Romans 5,6,7,8

Scripture - Romans 7:16-23 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slave whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of y our flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

Observation - Paul is speaking to the Romans here - a people that are totally captivated with themselves. Their focus was on the selfish ambitions and the erotic lifestyles. They were slaves of sin and presented themselves as such. Paul speaks to the choice that one makes to either live in sin or live in righteousness. He argues that whichever one you choose - to that one you are a slave. It tells you what to do, where to go, when to do it and how you will live. The end of that road is death. The end of that road is a separation from God. Paul gives the hope that through Christ, choosing Christ, turning from that way and choosing to be a slave of God's love - you gain freedom and life. Life more abundantly is available - but we make the choice.

Application - Choosing to be a slave to God versus a slave to sin. While the average person may think this is a simple choice, the truth is that sin grabs a hold and doesn't want to let go. Slave owners were some of the most ruthless of the ages. The person they owned they would not let go. They would fight even go to war to keep them. In US History our civil war had at its heart this very issue. Slave owners did not want to release the slaves from bondage. The sin in our lives is the same way. It does not want to release us. It wants to keep us from experiencing the freedom that a life with Christ offers. We must CHOOSE to be slaves to Christ. Chapter 8 of Romans tells us that the carnality of sin is warring with God - God is in an all out battle with sin. Chapter 7 verse 23 says that the wages of sin is death - Sin will pay us handsomely in a total and utter separation from God. However God is offering the gift of eternal life. Let's choose to be slaves of Christ.

Prayer - Father - make me your slave today. I choose to wrap every thought around your goodness, your mercy and your grace. I choose to experience the love you offer - the love of God that truly reigns in me. I choose to experience the freedom of a forgiven life a life that is free from the bondage of sin. Father shackle me to your goodness, chain me to Christ Jesus today. I love you with all of my heart and choose to be free from sin and slave to Christ.

1 Sam 1-2; Ps 66; 1 Cor 7

Scripture - 1 Sam 2:12-17 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord. 13 And the priests' custom with the people was that when any man offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fleshhook in his hand while the meat was boiling. 14 Then he would thrust it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; and the priest would take for himself all that the fleshhook brought up. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. 15 Also, before they burned the fat, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who sacrificed, "Give meat for roasting to the priest, for he will not take boiled meat from you, but raw." 16 And if the man said to him, "They should really burn the fat first; then you may take as much as your heart desires," he would then answer him, "No, but you must give it now; and if not, I will take it by force." 17 Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.

Observation - I have read past this scripture many times. 1-2 Samuel are some of my favorite books in the bible. What stands out to me today is the blatant disregard for God's offering. The sons of Eli were wicked, sleeping around, mistreating the people, had no respect for the things of God or His people. But they were taking the best of the offering the people were bringing and using it for their own household. God was bitterly angry for this action. It is interesting that they were warned by the people "They should really burn the fat first". Their response was even more evil as they said give what we ask or I will take it from you. Their treatment of God's offering was an indication of their conviction toward the people of God and a lack of regard for them. God's offering is extremely important. I believe that we must be very careful how we treat the offerings we make to God. Some of us are very casual about what we bring, sometimes keeping the best for ourselves. Keeping some of God's tithe to be used at our household.

Application - As we bring our offering to the Lord, it ought not be a causal concern. This ought be something that brings honor and glory to God. That we ensure none is kept back for our own use. That all of what God has asked for - the tithe is brought to the storehouse. That we invest in the kingdom and give cheerfully. God is watching our actions and obedience in this area.

Prayer - Father, help us to bring faithfully your offering. To bring it with a cheerful and honorable heart. We love you Lord and are stewards of your great riches.

Lev 26-27; Acts 23

Scripture - Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

Observation - Paul is on trial for his beliefs here in this passage. He is being accused of preaching the gospel and standing before the Pharisees, Sadducees and the High Priest. There is a major debate going on about what to do with him. Once he assesses that he is in the presence of Pharisees and Sadducees he identifies himself as one of them. Not only him but from his family. He states I am on trial for confessing what you Pharisees say you believe. He polarizes the group and causes them to divide - once they were against him, now they are against each other. He proclaims the resurrection and the hope. Paul made the real issue the real issue. He brought to the forefront the issue that they were arguing about Jesus Christ and not him.

Application - The gospel will always cause people to debate. It is always on the offense - never the defense. Its proclamation brings life and and eternal promise, but here on earth the word, the gospel will challenge us to deal with our belief systems. Whether it be resurrection, tribulation, purity, holiness, tithing, faithfulness, character - the gospel will always cause us to look into ourselves and it will always reveal to us what is hidden from the world. There will always be a polarization of ourselves against the word. The bible says that it searches the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word/gospel will reveal the dark areas of our heart that must be exposed to light and healed. The gospel will always cause an argument inside of us to reveal the parts that are not aligned with God. We need to allow the word to shine upon those areas and resurrect them to life.

Prayer - Father - you are so good. I love you so much and ask that you would continue to lead me in your path of righteousness - allow me to align my life with your principles daily. Strengthen me to the place of solid rock foundation.

Lev 15-17; Acts 18

Scripture - Acts 18:9-11 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Observation - Paul was under a tremendous about of pressure in this city because he was preaching Christ and the Jews were not happy with this. The pressure was causing Paul to make decisions about where to go and what to do next. While he was getting some results he was still trying to find the real will of God. The Lord speaks to him and says Don't be afraid, Keep on speaking, do not be silent. Paul is there a year and a half preaching and teaching the word of God. Paul had the confidence to continue because God was with him.

Application - Fear is a tremendous hindrance to the move of God in modern day ministry. As I talk to more and more people - afraid to share their faith, afraid to testify, afraid to reach out, afraid to preach the gospel, afraid to be in front of people. But the Lord is telling us, "don't be afraid church, I am with you and will be with you" God wants His message to go forth in power and in passion. When we get passionate enough about the word: teaching, preaching, confessing, sharing, testifying - our city will be changed. Just after this encounter Paul began to reach the leaders of the region - Wow - let's go for those in political positions.

Father - help me to be ready to reach the people no one will reach. The ones at the top of societal lists. Father when you say "lend to the poor" - I believe you mean the poor in faith and spirit. God help me to be attractive to those that the world thinks has it all together.

Lev 10-12; Acts 16

Scripture - Acts 16:13-15 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

Observation - Paul and the guys were travelling and at this particular moment were trying to find a place to pray when they happened upon a group of women that began to gather there. Immediately they began to preach the gospel to that group. A woman named Lydia was there and God opened her heart. It was a major win for the kingdom as Lydia became influential in helping the apostle and the disciples in their ministry.

Application - So often we just move from task to task and forget to preach the gospel where ever we are. Where ever there is a group of people gathering we should be ready to preach. The bible says to be "instant in season and out of season". So often we miss opportunities to reach the lost. Getting caught up in our busy days, busy lives and activities of life - we miss out on opportunities to reach those around us. We never know when there is a Lydia waiting to hear...

Prayer - Father help me to be aware always of what you are doing and to preach the gospel where ever I go.

Lev 7-9; Acts 15

Scripture - Acts 15:7-11 Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Observation - Peter is reasoning with the people of God, the leadership of the churches and trying to explain his experience with the Holy Spirit. Peter was also of the mindset that Jesus came for the Jews until his experience at Cornelius house. The Holy Spirit shows up and tells him that Jesus came for all men, not just the ones that Peter deemed in the right group. In this passage the Jewish leadership are trying to get the new disciples to honor the circumcision process and they are rebelling against that. The brethren are telling these new disciples that they can't be truly saved until they go through the process. I love Peters words: Why are you putting a yoke on the disciples that neither our fathers or we could bear. In other words - why are you making serving Jesus more difficult that it needs to be. You are making it harder than Jesus made it. He rebukes them and establishes a new season of grace for the believers.

Application - Pastor Ray began a series about World Systems and the issues they can have over the lives of people. Systems can not love and there fore can become callous and harsh. The system of religion is a really necessary one, good in its foundation and needed to spread the gospel. God established the church and is using it as his last effort to spread the gospel around the world. However, when the church puts more on the believer than God does, the system begins to degenerate and cause religion to be the primary focus. We need to love people and serve others. That is the primary responsibilities of the disciples. Not to create rules and regulations that keep people out of our world. Let's not put on yokes that neither our forefathers or we can bear.

Prayer - Father help us to keep this simple. To love you with all of our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Father we need revival in our cities, states and nations.

Exodus 33-34; Ps 16; Acts 9

Scripture - Acts 9:3-9 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?". Then the Lord said "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." 6 So he, trembling and astonished said "Lord, what do you want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Observation - One of the most dynamic conversions in the bible. Someone that had such hatred for the people of God is converted to be one of the most influential people in God's kingdom. I always find it interesting that he was blinded at this occasion. That the Lord put scales on his eyes and he was led by others to the city and stayed in Damascus for three days and didn't eat or see. Having to depend on others to even get around. His blindness was for such a profound purpose. God needed to reset his vision. Prior to this experience Paul was seeing the people of God with hatred and disdain. His sight was set on eliminating the kingdom of God. But after this experience he was seeing how he can expand the kingdom of God. God needed to reset his vision and focus his attention on different things.

Application - Many of the experiences we go through are meant to refocus our attention. We may not experience physical blindness, but in some ways we are kept from seeing clearly so that we can gain a kingdom perspective. God wants us to see how the kingdom works and sometimes we need to be blinded of how the world works. Our old vision sees in the carnal but heavenly vision sees the kingdom.

Prayer - Father give me kingdom vision...

Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Scripture - Exodus 32:23-24 "For they said to me, 'Make us gods that shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' "And I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.' So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire and this calf came out."

Observation - Aaron is feeling really convicted of what has taken place while Moses was on the mountain. You can see in his language that he is trying to shirk the responsibility of his actions and find a place to blame. He blames it on the people, on the conditions, on Moses and ultimately on the fire and the gold. He says I just put the gold in the flame and this calf came out. I don't know how that happened but it just came out. Aaron did have the strength to trust the man of God and wait til he returned to give instruction. The bible says that the people didn't know what had become of him. In other words they didn't have daily communication so therefore he must be going the wrong way, its time to do our own thing. The people needed to wait and keep plowing in the same direction without looking to the right or the left. Trust that God is speaking to the man of God and he will get you to the promised land.

Application - So often we are ready to move our own direction and do our own thing, because we don't understand what has become of the man of God. We don't know all the details, we don't understand the changes, we don't know all of the things God is laying on the man of God and so in essence we begin to toss our gold in the fire and see what will come out. We don't have the patience to even wait 40 days to see what will return. In this scripture Moses was coming back with some great instructions about the tabernacle and the 10 commandments, and the people couldn't wait. God was teaching Moses how to gain intimacy with God but they couldn't wait. Idolatry was produced when the people walked out from underneath the anointing of the man of God. What came out was a golden calf that represented idol worship.

Prayer - Father help us to wait on you and wait on the man you have placed at the helm. Your ways are above our ways and you thoughts above our thoughts. God we want to keep our lives free of golden calves.

Exodus 28-29: Acts 7

Scripture - Acts 7:7 'And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.'

Observation - This text is near the beginning of Stephens sermon. Right from the start of his preaching he talks about how God deals with the people that oppress His people. The scripture says that God will judge those that persecute them. He will have vengeance on anyone that persecutes His people. Yet he still uses that experience to drive His people closer to Himself. He says "they shall come out and serve Me in this place." God's desire is that every obstacle, every problem, every persecution drives His people closer.

Application - God uses the situations that affect our lives to drive us closer to Him. Every time we face something challenging it is an opportunity to gain an intimacy with God. When you are looking at your checkbook and it doesn't meet the accounts payable demand for the month, it is an opportunity to gain closeness with God and see Him deliver, every time we face emotional challenges or relationship challenges it is an opportunity to gain a closeness with God. God will judge those that persecute you, he will cause fight for you, he will be your deliverer and is waiting for you to call on His name. He will never leave you nor forsake you and stick by you with everything else leaves you. God wants to be close to His people.

Prayer - Father, let every obstacle in my life serve to cause me to cry out to you and see the hand of the Lord deliver and protect. I love you so much and know that you are my God and my father. You are abba father and I cry out to you.

Ex 12-13; Ps 21; Acts 1

Scripture - Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Observation - Jesus is ascending to heaven and the men are looking up and standing around watching. The angels that were on site were chastising them and saying "What are you looking at?" "Why are you standing there looking up when the one who went away is going to come back" There is ministry to be done, gospel to preach and kingdom to build. What are you looking for - standing there gazing into the sky?

Application - We are so amazed sometimes at the miraculous and wonder of God that we are numbed to moving forward. These men were looking into the sky amazed at what has already happened not understanding that He is still here and is still working and wants us to accomplish things today. It kind of reminds me of staring at a fire in a fireplace. You get so mesmerized by the light that it causes a sort of paralysis. It is amazing that we had a fabulous service on Sunday, that God showed up in glorious splendor, but what are we doing today. What are we doing with the blessing we received today. Are we still standing looking up into heaven waiting for the next blessing or are we putting the blessing to work in our lives.

Prayer - Father help me to launch out with new zeal and fervor to accomplish your plan for today.

Ex 3-5; Luke 22

Scripture - Luke 22:39-44 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Observation - Jesus is preparing for the most troubling encounter of His life. It is just before the betrayal and the culmination of His ministry and He does what each of us should do, He goes to the garden, gets alone and prays. He knelt down and began to ask God for help in this time. I think it is interesting that when He prays He asks God "Father if you are willing take this from me, but either way let your will be done". It was in that willingness to not be the one, the willingness to be the one despite the difficulty and the perspective that whatever God wants should be done that God sends the angel to strengthen Him.

Application - God gives us strength to finish what He starts in us. When we come to the place where we are more concerned with God's will than our own and we are more focused on Kingdom that personal comfort and satisfaction, God will send His spirit and strengthen us to complete the task. But our perspective must be "God not my will by yours be done". No matter what we think, no matter how difficult, not matter the place or the people, God your will be done.

Prayer - Father, let your will be done in me today. Give me strength to tackle every challenge, every fear, every temptation. God I need your strength to complete the tasks you have given me.

Ex 1-2; Ps 88; Luke 21

Scripture - Ps 88:1-2 O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; Incline your ear to my cry.

Ex 2:23-25 Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. 24 So God heard their groanings, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them.

Observation - O God here our cry, I have cried before you night and day, let my prayer come before you. That is the cry of every Christian. To know that our prayer is coming up before God. The writer in Psalms is expressing what many of us so desperately want and need. That our cry come before God. That somewhere in the heavenlies God is aware of our petition. We so desperately need to know that when we pray it isn't falling on deaf ears but that God is truly listening. "I'm listening" is a popular tv advertisement expressing that with this particular service you can always here and always communicate. God is expressing the same thing. When the children of Israel were in bondage, trouble, catastrophe, dilemma, or whatever descriptive word you choose to place there, they cried out to God and God looked upon Israel because of their bondage. God sees our trouble and when we cry out - it goes before heaven and a petition, right in the sight of God - The bible says, "make your request known to God for He cares for you" - God cares about out situation, circumstances and will respond to our needs.

Application - This scripture seems really appropriate for the 5th day of fasting and prayer. Sometimes we can get to the place where we don't know if God is actually hearing us or are we just mouthing words in prayer for our benefit. We don't see the immediate result of our prayer and think somehow that God isn't listening. Well God would say today "I'm Listening!". He hears the cry of his people and turns to them and acknowledges them. God's love compels him to turn our direction in time of need. He is our very present help in time of need.

Prayer - Father - this week I need you more than ever. Father help me to know that you are listening to the cry of an and unworthy foot soldier in your army. God give me strength to move beyond the challenges and the circumstances and to redeem the thinking, the action the strength in a way that glorifies your kingdom.

Gen 47-48; Ps 10; Luke 19

Scripture - Luke 19:22-27 And he said to him "Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest? And he said to those who stood by "Take the mina from him, and give it to thim to has ten minas." (but they said to him, "Master, He has ten minas.") For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me."

Observation - Jesus expectations are that we will invest the talents, gift and faith that He has given us in the kingdom of God. There is an expectation that we have not just been given this gift to sit and wait for the return to go home. We have been given a great gift that we might invest in the kingdom and add to the kingdom that the master would be glorified.

Application - Too often the Christian world is simply waiting for the return of the king. We believe that our eternity begins the moment we hit heaven and that all we have to do is wait for his return and we have made it. Well the problem is that Jesus has given us work to do here. He has given us talents and gifts that need to be invested in Kingdom business. He says that to him who is given more will be added. The measure of gifting and resources that you have will be multiplied as you invest what you have in the kingdom, if you don't what you have you will lose. It is like a golfer that had great talent and ability, but never goes to play golf - soon they will lose their talent and ability to play the game. You have to keep playing to get more.

Prayer - Father help me to invest everything I have in the work of the kingdom.

Gen 44-46; Luke 18

Scripture - Luke 18:1-8 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. "Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, "Get justice for me from my adversary.' "And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'" Then the Lord said "Hear what the unjust judge said. "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?" "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily, Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

Observation - In this passage of scripture Jesus is trying to teach His disciples to continue in pray and trust that God not only hears your cry but will answer speedily. Jesus explains that God's concern for His people causes Him to respond quickly like a father with a child in trouble. The unjust judge explains that even the world will respond if you keep coming over and over, sort of the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" sort of thing. But God simply wants us to continue in prayer with Him and to trust that He will respond.

Application - This scripture is particularly relevant this week. As we are in the second day of a 7 day fast, we need to trust that God is hearing our cry and will respond with an outpouring. I believe we need to continue coming before the Lord this week and throughout this year and God will respond speedily to our requests. He will avenge us and give us the territory we have asked for. God is wanting to see us continue.

Prayer - Father give me strength as I pray and fast this week. Help me to continue to make my requests known before you that you will respond speedily.

Gen 37-38; Ps 7; Luke 15

Scripture - Gen 38:2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her. 3 So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him. 6 Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord,

Observation - The Israelites were not to marry outside of the family lineage. This story that begins here in 38 tells of Judah seeing a Canaanite girl and marrying her. Judah represents praise/worship. Judah has children by the woman and is breeding one wicked son after the other. From Er to Onan to his brothers - Judah's lineage is troubled. Yet God brings the savior from his lineage.

Application - Judah represents worship in the kingdom. Our praise can never get diluted. Diluted worship becomes convoluted and disturbed and breeds wickedness in the sight of the Lord. Had Judah stayed pure and kept the lineage pure - this trouble of dying sons and straying sons would have never taken place. Our worship must be pure, must not be combined with any thing else. We must maintain a pure line to God and only Him. Things that pollute our worship are:
Things we allow in our mind
Things we allow in our sight
Things we read and allow our thoughts to gravitate too

Pure worship means that we keep the ground of our heart and our mind pure and focused on God and our relationship with Him.

Prayer - Father, help me to keep my worship pure.

Gen 34-36; Luke 14

Luke 14:16-20 Then He said to them "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, "I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it, I ask you to have me excused.' And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' Still another said, "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come"

Observation - God has prepared a table and dinner for invited guests. He is trying to get His guests to the party and they are all making excuses. In one accord the bible says making excuses and cannot come. Jesus was sent to be that invitation into the kingdom and with His rejection the people are rejecting the invitation into the kingdom. Too many excuses not to come have taken the toll on Israels relationship with God.

Application - I have bought a new piece of ground and must go see it. The excuse of business. I am too busy with my business to come to the dinner and serve God. Business and the troubles of this world get in the way of us serving God. I have bought 5 new yoke of oxen and cannot come. The excuse of discipline. I can't get myself to pull straight enough to get there. This excuse is "I know I should but I just can't". I have just married and cannot come. The excuse of family. Whether it be saved family and the busyness of family or unsaved family members keeping us from dinner with the master is all the same. We must understand that Jesus will help us with our family.

Prayer - Father no excuses.

Gen 31-33; Luke 13

Gen 32:24-28 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him. He touch 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!" 27 So He said to him "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." 28 And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."

Observation - This encounter with God is right before Jacob reunites with the brother he had tricked as a young man. Esau is set to meet with Jacob and the bible says that Jacob is in fear. He is afraid that Esau and his men are going to kill him and his family and steal what he has worked 20 years for. He retreats to a place across the "ford" with Leah, Rachel, his female servants and his children. He has them go a little further and camp and he stays alone. Once he was left alone he began to wrestle with a Man. Hosea describes this Man as an angel or the Lord Himself. Jacob is alone wrestling with God and will not let him go. As daybreak approaches, the angel says "let me go" and Jacob says "absolutely not - not until you bless me" The angel puts his socket out and then blesses Jacob. Jacob was determined to get a blessing.

Application - There are a few points that I draw from this portion of scripture:

1. The hip socket - I have always wondered by he put out the hip socket. In Jacobs wrestling match he would not let go of God until he got a blessing. Some commentaries says that he put out the him socket to show Jacob that God could not be overtaken by man. I guess that is a distinct possibility. I also believe there is significance to the fact that Jacob limped from that point on in his life. Up to this point Jacob had been a supplanter - in fact his name was defined as such. He was a trickster and didn't walk completely straight. From this encounter, Jacobs name was changed to Israel which means "struggled and saved by God". This was a turning point in Jacob's walk. While his physical walk had a limp, he was straighted completely out in his spiritual walk. As if God gave him a constant reminder that he needed to depend on God and walk uprightly before Him.

2. The struggle before the blessing - Jacob was about to face an army of 400 men and his angry, tricked brother. He was deathly afraid of what might happen even though God had told him that he would be alright. Jacob was alone and wrestled with God. That alone encounter gave him the confidence to face his brother. He struggled with God but gained the perspective of God's sovereign control in his life. Sometimes we need to get alone with God and don't let go until we are blessed. The breakthrough is powerful in our lives.

Prayer - Father help me to understand the wrestling and to constantly walk spiritually upright.

Gen 29-30; Luke 12

Scripture - Luke 12:22-31 Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. "Life is more that food, and the body is more than clothing. "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than he birds? "And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? "If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? "Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of the these. "If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown in to the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind, "For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. "But seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you."

Observation - Jesus is emphatically trying to get the people to focus their attention on heaven instead of their daily issues. As people our human nature worries and frets about the things that may happen. We are overwhelmed by concerns as Martha was. Jesus wants our attention to be paid to Him and His kingdom and to allow God to deal with our issues. Jesus reminds the people that God has EVERYTHING under control, from the lilies of the field to the birds of the air. He knows how to take care of His creation. Jesus reminds us that we are more important to God than these things and He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. The problem is that humans do not like discomfort. Our comfort level is important to us and we don't know how to see God deliver us from the situations we are in. God knows EXACTLY what we need and when we need it and worrying simply takes God from the throne.

Application - Worry seems to be a part of the human condition. I haven't met anyone in my life that has not spent a great deal of time worried about what might be. The issue is that we are fearful of the unknown and the things that may come. We are creatures that take current situational evidence and draw conclusions about future events based upon that evidence. When we don't the deduced outcome -we stress and worry about that end. When we worry about future events based upon carnally deduced evidence we eliminate the possibility for a supernatural encounter. God does not operate by our systems or functions, he is not limited to our ways and means, he is not controlled by our circumstances and carries with him the nature of a father. The bible says "Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you." God wants our worship, obedience and focus and wants His creation to depend upon Him and Him alone. He will deliver!

Prayer - Father help us to solely rely upon you. Not on our own abilities or intellect. Let us fulfill the scripture "Lean not on our own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him!"

Gen 27-28; Ps 4; Luke 11

Scripture - Luke 11:17 But He knowing their thoughts, said to them; "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls..."

Observations - Jesus was speaking to the multitudes in this scripture, some of which were questioning his authority to cast out demons. They began reasoning in their hearts and saying that he is casting them out by the devil. Jesus responds to them by explaining that the devil can't cast out the devil. It would divide his kingdom and that kingdom divided can't stand. The same for a house, a house divided against itself can't stand. The division weakens the foundation and causes a collapse of the structure. Jesus states that for God to be glorified, He must be using the authority of Heaven against the enemy. One army against another, heaven against hell. No division in the kingdom will be prosperous.

Application - I think that this scripture is so profound and many of us look right past it. In order for authority and power to be proclaimed and to truly build the house of God, we must have unity. Once we are divided in any way: thought, vision, plan, purpose, direction, philosophy of ministry, etc the kingdom is weakened. The house can't stand. The decision to become part of a house under the direction of a pastor is an extremely important one. Once made you must align with that vision for the house to succeed. If you are divided or not aligned, while well-meaning, you could jeopardize the house and cause desolation. Too many are trying to do their own thing, following their own leading, when truly submitting to the vision and purpose of the house is the call of God.

Prayer - Father, help us align to your vision and the vision of your house. God we need to work together to fulfill your call in our lives. Help us to work one with another in unison and in unity.

Gen 20-22; Luke 8

Scripture - Luke 8:38-39 Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying 39 "Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Observation - Jesus just as easily could have taken the man with him. A great miracle had just been performed in his life and he was sitting in his right mind. This guy could have been an asset to the work. But Jesus knew the benefit of a man delivered giving his testimony throughout the city. Jesus charged this man with telling everyone he knew about the great things God had done for him. Jesus knew that the confession and testimony would transform the rest of this guys life. Speaking the good things of God always causes God to live in the very core of who we are. Jesus knew that he was much more powerful for the ministry in his own city. This man went proclaiming to the whole city the good things of God.

Application - I think somewhere we have lost the power of the testimony. We have forgotten how moving and powerful it could really be if we proclaimed through the entire city the good things Jesus has done for us. The bible says that the enemy is overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Overcome - to have victory - to be the winner, to accomplish. I believe that some of our miracles are only temporary because we forget to testify the good things God has done. The testimony causes the deal to be sealed in the heart and in the spirit. When you testify - it causes the miracle to live somewhere deep inside of you. The enemy is overcome by the word of your testimony. This man was delivered of 1000 demons and testified through the entire city the good things God had done for him. You would think we could tell our co-worker the great things God has done.

Prayer - Father help me to proclaim the good things you have done throughout the entire year. God I need help being bold and courageous to tell of all that you have done for me. I love you with all my heart and will shout your goodness from the mountain tops.

Gen 18-19; Ps 3; Luke 7

Scripture - Luke 7:47 "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many are forgiven, for she loved much, but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

Observation - Jesus is making a point here about the degree to which people appreciate their relationship with Him. He says that those who are forgiven much will love much, but those who are forgiven little will love little. In other words if you haven't been forgiven much - you take for granted the degree of your depravity and are less likely to show compassion and gratitude for your current condition.

Application - I think very pointedly we should all understand that no matter what kind of life we lived before Christ - we have all been forgiven much and therefore should love much. Each one of us had the condition for eternal damnation prior to our life with Christ. Whether drug addict, murderer, adulterer, cheater, or liar - we were all headed to the same end. Christ has redeemed us and given us that new life leading to eternal grace and mercy. We have ALL been forgiven much - we ALL should love much and be eternally grateful for our current condition - saved and set free.

Prayer - Father let me never take for grated the grace you bestowed on my life and the new life you have given me, a life free from guilt and emptiness. You have filled my life with joy and hope. I love you Father!

Gen 15-17; Luke 6

Scripture - Luke 6:27-36 But I say to you who hear: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, "bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you. "To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And form him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. "Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. "And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. "And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

Observation - This is a very tough scripture for current day society to understand. Jesus is telling us as His disciples that when we have a problem with someone, we need to forgive them and go further and love them. It is so easy to love someone that praises us and loves us - but very difficult to love someone that has a problem with us. Jesus says here that to be sons of the Most High - you must develop a character of loving the unlovable, doing for those that can do nothing for you, and blessing those that will never bless you. There is something in the character of a Christian that goes beyond the comfortable to reach out to those that no one will reach out too. Jesus instruction here is to love your enemies. So many of us can devise plans to retaliate against our enemies but love them...I have heard preaching much of my Christian life about winning regions, taking territory and evangelizing communities. We won't do any of that until we can love our enemies and put this scripture into practice.

Application - In the litigious world we live in, the common reaction to someone wronging us is to "get them back". To either retaliate, or to file law suit, or in some way make them pay for what they have done. So many times our feelings get in the way and we want to take vengeance on the person that beats us down, or in some way offends. Jesus clear instruction here is to do exactly the opposite. We must love those that do not love us - in fact they despise us. We must love those that treat us with contempt and treat them with love. Jesus tells us that our character MUST shift to be Christ-Like in order to be sons of the Most High. The only way we can compel them to come in is to love them in - love is the most compelling strategy we have. When we fall in love with the people of our region, saint and sinner, we will see the region come in...

Prayer - Father help me to become the person described in this scripture. Help me to love the unlovable, help me to bless those that will not bless me. Help me to treat those well that treat me bad. God we love you so much and desire your outpouring this year.

Gen 12-14; Luke 5

Scripture - Luke 5:18-20 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."

Observation - Jesus is teaching in a house, the son of God - the one given that we might have life and life more abundantly. These four men should be commended on their valiant effort. They knew their friend needed to be touched and that Jesus was the one to do it. When they couldn't get through the door, they climbed up on the roof, tore a whole in the tiling and lowered the man on his bed into the presence of Jesus. Jesus honored their faith and commitment and healed their friend. Their determination and faith that simply getting their friend in His presence caught Jesus attention and caused a miracle to take place.

Application - What a story and principle in evangelism. I wonder if we have that kind of commitment and desire today for our friends, family and community. Do we look out at our neighbors and have this deep desire to get them into Jesus presence. Do we look at our family and start tearing the roof off to get them in the presence of Jesus. As we look at this story, I see the crowded room as the obstacle that would have prevented most of us from going on. That crowded doorway could have been what stopped these four men. They would have been justified perhaps to have looked at their friend and said "we can't get in, its over crowded." Probably anyone would have said "what a noble effort you made" But truly their never say die determination is what caused the miracle. They were desperate to get their friend in to God's presence. Four of them concocted an idea to climb up on the roof and lower him down. Now that took guts, effort, care and compassion for their friend. They wanted the healing for him that bad. The bible said, Jesus saw THEIR faith! We should be tearing some roofs off today to get people into God's presence...

Prayer - Father, give me roof tearing faith. Help me to be moved with compassion for my community that we tear off some roofs to get our neighbors into Your presence. Help us to have the kind of determination that we will go to any lengths to just get our friends in the door and into your presence.

Gen 9-11; Luke 4

Scripture - Gen 11:4-6 And they said, "Come let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth." 5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said "Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them."

Observation - The people of God were ONE and they had ONE language. Because they had a common vision with a common language they were able to accomplish uncommon, extraordinary things. All working together the people were able to plan, build and execute in ways that were mind blowing. They were building a tower that reached the heavens and God confirms they were going to complete the task. He said "now nothing will be withheld from them". The problem is that the language they were using was the wrong language. Had they been using God's language the task would have been for His glory instead of their own. They were looking to make a name for themselves instead of making a name for God.

Application - The power of unity of vision and unity of language. If the people of God today could gain the same vision and use heavens language - we could build the church in such a profound way that it reached the heavens. God was not concerned with the tower that reached heaven, he was concerned because His people were looking to glorify themselves instead of glorifying him. He is a jealous God. He wants His mission, His vision, His purpose to be expanded on this planet. Having a common language will allow us to build greatly the kingdom of God. We need to become interpreters of God language not translators of God words. When we gain one language - nothing will be withheld from us. We can do all things through Christ.

Prayer - Father, help us to gain your language. For too long we have been translating your words instead of communicating your message. Please allow us to communicate your message.

Gen 6-8; Luke 3

Scripture - Luke 3:21-22 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are my beloved Son; In You I am well pleased."

Observation - This scripture always reminds me of my own baptism. Being recently converted their came a moment when the pastor announced the baptism service for that Sunday evening. I was adamant that I had already been baptized as an infant and didn't need to go through the ritual again. Arriving home from the morning service a deep sleep came over me. I don't usually nap - but for some reason this day I was extremely tired. Upon waking I was in a near panic frantically searching for Saundra to see if it was too late to be baptized. You see while I was asleep, I was dreaming that I was speaking with Jesus. He was telling me of all the wonderful things He had done in my life to protect me, to keep me, to lead me. How he had blessed me even when I didn't know Him. He began to tell me how He loved me so much that He laid His life down for me and even if I were the only one, it would be worth it. At the end of the dream Jesus said "I love you this much, how come you won't tell the people how your heart is renewed and cleansed. Why won't you publicly testify about me, even I was baptized?"

Application - God is so good. He put is stamp of approval on His son through the testimony of the Holy Spirit. In baptism we share in Jesus life experience and testify God's eternal love for us through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Prayer - Jesus, I do love you and thank you daily for everything you have done for me and my life. I will shout from the mountain tops your love.

Gen 3-5; Luke 2

Scripture - Gen 4:13-15 And Cain said to the Lord "My punishment is greater than I can bear! Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me." And the Lord said to him, "Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.

Observation - Cain had brought a disrespectful offering to the Lord. In essence he sinned before God, then murdered his brother because of the jealousy in his heart. Cain was full of anger and bitterness and disrespect and the Lord punished him. Yet at Cain's response to the severity of the punishment, God placed an mark on him signifying his protection from the Lord. In his unrepentant state God still loved Cain enough to protect him. God looked at his creation with love and compassion and would not allow anyone to take vengeance on Cain. God's punishment is sufficient - the world does not get to take vengeance on God's creation. God appoints the time to die and the time to live.

Application - So many times we look at people with disdain or disgust or even frustration because of their actions. We don't understand how they could live a life apart from God even denying his very existence. In society today, God is in question! His existence is being challenged almost daily, his purity and principles are in question daily. From same sex marriage to premarital sex to drug and alcohol addiction. Yet God has such love for his creation that He has marked them for protection. God has placed a mark on His people and "would that none should perish but come to repentance". God's everlasting love is for His creation. It's time to see His people through His eyes.

Prayer - Father as we make it through 2011 and beyond, help us to see your creation and the love you have for us, sinner and saint. God we love you and ask for your direction as we put together outreach, evangelism and events that attract your creation to your church and ultimately to you.

Gen 1,2; Luke 1

Scripture - Gen 1:2-3 And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, "Let there be..."

Observation - This is one of the foundational scriptures in the whole bible - the beginning of God's creation. God's Spirit hovering over the earth in its formless, void state and speaking into existence the entirety of what we know today as life and substance. God looked over the earth and began His work to create. He started by saying "Let there be..." God's spoken word has power to form, to complete, to engage. Let there be... speaks to us to day of possibility. Whatever God wants there to be there will be.

Application - As I look at this year of 2011, God has promised so many things. Let there be... are words that I will be repeating throughout this year. My pray will be God let there be souls saved, healing miracles, church growth, campus expansion, teams formed. Create ministry this year God that will bless our entire region and our entire country. There are so many things that God has placed in my heart to do - I pray His words "Let there be" become resounding and that those dreams become reality. 2011 is full of possibility - we simply need to make the decision to allow God to "Let There BE!"

Prayer - Father let there be life in the things you have given me to do. Let there be life in the ministries you have put in my hands. Let there be souls abundant this year. Give us hundreds saved, restored and redeemed. Father "Let there be" should be the song of my heart for this year. Let your creative ability come to full measure this year.