SENSES BUT NO SENSE!

9-30-2010. . . .SENSES BUT NO SENSE!

"This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: 'They hear, but don't understand; they look, but don't see!   For their hearts are fat and heavy, and their ears are dull, and they have closed their eyes in sleep, so they won't see and hear and understand and turn to God again, and let me heal them." (Matt 13:14-16 TLB)  Senses don't automatically equate to sense.  One may have eyes and not see.....ears and not hear. (senses)  The result, a complete absence of understanding. (sense)   Hardly seems possible, but it's true.  Don't be guilty of having senses, but no sense!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating us with senses.  Help us not be guilty of having senses without sense!  Amen!

Prov 1:5-6. . . . A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.  KJV

QUICK LISTENERS!

9-29-2010. .  . .QUICK LISTENERS!

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-21 NIV)  What a great advice if we'd just heed it!  Being slow to speak but quick to listen can only yield greater understanding.  Greater understanding alleviates the need for anger.  How quick are you to listen. . . .How slow to speak. . . . How slowly are you angered?  Let your quickness be on the former and not the later two.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for instructing us in the ways of wisdom.   Help us to be quick listeners and to temper our speaking and anger.  Amen.

Prov 16:32. . . . It is better to be slow-tempered than famous; it is better to have self-control than to control an army. TLB

DON'T GO WRONG....LISTEN!

9-28-2010. . . . DON'T GO WRONG....LISTEN!

"Listen to me, you wise men.  We can choose the sounds we want to listen to; we can choose the taste we want in food, and we should choose to follow what is right. (Job 34:2-4 TLB)  A wise person will always listen!  A wiser person choses what to listen to.   The valuable knowledge obtained through listening will serve as a guide in following the ways that are right!  Don't go wrong.....Listen!

Prayer: Lord, help us always train our ears to listen and choose what is right.  Amen!

Job 34:16. . . . "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. (NIV)

GUARD WHAT YOU HEAR!

9-27-2010. . . .GUARD WHAT YOU HEAR!

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:18 KJV)  What we 'HEAR' has a direct correlation to our faith.  It would be wonderful if the only thing we ever heard was the word of God.  Then, our faith would grow uninhibited.  The truth is, there are many things that daily enter into our realm of hearing.  Some good, some not so good.  Some things we hear are unavoidable.  We would do well nevertheless, to guard what we allow ourselves to hear voluntarily.   Remember, what we hear affects our faith, and thus, our lives.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word and the faith that comes by hearing it!  Help us filter out ever unnecessary thing that our ears might remain pure.  Amen.

Matt 13:16. . . .But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. NIV

AN ADVANTAGE!

9-24-2010. . . .AN ADVANTAGE!

"Oh, how I love your law!  I meditate on it all day long.  Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me." (Ps 119:97-98 NIV)  As a believer, you will always encounter enemies (haters, perpetrators,impersonators) along your path to glory.  The one advantage we have that makes us wiser than any foe, is His word.  His word is our light and guide.  If will follow it, we will always arrive in Victory lane!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word that give us an advantage over all our enemies.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Amen.

 Ps 18:2-3. . . .The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (NIV)

 

9-22-2010. . . .GOOD CONSEQUENCES!

"I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.  I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame."  Ps 119:30-31 (NIV)  Our choices have consequences!  The nature of the consequence is contingent upon the nature of the choice.  Bad choices bring bad consequences; good choices bring good consequences.   What's your choice?  Choose the ways of truth and hold fast to them!  So shall you experience good consequences.

Prayer: Lord, lead us daily in the ways of truth and help us daily to make that choice our own.  Amen!

2 Chron 6:30-31. . . . Hear from heaven where you live and forgive, and give each one whatever he deserves, for you know the hearts of all mankind.  Then they will reverence you forever and will continually walk where you tell them to go. TLB

WHICH GROUP ARE YOU IN!

9-22-2010. . . .WHICH GROUP ARE YOU IN!

"My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.  You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands."  (Ps 119:20-21 NIV)  How would you feel if a child of yours willfully disobeyed and dified you?  Imagine how God must feel.  It is good that His ways are not like our ways and instead of justice, He extends mercy and lovingkindness.  Imagine now how it makes you feel when your children are obedient and submissive to your will and guidance!  Imagine again, how God must feel.  Which group are you in?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for rewarding those that diligently seek you.  May we forever be cosumed with pleasing you.  Amen.

1 John 3:20-22. . . .For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  KJV

STOP NEGLECTING IT!

9-21-2010....STOP NEGLECTING IT!

"I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." (Ps 119:16 NIV)  Following God's word is a delight and it brings delight.  To neglect it, is like neglecting to do the things necessary to sustain life.  In the same way as we need air, water and food, we need God's words.  Stop neglecting it!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word.  We cannot survive without it!  Increase our daily appetite for it!  Amen!

 
Job 23:11-12. . . .My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.  NKJV

BLESSINGS AND PEACE!

9-20-2010. . . .BLESSINGS AND PEACE!

FOCUS: Psalms 119

"I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws."  (Ps 119:7 NIV)  It is praise worthy when one not only learns what God's desires (His Laws), but diligently seeks to fulfil those desires.  It glorifies God and brings blessings and peace to one's life.

Prayer: Lord, our desire is to please you.  May doing so be our daily goal.  Amen. 

Ps 19:7-9. . . . The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.   The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.   The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.  KJV

PROSPERITY PURSUES PURPOSE!

9-17-2010. . . . PROSPERITY PURSUES PURPOSE!

THEME: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

"But don't begin until you count the cost.   For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if he has enough money to pay the bills?  Otherwise he might complete only the foundation before running out of funds.   And then how everyone would laugh! (Luke 14:28-29 TLB)   When God began His construction project called "You",  He knew everything it would take to complete the task.  There is no need to worry or fret over what you have or don't have.  When we are in sink with God's will and plan, He will supply us with everything needed in order for us to become who He has made and is making us to be.  Prosperity will pursue purpose!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work you are completing in us.  You daily supply us will everything needed for the project (us) to be successfully completed.  Amen!

Phil 4:19. . . . But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  KJV

CEASE AND DESIST!

9-16-2010. . . .CEASE AND DESIST!

THEME: UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."  (Ps 127:1 KJV)  "They labor in vain that build it!"  Who's building your life?  If its you, your best efforts will result in something far less than what was intended, planned and purposed.  Issue a cease and desist order.  A cease and desist is an order or request to halt an activity (cease) and not to take it up again later (desist)!  Turn the project of your life over to God and don't take it up again.

Prayer: Lord, we are tired of laboring in vain to build our lives.  Today we issue a cease and desist order and release the project into your hands where it should have been in the first place.  Amen!

Ps 127:1. . . . Unless the Lord builds a house, the builders' work is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, sentries do no good.  TLB

HE REMAINS COMMITTED!

9-15-2010. . . .HE REMAINS COMMITTED!

THEME: UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.  (Ps 138:8 KJV)   It spite of all we've done to interfere, disrupt and at times, down right defy God's plan for our lives, He remains committed to His plan and purpose.  More importantly, He remains committed to us!  In our times of interference, disruption and defiance, God's mercy covers and keeps us! (Great is thy Faithfulness)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your plan for us and your patience with us!  Let your mercy forever cover and keep us until such a time as we return to our senses and submit to your will and stay out of your way.  Amen!

Ps 138:8. . . .The Lord will work out his plans for my life-for your loving-kindness, Lord, continues forever. Don't abandon me-for you made me.  TLB

WITHOUT DEVIATION!

9-14-2010. . . . .WITHOUT DEVIATION!

THEME: UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

Phil 1:6. . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)  Once God begins a construction project in us, the work will continue through to completion. No work stoppages or delays.  The blue print is being followed without deviation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your continued work on us, in us, and through.  Our lives are developing according to your plan.  Amen!

 Ps 24:1-2. . . .The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.  KJV

MASTERPIECE!

9-13-2010. . . . MASTERPIECE!

THEME: UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jer 1:5 NIV)  Every construction project starts with a plan and a purpose.  Since before the start, God set in place a plan and purpose for our lives.  His plan and purpose is not flawed, neither are we!  Although the construction site may currently appear disorganized and unclear, the plan will come together and develop into a masterpiece!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your plan and purpose for our lives.  Give us patience through the construction process.  Amen!

1 John 3:2-3. . . .Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. NKJV

  

BOOMERANG EFFECT!

9-10-2010. . . . BOOMERANG EFFECT!

 THEME: THE DAY OF THE LORD!

"The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. (Obad 15 NIV)  "The Day of the Lord" will not only effect individuals, but also nations.  The actions of one nation towards another (especially Israel) will return upon them.  The law of reciprocity will prevail.  You reap what you sow.  Beware of the Boomerang effect!

Prayer: Lord, You are Lord of all and over all.  I pray that all nations will come to know this truth sooner rather than later.  Amen!

Matt 24:6-8. . . .The nations and kingdoms of the earth will rise against each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in many places. 8 But all this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come. TLB

MERCY PREVAILS GRACE AVAILED!

9-9-2010. . . . . MERCY PREVAILS GRACE AVAILED!

THEME: THE DAY OF THE LORD

"And I will cause strange demonstrations in the heavens and on the earth-blood and fire and clouds of smoke; the sun shall turn black and the moon blood-red before that awesome Day of the Lord arrives. But anyone who asks for mercy from the Lord shall have it and shall be saved." (Acts 2:18-21 TLB)  On "The Day of the Lord" justice will prevail and rightfully so. Until that time comes, mercy prevails and grace is availed! Accept it now.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your prevailing mercy that keeps us so that your grace can reach us. Amen!

Isa 55:7. . . .Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. KJV

A CLEAR CONSCIENCE!

9-8-2010. . . .A CLEAR CONSCIENCE!

THEME: THE DAY OF THE LORD

For see, the day of the Lord is coming, the terrible day of his wrath and fierce anger. The land shall be destroyed and all the sinners with it.  (Isa 13:8-10 TLB)  Life now is sweet and our joy is complete cause we are saved!  While this is true for believers, just think of all the people we know that shall experience "The Day of the Lord!"  Good people - well intentioned people; friends and perhaps even family members. Be sure not let an opportunity to share the good news of the gospel with these people in our lives pass.  We wouldn't want that our conscience.

Prayer: Lord, guide us by your Spirit into every opportunity to share the gospel with all who are lost that cross our path.  Help us live in such a way that when "The Day of Lord" comes, we'll have a clear conscience.  Amen!

2 Peter 3:9-10. . . . He isn't really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent.  The day of the Lord is surely coming, as unexpectedly as a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the heavenly bodies will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be burned up.   TLB

NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN!

9-7-2010. . . . NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN!

THEME: THE DAY OF THE LORD

The day of the Lord is surely coming, as unexpectedly as a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the heavenly bodies will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be burned up.  (2 Peter 3:10 TLB)   While everything continues as if it will go on without end, most assuredly, there is an end coming!  "The Day of the Lord" will not be a glorious and wonderful day, but one filled with destruction, anguish and fear for many.  Since no one knows when this day will come, it behoves us to work while we can. . . .witness while we can and watch. . . .while we are able!  Lest we forget and be found complacent!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for salvation!  Because of this, I have no fear of the coming destruction.  Empowering all the more in the meantime to work, witness and watch as the day approaches.  Amen!  

1 Thess 5:1-3. . . .When is all this going to happen? I really don't need to say anything about that, dear brothers,  for you know perfectly well that no one knows. That day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.  When people are saying, "All is well; everything is quiet and peaceful"-then, all of a sudden, disaster will fall upon them as suddenly as a woman's birth pains begin when her child is born. And these people will not be able to get away anywhere-there will be no place to hide.  TLB

HONEST TALK!

9-3-2010. . . .HONEST TALK!

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12 KJV)  As believers, we should always be cognizant of our behavior especially around unbelievers.  One wrong statement of comment that we feel was innocent, could very well be the thing that causes someone to miss an opportunity to believe.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the people you allow to cross our path.  Helps us always be alert and aware of what we say and what we do!  Amen.

1 Peter 2:11-12. . . . Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.  KJV

WHAT ARE WE SHOWING THEM!

9-2-2010. . . .WHAT ARE WE SHOWING THEM!

THEME: HONESTY!

"Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through."
(Rom 12:17-18 TLB)   Actions speak louder than words!  They are not like limousine tinted windows, but crystal clear glass.  What do people see from our actions?  Do they see honesty through and through or a multiplicity of convoluted things. Remember believers, the world's eyes are on us!  What are we showing them?

Prayer: Lord, as we represent you to the world, help us to do things in such a way that all can see you living inside us.  Amen.

 

Matt 5:14-15. . . .You are the world's light-a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.  TLB

EARMARKS OF YOUR LIFE!

9-1-2010. . . .EARMARKS OF YOUR LIFE?

THEME: HONESTY

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."  (1 Tim 2:1-4 KJV)  What kind of life are you leading?  Is it acceptable to God?  What are the earmarks of your life?  Are they prayer, supplications and intercessions and the giving of thanks?  Most Importantly, are you following after godliness and HONESTY?  This is the life that is acceptable to God.  We deceive only ourselves if our lives are anything different.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for a standard of godliness and honesty!  May they forever be the earmarks of our lives. Amen!

1 Tim 2:1-4. . . . Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.  Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord.  This is good and pleases God our Savior,  for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth:  TLB