Are we feeding our sheep, or letting them eat the thorns and briers of the world? As I stand here fixing breakfast for my family the lord reminded me of John 21: 15-25 and mark 10:41-45
John 21:15-25
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
So are we feeding our sheep with gods word, or allowing them to eat of the world? As a father it is my responsibility to make sure my family eats and drinks from gods word. I am not to be served, but to serve them to the best of my ability, and I will do that with all that is in me! I challenge all those who read this to do like wise. We can make a difference one family at a time!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
weak
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
New Living Translation (NLT)
Paul’s Vision and His Thorn in the Flesh
12 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I[a] was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. 3 Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know 4 that I was caught up[b] to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.
5 That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Having been under the weather the past few days I can appreciate being weak. I feel tired and run down, but i know in my weakness that jesus is right here beside me, supporting me, carrying me when i feel i can't go on my own. many will pray for strength, but only when we are weak are we strong. Jesus knows when we need his strength, and will provide it, never leaving us or forsaking us. He could have easily waved his hand in the garden when he was arested and made the whole thing stop...but he didn't. He knew what he had to do. I am forever grateful for that gift!
Third day - offering
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
roots
Matthew 13:3-13
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
3 Then he used stories as illustrations to tell them many things.
He said, “Listen! A farmer went to plant seed. 4 Some seeds were planted along the road, and birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds were planted on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The plants sprouted quickly because the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, they were scorched. They withered because their roots weren’t deep enough. 7 Other seeds were planted among thornbushes, and the thornbushes grew up and choked them. 8 But other seeds were planted on good ground and produced grain. They produced one hundred, sixty, or thirty times as much as was planted. 9 Let the person who has ears listen!”
10 The disciples asked him, “Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?”
11 Jesus answered, “Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to the crowd. 12 Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge, and they will excel in understanding them. However, some people don’t understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them. 13 This is why I speak to them this way. They see, but they’re blind. They hear, but they don’t listen. They don’t even try to understand.
Often it seems that you can tell how deep a persons roots are in how they act. Some are calm almost never seeming to get upset. Others seem to get upset if the wind blows the wrong direction. Still others never seem to he happy, or calm about anything, their lives seeming to be filled with bad deeds or thoughts. Sometimes a person can seem to slip from one of these three to another, the evil one has many tricks and will do anything to trip us up and cause us to uproot from where we are. It's just like a message i have heard preached, you are paralyzed by the past, afraid of the future, or present in the present.
lord i pray that the more time i spend in your word, the deeper my roots sink into your good soil. I pray that the more i spend in your word the harder it will be, eventually becoming impossible, for the evil one to trip me up. I want your holy fire to rein down on me, that my fire would burn so bright that i would ignight others.
amen
He said, “Listen! A farmer went to plant seed. 4 Some seeds were planted along the road, and birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds were planted on rocky ground, where there was little soil. The plants sprouted quickly because the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, they were scorched. They withered because their roots weren’t deep enough. 7 Other seeds were planted among thornbushes, and the thornbushes grew up and choked them. 8 But other seeds were planted on good ground and produced grain. They produced one hundred, sixty, or thirty times as much as was planted. 9 Let the person who has ears listen!”
10 The disciples asked him, “Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?”
11 Jesus answered, “Knowledge about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you. But it has not been given to the crowd. 12 Those who understand these mysteries will be given more knowledge, and they will excel in understanding them. However, some people don’t understand these mysteries. Even what they understand will be taken away from them. 13 This is why I speak to them this way. They see, but they’re blind. They hear, but they don’t listen. They don’t even try to understand.
Often it seems that you can tell how deep a persons roots are in how they act. Some are calm almost never seeming to get upset. Others seem to get upset if the wind blows the wrong direction. Still others never seem to he happy, or calm about anything, their lives seeming to be filled with bad deeds or thoughts. Sometimes a person can seem to slip from one of these three to another, the evil one has many tricks and will do anything to trip us up and cause us to uproot from where we are. It's just like a message i have heard preached, you are paralyzed by the past, afraid of the future, or present in the present.
lord i pray that the more time i spend in your word, the deeper my roots sink into your good soil. I pray that the more i spend in your word the harder it will be, eventually becoming impossible, for the evil one to trip me up. I want your holy fire to rein down on me, that my fire would burn so bright that i would ignight others.
amen
Monday, September 24, 2012
Living water
John 37&38
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”[a]
Footnotes:
John 7:38 Or me. And let anyone drink 38 who believes in me.” As Scripture has said, “Out of him (or them) will flow rivers of living water.”
Rivers of living water. All too often in life we are like the tight rope walker walking over a raging storm underneath . The wire is slippery and keeping balance is at times difficult. Jesus is always right there with us no matter how dangerous the situation might seem. He walked the line for us, can't we walk the line for him?!
Lord I am so glad you are always with me as I walk the line through life!
Amen
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”[a]
Footnotes:
John 7:38 Or me. And let anyone drink 38 who believes in me.” As Scripture has said, “Out of him (or them) will flow rivers of living water.”
Rivers of living water. All too often in life we are like the tight rope walker walking over a raging storm underneath . The wire is slippery and keeping balance is at times difficult. Jesus is always right there with us no matter how dangerous the situation might seem. He walked the line for us, can't we walk the line for him?!
Lord I am so glad you are always with me as I walk the line through life!
Amen
Saturday, September 22, 2012
i will!
while riding around with the family today doing normal saturday stuff i had a hillsong cd in the radio. The first song on it was beneath the waters. I like this song anyway, but there is just something special about hearing my four year old daughters singing along to hillsong - beneath the waters at the top of their lungs. It really touched me. I pray that as the grow up they will really realize what jesus did for them on the cross. I will do my part in witnessing to them. It is so important for them to know that jesus is their cornerstone, that no matter what jesus is right beside them. That even when they think that they are alone in what they are going through that ne is right there, laughing with them, crying with them, wanting to comfort them when they are sad and broken hearted. It is my job and privledge as their father to make sure they know!
are you courageous?
Are you courageous? How often do we really stop and think about what it means to be courageous? Does it mean to not be afraid? Does it mean to be a good provider for your family? To an extent, yes...but it also means to be a godly example for our children to follow. It means to beat a path through the wilderness so wide and so obvious that our family has no doubt where it leads! Jesus started the path when he was beaten, carried, and died on the cross. He willingly carried all our sins, even before we would commit them.
Proverbs 3:5-6
New Living Translation (NLT)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Lord i pray that i am courageous in your ways. I pray that i make a path so wide and so obvious that my children and family can't help but follow. Lord i do fall short of your expectations of me. I pray that you would cleanse me of all that is not of your way. I will courageously live in your ways to the best of my ability for all my days. I pray that I live as the example that you have called me to. who will leave a godly legacy for the next generation? I WILL!!
amen
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Surrender
Hillsong - I surrender
Hillsong Live New DVD Album, Cornerstone, 2012, Name of Song: I surrender
Here I am
Down on my knees again
Surrendering all
Surrendering all
Find me here
Lord as You draw me near
Desperate for You
Desperate for You
I surrender
Drench my soul
As mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst
I hunger and thirst
With arms stretched wide
I know You hear my cry
Speak to me now
Speak to me now
I surrender
I surrender
I want to know You more
I want to know You more
Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
This would have to be probably my favorite song. It is and has been my prayer for a while now. I want as much of jesus in my life as he will fill me with! Lord have your way in me!
IHP
hillsong - i surrender
Hillsong Live New DVD Album, Cornerstone, 2012, Name of Song: I surrender
Here I am
Down on my knees again
Surrendering all
Surrendering all
Find me here
Lord as You draw me near
Desperate for You
Desperate for You
I surrender
Drench my soul
As mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst
I hunger and thirst
With arms stretched wide
I know You hear my cry
Speak to me now
Speak to me now
I surrender
I surrender
I want to know You more
I want to know You more
Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
This would have to be probably my favorite song. It is and has been my prayer for a while now. I want as much of jesus in my life as he will fill me with! Lord have your way in me!
IHP
hillsong - i surrender
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Nails
24 those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 since we are living by the spirit, let us follow the spirits leading in every part of our lives. 26 let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
We sometimes forget that when they nailed Jesus to the cross that all of our sins were nailed up there too. Lord I pray that I never forget, or take for granted what you did for me on the cross. You took the nails for me, so I might live. I pray that I never forget that your spirit is always beside me no matter what!
We sometimes forget that when they nailed Jesus to the cross that all of our sins were nailed up there too. Lord I pray that I never forget, or take for granted what you did for me on the cross. You took the nails for me, so I might live. I pray that I never forget that your spirit is always beside me no matter what!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The world
15 do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. 16 for everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the father but from the world. 17 the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of god lives forever.
1 john 2:15-17
Lord I pray that if there are any worldly desires in me to remove them. I pray that I desire only things of god. Lord I want to only live totally dependant on you, that I give you the glory for all I do!
Amen
1 john 2:15-17
Lord I pray that if there are any worldly desires in me to remove them. I pray that I desire only things of god. Lord I want to only live totally dependant on you, that I give you the glory for all I do!
Amen
Monday, September 17, 2012
Unity
Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner for the lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 be completely humble and gientle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 there is one body and one spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called. 5 one lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one god and father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
These versus have been on my mind for a couple weeks now. Lord I pray that I live a life worthy of your love. Lord I am on fire for you, and I pray I can live a worthy life. I pray my fire spreads to everyone in my circle of influence. There is one who is over all and in all! I love you Jesus!
Amen
As a prisoner for the lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 be completely humble and gientle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 there is one body and one spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called. 5 one lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one god and father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
These versus have been on my mind for a couple weeks now. Lord I pray that I live a life worthy of your love. Lord I am on fire for you, and I pray I can live a worthy life. I pray my fire spreads to everyone in my circle of influence. There is one who is over all and in all! I love you Jesus!
Amen
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Broken
Such is a complex and simple six letter word is broken. We all fall into it in some capacity. There are almost too many levels and types of brokenness to list them all. The evil one uses anything he can to lead us to that dark place. It could be as simple as watching tv instead of spending time with family, or being in the word.
Galatians 5: 1 & 16-26
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Living by the Spirit’s Power
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
If we would only let Jesus come with the holy duct tape and fix us. The tomb couldn't hold him, so if death wasn't a problem for him don't you think he can handle our minor problems if we would only let him?
Lord I pray that you would come with the duct tape and fix all the broken places in my life. I kneel in your holy presence!
Amen
Galatians 5: 1 & 16-26
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Living by the Spirit’s Power
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
If we would only let Jesus come with the holy duct tape and fix us. The tomb couldn't hold him, so if death wasn't a problem for him don't you think he can handle our minor problems if we would only let him?
Lord I pray that you would come with the duct tape and fix all the broken places in my life. I kneel in your holy presence!
Amen
Friday, September 14, 2012
Performance
Is my life performance based or praise based? Often we are prideful and base our existence on how we compare with others. We strive to be better than the next person. We are all "look at me and what I can do!"
NONE of what we can do matters!
We try to climb the ladder of faith, when all he wants is for us to get on our knees and pray for a nature change!
" you can enter gods kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad and the gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."
Lord I pray that I am never afraid to get on my knees and pray. Lord I am but a glove, you are the hand inside it. I pray that the way I live that I travel the narrow road!
Amen
NONE of what we can do matters!
We try to climb the ladder of faith, when all he wants is for us to get on our knees and pray for a nature change!
" you can enter gods kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad and the gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."
Lord I pray that I am never afraid to get on my knees and pray. Lord I am but a glove, you are the hand inside it. I pray that the way I live that I travel the narrow road!
Amen
Which do you belong to?
Which kingdom do you belong to? Is it the kingdom of earth? You revel in your deeds, or how important you are? Or do you belong to the kingdom of heaven? With my actions do I convey worldliness, or godliness? We all must honestly ask ourselves these questions.
Lord I pray for godliness! Without you I am a clanging cymbal, I am a rust hinge squeaking when moved. Father fill me with your spirit! Fill me with your light that I might be light to my family. Fill me that I might be light in this dark world!
Amen
Ephesians 2:1-10
Galatians 6:1
How great is our god!
Lord I pray for godliness! Without you I am a clanging cymbal, I am a rust hinge squeaking when moved. Father fill me with your spirit! Fill me with your light that I might be light to my family. Fill me that I might be light in this dark world!
Amen
Ephesians 2:1-10
Galatians 6:1
How great is our god!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Growth
Ephesians 3:14-21 New Living Translation (NLT)
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, [a] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. [b] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Father I pray I continue to sink my roots deep into your word. This week as revival is upon us at my local church, may my heart be open to your will. I pray that you would break my heart lord for what breaks yours. I am yours father, all of me!
Amen
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Fathers
It bothers me nowadays when grown men playing the role of grown men don't act as fathers should. we are called and committed to be a shining example of gods love to our children. It seems more common anymore to see men who do everything but show gods love. It breaks my heart knowing some kids will grow up without a father, or will grow up with a father who lives according to the standards of the world. It breaks my heart knowing still some fathers have the mind to get a woman pregnant, then ditch her because she got pregnant. My god bless the man who sticks around for the sake of the child. My god also bless the man who in dating a woman who has a child already, and instead of running from that situation he embraces that child as his own.
Father i pray that you would give me the mindset, the hands and feet you would want me to have. Help me to be the example of a godly father that my daughters deserve. Oh father i pray that by my actions and words that my daughters want to have a personal relationship with you. I want to be a very bright light to them, that they might dedicate themselves to you. I pray that by my actions that they eventually find a godly husband who treats them like you would treat them
in jesus name,
amen.
worthy is the lamb
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
New Living Translation (NLT)
A Call for Wholehearted Commitment
6 “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, 2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 3 Listen
closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with
you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and
honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.[a] 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat
them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at
home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when
you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.Father i pray that you would give me the mindset, the hands and feet you would want me to have. Help me to be the example of a godly father that my daughters deserve. Oh father i pray that by my actions and words that my daughters want to have a personal relationship with you. I want to be a very bright light to them, that they might dedicate themselves to you. I pray that by my actions that they eventually find a godly husband who treats them like you would treat them
in jesus name,
amen.
worthy is the lamb
Thursday, September 6, 2012
in the light
Ephesians 5
New International Version (NIV)
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father I all too often fall short of the standard you laid down for us to follow. You called me to be light and shine for others to see. You have full control of my life to do with me as you will, I am clay in your hands to mold as you will. I pray that i would always keep your will in my mind as i speak to others, that i may explain your good news of grace and forgiveness to them. For you care not what they have done, as long as they earnestly pray, confess and ask for you to forgive them.
amen
Hillsong Kids - Light of the World
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
too busy
Living in the Light
5 This is the message we heard from Jesus[c] and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But
if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have
fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us
from all sin.
8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.1 john 5-10
probably one of the biggest weapons of the evil one is busyness. almost all of us are guilty of it. we rush around doing things that are worldly, that keep us from spending quiet time with god. We are called to spend time meditating in the word, to spend time with family. We are called to lead our children and spouses IN THE LIGHT, AS HE IS IN THE LIGHT. How can we do this if we are always busy doing things that really don't matter? we can't.
Lord i pray that I would be still in your presence. Help me to relax and slow down from this busy life, so i might hear you and lead my family in the way you would have us go.
in jesus name
amen
new life worship - here in your presence
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
relax
1 Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
psalm 127:1 and 2
Taken from todays devotion
slow me down, lord. ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting or my mind. steady my harried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. give me, amidst the confusion of my day, the calmnes of the everlasting hills. break the tension of my nerves with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep. teach me the art of taking minute vacations of slowing down. remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that thete is more to life than increasing its speed.
father i pray that you help me in my day to day tasks to slow down and listen for your will. I pray that i would never be in such a hurry that I fail to hear you, to spend time with my precious children, or my loving wife. I pray that i always remember you are always beside me, and if life is to difficult for me to bear..you are there to carry me through!
amen
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.
psalm 127:1 and 2
Taken from todays devotion
slow me down, lord. ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting or my mind. steady my harried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. give me, amidst the confusion of my day, the calmnes of the everlasting hills. break the tension of my nerves with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep. teach me the art of taking minute vacations of slowing down. remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that thete is more to life than increasing its speed.
father i pray that you help me in my day to day tasks to slow down and listen for your will. I pray that i would never be in such a hurry that I fail to hear you, to spend time with my precious children, or my loving wife. I pray that i always remember you are always beside me, and if life is to difficult for me to bear..you are there to carry me through!
amen
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Who will go?
I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8
If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:23
After spending some time at the small county fair of where i grew up, it was very easy to tell those who have god in their heart, and who doesn't. i might have been making an assumption, but there were crowds standing around smoking and cussing, seeming to be having a grand time. Then i watch my daughters gleefully run from ride to ride having a bawl. In watching them i see jesus. I can almost see him running after them. I am also reminded that to those who much is given much more will be required. God has blessed me and i rejoyce and am glad. The only thing i could think about walking around watching how others act, is i wanted to shout it for them all to hear that Jesus is lord of all! I wanted to shout that he didn't care where they were, or where they had been, that he loved them anyway. I wanted to shout that he wants to know then personally.
Father help me to know the right words to say when you would have me speak about your love, and salvation. Help me to turn from the ways in my own life that don't bring you glory! Here i am lord, Send me! I pray for all those that attended that fair. Those that know you and those who don't. I pray that you would meet all of them where they are. That you would let them know you love them!
in jesus name amen!
Hillsong - running
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8
If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:23
After spending some time at the small county fair of where i grew up, it was very easy to tell those who have god in their heart, and who doesn't. i might have been making an assumption, but there were crowds standing around smoking and cussing, seeming to be having a grand time. Then i watch my daughters gleefully run from ride to ride having a bawl. In watching them i see jesus. I can almost see him running after them. I am also reminded that to those who much is given much more will be required. God has blessed me and i rejoyce and am glad. The only thing i could think about walking around watching how others act, is i wanted to shout it for them all to hear that Jesus is lord of all! I wanted to shout that he didn't care where they were, or where they had been, that he loved them anyway. I wanted to shout that he wants to know then personally.
Father help me to know the right words to say when you would have me speak about your love, and salvation. Help me to turn from the ways in my own life that don't bring you glory! Here i am lord, Send me! I pray for all those that attended that fair. Those that know you and those who don't. I pray that you would meet all of them where they are. That you would let them know you love them!
in jesus name amen!
Hillsong - running
The Potters Hands
Jeremiah 18
New Living Translation (NLT)
The Potter and the Clay
18 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, 2 “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” 3 So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. 4 But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.
5 Then the Lord gave me this message: 6 “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand. 7 If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, 8 but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. 9 And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, 10 but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would.11 “Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’”
12 But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.”
Father, you are the potter, i am the clay. I pray that all i am, and all i do is reflective of you in me. As a father my actions to situations, and the way i treat others my children will copy. i pray the actions they see and hear are pleasing to you!
amen
matt redman - 10000 reasons
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