down our attitude, let down our control and let Jesus speak a word over our situation. Let him get in the boat and tell me where to put the nets in. Even if its the wrong time of the day. Jesus makes all the difference.

Prayer - Father - I am pushing out today. I am going deep. Letting down my guard and allowing you to speak over my situation. I need you to touch every area of my life and let the catch come in.

Gen 9-11; Luke 4

Scripture - Gen 11:1-4 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. 3 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Observation - The power of unity - The people were all together with one language and decided that the right thing to do was to build a kingdom for themselves. They built a city and began to erect a tower that would reach the heavens to make a name for themselves. People have always tried to make a name for themselves. We continue to try an build our kingdoms instead of trying to build the kingdom of God. God scattered these people because they tried to build their own kingdom. The unity of the people caused them to do amazing things. If we could focus our attention on unity and building God's kingdom we could do anything.

Application - Working together on God's kingdom doesn't cause scattering but a gathering. God was not pleased with their misdirected focus. They were attempting to make a name for themselves and reach heaven instead of making a name for God and expanding His kingdom. Everything we do - should be focused on God's kingdom expansion and working together.

This month - Pastor Ray, Pastor Jack and I are teaching a conference focused on this very topic. Working together. For too long we have been working alone trying to build God's kingdom - but together we can actually accomplish it. Remember that it isn't the working together that was disappointing, it was the wrong focus.

Prayer - Father help me today to rightly focus on you. God your kingdom expansion should be our first goal. Working together should be our method to accomplish your mission. Help me to put together teams and vision that focuses on your goals.


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Gen 6-8; Luke 3

Scripture - Luke 3:7-14 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

Observation - John is preaching to the crowd about the coming Christ. He is preparing the way for Christ and instructs the crowd "Bear Fruit!" What a message. To bear fruit is to produce works worthy of God. Bearing fruit is the good works that we do. John goes on to say that they should share tunics and collect only proper taxes and to stop extorting money. Be content - he exclaims. Bear fruit.

Application - Fruit bearing should be all of our goals. Doing good works, good deeds, touching lives. Christ is coming once again - the same instructions apply - Bear Fruit.

Prayer - Father help me to bear fruit today. God I need Jesus help in understanding the right places and the right decision that will cause me to bear fruit.

Gen 3,4; Luke 2

Scripture - Gen 3:1-7 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" 2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'" 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

Observation - Eve finds herself in dialogue with the serpent. God has given clear instruction on how to operate according to kingdom principles and Eve decides that the right thing to do is to have a conversations with the serpent to discuss what God really said. The deception began as she begins to question God's word. His way is to twist what God says and to have you rework in your mind the word of God. Vs 4 says "She saw that the fruit was good to eat, was pleasant to the eye and good for gaining wisdom. There was no way she could have seen that - because it was a lie. Satan loves to twist God's word and cause you to see what is not there.

Application - There is a very real presence constantly trying to get me to see what is not there. True vision comes from God. It comes in clarity and purity without distorting His overall purpose for my life. I need to look at the things that I see and line them up with the word God spoke over me. Does it line up with His word - is it live or is it Memorex.

Prayer - Father I know the enemy tries to twist and distort what you are doing and your principles for my life. God I need a clear picture of your plan and your word that can not be tarnished by the serpents slick tongue.

Gen 1,2; Luke 1

Scripture - Luke 1:11-20 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 18 And Zacharias said to the angel,"How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 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 - Zechariah and Elizabeth were praying for a child. They had been seeking God and wanting so desperately to have a child a son that could carry on the lineage of Zechariah. Gabriel comes along and tells Zechariah during his temple service that he is going to have a son and that his son will do great things for God. Zechariah's response is to verbally doubt the words of the angel. To prove the miracle - Zechariahs mouth is shut until the promise is fulfilled.

Application - Too often we talk ourselves right out of the promise. God send the answer that we have been waiting for - the thing that has been so deep in our hearts desire. Then our response is to tell God - I don't understand how that could be possible. I am not sure you would answer this way. I am not confident this is the way it should be. Our mouths get us in so much trouble and talk us right out of the things God is trying to do in our lives. I believe that going into 2010 - I need to begin speaking the things as though they are - even before I see them in reality. My words need to speak the wonderful works of God. Speak the reality of what God has promised. Not only hearing but believing!!!

Prayer - God forgive my unbelief. I want to speak the words that agree with your promise and that testify to the good you do. Help me God to believe your words and to walk in the power of the miraculous. I love you Lord and am anticipating all that you have in store this year.