Fresh Start - Mark

Psalm 145:14
God gives a hand to those down on their luck,
gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

Jesus, Thank you for the job and the fresh start!

Hope for the future - Mark

Jeremiah 29:11-14
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."

These times of trial can cause me to question God, or they can cement my relationship with Him. When I struggle, I must dig deeper to hear His voice. He has not abandoned me. In my desperation, I have become totally dependent on Him. Is there any better place to be?

God gets the Glory - Mrk

Psalm 118:17-18
I didn't die. I lived!
And now I'm telling the world what God did.
God tested me, he pushed me hard,
but he didn't hand me over to Death.

God uses our times of trial and testing to build our testimony. I must tell others about my experience and God's amazing love. How sad it would be to endure trials and never share His love with those in need around me.

The purpose driven life is not about me, it is all about service. At the end of the day, I have surrendered my life to serve Christ. Whether I finish life as a success or failure, it makes no difference as long as God gets the glory.

Life is Getting Hard - Mark

Jeremiah 45:3-5
You say, 'These are bad times for me! It's one thing after another. God is piling on the pain. I'm worn out and there's no end in sight.'

"But God says, 'Look around. What I've built I'm about to wreck, and what I've planted I'm about to rip up. And I'm doing it everywhere—all over the whole earth! So forget about making any big plans for yourself. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But don't worry. I'll keep you alive through the whole business.'"

Many of us have stepped out in faith to build upon a dream that God placed in our hearts, only to struggle with the pain of watching it flounder. I have learned more through my failures than my successes. Thank you Jesus for daily dependence and provision.

Waiting on the Lord - Mark

Psalm 62:5-8
God, the one and only—
I’ll wait as long as he says.
Everything I hope for comes from him,
so why not?

He’s solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
I’m set for life.

My help and glory are in God
—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—

So trust him absolutely, people;
lay your lives on the line for him.
God is a safe place to be.

Thank you Jesus for teaching me patience.

Baptism

John 3 25-30
It's been a while for me here, a good friend sent me a text today saying this " Seven days without Gods word = ONE WEAK", to which I replied "You mean to say = ONE WEAK SOUL..
So when I read John 3 tonight with my wife and got to Vs. 25-30 what we had shared earlier meant more to me. Jesus was baptizing people just as John was and yet the people were choosing to follow Christ more now. John had fulfilled his role in preaching the coming of the Messiah to all and what it would mean to be in his presence, and that we must be baptized in water and in spirit and declare his Holy name as Lord and savior so that we might be saved.

Promotion - Mark

1 Peter 5:5-6
But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.

Jesus, thank you for teaching me that we will never be promoted before the right time. When the promotion comes, I will rest in the knowledge that you have prepared me and equipped me for the task at hand.

From Ted and Lucas from the Mountain Top!

Isaiah 58 

What debt needs canceling?  

God's word gives life to our legs for hiking!!!!

God is on the Job - Mark

1 Peter 4:12-13 & 19
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it.

Thank you Jesus for always being on the job.

Tools of the Trade - Mark

1 Peter 1:6-7
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.

Karen Kingsbury told me a few weeks ago that, "money is simply a tool that God gives us to do His work."

Andrew wants to spend his money on a locking knife and a Red Rider Bee Bee gun. While I don't object to the tools, I am not sure that he is responsible enough to handle them yet. I will need to work with him and train him prior to that purchase.

Money is obviously an important tool, but God still needs to work with me and train me prior to releasing his blessings. I desperately want to move on to the next step, but I don't want God to turn me loose until I am ready. Thank you Jesus for the training.

1 Peter 5:11

The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

The Last Detail - Mark

James 5:10-11
Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.

Thank you Jesus for caring about every last detail.

Leaderhip Training - Mark

Hebrews 12:7
God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

Thank you Jesus for the training!

James 4:14

Chasing Daylight inspiration...

"You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing." 

Pray for me and my family tomorrow morning as I have surgery on my ankle.  Pray for a supernatural recovery.

Broken Leg a Gift?

James 1:2-4 (The Message)

 ^2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Hebrews 12 - Lucas

Hebrews 12:7, 11

Hebrews 12:18-24

I am thankful for a living God, a God that chastens and blesses me instead of separating me from Him.

Mighty Men of God - Mark

Isaiah 13:3

I've taken charge of my special forces,
called up my crack troops.
They're bursting with pride and passion
to carry out my angry judgment.

God is raising up men in our church to become His special forces. These men will be used to accomplish His mighty work during these difficult times.

How do I know that I am one of these men?

* I have submitted my life and my will to His purposes
* I read my Bible and walk with Him each day
* I happily perform the work that He has given me each day
* He speaks to me and encourages me each day

ULTIMATE ADVENTURE 2 planning meeting this Sunday after Regal service at the rock pizza let me know if u cant be there

Go to www.themancation.blogspot.com for the final ULTIMATE ADVENTURE 2 hike details!

To all the dad's ~ Stacy

HAPPY FATHERS DAY !!!!

What's your handicap? - Stacy

Do you Trust Him? How is your Faith? Do you read daily? Do you have an accountability partner? What things are you missing in your life to make you a complete and productive Christian. Do you have those special plates because you are broken in your Faith? Do you need that special sticker to stick in your window and have a special parking spot at church?

Are you a disabled Christian? I know I am, but I am also in rehab and will continue to work on getting my life on track so I can lose those special plates and park where the others park.

Leaderhip Training - Mark

At the beginning of the year, God challenged our small group of men to seek Him through daily Bible reading.

• Challenged us to blog for accountability
• Challenged us to attend Saturday morning breakfast @ 6:00am to filter the men from the boys
• We made a conscious choice not to become a ladies tea party
• Something must have resonated with your soul to become part of our group

Satan knows that a group of men daily seeking God is a huge threat to his world. Satan has been attacking on every front:

• Health
• Marriage
• Resentment
• Selfishness
• Unforgiveness

We seek the keys to the kingdom:

• Spiritual gifts (discernment / wisdom / healing / casting out deamons)
• Wealth and provision

God has freely given out the keys before, but his chosen men have failed every time.

• Saul -Failed to follow God wholeheartedly by killing all of the Amalekites.
  
• David - Committed adultery with Bathsheeba and had her husband murdered.
  
• Solomon - Was seduced by the pagan gods of his wives, and he failed to worship God wholeheartedly.

God has decided that we must be trained prior being given the keys to the kingdom:

• We must learn to hear His voice. (John 10:27 "My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me")
• Commit to daily seek / walk with Him
• Must demonstrate obedience

The Word is Living:

• Simply attending church or a small group is being force fed.
• You can read the entire Bible without discernment and obtain nothing
  
• The Holy Spirit makes the Word come alive
• God has a Rhema word (specific word) for us each day
• It is my job to find that word and research it
• By seeking Him first thing in the morning, I trust God to make the rest of my day more efficient (Tithing of my time)

Surrounded by Counsel:

• Advocate - A peer with the ability to speak into your life. Someone that loves you enough to tell you when you are messing up. We need these advocates for accountability.
  
• Discipleship - We need a mentor to disciple us, and we must disciple others. (Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.")

Closing Questions:

• What is stopping you from daily seeking God by reading His word?
• Are you man enough to admit that your reason is an excuse?
• Who is your advocate? Who loves you enough to tell you the trust?
• Who is discipling you?
• Who are you discipling?
  

Total Submission - Mark

Proverbs 1:25-33
"Since you laugh at my counsel
and make a joke of my advice,
How can I take you seriously?
I'll turn the tables and joke about your troubles!
What if the roof falls in,
and your whole life goes to pieces?
What if catastrophe strikes and there's nothing
to show for your life but rubble and ashes?
You'll need me then. You'll call for me, but don't expect an answer.
No matter how hard you look, you won't find me.

"Because you hated Knowledge
and had nothing to do with the Fear-of-God,
Because you wouldn't take my advice
and brushed aside all my offers to train you,
Well, you've made your bed—now lie in it;
you wanted your own way—now, how do you like it?
Don't you see what happens, you simpletons, you idiots?
Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.
First pay attention to me, and then relax.
Now you can take it easy—you're in good hands."

If I choose to only submit portions of my life to God, how can I expect Him to bless my entire life? What must I do to find God's blessing? The first step is absolute submission.

Proverbs 1:7
Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.

The God of the universe is not bound by physics, space, or time. He knows every strand of DNA of every creature that has ever lived or will ever live. He orchestrates slow people on Yelm Highway to keep me out of accidents, and he pushes every breath of air into my lungs.

Is there any way imaginable that I could do a better job managing my life than God? When I fully understand how magnificent God is and how insignificant I am, there really is no choice but total submission to His will and His ways.

How can I hear from Him when His Word is closed? Total submission starts with daily Bible reading.

Entitled Living - Mark

God is desperately seeking men that will simply obey Him and walk with Him daily. Several times in the Bible, God has made the following promise to men that He has raised up as leaders:

1 Kings 9:4-5
As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.

Solomon was given incredible wisdom and an immense fortune, but it was not enough. Sin crept in and Solomon became entitled. Once He became self reliant, He no longer needed to daily walk with God.

1 Kings 11:1-4
King Solomon was obsessed with women. Pharaoh's daughter was only the first of the many foreign women he loved—Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite. He took them from the surrounding pagan nations of which God had clearly warned Israel, "You must not marry them; they'll seduce you into infatuations with their gods." Solomon fell in love with them anyway, refusing to give them up. He had seven hundred royal wives and three hundred concubines—a thousand women in all! And they did seduce him away from God. As Solomon grew older, his wives beguiled him with their alien gods and he became unfaithful—he didn't stay true to his God as his father David had done.

Men have demonstrated through our failures that we are irresponsible with the keys to the kingdom. He can not give us wealth and influence without intense training.

I believe that I am going through an intense training period prior to being raised up a a leader in the kingdom. He is training me to walk with Him daily, to read His word, to hear His voice, and to obey unconditionally.

Thank you Jesus for the training. Please don't give me the keys until I am ready.

Romans 5:4-5 (The Message) - Seth

3-5There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when
we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can
develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn
forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God
will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left
feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough
containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives
through the Holy Spirit!

Trusting in God - Stacy

As I sat and read this morning, I reflected on how much I really trust God in everything I do. In the past, not so much. But lately as I continue to grow in my faith, I am learning to listen and be more obedient to God. As I do, HE has been doing some wonderful things in my life and blessing me and others in ways I can't even describe.

Am I completely there yet? Honestly, not really, but I continue to work on it daily. I can truely say that reading daily is not a challenge for me anymore because I have trusted the Lord will provide the time if I am willing to give Him my undivided attention. I know not all of you are reading daily, so I challenge you, give Him the time and make that commitment and see what happens. I know its hard... I was there once.. And work on trusting God in everything, and see how richly he blesses you.

Measured Righteousness - Mark

Romans 1:16-17
It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: "The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives." (The righteous will live by faith.)

Can I measure my righteousness by the amount of faith I must muster to make it through the day? I believe that God uses situations that require daily faith living to develop righteousness. Thank you Jesus for the daily cleansing.

Unexpected Gifts - Mark

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

We lost our F-350 trucks to the bank about a month ago, and we have been driving a friend's truck nicknamed "The Humbler." We decided to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites, and we have been thankful for the reliable transportation. The only problem has been our inability to fit our family and groceries in the vehicle at the same time.


Tonight God blessed us with a very nice Mana Oldsmobile, and we are so thankful.


We have given cars away, and now we have received one. There is nothing more fun than giving and receiving unexpected gifts. May God bless our friends for their obedience with the ability to live and give far beyond their means.

Reminder - Hiking and Camping this Saturday

Call Ted at 360-870-1574 if your planning to go camping this weekend (Saturday and Sunday in the Olympics) It's a training hike in preparation for the July Ultimate Adventure II. Go to www.themancation.blogspot.com for more details.

God Bless.

Real Men - Mark

1 Kings 2:2-4
Be strong; show what you're made of! Do what God tells you. Walk in the paths he shows you: Follow the life-map absolutely, keep an eye out for the signposts, his course for life set out in the revelation to Moses; then you'll get on well in whatever you do and wherever you go. Then God will confirm what he promised me when he said, 'If your sons watch their step, staying true to me heart and soul, you'll always have a successor on Israel's throne.'

• Real Men know that the keys to the Kingdom are not given away easily
• Real Men are prepared to go through trials and to be trained for leadership
• Real Men understand that taking your life back into your own hands is a sin
• Real Men recognize that success is dependent on obedience to God
• Real Men trust in God's promises

Are you a Real Man?

Obedience in Tithing - Mark

Everything has settled down this week, and I needed to tithe on the work that we had been doing lately. The tithe check was for $250 which was difficult to write considering our circumstances, but we both knew that it was the right thing to do. As I dropped the check in the bucket, I prayed that God would provide resources and continue to take care of us.

I was reminded of Matthew 6:25-27
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

God promised food on the table, but He did not promise to pay off my mistakes.

After the service, an usher handed me an anonymous note which read:
"Thank only God. He told me to get this for you about a month ago. Sorry it took so long. I wish I could give more - though I'm sure God will keep the blessings coming! Love You!"

Enclosed was a $50 bill. God is so good, and he delivered some provision within minutes of depositing the tithe check. I want to thank the anonymous donor for their obedience, and this way God gets all the glory. I know the rewards that come with obedience, and I look forward to the day when God can use us to bless others again financially.

Pride is the Problem - Mark

1 Chronicles 28:9-10
"And you, Solomon my son, get to know well your father's God; serve him with a whole heart and eager mind, for God examines every heart and sees through every motive. If you seek him, he'll make sure you find him, but if you abandon him, he'll leave you for good. Look sharp now! God has chosen you to build his holy house. Be brave, determined! And do it!"

God has chosen some of us to enter His Special Forces and build His kingdom, but He can not stand for a single ounce of pride in our lives.

Barn sour horses decide to go back to the barn on their own when they are tired of working. The owner must go get the horse and put it back to work in order to train the horse that the work is not done until the master is satisfied. Once the horse has been trained, it gains the trust of the owner.

Each time I let pride creep back into my life, I start to become self sufficient. God must go get me and put me back to work until the pride is once again stripped out of my life. God can not use me to build His kingdom until I have been trained and gain His trust.

Proverbs 16:18-19
First pride, then the crash—
the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
It's better to live humbly among the poor
than to live it up among the rich and famous.

Disc Golf Saturday - Tony

Maybe I'll see some of you in an hour at the Gathering!

First my commentary on 2nd Samuel......Geez.....It was so intense back then. It makes me wonder if it is just as intense now, just as a spiritual version.

Also, I wanted to take a second to invite all the Men's Breakfast men to play a round or two of disc golf after breakfast on Saturday morning. I'm no pro (and haven't played in a couple years) but I'd be happy to introduce any newbies to the game. It is like a souped up Frisbee golf. The course is just a couple blocks from IHOP at Yauger Park. It is free to play as long as you have discs and I have access to lots of them. Mine are a bit beat up from students using them but they'll do the trick on this short course in rookie hands. I have extra drivers, mid-ranges, and maybe even extra putters (you can play the course with just a driver if we need to). The weather is always iffy but the most recent report says it should be a nice day. It could last as long as you want it to - an hour to a couple. It's my anniversary on Saturday, but it was actually my wife insisting that I take the time to hang with any men who are able...I think she is hoping for an even better date that night. :) If you want to go, just let me know Saturday morning - I'll bring a bunch of discs either way.

Shattered Pride - Mark

Psalms 51
^1-3Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.
Scrub away my guilt,
soak out my sins in your laundry.
I know how bad I've been;
my sins are staring me down.

^4-6 You're the One I've violated, and you've seen
it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
You have all the facts before you;
whatever you decide about me is fair.
I've been out of step with you for a long time,
in the wrong since before I was born.
What you're after is truth from the inside out.
Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.

^7-15 Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don't look too close for blemishes,
give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don't throw me out with the trash,
or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I'll let loose with your praise.

^16-17 Going through the motions doesn't please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don't for a moment escape God's notice.

Heart of Worship - Mark

Psalms 54:6-7
I'm ready now to worship, so ready.
I thank you, God—you're so good.
You got me out of every scrape,
and I saw my enemies get it.

Thank you Jesus for the freedom, and now I am ready to worship.

Psalm 51 - Lucas

Create in me a clean heart, O God

And renew a steadfast spirit within me

Do not cast me away from Your presence

And do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

Control - Lucas

Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I cannot control everything in my environment. For example, we have outlet covers and those annoying cabinet things so Madelyn doesn't shock herself or play with cleaning supplies. But at the same time, she could totally fall down the stairs. I remember a lot of the stupid stuff we did as kids and sometimes am amazed we all made it. I want everything to go right for Madelyn, but I can't always protect or go to battle for her.

At some point, we cannot rely on the chariots and horses that went up against the Israelites in countless battles, and lost. Like the Israelites, I must have faith that the Lord will protect in ways I have no control over, will fight the battles I cannot win.

His Anointed - Mark

Psalms 20:4-6
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

I know that the battle is already won, and you deserve all the glory. Thank you Jesus for choosing me.

"The Great Commandment"

The letters in Red are the words spoken to us by Christ Jesus which means above all others scriptures; 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”we should pay close attention to them which brings to me these words from Matthew 22 Vs.37-40; We should be able to get this right, especially for our group of Men.

Matthew 21:22 - Lucas

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

How do I know what I am praying for is within God's will?

Matthew 21 Vs. 21-22

21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Doubt, seems to prevail more over Faith, but Jesus want our Faith to be stronger than Doubt. By being "Faithful"once again in the little things, as we grow so will it and the "Doubt" will disappear, and we can move Mountains to accomplish many things for is kingdom.

You Version Group Link

For those of us that track our reading on YouVersion, here is the group link:

http://youversion.com/groups/bloodgutsandbiblenuts

Why do I serve? - Lucas

Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard)

I read this today and the main thing I was thinking about was why I serve. Is it because I feel obligated, or because I want to? Is it for the reward or out of love?

Today it is love. Thank you Lord!

Who am I? - Mark

1 Chronicles 17:16
Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow and looked on me, Master God, as a Somebody.

God, why did you pick me? Why did you lead me on this faith journey? Why did you plant a seed of entrepreneurship in my soul? Why did you promise me a future far beyond what I could dream of?

I believe that God invites us all on a faith journey, but many are unwilling to step out in faith. What has God called you to do? Are you willing to put logic behind you and take a blind step of faith? Are you willing to make the short term sacrifices in order to see God's will done in your life?

Mana Fairy Strikes Again

Last week we ran out of milk early in the week. I was on the way to Walmart only to find 2 half gallons of milk on the doorstep. God is so good!

The wonderful ladies from Linda's Sunday school class sent $200 just in the nick of time. We are so thankful for their ability to hear from God and be obedient.

Even after my faith filled post last week about Daily Bread, I was struggling with a bad attitude on Saturday. We were down to our last $10, and I was starting to get nervous. I remembered my post on the way to the airport, and I made a conscious choice to turn toward God. I turned on some Christian music and started praising. I was able to leave it in His hands.

Last night, my parents blessed us with a large check for all the work that we had done on their home while they were on vacation. It was far beyond what I had expected, and God reminded me that "Your Grace is Enough."

2 Samuel 7:29 - Seth

"God!  Oh may your blessing be on my family permanently!"

Michael Stark wants to keep up with you on Twitter

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Psalm 68:10-14 - Seth

You pour out rain in buckets, O God; 
thorn and cactus become an oasis 
   For your people to camp in and enjoy. 
      You set them up in business; 
      they went from rags to riches. 

The Lord gave the word; 
      thousands called out the good news: 
   "Kings of the armies 
      are on the run, on the run!" 
   While housewives, safe and sound back home, 
      divide up the plunder, 
      the plunder of Canaanite silver and gold. 
  

Daily Bread - Mark

Matthew 16:8-11
Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread?

God has brought me to a place where I am totally dependent on Him for daily bread in order to fully seal my trust in Him. I no longer understand these verses with my head, but I rest in them with my heart. Thank you Jesus for building my faith one test at a time.

David's Heart - Mark

2 Samuel 3:31-32
Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, "Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner." King David himself walked behind the bier. They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner's tomb. All the people wept also.

2 Samuel 3:38-39
Then the king said to his men, "Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!"

Why does David mourn for those that have tried to hurt him? Why does he pay honor to Saul after he was hunted for years? Perhaps David respected the office in spite of the man occupying the throne. Perhaps it was more than that.

I believe that even though David cried out to God in Psalms, he was able to rest in the knowledge that God had it under control. David submitted himself to become God's tool for justice, but he left revenge in God's hands.

When I know the end of the story, it makes it easier to endure the painful chapters. I must submit myself to Him daily.

What can you see? - Stacy

".. They are blind men leading blind men. When a blind man leads a blind man, they both end up in the ditch." Matthew 15:14

Can you see? Are you blind? Is someone leading you, are you being the leader? Are you leading your spouse or bible study friend? If you are blind, then you need to ask God for vision and start being a leader. Whether it is your spouse, family, or even a bible study partner, we need to step it up. We are in this bible study for a reason, and it's not to just get together and have breakfast every two weeks, it so we can be leaders and make changes and grow closer to God. I struggle with this everyday, on all accounts. I will point the finger at myself first, but I challenge everyone to step out of the comfort zone and get vision to be leaders, not a blind follower...

Reading with my wife - Seth

I woke up very discouraged this morning and I could tell my wife was discouraged too.  But I cracked open my Bible and read anyway.  

Two verses were highlighted by the Holy Spirit as a read.  I reluctantly underlined them, because I was not ready to receive them yet.  When I was finished, April asked me what I got.  I read her the two verses and guess what she got the exact two verses.  We both were instantly encouraged and went back and claimed those words for our lives and were able to pray accordingly.  The Scriptures suddenly had new life in them because Jesus used my wife to confirm his personal message to our family and to me.  Jesus is good.

Here are the verses:  Matthew 14:31  "Faint-heart, what got into you?"  and Psalm 142:7  "Your people will form a circle around me and you'll bring me showers of blessing!"

Read with your wife it will bring new life to your daily reading.

Seth

Sowers'

Matthew 13-
Jesus spoke many parables through this chapter and being a "Sower of good Fruit" is one. When sowing, fruit is dependent on where the seeds are sown in the ground. Likewise with the seeds we sow from Gods word to our Spouses, children, friends and co-workers. Unless we Sow into good ground we will not see or bare good fruit, getting the good ground means working the ground until the soil is soft and turns easily to plant into, from this hard work comes Vines, trees, and fruits.

With our children what happens when we Sow into them and yet we have Tares, we need to bring them up patiently until the fruit bares itself and then harvest the Tares from them so that the fruits show through. The struggle between one being faithful and one not is like the Sower and his Enemy. Matthew 13; 24-30.

David's Heart - Mark

2 Samuel 3:31-32
Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, "Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner." King David himself walked behind the bier. They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king wept aloud at Abner's tomb. All the people wept also.

2 Samuel 3:38-39
Then the king said to his men, "Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil deeds!"

Why does David mourn for those that have tried to hurt him? Why does he pay honor to Saul after he was hunted for years? Perhaps David respected the office in spite of the man occupying the throne. Perhaps it was more than that.

I believe that even though David cried out to God in Psalms, he was able to rest in the knowledge that God had it under control. David submitted himself to become God's tool for justice, but he left revenge in God's hands.

When I know the end of the story, it makes it easier to endure the painful chapters. I must submit myself to Him daily.

Matthew 13:52 - Seth

"Every student well trained in God's Kingdom is like the owner of a Walmart (general store) who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it."

Who wants to go shopping with me today?

What is your tree like? - Stacy

"If you grow a healthy tree, you'll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you'll pick worm eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree." - Matthew 12:33

What does your tree look like? I challenge all of you to take a good look at your tree, and if it's not healthy, you need to start working on making it that way. Be Kingdom minded and make your tree something that you can be proud of and one that Jesus can be proud of.

Being Heard

What has come to me from today's reading From 1Samuel 28-29, Ps. 109 and Matthew 11 is a crying out to be Heard. Let the focus of our prayers be to the things we have been blessed with here and now. Be grateful in all he has provided, be bold and strong as you pray also, so that the blessing being given are for being faithful in the little things that we have been entrusted to.

Pray for the Men in this group, each one and for the new men coming each time, remember the families also of these Men.

The more we pray for one another the more we are strengthened as a whole against the enemy.

Let us be heard from the Roof Tops, so we do not feel like the pain Saul felt knowing that the Lord had left him knowing he and his sons would parish.

Matthew 10:26 (The Message) - Seth

 "Don't be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don't hesitate to go public now.

Prophetic Picture - Mark

Joshua 3:14-16
The people left their tents to cross the Jordan, led by the priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant. When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge (the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest), the flow of water stopped. It piled up in a heap—a long way off—at Adam, which is near Zarethan. The river went dry all the way down to the Arabah Sea (the Salt Sea). And the people crossed, facing Jericho.

God gave me this image as a prophetic picture tonight. I sensed that our work is piling up in a heap, and it can't be released until we complete our bankruptcy.

Thank you Jesus for the dry ground. We look forward to the work that you have for us.

Prophetic Picture - Mark

I was given a prophetic picture from two ladies that only know me by name. Here is what resonated with me:

• I was a pilot with a headset.
• My instruments were in front of me, and I can not see the ground.
• I am on God's flight plan.
• Even though I can't see how to get to the destination, I must trust my instruments and stay on course.
• I must daily choose to stay on God's plan to get to the destination
• I am in constant contact with God. When I speak, He listens, and when He speaks, I listen.

These women did not know that I was a pilot or that this would clearly encourage me. Thank you Jesus for the encouragement.

Promise Secured - Mark

Matthew 7:7-11
Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

David was anointed King and then chased around the country by Saul for many years. He was given a promise that seemed impossible with earthly wisdom.

God is good, and He only gives me good gifts. If I must go through some temporary pain, it is only so that He can get me to a better place and bless me in the future. My promise may not come the way I expected or the way I wanted, but at the end of the book the promise is secure.

Psalm 31:24 (The Message) - Seth

"Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up.  Expect God to get here soon."

Matthew 6:27 - Lucas

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.

I worry too much. I worry about work, about being a good dad to Madelyn.

Tonight, Madelyn prayed for dinner. Yeah, she's 2. Sometimes that is all we need; a little perspective.

Eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and read your bible today. Dont skip a meal!

Matthew 5:48 - Stacy

.."In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kindgom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." I read this verse in a couple of translations, but this one from the message really spoke to me.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. 

⁹ "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will kneel down and worship me."

 ¹⁰ "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say,

   'You must worship the Lord your God
      and serve only him.'^[a]"

Eric Matthews

Zander Built Construction Inc. 

God is with me

 ¹⁴ David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him.

God I pray that each day I will grow closer to you, I know you are with me and I want to live like it. 

Eric 

Breakfast!

See you in the morning!

Cleaning up the Mess - Mark

Psalms 11:7 MSG
God's business is putting things right;
he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we're standing tall,
we can look him straight in the eye.

Psalms 11:7 NIV
For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.

Now that the trucks and the trailers are gone, God is cleaning up the mess. He is setting us free and making the lines straight again. Thank you Jesus for cleaning up my mess, and for giving me a fresh start.

You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head.

Each day I will remember that any giant I may face is no match for my God. This will be my war cry. I am ready for battle. 

Eric

Falling Short

Since coming off the fast, it seems that my focus has been redirected and not with my eyes towards God. Reading has been sporadic at best and i have found the world closing around and pretty much given me a beating. As i try and focus on the word it seems like an urgent problem occurs conveniently. Mark I praise you and your family for sticking through and keeping God the primary focus. I'll take the beating but from now on i will be Faithful again in the little things he has set before me; Reading his word and speaking it back to my brothers.

Mark The Champion!

Let's not wait to lose it all before we are passionate about Jesus and in the Word everyday!  Let's press in now, so we can withstand the storm when it comes.  Mark pressed in before these hard times hit.  Now look how he continues to praise God as the bank begins to repossess his house, trucks and more.  Well done Mark!  This is only the beginning for you and your family.  You are God's champion ready to be used by Him to do great things for the Kingdom of God!  I am honored to be your friend!

40 Days of Taunting - Mark

1 Samuel 17:16
Each morning and evening for forty days, Goliath took his stand and made his speech.

1 Samuel 17:26
David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, "Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?"

1 Samuel 17:45-47
David answered, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel's troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he's handing you to us on a platter!"

During my 40 day fast, Satan loved to taunt me and tell me that fasting would not make a difference. I must take an active step. I am ready to slay the giants that are taunting me and stealing my hope.

"When faith is all I have, that is when God creates and builds His champions"

Prayer request

I have two small prayer requests for the men. I pulled a muscle in my shoulder blade last thursday and my wife Jeanice is having a fair amount of hip pain. We would appreciate some prayer for healing so things can get back to "normal".

BTW- I have been faithfully reading my bible every day and feeling very good about it. My days are more ordered, within reason, and I am much more centered and able to weather the storm of life. Dan

Sarcasm

Paul seemed to like the stuff. I suppose it made his point.
I hope I'm never at a place where it needs to be used on me.
Don't you wish people simply responded to love?

My Weakness - Mark

2 Corinthians 13:5-9
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.

We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction. I hope we won’t need to demonstrate our authority when we arrive. Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.

I have been concerned that my failure would cause those around us to stumble. Would they question the sovereignty of the God that we serve? Would they say, "Where is your God now, why didn't He save you?" Perhaps their perception of my God will come from the way I respond to the situation. If I mope around all day, our neighbors will see a God sized failure.

I must choose to face each day with a smile on my face resting in the joy of my salvation. The things of this world are temporary, and He will use my failures for His Glory. When I trust that His grace is enough, my testimony is restored.

I have not lost my Spiritual authority. I rest in the knowledge that God will use my weakness to build the faith of those around me, and He will increase their spiritual maturity.

More Like Him - Mark

2 Corinthians 11:30
If I have to "brag" about myself, I'll brag about the humiliations that make me like Jesus.

Every trial makes me more humble and more like Him. Thank you Jesus for the trials!

2 Corinthians 11:3 - Stacy

.."And now I'm afraid that exactly as the Snake seduced Eve with his smooth patter, you are being lured away from the simple purity of your love for Christ." ... Be careful as we go thru daily life, because the snake will start out with the small things, small distractions and work his way up. To me that includes trying to mess me up with my Bible reading, things to distract me from loving my wife, getting angry with my kids... etc.. I am thankful that Christ keeps me on track and if I do get side tracked, I quickly put God back in first place. My love for Jesus is way stronger than what satan can ever offer.

Give us a King - Mark

1 Samuel 10:18-19
Samuel called the people to assemble before God at Mizpah. He addressed the children of Israel, "This is God's personal message to you:

"I brought Israel up out of Egypt. I delivered you from Egyptian oppression—yes, from all the bullying governments that made your life miserable. And now you want nothing to do with your God, the very God who has a history of getting you out of troubles of all sorts.

"And now you say, 'No! We want a king; give us a king!'

"Well, if that's what you want, that's what you'll get! Present yourselves formally before God, ranked in tribes and families."

Since I have struggled and failed, I find myself ready to go back into slavery. I am looking for a job and a king to rule over me. A king to fight my battles for me. Now that He has set me free, why should I go back into bondage?

2 Cornithians 10:18 - Stacy

Wow!! This verse really stood out to me today.. I just want to be honorable and to do things right in God's eyes. I want him to be proud of me and to say to me someday.. "Good job son, you did me proud"..

Share the Burden - Mark

2 Corinthians 8:9-14
You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich. So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale. Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands. This isn't so others can take it easy while you sweat it out. No, you're shoulder to shoulder with them all the way, your surplus matching their deficit, their surplus matching your deficit.

I will do what I can, and I know that God has sent me brothers to share the burden. Thank you Jesus for Bible Nuts.

Seth

2 Corinthians 6:3-10 (The Message)

2 Corinthians 6

Staying at Our Post

 ^1-10Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, 
   I heard your call in the nick of time; 
   The day you needed me, I was there to help.
Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

Salvation - Mark

2 Corinthians 6:1-2
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Jesus, Thank you hearing our cry for help, and for the salvation.

A story remembered - Stacy

As I began to read Ruth this morning, I was reminded about Pastor Tom Mercer at High Desert Church in So. Cal. We attended there back in the mid 90's. He did a series on the book of Ruth and brought this story to life for me, more than I could have ever imagined. It has stuck with me ever since. So I am looking forward to reading the story this time and recreating those images. I also loved Psalm 56:1, because it's everyday life and the spiritual battle going on around us.

You Are Free To Eat!

"The fast is over you have been trained.  You are free to eat.  Now act free.  Free from money, free from work, free from food, free from a tired body, free.  Jesus paid it all.  Everything is now yours as a gift.  No more anxiety over money or anything this world may throw at you.  You are free.  Act it, speak it, live it and the natural will begin to line up with the supernatural.  Don't wait for manifestations to be free.  It is finished you are free right now.  Never go back to slavery.  Those the son sets free are free indeed."

The Lord delivered this word to me on day 41 as my kids were watching this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O_IQ__zwB8

This word is for every man who will claim it.

Thank you for supporting me on my fast.  I could not have done it without you guys.  I love you guys!

Be Blessed,

Seth

Don't Give Up - Mark

2 Corinthians 4:16
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

I may be forced into it, but I wall not quit. Thank you Jesus for giving us the gift of faith.

I think it's time to think about growing out my hair.

Eric

2 Corinthians 1:4 - Stacy

As I read this verse (several times), it came to me, that as we go thru this crazy life and suffer thru trials and tribulations, that sometimes God has us go thru things, not necessarily for our benefit, but so that we may be there for others in their time of need. And if we have gone thru something similar, we have a better understanding on how to help others. Thank you Jesus for the wisdom and knowledge to be able to help others in hard times.

The Rescue - Mark

2 Corinthians 1:8 - 10
We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation - I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part.

God how many times have you saved us from bankruptcy, and we are in the same place again. As the fast comes to an end, I look forward to the doors that you will open next week. Either way, freedom lies at the end of the path. Thank you Jesus for Freedom!

Breakfast Update

Our chef at Chica's moved to Portland, so today Pastor Val and I scouted out a new location and the winner is...drum roll....IHOP on the Westside.  It has a private room, we can have Dylan lead us in worship and stuffed french toast for $4.99 baby.  I talked to the manager and he will be ready for us at 6 AM!  Please spread the word and tell anyone you may have invited.  See you at Encounter Night and 6 AM Westside IHOP on Cooperpoint and Black Lake.  

Don't forget to read your bible today!

Seth

Stay the Course - Mark

I Corinthians 15:58
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.

Every time I get discouraged, God sends me a similar message. I must keep at the work that He has laid out for me to do. Jesus, thank you for the work.

Gideon and the 300! Who rah! May God remove every obstacle and destroy our enemies! - Ted

Prayer Request - Mark

Gentlemen,

Our little company has worked with an investor for 6 months, and we have a big meeting today at 1:00 to get to a final decision. Please pray for supernatural favor for our family during this difficult time.

Mark

For His Glory - Mark

Judges 7:2
God said to Gideon, "You have too large an army with you. I can't turn Midian over to them like this—they'll take all the credit, saying, 'I did it all myself,' and forget about me.

God is using this time of forging to burn this concept into my soul. Any success is because of His grace and for His glory. Thank you Jesus for the trials and the testing. I know that you are making me stronger and that your path leads to freedom.

Promise Fulfilled - Mark

Joshua 23:14
You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Joshua 24:13
So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.

These two concepts have popped out several times the past few days in my reading. Our God keeps His promises, and He gives us blessings that we did not construct with our own hands. He loves to perform miracles when it seems impossible and all hope is lost. All He asks us for is obedience.

Thank you Jesus

Household

"But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord!" Truer words have not been spoken. When all else fails- I need to remember those words and the meaning behind them. Dan

1 Corinthians - Lucas

After reading through 1 Corinthians, I find more and more the parallels between Greek culture in Corinth during Paul's time and our current American culture. We are idolatrous, sexually immoral, sue-happy, and we think we have all the answers. It's strange to think we face the same problems they did, but reassuring to know the same Jesus Paul represented can help us overcome these problems, if we are willing to be like Him (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Psalm 78:5-7 - Seth

I did the regular reading but the Lord also led me to this scripture through a dream and my wife this morning.

"He planted a witness in Jacob, 

      set his Word firmly in Israel(Seth), 
   Then commanded our parents 
      to teach it to their children 
   So the next generation would know, 
      and all the generations to come— 
   Know the truth and tell the stories 
      so their children can trust in God, 
   Never forget the works of God 
      but keep his commands to the letter." 

Jesus, I am ready to tell your stories!

1 Corinthians 9:27 - Lucas

1 Corinthians 9:27 - But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Wow.

Take the Promised Land - Mark

Joshua 18:3
So Joshua said to the Israelites: "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?

I believe that fasting is my act of Faith to slay the giants and take possession of the land. I have been doing well, but my family struggled over the weekend. I guess I failed to research and teach them about fasting. Since I prayed about fasting and He downloaded a passion in me, I assumed that the rest of my family was on board as well.

We are fighting Spiritual Battles, and Satan wants nothing more than to use this fast to create dissension and split our family up. Thank you Jesus for helping us to recognize the attack so that we can fight this battle together.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 - Seth

"You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race.  Everyone runs, one wins.  Run to win.  All good athletes train hard.  They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades.  You're after one that's gold eternally."

1 Corinthians 8:1 - Lucas

"... We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies."

My $0.02 without love is worthless at best.

1 corinthians 8:3 We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.

Eat Meat - Mark

1 Corinthians 8:8-9
But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. NIV

But fortunately God doesn't grade us on our diet. We're neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can't stomach it. But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track. MSG

Food is an inanimate object and consuming it is not sinning. Ignoring the Holy spirit and consuming in excess is sin. God is only concerned with our obedience and our relationship. Praise Jesus, only 11 days left until we can eat meat!

Intercession- Michael

This evening I had a word for one of our brethren while in discussion with him and it was,

Philippians 4:6,7

6- Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7-And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I pray for his heart to be opened up and not to continue to be hardened, and that forgiveness will willingly flow from his spirit so he maybe set free to continue on the path in which our Lord God wants him to follow.

Joshua 14:14 - Seth

^13-14 Joshua blessed him. He gave Hebron to Caleb son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite still today, because he gave himself totally to God, the God of Israel.

I met the prayer intercessor who lives right above Chica's Cafe today.  Crazy God story.  He has been doing battle for our group without even knowing it.  I invited him to join us April 3.  God is up to something!

1 Cor. 7 Marriage Starkman

7.3 the husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and like wise the wife to her husband.
when I read this, I was reminded of Ephesians 5:22-33, this is an amazing and wonderful description of marriage.
Thank you lord for your wonderful gift in my wife....

Supernatural Provision - Mark

Joshua 5:11-12
The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.

The Israelites ate from fields that they did not plant, and the reaped a harvest that they did not sew. God provided for their needs supernaturally, and He exceeded their expectations. I am excited about His plans for me beyond this fast.

1 Corinthians 4:20 - Seth

"God's Way is not a matter of mere talk, it's an empowered life"

1 Corinthians 3:22-23 - Seth

"Everything is already yours as a gift... and you are privileged to be
in union with Christ, who is in union with God."

Trust in Him - Mark

Psalms 37:7&25-26
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.

They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be blessed.

Jesus, I thank you for providing for our needs even when we can not see the answer right in front of our faces. I know that your ways are not my ways, and your thoughts are not my thoughts.

Joshua 5:13-14

I luv it. Jesus doesn't show up to do our bidding but we line up with
Him and enjoy the benefits.

Jonathan

Checking in real quick. I've been reading.
Cool thing: I'm reading Blessing or Curse, You Can Choose and it was covering what we just read in Deut applied to today. Very cool. God always seems to match something that is going on with the current reading. It's amazing how he has it all planned and worked out. You'd think he knew the future or something. :) Praise HIM!

16 days to go!

1 Corinthians 2:11 (The Message)

 ^10-13The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.