Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday the 30th
Once again Seth you have struck a home run on my heart strings, it makes perfect scense to be expectant from our father, just as our kids are with us.
Dear heavenly father please help me to be a loving, caring and nurturing father just as you are. In Jesus name, Amen.
Dear heavenly father please help me to be a loving, caring and nurturing father just as you are. In Jesus name, Amen.
Being not Stupid - Seth
Yesterday I asked my kids what they wanted to do for Fun Friday. They
made a list and as I read it was my greatest joy to be able to give
them everything they expected for a Fun Friday. Granted their list
was only playing on the climbing wall at the YMCA, Pizza and a Movie.
But if they would have just grumbled and asked for nothing for Fun
Friday, I would have given them nothing and maybe a spanking for bad
attitudes. But they were expectant and got everything on their list
from their daddy. Now if I truly believe that Jesus is a better daddy
then me then I should act the same way as my children.
made a list and as I read it was my greatest joy to be able to give
them everything they expected for a Fun Friday. Granted their list
was only playing on the climbing wall at the YMCA, Pizza and a Movie.
But if they would have just grumbled and asked for nothing for Fun
Friday, I would have given them nothing and maybe a spanking for bad
attitudes. But they were expectant and got everything on their list
from their daddy. Now if I truly believe that Jesus is a better daddy
then me then I should act the same way as my children.
Daddy Jesus, for Fun Saturday today I am expecting......
Friday, January 29, 2010
Psalm 14:2 - Seth
"He's looking for someone not stupid - one man, even, God-expectant."
I love the Message. So to not be expecting God for a miracle is to be stupid. Lord help me not to be stupid but to be God-expectant!
Seth
Daily Struggles - Mark
Acts 5:41-42
That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.
I must remember that people are watching as I struggle. I should be thankful for the testing and remember that Jesus will receive the glory for my success.
That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.
I must remember that people are watching as I struggle. I should be thankful for the testing and remember that Jesus will receive the glory for my success.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Boldness - Lucas
Acts 4:18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
When I read this, for some reason I heard my younger sister saying, "Your not the boss of me!" When we were younger I had to babysit, and of course I would tell her to do things (right or wrong) and she did not always agree with me. She recognized that there was a higher power [mom & dad] that even I had to answer to, so I couldn't just have her do whatever I wanted.
I'm amazed at the boldness that Peter and John had. It's no surprise the next thing they did was go back and pray specifically for boldness! They were probably like, "Guys! You'll never believe what just happened!"
I don't know that I have the you-know-what's to stand up to that level of authority in public. But I think there are times/circumstances in my life that I can be a bit more bold. Stand for what I believe and not let someone or some situation dictate my response/actions. I'm starting to think there is a direct correlation to faith here...
Salvation - Mark
Acts 4:8-12
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
When I am in my deepest need, I must take the focus off of myself and focus on Jesus. Nothing I can do through my own strength can save me. I am desperate, and I need a force greater than myself. Jesus is the only one that can provide salvation and restoration. Thank you Jesus, you are more than enough for me.
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
When I am in my deepest need, I must take the focus off of myself and focus on Jesus. Nothing I can do through my own strength can save me. I am desperate, and I need a force greater than myself. Jesus is the only one that can provide salvation and restoration. Thank you Jesus, you are more than enough for me.
Acts 4:13 - Seth
"Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Eric
Acts 3:20 (New Living Translation)
20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.
I just had to point this out, the verse says there will be times of refreshment. So life will be for the most part pretty tough. But wait, for those who do want the easy life, its coming, Jesus will be back.
Acts 3:19 - Lucas
Acts 3:19
[NKJ] - Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
[The Message] - Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you...
Acts 3:26 - Seth
"God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways."
Hey Jonathan! This supports your RTF ministry! My reading has been a little dry these past 5 days, so I prayed last night and did a little personal RTF session and cleaned house. Today I feel free again. If you're having trouble connecting with the Word take authority by first confessing sins, forgiving others and renouncing evil spirits. Don't let these three things block you from walking close with Jesus and living the abundant life. Jesus died to take the authority out of the enemies hand and give it back to you, BUT you have to exercise that authority! I am still learning this...
Seth
Idols - Mark
Exodus 20:1-6
I am God, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of a life of slavery.
No other gods, only me. No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don't bow down to them and don't serve them because I am God, your God, and I'm a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I'm unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments.
What things keep me from spending time with God each day. While I don't carve idols out of wood, I certainly spend time watching TV.
When reality becomes too painful to face, do I escape into the Word or into a movie and ice cream? Self medication with gambling, alcohol, drugs, food, sex, and shopping are all empty pursuits. They cover our pain for a moment, but only Jesus can heal our pain for a lifetime.
I am God, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of a life of slavery.
No other gods, only me. No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don't bow down to them and don't serve them because I am God, your God, and I'm a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I'm unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments.
What things keep me from spending time with God each day. While I don't carve idols out of wood, I certainly spend time watching TV.
When reality becomes too painful to face, do I escape into the Word or into a movie and ice cream? Self medication with gambling, alcohol, drugs, food, sex, and shopping are all empty pursuits. They cover our pain for a moment, but only Jesus can heal our pain for a lifetime.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Bread from heaven - Lucas
Exodus 16 - Manna, each day according to each one's need. Enough to sustain an Israelite for the day.
Luke 11:3 - Give us day by day our daily bread. (from the Lord's prayer)
We NEED daily bread (the Word). We can't 'stock up' on this and hope it lasts. The miracle provision for the Israelites still speaks today to our need for daily scripture and devotions.
Who's hungry?
Luke 11:3 - Give us day by day our daily bread. (from the Lord's prayer)
We NEED daily bread (the Word). We can't 'stock up' on this and hope it lasts. The miracle provision for the Israelites still speaks today to our need for daily scripture and devotions.
Who's hungry?
Acts 2
Acts 2:17 God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people, your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
I am in awe of the power of God that he would pour out his spirit and baptize me, so that I may go into the world and prophesy and heal and cast out evil spirits. That he would give me the authority to do what Jesus did; to love his children.
Prayer: Father I pray that you would baptize me in the Holy spirit and equip me with the knowledge and the discernment to realize the encounters that you have for me each and every day. Father my eyes my ears my heart and my mind are open, your servant is patiently waiting for his marching orders. Father I praise you for your blessing and I ask these things in the name of Jesus; Amen
I am in awe of the power of God that he would pour out his spirit and baptize me, so that I may go into the world and prophesy and heal and cast out evil spirits. That he would give me the authority to do what Jesus did; to love his children.
Prayer: Father I pray that you would baptize me in the Holy spirit and equip me with the knowledge and the discernment to realize the encounters that you have for me each and every day. Father my eyes my ears my heart and my mind are open, your servant is patiently waiting for his marching orders. Father I praise you for your blessing and I ask these things in the name of Jesus; Amen
Eric
Acts 2:15-17 (New Living Translation)
Acts 2:15-17 (New Living Translation)
15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine
o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you
see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
17 'In the last days,' God says,
'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
Did you notice in 15 it said 9 am is to early for that. What is that
supposed to mean? I guess they don't get drunk till after lunch.
17 is so cool, I am so a canidite for the pouring out of the holy
spirit.
Sent from my iPhone
Luke 21:33
What a homecoming that must have been for Jesus to return from the
confines of earth and humanity, His mission accomplished. Then He was
first to receive the promise, 'God within man forevermore ' and He
poured it out on us.
confines of earth and humanity, His mission accomplished. Then He was
first to receive the promise, 'God within man forevermore ' and He
poured it out on us.
Jonathan
Step out in Faith - Mark
Exodus 14:15
God said to Moses: "Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites. Order them to get moving. Hold your staff high and stretch your hand out over the sea: Split the sea! The Israelites will walk through the sea on dry ground.
We must get up and get going. We must dig our ditches by faith before God will be released to perform His miracles. Today could be the day for my miracle. Thank you in advance Jesus for your miracles.
God said to Moses: "Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites. Order them to get moving. Hold your staff high and stretch your hand out over the sea: Split the sea! The Israelites will walk through the sea on dry ground.
We must get up and get going. We must dig our ditches by faith before God will be released to perform His miracles. Today could be the day for my miracle. Thank you in advance Jesus for your miracles.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Life's busy, give thanks! - Lucas
Lord, thanks for keeping an eye on me as I worked today. I'm thankful for the job I have and the healthy family you've entrusted to me. Amen!
Prophetic Picture from Adalie - Seth
"I see you wearing a captains hat on a big ship." - Adalie
Thanks for the encouragement Adalie. This is going to be an amazing week!
Forged and Ready for Battle - Mark
Exodus 13:17
It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn't lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, "If the people encounter war, they'll change their minds and go back to Egypt."
The path of least resistance produces weak people. Testing and forging increases our faith and develops a habit of total dependency on God.
Wikipedia:
Swords can be shaped by a variety of metalworking techniques. Forging uses heat to bring the material to a malleable state. The material is then hammered to shape, typically using hammer and anvil.
The final step of forming, and one that affects both the finishing and the heat treatment is 'normalizing'. The blade would be carefully and evenly heated and then cooled slowly. The point of normalizing is to remove the stresses which may have built up within the body of the blade while it was being forged. During the forging process the blade might be heated and cooled differentially creating stress, some parts might be hammered more than others, some areas hammered enough to "work harden". If these stresses are left in the blade they could affect the finishing and when it came time to heat treat the blade, the hardening and tempering might not be as even. Potentially enough stress could be added that the blade would be weak in spots, weak enough that it could fail under enough strain.
Trials remove the small stress fractures, producing strong Christians, ready for Spiritual Battle.
It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn't lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, "If the people encounter war, they'll change their minds and go back to Egypt."
The path of least resistance produces weak people. Testing and forging increases our faith and develops a habit of total dependency on God.
Wikipedia:
Swords can be shaped by a variety of metalworking techniques. Forging uses heat to bring the material to a malleable state. The material is then hammered to shape, typically using hammer and anvil.
The final step of forming, and one that affects both the finishing and the heat treatment is 'normalizing'. The blade would be carefully and evenly heated and then cooled slowly. The point of normalizing is to remove the stresses which may have built up within the body of the blade while it was being forged. During the forging process the blade might be heated and cooled differentially creating stress, some parts might be hammered more than others, some areas hammered enough to "work harden". If these stresses are left in the blade they could affect the finishing and when it came time to heat treat the blade, the hardening and tempering might not be as even. Potentially enough stress could be added that the blade would be weak in spots, weak enough that it could fail under enough strain.
Trials remove the small stress fractures, producing strong Christians, ready for Spiritual Battle.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Prayer Requests
Michael P. - Praise for Apryl's recovery / More prayer
Eric - House on the market
Tim - Spiritual Battle over marriage / purity
Tony - Spiritual Growth
Seth - Motivation about current job / supernatural favor
Stacy - Time with God / Devotion
Mark - Favor with contracts
Jonathan - Agreement with wife
Eric - House on the market
Tim - Spiritual Battle over marriage / purity
Tony - Spiritual Growth
Seth - Motivation about current job / supernatural favor
Stacy - Time with God / Devotion
Mark - Favor with contracts
Jonathan - Agreement with wife
Expecting - Seth
As a testimony to how awesome Jesus is! I am expecting my movie to be funded this week!
Luke 22:32,35 Jonathan
I find it comforting that these passages seem to imply that even when our faith is being tested God is planning our provision. God is good. He doesn't starve us into devotion. Even as I write this and get ready to hit send I am challenged. As I am wrestling with this issue of God's goodness I am reminded of God's recap of the history of Israel and His constant drawing them to Himself with loving kindness. Even Luke 22:22,48 speak to me that Jesus is for Judas and sad about Judas' use of his freewill.........................God is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Luke 21:35, Ex 10:7 Jonathan
'For it will come as a snare...' and 'How long will this man be a snare to us?'
When I was young our school use to hand out tickets that said, 'I got caught being good.'
I want to be caught 'being' not just 'doing' good. Every time Jesus/H.S. visits, calls my name, or stirs my heart I want to be in a state of being = loving, desiring, agreeing, believing, resting, waiting on HIM!!!!!
Luke 21:18,19 Jonathan
The process of 'healing and deliverance' or 'living the abundant life' is exactly that, an ongoing process. In my case I think the process should mostly consist of me asking/hearing and receiving/obeying. I am not there yet and I think it is because I haven't settled the issue that God is good and 'not one hair of my head will be lost.' If it were settled then my focus and energy could be on asking/hearing and receiving/obeying, 'with patience I would be possesing my soul', I would becoming who God created me to be. This is too big of a task for me and definitely too big for one day or one pray session or one step of obedience. Definitely a process or better yet a relationship.
My prayer and intention is that every difficulty will not cast shadow on God but excite me to see what solution(walk of faith) He has orchestrated through the enemies mine field. A solution that will mature me, increase my understanding, deepen my intimacy and make more visible His good work in me. We(Jesus and I) will have gained ground together and possessed my soul and by patience in these processes I will have honored Him instead of impuning His character and/or intentions.
Eric
Luke 24:49
"And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."
What an awesome promise, to everyone. I believe this means until you are filled with the holy spirit you won't be equiped to go out into the world. Your eyes must be open before you can see.
Luke 24:49
"And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."
What an awesome promise, to everyone. I believe this means until you are filled with the holy spirit you won't be equiped to go out into the world. Your eyes must be open before you can see.
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