Scripture: Pslam 119:147 NLT "I rise early, before the sun in up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words."
I do like my sleep, my 8:30am to 6pm work schedule, which seldom requires an alarm, is proof I've served myself well in this area. I wonder if there is a difference in reading the word in the morning versus at night. Well, I guess there is only one way to find out...
Saturday, December 26, 2009
God is Love, 1 John 1-5 - Ted
In Jesus, God and love are linked accurately, intricately, and indissolubly.
What spoke to me in 1 John is that if we truly love God than we must love all people.... period! This was a hard one to swallow as it’s easy for me to love the people that love me, but what about the unlovely? How about the old neighbor with that dog that always barked at my kids through the chain link fence or the boss that doesn't give me the attention that for some reason I think I'm entitled to? The family member or relative that only sees neon lights of "me", "myself" and "I" during conversation or that person in front of me at Safeway plugging up the line as they write out a check and dig for that ID... really, in this day and age? Well you get the picture.
The fact is, I'm committed to loving God so by default I'm committed to loving people... all people. On that note I pray "Lord, help me to forgive and to love people as your son Jesus loved people, Amen"
What spoke to me in 1 John is that if we truly love God than we must love all people.... period! This was a hard one to swallow as it’s easy for me to love the people that love me, but what about the unlovely? How about the old neighbor with that dog that always barked at my kids through the chain link fence or the boss that doesn't give me the attention that for some reason I think I'm entitled to? The family member or relative that only sees neon lights of "me", "myself" and "I" during conversation or that person in front of me at Safeway plugging up the line as they write out a check and dig for that ID... really, in this day and age? Well you get the picture.
The fact is, I'm committed to loving God so by default I'm committed to loving people... all people. On that note I pray "Lord, help me to forgive and to love people as your son Jesus loved people, Amen"
Friday, December 25, 2009
Fulfillment of Prophecy / Number 3, John 19-21 - Ted
Fulfillment of Prophecy
• Jesus clothes were divided up among the soldiers.
• The soldiers through dice to see who would get his coat.
• Not a bone in Jesus body was broken.
• They stared at the one they pierced.
Jesus seemed so conscious to make sure prophecy was fulfilled so others would believe and follow him.
Number 3
Jesus showed himself alive to the disciples three times after being raised from the dead. Then he asked Simon Peter, son of John, three times... "Do you love me?"
Does anyone know other places in the bible where the number 3 is used for confirmation?
• Jesus clothes were divided up among the soldiers.
• The soldiers through dice to see who would get his coat.
• Not a bone in Jesus body was broken.
• They stared at the one they pierced.
Jesus seemed so conscious to make sure prophecy was fulfilled so others would believe and follow him.
Number 3
Jesus showed himself alive to the disciples three times after being raised from the dead. Then he asked Simon Peter, son of John, three times... "Do you love me?"
Does anyone know other places in the bible where the number 3 is used for confirmation?
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Manufacturing Humility
Esther 5:9-13
Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. "And that's not all," Haman added. "I'm the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king's gate."
During my second tour to Iraq, my ego was Haman sized. I was a combat veteran with inexperienced leadership, and I had just completed the Instructor Pilot course. I had medically evacuated hundreds of patients without a single accident. I was the Pilot in Command of several high profile missions in Iraq, and had coordinated several mass casualty situations. Nobody was going to tell me how to run my team or fly my missions. I should have known that pride comes before a fall.
One night my team was dispatched to fly a simple blood run, but I did not have a good feeling about the mission. I looked for every excuse to avoid the mission, but could not find one so we proceeded out to the aircraft. I was thinking about the marginal weather, and about the large power lines along the river near our destination.
I was clearly distracted and failed to notice that the engine inlet covers were installed. Both crew members cleared the engines, and my co-pilot started the engine torching it in the process. Everyone on the crew took responsibility for their part of the incident. My statements to the accident investigation team placed me at odds with my chain of command, and my Pilot in Command orders were pulled for 30 days.
My ego was instantly crushed, and the situation was equally miserable for those around me. God used that situation and several since to humble me. Since I returned from that tour, I started reading my Bible every day, and I am not the same man that I was before.
Romans 12:1-2
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Jesus is the epitome of humility. As I learn to be more like Him, I can see that my relationships with those around me are better and my marriage has grown stronger. Jesus, help me to be the man, father, and husband that you want me to be.
Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. "And that's not all," Haman added. "I'm the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king's gate."
During my second tour to Iraq, my ego was Haman sized. I was a combat veteran with inexperienced leadership, and I had just completed the Instructor Pilot course. I had medically evacuated hundreds of patients without a single accident. I was the Pilot in Command of several high profile missions in Iraq, and had coordinated several mass casualty situations. Nobody was going to tell me how to run my team or fly my missions. I should have known that pride comes before a fall.
One night my team was dispatched to fly a simple blood run, but I did not have a good feeling about the mission. I looked for every excuse to avoid the mission, but could not find one so we proceeded out to the aircraft. I was thinking about the marginal weather, and about the large power lines along the river near our destination.
I was clearly distracted and failed to notice that the engine inlet covers were installed. Both crew members cleared the engines, and my co-pilot started the engine torching it in the process. Everyone on the crew took responsibility for their part of the incident. My statements to the accident investigation team placed me at odds with my chain of command, and my Pilot in Command orders were pulled for 30 days.
My ego was instantly crushed, and the situation was equally miserable for those around me. God used that situation and several since to humble me. Since I returned from that tour, I started reading my Bible every day, and I am not the same man that I was before.
Romans 12:1-2
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Jesus is the epitome of humility. As I learn to be more like Him, I can see that my relationships with those around me are better and my marriage has grown stronger. Jesus, help me to be the man, father, and husband that you want me to be.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Message, John 15 - Ted
So I just picked up a new version of the bible, "The Message". Because of the way "The Message" is written and formatted I don't have specific verses just Books and Chapters so its going to take some getting used to.
Here is the scripture that spoke to me out of John 15 about half way through under the title Hated By the World
"If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world's terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you."
Although I know that hatred towards Christians is on an exponential curve as we head into end times I've gained some new perspective here. How do the non-Christian people in my life perceive me? Am I the guy that fits in with the endless wise cracks and timely wit or am I disliked at some level or maybe even misunderstood because of my characterized pursuit of righteousness. I think I'm somewhere in the middle, but what I know for certain is that my heart is growing stronger for Christ everyday and maybe someday soon I'll be able to stand up in the world for my friend Jesus as much as I do for my own personal recognition.
Here is the scripture that spoke to me out of John 15 about half way through under the title Hated By the World
"If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world's terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you."
Although I know that hatred towards Christians is on an exponential curve as we head into end times I've gained some new perspective here. How do the non-Christian people in my life perceive me? Am I the guy that fits in with the endless wise cracks and timely wit or am I disliked at some level or maybe even misunderstood because of my characterized pursuit of righteousness. I think I'm somewhere in the middle, but what I know for certain is that my heart is growing stronger for Christ everyday and maybe someday soon I'll be able to stand up in the world for my friend Jesus as much as I do for my own personal recognition.
Seth - John 15:15
"I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father."
Another potential investor on the line...Pray for God's leading and His best for our movie ministry.
Seth
Confident Leadership
Esther 5:1-3
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."
In her dire situation, Esther took the time to get dressed up and present herself as the Queen of Persia. This was her only opportunity to separate herself from the competition for the King's attention. Because she dressed for success and approached with confidence, she was spared.
Desperation is a quality that is easily sensed by my employees and customers. Even when I am broken and desperate, I must be prepared and present myself as a confident leader.
Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."
In her dire situation, Esther took the time to get dressed up and present herself as the Queen of Persia. This was her only opportunity to separate herself from the competition for the King's attention. Because she dressed for success and approached with confidence, she was spared.
Desperation is a quality that is easily sensed by my employees and customers. Even when I am broken and desperate, I must be prepared and present myself as a confident leader.
Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
John 12-14
c.12 v.31 The accuser is cast down.
c.12 v.32 The Advocate is set-up forever and as the actions and implications of my life agree with His Lordship(being lifted up) people around my(including my family) are more and more attracted to Jesus.
c.12 v.32 The Advocate is set-up forever and as the actions and implications of my life agree with His Lordship(being lifted up) people around my(including my family) are more and more attracted to Jesus.
first sorry for missing yesterday's post, now on to John 15.1 and 2, I am the true vine and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit, while every branch that does he prunes so that it is more fruitful. The lord is so powerful and amazing that he can groom us to be more Christ like while triming away the areas that keep us from being our best. Lord I pray that each of us receive the discernment to be able to understand and recognize the areas within ourselves that need to be cut away and that you bless us by helping us produce more fruit. In Jesus name Amen
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
NO FEAR
Today's Bible Study with Beth Moore was amazing, and it placed into words the lessons that I have been learning this year. Esther 4:11-17 / Hebrews 6:10-12
Last April, the fear of bankruptcy was overwhelming us and we were days away. Our two large projects were delayed due to the economy, and things were very bad. We were more than 120 days late on our bills and facing foreclosure. My natural reaction was to look to myself for a solution, but I only came up short.
Satan should not have pushed me so hard, because it forced me to play out the entire scenario in my head. What was this fear of bankruptcy? What is the worst thing that can happen? We give up a bunch of stuff, move in with my parents, and start over. Once I thought it through, faced the fear, and no longer let it have control over me, I was set free.
Within a week of really giving it all over to Him, I was called by a company in San Jose to come build a prototype system which turned into 7 months of work. We tithed on every check, were able to get caught up on our bills, and bless others in the process.
Courage is looking fear in the face, accept the reality of the danger, but deny it's power over you.
We are once again facing that same opportunity to demonstrate our faith. Since our projects in Tanzania have been delayed, we are running out of money, and the future looks bleak. Instead of looking to my own abilities, I will stand on God's promises and not be afraid. Our family has been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus, and satan has no power over us.
If we let fear control us, we can protect ourselves right out of our calling. It is our human nature to chose the safer path than to choose the faith filled path to our destiny. Take that step of faith into your calling so that we may stand in front of The King and declare that we served Him with NO FEAR.
Last April, the fear of bankruptcy was overwhelming us and we were days away. Our two large projects were delayed due to the economy, and things were very bad. We were more than 120 days late on our bills and facing foreclosure. My natural reaction was to look to myself for a solution, but I only came up short.
Satan should not have pushed me so hard, because it forced me to play out the entire scenario in my head. What was this fear of bankruptcy? What is the worst thing that can happen? We give up a bunch of stuff, move in with my parents, and start over. Once I thought it through, faced the fear, and no longer let it have control over me, I was set free.
Within a week of really giving it all over to Him, I was called by a company in San Jose to come build a prototype system which turned into 7 months of work. We tithed on every check, were able to get caught up on our bills, and bless others in the process.
Courage is looking fear in the face, accept the reality of the danger, but deny it's power over you.
We are once again facing that same opportunity to demonstrate our faith. Since our projects in Tanzania have been delayed, we are running out of money, and the future looks bleak. Instead of looking to my own abilities, I will stand on God's promises and not be afraid. Our family has been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus, and satan has no power over us.
If we let fear control us, we can protect ourselves right out of our calling. It is our human nature to chose the safer path than to choose the faith filled path to our destiny. Take that step of faith into your calling so that we may stand in front of The King and declare that we served Him with NO FEAR.
The Counselor, John 14:15-17 - Ted
Scripture: "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives WITH you now and will be IN you."
Observation: The "Holy Spirit" is Jesus in us like a 24/7 Mentor. (Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If not, contact me and I'll hook you up!)
Action: Listen to the Holy Spirit as he directs your decisions.
Prayer: Help me Jesus to be quick to listen (to the Counselor) and slow to act (follow my own ambition)
Observation: The "Holy Spirit" is Jesus in us like a 24/7 Mentor. (Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If not, contact me and I'll hook you up!)
Action: Listen to the Holy Spirit as he directs your decisions.
Prayer: Help me Jesus to be quick to listen (to the Counselor) and slow to act (follow my own ambition)
Seth - John 12:19 & 25
John 12:19 - "It's out of control! The world's in a stampede after JESUS!
John 12:25 - "Anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal."
Lord, give me that reckless, stampede love for you. Where I can jump without looking and trust you completely to catch me or equip me to fly. Superman Faith!
Daily Word - "Have a Merry Christmas!"
Monday, December 21, 2009
What am I missing? John 11:14-15 - Ted
Scripture: John 11:14-15 Then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn't there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me. Come, let's go see him."
Opportunity: Jesus, like a patient parent, used every miracle to give people a reason to believe in him.
Action: What has Jesus done in my life to give me a reason to believe in him? Healed my back; Given me an amazing committed wife; Deliverance from bondage; Great job that allows me allot of time for family.
Prayer: God, please reveal what else you are speaking to me that I just can't seem to see.
Opportunity: Jesus, like a patient parent, used every miracle to give people a reason to believe in him.
Action: What has Jesus done in my life to give me a reason to believe in him? Healed my back; Given me an amazing committed wife; Deliverance from bondage; Great job that allows me allot of time for family.
Prayer: God, please reveal what else you are speaking to me that I just can't seem to see.
John 9-11
c. 10 v. 9 okay so why is the verse between 8 and 10 and what is this "go in and out and find pasture." business?
c.10 v. 38 after saying "you are not of My sheep,..." He asks them to, "believe the works, that you may know and believe...." WOW!!
Seth - John 11:40
"Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Personal daily word - Pick up your sword and enter the promiseland. I
have some giants for you to slay.
As I read this a potential investor called and wants to meet today at
noon regarding funding my movie, CHASING DAYLIGHT! C'mon Jesus! Show
me your glory!
Seth
Eric, John 9-11 December 21
Sometimes things happen so the work of God can be revealed.
Sometimes things happen so the work of God can be revealed.
It would be so easy to take for granite what God does for us each an every day if we could witness it all on a daily basis. It is so encouraging to me to recieve His blessings and miricles after remaining faithful for a period of time set by Him. Today he revealed himself really clearly through our oldest kiddo. We were having a talk about listening the first time and obeying. All I could think about was the numerous times I have failed to listen to God the first, second, or third time.
John 9.3
This has me wondering what has God presented before me, what opportunities have I missed, to wittness his glory and grace. I will be ever vigilant that I may see opportunities to witness Gods work in my life.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Miracle of the Moment
Denny's Disciples,
As men living by faith, it is easy to get focused on our promised land and forget about the miracles of daily provision. When times are tough, we focus on what we can do and forget to focus on what God is already doing. The song below by Steven Curtis Chapman brought the point home today so I thought that I would share the lyrics. Sorry for the break in protocol.
-Mark
There's only one who knows
What's really out there waiting
In all the moments yet to be
And all we need to know
Is He's out there waiting
To Him the future's history
And He has given us a treasure called right now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about
And if it brings you tears
Then taste them as they fall
And let them soften your heart
And if it brings you laughter
Then throw your head back
And let it go, let it go, yeah
You gotta let it go
And listen to your heartbeat, yeah
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
I don't want you to miss
The Miracle Of The Moment
-Steven Curtis Chapman
As men living by faith, it is easy to get focused on our promised land and forget about the miracles of daily provision. When times are tough, we focus on what we can do and forget to focus on what God is already doing. The song below by Steven Curtis Chapman brought the point home today so I thought that I would share the lyrics. Sorry for the break in protocol.
-Mark
There's only one who knows
What's really out there waiting
In all the moments yet to be
And all we need to know
Is He's out there waiting
To Him the future's history
And He has given us a treasure called right now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about
And if it brings you tears
Then taste them as they fall
And let them soften your heart
And if it brings you laughter
Then throw your head back
And let it go, let it go, yeah
You gotta let it go
And listen to your heartbeat, yeah
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
I don't want you to miss
The Miracle Of The Moment
-Steven Curtis Chapman
Understanding
In reading John 7 & 8, this jumped at me Vs. 52 CH7: "They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet".
With all the people seeking to kill Jesus because of who he is and was at the time, would they have still sought to kill him had they realized he was born in Bethlehem? The reason they did not know is because their eyes were scaled (closed), and for those who heard his words and believed were freed from the "Devils" bondage and as it says in John CH 7 Vs. 37, 38" In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, ""If any man thirst, let him unto me and drink." 38. " He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
For 2,000 years people have Heard and Read his words and been filled with this living water, continue to witness and pray for those around you or who just simply ask for it. Jesus stood out and many hated him and wanted him dead, Stand out and witness for him, you may be the one who brings a thirsty soul everlasting life with the " Living Water".
With all the people seeking to kill Jesus because of who he is and was at the time, would they have still sought to kill him had they realized he was born in Bethlehem? The reason they did not know is because their eyes were scaled (closed), and for those who heard his words and believed were freed from the "Devils" bondage and as it says in John CH 7 Vs. 37, 38" In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, ""If any man thirst, let him unto me and drink." 38. " He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
For 2,000 years people have Heard and Read his words and been filled with this living water, continue to witness and pray for those around you or who just simply ask for it. Jesus stood out and many hated him and wanted him dead, Stand out and witness for him, you may be the one who brings a thirsty soul everlasting life with the " Living Water".
John 7 & 8
v. 58 "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
I have to say this passage is an awesome way to start this discipline......I love the flow of Jesus' dialogue, He didn't miss a beat, He wasn't bragging or defending himself......He was just I AMing.
Believing in Him: (John 7,8) - Ted
Scriptures: John 8:24 NLT "That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I say I am, you will die in your sins." John 8:32 NLT " And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Observation: Even the people who lived when Jesus was alive didn't believe who he said he way.
Action: Choose to believe God's word for the consequence of not believing is dealth.
Prayer: Remove the doubt in my heart that I might listen with great attention and respond with action and unwaivering faith.
Observation: Even the people who lived when Jesus was alive didn't believe who he said he way.
Action: Choose to believe God's word for the consequence of not believing is dealth.
Prayer: Remove the doubt in my heart that I might listen with great attention and respond with action and unwaivering faith.
Support Team
As Fathers of home schooled children the women decided to have a Christmas Skit about the Birth of Christ for us Dads to see. To give them credit is not enough, our children hit this out of the park. Shown here are the Dads or "Support team", when we were asked to show some skills with ringing the Bells to a holiday tune with no practice cold Turkey, we bombed the kids had no mistakes while we had gaps. This for our "Lil Sprouts".
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