Eric
This is such a valuble lesson to learn. I can remember countless times, I would be given a job or task to complete that I didn't like. Or other times asked to do things that did not fit in my schedule or I just didn't want to do. Idealy I should have excepted all tasks with a warm an happy heart. But of course I didn't always go that way. I just wonder what kinds of blessings I've missed out on. Lord I pray to hear you, and to alway respond with a warm and happy heart.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Luke 16:9-13
Luke 16:18 - Seth
"The sky will disintegrate and the earth dissolve before a single letter of God's Law wears out."
The Power of the Ring - Mark
Genesis 41:41-43
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, "Make way!" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.
I read this passage this morning, and I was struck by the similarities to Esther 3 where Xerxes places Haman in charge of the kingdom.
Esther 3:10-11
So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. "Keep the money," the king said to Haman, "and do with the people as you please."
As I have dug into these passages, I find a huge difference between these stories. Pharaoh demonstrated leadership by listening to Joseph's interpretation and placing him in charge. He could not find any one else who had a closer relationship with God, so naturally he would also be the best person to implement the strategy to save Egypt.
On the other hand, Xerxes was a terrible leader. He had inherited his kingdom from his father, and he was an insecure child dictator. He made his decisions based upon public opinion in order to be favored by the people. This reminds me of the parent that is constantly trying to be their child's best friend. Xerxes advocates his throne to Haman out of weakness, not leadership.
It occurs to me that the exact same act can be good or evil based upon the intent. The God of the universe searches our hearts and knows our intentions.
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, "Make way!" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.
I read this passage this morning, and I was struck by the similarities to Esther 3 where Xerxes places Haman in charge of the kingdom.
Esther 3:10-11
So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. "Keep the money," the king said to Haman, "and do with the people as you please."
As I have dug into these passages, I find a huge difference between these stories. Pharaoh demonstrated leadership by listening to Joseph's interpretation and placing him in charge. He could not find any one else who had a closer relationship with God, so naturally he would also be the best person to implement the strategy to save Egypt.
On the other hand, Xerxes was a terrible leader. He had inherited his kingdom from his father, and he was an insecure child dictator. He made his decisions based upon public opinion in order to be favored by the people. This reminds me of the parent that is constantly trying to be their child's best friend. Xerxes advocates his throne to Haman out of weakness, not leadership.
It occurs to me that the exact same act can be good or evil based upon the intent. The God of the universe searches our hearts and knows our intentions.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Conviction --> Repent --> Forgiven!, Pslam 7:12-13 - Ted
Scripture: NLT If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He will prepare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows.
Glory be to God for the power of conviction and His gift of forgiveness. Stand by me Lord as I'm truthful in my thoughts and actions. Pour out your blessing on those who standby me.
Glory be to God for the power of conviction and His gift of forgiveness. Stand by me Lord as I'm truthful in my thoughts and actions. Pour out your blessing on those who standby me.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Eric
This verse stood out to me because, well I don't know why.
This verse stood out to me because, well I don't know why.
Genesis 35:29
New Living Translation
Then he breathed his last and died at a ripe old age, joining his ancestors in death. And his sons, Esau and Jacob, buried him.
So 180 years old is a ripe old age. Where did this term come from , ripe old age, does anyone know? I am thinking the more we learn about our god and the closer we get to him the riper we get. So basicly we are like fruit and without the correct circumstances ( w/outGod) we will not ripen
Please pass the bread! - Lucas
The parable of the Great Supper, Luke 15-24
I never completely understood this parable but after reading a few times and looking at other notes, I get it. The Israelites where originally invited, but when the food came to the table [Jesus showed up], they did everything to be excused. So God says, "Fine! I'll invite someone else [they were the Gentiles! Yes!]. Besides, I make an awesome reuben sandwich!"
I'm so glad I received an invitation! And also an invitation to the 6 AM Saturday morning 'supper' with all of you. I'm getting so much out of reading every day! Let's make a covenant that there will be no buying of oxen, property, or getting married on Saturday mornings that we meet. That way there are no excuse why we can't make it! Is there a reuben on Denny's menu...?
Starkman this is for you too! Luke 14:11 - Seth
"But if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself." Luke 14:11
Moral Compass - Mark
Genesis 34:30-31
Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You've made my name stink to high heaven among the people here, these Canaanites and Perizzites. If they decided to gang up on us and attack, as few as we are we wouldn't stand a chance; they'd wipe me and my people right off the map." They said, "Nobody is going to treat our sister like a whore and get by with it."
Simeon and Levi's plan to slaughter the Hivites seems like sound military stragegery. Later in the Bible, God has the Israelites kill thousands of people who oppose them. The only problem is that they forgot to consult God, and they acted out of rage.
Jacob's moral compass is so far off, that I don't know how God can use him. He is more concerned with what the neighbors think that he is with his daughter's situation. Jacob should have led his sons into battle.
Jacob provides us all with hope that God can use imperfect people to accomplish His will.
Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You've made my name stink to high heaven among the people here, these Canaanites and Perizzites. If they decided to gang up on us and attack, as few as we are we wouldn't stand a chance; they'd wipe me and my people right off the map." They said, "Nobody is going to treat our sister like a whore and get by with it."
Simeon and Levi's plan to slaughter the Hivites seems like sound military stragegery. Later in the Bible, God has the Israelites kill thousands of people who oppose them. The only problem is that they forgot to consult God, and they acted out of rage.
Jacob's moral compass is so far off, that I don't know how God can use him. He is more concerned with what the neighbors think that he is with his daughter's situation. Jacob should have led his sons into battle.
Jacob provides us all with hope that God can use imperfect people to accomplish His will.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Luke 13:30 - Seth
"This is the Great Reversal: the last in line put at the head of the line, and the so-called first ending up last."
God's Promises - Mark
Genesis 32:10-12
I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.'
Why does God give us a promise, and then place us in positions where we face total destruction? Are these obstacles simply an opportunity to prove our faith, or are they a training tool along our journey? Perhaps they are both.
When we have nothing to lose, the fear is minimal. After Jacob worked for 20 years to build a family and wealth, the fear of destruction becomes greater. When we have recurring sin in our life, God can use trials to force us to change. The past 3 years of trials have certainly humbled my outrageous ego.
Once Jesus cleans out the closets of our life, then trials become a demonstration of faith to those around us. Our purpose on this planet is to spread The Good News, and deeds speak louder than words. Lord, help me not to forget that people are watching me in my daily faith journey.
I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.'
Why does God give us a promise, and then place us in positions where we face total destruction? Are these obstacles simply an opportunity to prove our faith, or are they a training tool along our journey? Perhaps they are both.
When we have nothing to lose, the fear is minimal. After Jacob worked for 20 years to build a family and wealth, the fear of destruction becomes greater. When we have recurring sin in our life, God can use trials to force us to change. The past 3 years of trials have certainly humbled my outrageous ego.
Once Jesus cleans out the closets of our life, then trials become a demonstration of faith to those around us. Our purpose on this planet is to spread The Good News, and deeds speak louder than words. Lord, help me not to forget that people are watching me in my daily faith journey.
Blood and Guts
Eric
Luke 12:22-24
Luke 12:22-24
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell
you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to
eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your
body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don't plant or
harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far
more valuable to him than any birds!
This is such a great passage, especially for people who are self
employed. As long as we love and fear God and live according to his
word He will provide everthing we need. Thank you Father!!
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I've come to disrupt and confront", Luke 12:49-52 - Ted
Scripture: I've come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I've come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I've come to disrupt and confront!
When was the last time you confronted a brother in love or more importantly made yourself open to be confronted? Iron sharpens Iron... Growth happens through loving confrontation.
When was the last time you confronted a brother in love or more importantly made yourself open to be confronted? Iron sharpens Iron... Growth happens through loving confrontation.
Thievery or a Grudge- Michael
Genesis 29-30: It would seem to me that Jacob knows how to hold a grudge here, he struck a deal for seven years labor for the hand of Rachel and then was betrayed because of the customs of Laban and his countrymen. He then set into another period of time for which he finally did receive Rachel.
Jacobs love for Rachel and his seemingly simple distaste for Leah, leaves Rachel barren but Leah fruitful in producing sons for Jacob. Because of this Rachel gives her handmaiden so that by custom if she bares the child sitting on her knees the child is hers, this repeats itself with Leah's handmaiden also while Leah is still able to bare children herself. Does this cycle seem right? Being a man of God he shouldn't he have forgiven Laban and just moved forward.
This wraps around when Jacob decides its time to move on, he speaks to Laban and cut a new deal, however in this deal Jacob has the better hand because he has tended Laban's flocks for so long that he had the inside scoop of what to reason for, he also new what to do to give himself the majority of Laban's flock from those that were baring young. Jacob essentially is stealing from Laban for his own personal gain and this is based upon what Laban did to him with Rachel.
Jacobs love for Rachel and his seemingly simple distaste for Leah, leaves Rachel barren but Leah fruitful in producing sons for Jacob. Because of this Rachel gives her handmaiden so that by custom if she bares the child sitting on her knees the child is hers, this repeats itself with Leah's handmaiden also while Leah is still able to bare children herself. Does this cycle seem right? Being a man of God he shouldn't he have forgiven Laban and just moved forward.
This wraps around when Jacob decides its time to move on, he speaks to Laban and cut a new deal, however in this deal Jacob has the better hand because he has tended Laban's flocks for so long that he had the inside scoop of what to reason for, he also new what to do to give himself the majority of Laban's flock from those that were baring young. Jacob essentially is stealing from Laban for his own personal gain and this is based upon what Laban did to him with Rachel.
RIvers Picture - Seth
As I prayed I received a picture of two raging rivers coming together to form one huge river at flood stage.
A partnership is a coming! - Seth
Sins of the Father - Mark
Genesis 29:25
When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?"
Jacob becomes upset when Laban tricks him, but did he forget that he had tricked his father and stolen his brother's blessing. The father's of Israel have demonstrated a long pattern of deception.
Abraham lied twice about Sarah being his wife in order to avoid death. Both times the kings were upset that Abraham could have brought God's wrath upon them for an inadvertent sin. His son Isaac lied about Rebekah being his wife for the same reason, and he encountered the same result.
Exodus 20:5-6
"I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
These fathers did not teach their children about the consequences of their mistakes, and their children were destined to repeat them. What am I doing to end my generational curses? How am I teaching my children to avoid the prices that I have had to pay?
When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn't I? Why have you deceived me?"
Jacob becomes upset when Laban tricks him, but did he forget that he had tricked his father and stolen his brother's blessing. The father's of Israel have demonstrated a long pattern of deception.
Abraham lied twice about Sarah being his wife in order to avoid death. Both times the kings were upset that Abraham could have brought God's wrath upon them for an inadvertent sin. His son Isaac lied about Rebekah being his wife for the same reason, and he encountered the same result.
Exodus 20:5-6
"I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
These fathers did not teach their children about the consequences of their mistakes, and their children were destined to repeat them. What am I doing to end my generational curses? How am I teaching my children to avoid the prices that I have had to pay?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Luke 11:33-36 - Lucas
I really like the analogy in these verses. The only way we can shine the brightest is if we are full of light and absent of darkness.
Prayer: Lord, help me be more aware of my eyes! And enlighten me through your word. Amen!
Prayer: Lord, help me be more aware of my eyes! And enlighten me through your word. Amen!
Good Gifts - Mark
Luke 11:10-13
"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"
Thank you Jesus for daily manna and unseen miracles.
"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"
Thank you Jesus for daily manna and unseen miracles.
Luke 11:28 - Seth
"Even more blessed are those who hear God's Word and guard it will their lives." Luke 11:28
Have a great week guys!
Seth
"First Things First", Luke 10:38-42 - Ted
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42
The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!"
The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her."
Observation: All too often we justify worldly concerns over the one thing that truly matters and has eternal consequences. That one thing is our relationship with God! Nothing is more important, Nothing! Keep God First and Prepare for your encounter!
The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!"
The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her."
Observation: All too often we justify worldly concerns over the one thing that truly matters and has eternal consequences. That one thing is our relationship with God! Nothing is more important, Nothing! Keep God First and Prepare for your encounter!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Eric
Luke 10:19,20
Luke 10:19,20
19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy,
and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing
will injure you. 20 But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you;
rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
This is the authority that God gives anyone who chooses him. If you
are a believer your name is registered. I can't think of anything on
this Earth that sounds more appealing than that, so why do I still get
caught up in the earthly desires. We have authority over all the power
of the enemy!
Jesus thank you for paying my way to heaven, thank you for giving us
authority over satan. I pray I will be reminded of this everyday as I
am striving to walk in your footsteps. I pray that my walk will bear
witness to the autority that you have given me. In Jesus name, Amen
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Child of the King
Luke 10:18-20
"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Why do I walk around beat up when I have been granted authority over all evil in the name of Jesus? I am not subject to his tools of fear and manipulation. I am a child of the king.
"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Why do I walk around beat up when I have been granted authority over all evil in the name of Jesus? I am not subject to his tools of fear and manipulation. I am a child of the king.
Jonathan - Psalms
Awhile ago I felt like the Lord said to me that the reason David was a man after God's own heart was because David always agreed with God, even in the midst of some very negative but honest expression of how he felt. So as I read some of these Psalms again I am challenged by David's strength of will to open his mouth and pen and be honest with where he was at. He didn't just stay there though. He began to declare/write the goodness and wonder of God. I use to feel like this was a bit religious and formulaic(something of a tool of the strong willed) but now I realize that most of his declarations are homing in on very specific aspects of God that relate to his situation and once again as the particular Psalm ends bring him back into agreement with God.
I want the Holy Spirit to reveal specifics about God that apply to the moment and I am challenging myself to seek those and do something with them first and foremost with my mouth.
I want the Holy Spirit to reveal specifics about God that apply to the moment and I am challenging myself to seek those and do something with them first and foremost with my mouth.
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