Thursday, August 2, 2007
Just getting started...
Well, I thought I'd join the rest of the world and start a blog. It's a little intimidating to be honest...but I thought this would be a good way to keep in touch with my family and friends far away and share what's going on in our family....to share what God is teaching me through His Word and through the wonderful people He brings in and out of my life...
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59 comments:
Tell Juleah we missed her tonight at Lexi's B-day party!
Laurie
I love you and I am praying for you. I love having you have a blog I might try to do one myself. We will see. I love and miss you.
Your sis
I LOVE the picture of you and Juleah in the snow and would love to have a copy!
OK, Leah and I are blogging on your sight more than you are... ha ha
8/17/2007 2 Timothy 4:9-15
V9 Paul wanted Timothy to do his best to come to him because he knew he would be executed soon. V10 Paul was also alone without proper leadership support. V11 He requested that Mark join him on his journey to Paul. V12-13 Paul made other important requests. V14-15 Paul identifies an evil man who has done harm to the cause of Christ and warns Timothy to watch out. I will do my best to make my communication meaningful just like Paul did. I will strive to help help those who request it or if I sense a need.
I Love God's Word!
I really appreciate our access to the Word of God and the examples of great Christians like Paul. He loved his God, the Gospel and His fellow workers.
8/18/2007 2 Timothy 4:16-22
V16 Paul explains that at this time in Christian history it was dangerous to confess Jesus Christ as savior and God. He had Been deserted by everyone. No human person was there to make an argument. V17-18 But God gave him support and ability to proclaim the gospel message in full to those who had never heard it. God protected him from death by those who would seek to take his life and from every evil attack. Paul was confident in his eternal destination because of God's provision. V19-20, 21b Paul singles out special people. He wanted to make sure they knew he cared about them. Paul loved those who shared in his ministry. V21 Paul was worried about the travel dangers Timothy would face. V22 Paul ends the letter with a short prayer and blessing for Timothy. I will work at appreciating those that help me get the gospel out to others. I will do my best to trust God for the ability to share the Gospel.
8/19/2007 Nahum 1:1-15
V1 The book of Nahum is the description and explanation of the burden that Nahum was given regarding Nineveh. It is a message against the people of Nineveh. V2 God is protective of what belongs to him. He will insure the safety of His people by exercising His righteous anger toward any wicked people who would seek to hurt His people. V3a God was patient with Nineveh, who opposed God's people, but He eventually punishes the guilty. V3b-5 God's control over the nature causes people to be afraid. No sinful and evil nation or piece of real estate will be safe from God's powerful judgment. V6 No one can survive His judgment. V7-8 God is a savior and protector to those who trust Him but He will powerful in His exercise of his judgment. V9 God will not allow evil to survive once He has dealt with it. V10-11 Nahum describes the nature of Nineveh's demise. V12-13 God gives a promise to His children to relieve them from judgment and to remove the enemy from their land. V14-15 The Lord destroys the religious structure of Nineh and reduces their nation to nothing not even a person to carry on their name. Judah is given a command to return to their faith and practice of it. They are promised that the wicked would be destroyed and would not bother them again. I have a burden for the young people of our nation and especially California. There is much wickedness and they need deliverance from it. I hope to be a small part of reaching them.
8/20/2007 Mal 1:1-14
V1 Malachi was given the responsibility to give the Israelites a sobering message. V2a Israel asked God to prove His love. V2b-3 God responds by pointing out that He chose Israel over Esau. He judge Esau and turned his land to a desert waste. V4-5 God does not allow wicked people to build and restore their judge lives. V6 God expresses His disappointment in the lack of respect that Israel and especially the religious leaders gave to Him. V7-10 God lists the ways they have disrespected Him. They offered impure sacrifices to God in worship and God reminded them that they were unacceptable and offensive. V11 God assures them that He will be glorified by the offerings of His people. There will be true worshipers. V12-13 God repeats His explanation that impure sacrifices are unacceptable and rejected. V14 God judges the motives of the worshiper and reminds the people to be reverent in their worship because God should be feared. I should be afraid to disappoint God because I love Him not just because I fear His wrath. I must develop a pure worshipful attitude in my life. I must give God my best.
8/21/2007 Mal 2:1-9
V1-2 Malachi gave a stern warning to the priests for their failure to honor God. He challenged them to listen and give their heart to God. If they would not they would lose their ability to bless people or lose their own blessings and provision from God. V3-4 The priests were warned that their descendants would lose their jobs as priests if they would not repent. V5-6 Malachi reminded these priests that their ancestor (Levi) was a godly and effective priest who helped to reconcile many people to God. V7-9 God rebuked the priests and insisted that priests should uphold God's Word and God's message to His people. But they had not. Malachi announced God's curse upon the priests. I will be careful not to become callused to God's Word in my own life and seek to keep my purpose clear and right.
8/22/2007 Mal 2:10-17
V10 Malachi rebukes God's people for breaking the covenant that God made with them by being unfaithful in their relationships with each other. V11 Judah's men married women of false gods and sinned horrible against God by contaminating the people. V12 The man who did this sin was cast out of the fellowship of believers. V13 God's blessing was removed and God's children were aware of it. V14 God reminded His people of their covenant with him. They had violated it. V15 They were challenged to keep their vows. V16 God hates divorce because of the hurt it causes to all parties involved. He warns His people not to break faith. I must keep my heart pure and remain faithful to God's deal with me in Christ. I will do my best not violate His trust.
8/23/2007 Mal 3:1-6
V1 God will send a future prophet to prepare the way and give God's message of salvation. Then God's instrument (Himself) will provide the Salvation work needed for our sin. V2-4 The Lord's coming into the world will purge the wicked from God's people (Israel). Then they will be ready for God's presence. V5 God will reveal, judge and remove those who hurt people and sin against Him. V6 God remains a merciful God. He will always give man a chance to repent and turn to Him. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and His forgiveness as I live in my sinful body trying to live for Him. I will live as a grateful man.
8/24/2007 Mal 3:7-15
V7 God reminds the present generation that they have been disobedient as a people since before they were born. He tells them to repent and return to a right relationship with God. They asked the question: How do we return? V8 Israel was accused of stealing from God in the manner of their giving of offerings in worship and duty. V9 God placed them under a severe penalty because of their thievery. V10-12 God challenged them to give and experience the great blessing from giving to God. God would protect their crops and other sources of sustenance. All other nations would know that God was Blessing Israel. V13 God questions them about the harsh things the people had said against Him. V14 The people questioned the practical benefits of serving God. The thought it was useless. V15 They thought the proud were being rewarded and the sinful were prospering and even those that challenged God were not being punished. The first thing Malachi teaches me in this passage is that God will bless my giving if it is from the right motivation. He also challenges me to honor His Word and obey it no matter what appears to be happening around me. I must have a proper attitude in my giving and service to God.
8/25/2007 Mal 3:16-4:6
V16 God listened to the people as they talked. V17-18 God recognized their faith and recorded their condition. God's future dealing with people would be a judgment between those who served God and those who did not. 4:1 God's judgment would include evil people being burned like stubble. V2 Those who cherish and worship God will celebrate with joy. V3 The Israelites would help exercise the final judgment on the wicked. V4 God calls upon His people to study the Word of God and to know it. V5-6 God will send a prophet to heal families and turn them to God before the great and terrible day of the Lord. I am grateful to God for His righteous judgment in Christ because without Christ I am wicked in my sins. I am grateful that God intervenes in the lives of His people. I must be alert to recognize it.
8/26/2007 Psalm 26:1-12
V1-3 David asked God for two things. He asked for just treatment and an examination of his claims of faithfulness. V4 David demonstrated his faithfulness by separating from wicked people and practices by joining with those who worshiped God. V6-8 David worshiped in truth and holiness. He loved God's place of public worship. V9-12 David asked God to keep him from sinners and their judgment. He promised to live a righteous life and begged for mercy. I will diligently work at being able to ask God to consider my faithfulness. Right now I am not there.
Hi Laurie,
This is MOM. I tried to call you today. Call Melissa.
8/27/2007 Psalm 27:1-14
V1 David expresses confidence in God's provision of strength, rescue and protection. V2-3 David was confident that God would protect him from all enemies and provide victory in all wars. V4 David expresses His love and desire for God by sharing his inner most desire to be with God in a close personal relationship. V5-6 David was seeking to be secure in God. David's enemies could not reach him if he were in God's protection. V7-10 David was not willing to wait for God to act upon his behalf so he cried out to God for help. David was confident that God would never forsake him. V11 David requested that God teach him how to live. V12 He prayed for deliverance from false witnesses who were bound to destroy him. V13 David's faith in God's goodness gave him confidence. V14 He finally challenges those that would read or hear this song to trust in God and wait for His power to protect and strengthen. I will seek to increase my faith in God. I desire the confidence of David.
8/28/2007 Psalm 28:1-9
V1 David offered a prayer for consideration to be distinguished from the wicked when the judgment is executed. V2-4 He also asked for mercy and for judgment to be executed upon the wicked for their evil work toward God and His people. V5-6 David was confident that God heard his prayer and would overthrow the wicked and keep them from gaining power again. V7 David was satisfied with God's intervention and help. He expressed praise to God for it. V8 David considered God his salvation, strength and protection. V9 David ended this Psalm will a prayer for God's people to be blessed, saved and protected. I am confident that God hears my cries for help. I know He cares for my soul and my life here on earth. He is my shepherd and salvation. I will live, work and minister with confidence that God will be my guide and protection.
I will be getting a case of Quiet Time Diaries any day now. Please let me know if you want one!!!!!
8/29/2007 Psalm 29:1-11
V1-2 David calls on angels to give God glory and honor. V3-4 God has powerful creative and controlling attributes. V5-7 God's voice is powerful and demonstrates His complete majesty. V8-9 God's powerful presence caused people to fear Him in worship and give Him glory. V10 God rules over nature. V11 God gives this demonstrated strength to His people. His strength gives confidence of protection and peace. I will give God glory by the way I live and the words I say. I can rest in God's powerful strength and protection.
8/30/2007 Psalm 30:1-12
V1 David promised to praise God for reaching out to him and delivering him from his enemies. V2-3 David asked God to save him from death and He did. V4-5 David encourages God's people to worship Him with song. David knew that God's character and His nature. He knew God would eventually bring a blessing of peace and joy. V6 David had a prideful moment and expressed self-confidence. V7 David experienced trouble the moment God removed His presence. V8 In David's cry for help, he reminded God that if he was killed, he would not be able to worship Him. V11-12 David was happy and expressed his joy with an emotional outburst of singing and dancing. I will remember to praise God for each experience of deliverance and instance of God's intervention in my life. I will try to express my thanks fully and whole-heartedly.
8/31/2007 Psalm 31:1-13
V1-2 David is confident that God is his way to safety and calls on Him to quickly rescue him. V3-4 David acknowledges his confidence in God by listing the things that demonstration God's love. He recognizes God's protection from danger. V5 David places his life into God's care. V6-8 David anticipates God's deliverance and expresses praise to Him with joy. V9-13 David pleads for God's grace in a terrible time of danger. He was close to death by his enemies. God's enemies were speaking badly about God's people. David's only hope was God and that is where he put his trust. I will never have the severe problems that David experienced but I will trust God in those times that I feel despair and fear. I have a tremendous resource in Christ my Savior.
09/01/07 Home 9:15 PM Psalm 31:14-24
V14-18 David emphasized that he had totally placed himself in God's protection. He asked God to save him and silence his arrogant enemies. V19-20 David was grateful for God's goodness and protection. V21-22 David was thrilled by God's deliverance because of His love for him even though David had a lapse in faith. V23-24 Based upon David's experience with God's work in his life, he was able to confidently recommend and persuade others to trust God. I have everything I need and know what David wrote is true. I must persuade and encourage others to trust God.
9/2/2007 Psalm 32:1-11
V1-2 David expressed his joy for God's forgiveness. A true believer will not be judged for any sins. V3-5 David turned to God from sin as God chastised him. If he did not confess his sins his body and soul would suffer. A believer's restoration comes by confession of sin. V6-7 David urges people to seek God before it is too difficult to live as a believer. God would become all they would need and they would praise Him for it. V8 God promises to guide and protect his children. V9-11 David advises the people to submit to God voluntarily and not resist stubbornly. Those who will trust God will experience God's love, loyalty and grace motivating them to praise God. I am forgiven, protected, guided, comforted, loved and motivated to praise God for all He does for me.
9/3/2007 Psalm 33:1-9
V1-3 Believers are challenged to worship God with music and to praise Him with joy. V4-5 God's Word is dependable and God is loyal with his love. V6-7,9 God spoke the creation into existences. V8 Believers are challenged to fear and respect God. I will focus on God's attributes to gain motivation to give Him the proper worship and respect.
9/4/2007 Psalm 33:10-22
V10-11 It does not matter what nations may plan God's plan and eternal purpose is solid and forever. V12 Joy is the by-product of trusting God as a nation. V13-15 God knows everything and sees everything. V16-19 Nations cannot trust in their powerful armies, their vast recourses or their thoughtful strategy. Safety cannot be found in a powerful leader. God will protect those nations that trust in God for protection. V20-22 This writer expresses Israel's hope in the Lord. Their trust in Him gives them joy. They pray for God's love to rule in their lives and then salvation will be finished. I will work at resting in God's power and stop trying to be clever in my solutions and plans.
9/5/2007 Psalm 34:1-10
V1-3 Outward and collective praise for God can comfort those that are troubled or sick. David encourages the people to lift up the Lord in worship and praise. V4,6 David searched and called out to God for help. God answered his cry and rescued him in his trouble. V5 God's people are beeming with excitement because He hears and answers their prayers. V7 God surrounds His people and stands ready to rescue and protect them. V8-9 Those that truly trust God will experience God's goodness. They will have all they need. V10 The strong may grow weak but not those who seek and fear God. I am surrounded by the Lord's love and protection. He provides for every need. I am not worthy but He helps me anyway. He loves me and I love Him.
9/6/2007 Psalm 34:11-22
V11-14 David pleads with God's people to learn the fear of God. He informed that God is pleased with those who turn from sin and seek to do good. V15,17 God is ready to hear the requests of those who are living for God. He answers their pleas for help. V16, 18 God is opposed to the wicked and with remove any memorial that would be attempted. He does not hear their cries for help. V19-20 God will be there for each believer as they go through each and every struggle. V21 Those who choose to reject God will die condemed. V22 Believers will be redeemed and always be safe. I will minister in confidence that God hears, protects, and fights for my comfort and safety. Today a special friend is close to entering into her special place of everlasting comfort and God is preparing to give her peace and freedom from fighting the pain that a long illness can inflict on our human bodies. My thoughts are with Melissa and her family as she enters into her awesome eternity.
9/7/2007 Psalm 35:1-14
V1-3 David asks God to challenge his enemies. He requests that God fight with every weapon. He asks God to acknowledge that He is will rescue him. V4 David prays for his enemies to be embarrassed and operate in a panic. V5 He asks God to turn them into waste and without purpose. V6 He requests that in their retreat that they experience hardship and disorientation. V7 David's enemies have prepared to ambush him. V8 David appeals to God for their traps to fail and be weapons against them. V9-10 David's gratefulness for God's intervention caused great joy and praise. V11-14 David's friends turned on him even when he was a friend and comfort to them. I must recognize God's answers to prayer and when He intervenes for me when I am in trouble. I must learn how to pray more effectively. I must pray.
9/8/2007 Psalm 35:15-28
V15 David enemies were happy when he made mistakes. They insulted and said bad things about him. V16 They made fun of David and tried to attack him. V17 David asks God to rescue him from these violent people. V18 When the Lord would rescue him, David promises to praise God in public. V19-21 David asks God again for deliverance from the wicked people who were trying to inflict harm without good reason. V22-26 David knew that God knew the truth about him and his enemies. He asked God to judge and punish the evil doers. V27-28 David's friends watch with joy as God vindicated him and put his enemies to shame. I will beg God for the ability to live a righteous life so my enemies with be silenced in all their accusations.
This is late because I was not able to access the internet yesterday. 9/9/2007 Psalm 36:1-12
V1 David was given a special message for those who did not fear God. He recorded their sinfulness for all time. V2-4 Wicked people continue to live in sin because in their pride they do not fear God . V5-6 David found peace in God as he thought upon His attributes. V7-9 God is described. His love is pricless. He is sought after by both evil and God. He provides sustanance for all people. God provides direction and confidence. V10 David prays for love and concern from God. V11 David prays again for protection from those who would seek to hur him. V12 David pictures the wicked in a fallen state. I must contend with evil everyday and with God's help, I will overcome and have victory in all areas of my life. I will learn to call upon God.
9/10/2007 Psalm 37:1-13
V1-3 David calls for God's people to trust God and enjoy safety in the presence of evil and sinful people. They may appear strong, successful and in control but they will fade away, die and severe judgment. V4 God will give you the desires of your heart when you enjoy Him. V5-6 God will display the righteous testimony of the one who commits their life to the Him. V7-13 Believers should not allow evil people to anger them to sinful behavior. Remember, God's faithful will occupy and possess the land and enjoy peace because the wicked will be gone and put in their place. I can rest in this. No matter what happens in politics or in the war on terror, God will give me peace (He will not allow our family to be molested by evil people) by protecting our lives from evil doers.
9/11/2007 Psalm 37:14-26
V14-15 Evil people seek to hurt the poor, needy and those who trust God and live for Him. But their own planned attacks will be backfire upon them. V16-17 God's people are fulfilled without the luxuries of the wicked. Evil people will lose their power and God's people will be strong and stable. V18-19 God recognizes, protects and provides for those who live for Him. 20 Wicked people will die and not be seen. V21-22 God rewards those who are generous but God harshly removes those who are greedy and do not repay their debts. V23-25 When a man pleases God; he can enjoy a confident Christian life. He will never be in need of the things he needs. V26 God's people who are generous will pass a blessing to their children. I will work at being kind, generous and loving as a confident Christian.
9/12/2007 Psalm 37:27-40
V27-29 Those that repent of their sin and live for god will be protected and given security of a home and a nation. V30-31 Those that are serious students of God’s Word and love it will speak wisdom and what is right. V32-33 God will not allow evil doers to ambush and harm those who love and serve God. He will protect them. V34 A Bright future of the godly is guaranteed. God will provide it. V35-36 God removes the wicked from power and prosperity. V37-38 Follow the example godly people because their future is secure but godless sinners will be destroyed. V39-40 God will save the ones that place their faith and lives in God's hands. I must learn to run to God for help as soon as I recognize it that I am in need.
Laurie, I am praying for you to feel better. My heart aches when you are sick. I love you so much. 9/13/2007 Home 8:30 AM Psalm 38:1-11
V1-2 David begs for mercy and relief from God's severe punishment. V3-8 David's body is sufferings the consequences of his sin. He lost his good health and readiness to engage in physical work. He was flooded with guilt. He was a broken man. V9-10 David's reaction to his punishment is revealed. He had lost his zeal for living. V11 He lost his friends. They stayed away because of his situation. I know when my life is a mess because of my sin. I am grateful to God that I can trust Him for mercy, help and restoration.
9/14/2007 Psalm 38:12-22
V12 David's enemies spent time planning to hurt and destroy him. V13-16 David realizes his circumstances and asks God to deal with the overwhelming odds against him. He asks God to protect him and keep him safe. V17-20 David confesses his sin and his inability to cope with the problems. V21-22 David asks for quick deliverance because of his relationship with God. I am a sinner. I get overwhelmed with problems and sin. I constantly need God's intervention. I am God's. He will intervene for me.
9/15/2007 Psalm 39:1-13
V1 David resolved to keep his mouth shut. He did not want to speak things that would be sinful. V2-3 David's anger grew (as he kept silent) within him as he considered what the wicked had done to him. V4-6 David recognizes his own life would be brief in the light of eternity and reminds us of our own. He also encourages people to consider purpose. V7 David's hope was in God and asks God for direction. V8-11 David did not desire to be the subject of jokes. He asked God to stop his punishment. David was overcome with problems and begs God for relief. V12-13 David prays that God would listen to him and accept him as a son, a child. He asks for the return of his joy. I can have forgiveness and have my joy restored when I have sinned against God. I must repent when I have sin in my life.
9/16/2007 Psalm 40:1-17
V1-2 God hears the patient cries for help. He took David out of a sinful situation and reestablished his relationship with Himself. He gave him a firm foundation to live his life. V3 God gave David the joy that comes from a right relationship with God. Evil people will fear God because God answers the prayers of the righteous. V4 God's people will be happy when they forsake the advice of evil people and will trust God for their direction in life. V5 God is awesome in all he does and it is impossible for God to Be praised adequately. V6 God prefers our worship and commitment rather than sacrifices and offerings for sin. V7-8 David submits his life to God and God's will. V9-10 David publicly displays his praise to God and explains God's blessings of righteousness, faithfulness, love, truth and salvation. V11-12 David's sins caused him to need God's mercy, love and protection. V13 David pleads for salvation. V14-15 He asks God to deal with his enemies. V16 He encourages those who seek God to exalt God with their lives. V17 God is David's savior. He asks for a quick salvation from his enemies. I will remember to pray and praise God for my help.
9/17/2007 Psalm 41:1-13
V1 God will exercise mercy upon those who help weak people. V2-3 God will bless those who are kind and helpful to weaker people. He will protect, preserve and establish them in their homes. God will not allow their enemies to hurt them. The Lord will help them through illness and provide good health. V4 David asks God for mercy because he sinned against God. V5-9 The believer's enemies speak badly against them, plot and think evil thoughts against them. Even their closest friends turned on him. V10 God will give him the ability to answer these attacks. V11-12 A believer's integrity can give him confidence in victory. V13 Believers should praise God for his work in their lives. It is my responsibility to help those who are weak, to walk with God in honesty and to ask God and trust Him for mercy.
9/18/2007 Psalm 42:1-11
V1-2 Believers must develop a desire for God that compels them to search diligently for ways to satisfy this yearning. V3-4 Believers will be mocked and questioned about God's presence and work in their lives. There will be times when some believers will be driven to tears as they seek God's presence as they recall fellowship and worship experiences. V5 This believer was confident that he would worship God as before even in the midst of problems. V6 Believers can pray and gain comfort from God when they are in deep problems. V7 Problems and trials were coming at this believer in waves, one after another. V8 When believers reflect upon God's character and attributes, they will eventual realize that He can comfort and help at all times. This psalmist realized it and praised God. V9-11 This psalmist also asks God to heal his body. He did not want his enemies to mock God for his own failures. He also determined to put his hope in God. I have been guilty of sinful behavior while unbelievers have looked on in pleasure. I have suffered because of my own selfishness. But God allowed me a way back to fellowship and restored my faith, hope and fellowship. He has shut the mouths of my enemies.
9/19/2007 Psalm 43:1-5
V1 This believer prayed that God would deal with the sinful people who had evil things to say and do to him. He asks God to argue his cause in their presence. V2 This believer assumed God had left him to fight the enemy alone and lose. But he acknowledged God was his power and in God was Victory over all enemies. V3 He asks God to give him understanding and the Word and Will of God. He would use this to fight his battles. V4 Believers are encouraged to seek corporate worship and to praise God together. V5 The answer to depression and discouragement is to place your hope in God. When I am troubled and anxious in my spirit like now because Laurie is worried and I cannot be there to comfort and help her. God we love you. Laurie loves you. Please restore her to perfect health. She is a great mother wife and daughter and a choice servant of God.
9/20/2007 Psalm 44:1-14
V1-3 Jewish tradition that was passed down to believers included the miraculous works of God for the Israelites. God cleared out the promised land for them and made it possible for their ancestors to succeed in their families and as a new nation. V4-8 Their rich and miraculous heritage motivated them to give full allegiance to God the Father. They were able to defeat their enemies. But they realized that it was God that did the work and acknowledged Him. V9-12 At some point God refused to continue to fight for them. He humbled them. Their enemies enjoyed victory over them. They complained sarcastically that God had made a bad trade-(them for nothing) V13-16 The revenge of Israel's enemies caused much humiliation and disgrace. I will be careful to humble myself so God does not humble me. I must rejoice and never question God's work in my life. I always ask God to keep my family safe and not to judge my sin by hurting them. I am grateful to God for this.
9/21/2007 Psalm 44:15-26
V15-16 Israel was filled with feelings of shame and disgrace because of their enemies constant probing. V17-22 Israel was confused because this punishment came while they were faithfully serving God. They were in danger because they were fighting a holy war and there would be casualties. V23-26 Israel pleads for help and expected God to intervene. They were at their lowest in discouragement and despair. Israel would be faithful even if God chosen to let them suffer defeat and even death. I will serve God based upon His faithfulness and who He is. I am grateful to God for loving me and keeping my soul from harm.
9/23/2007 Psalm 46:1-11
V1 God provides a place of safety when there is danger. V2-3 Christians who can believe and trust God need not fear natural disasters or man-made trouble. V4-5 God's presence keeps enemies from the outside from destroying the city and keeps the people safe. V6-7 Safety is achieved because God is all-powerful and those who trust in God will find it. V8-9 This Psalmist gives an invitation to observe God's great power. The observer would witness God's power to make a fruitful land a barren one and they would see His power over human weapons. V10-11 The believer must be still before God to appreciate the full effect of His power. God declares that He will be exalted on the earth among all nations. God is always in our lives protecting us when we allow Him to do it. I will develop a time in my routine that helps me to appreciate God's awesome power.
9/24/2007 Psalm 47:1-9
V1-2 This writer calls on the only all nation to praise God and to rejoice out loud in worship. V3-4 God controls all nations to exalt Israel above the rest. This is His plan and His power is seen in His actions to exalt Israel. V5-6 The writer paints a verbal picture of God rising in the midst of his followers praising Him with singing. V7-9 God is praised because He is the ruler of the world. He will be worshipped by all people including the human rulers of the earth. This promise should be a huge encouragement to today's Christians, especially in light of the confusion in this world. I will rejoice because God is in control and will direct not only my life but will direct the final acts here on earth. There is nothing to chance, praise the Lord.
9/22/2007 Psalm 45:1-17
V1 This psalmist was excited about His faith and his God. V2 His human king was an excellent man. V3-5 This human king was encouraged to exercise his leadership. His ability in the Lord would cause greatness to happen. V6 God's throne is established forever in the lineage of Israel. V7 A king that embraces righteousness and abhors wickedness will be content and happy. V8-9 This king was honored with a full celebration of his wedding. V10-11 The bride of the king was encouraged to give him her complete attention. V12 Obedience is rewarded with blessing. V13-15 The bride was ushered with pomp and circumstance into the presence of the king. V16-17 The writer blessed the marriage and commemorated it so the king will be remembered with fondness and reverence. I must honor God with words and action
9/25/2007 Home 7AM Psalm 48:1-14
V1 God is more than deserving of man's praise. V2-3 God's protection of God's holy mountain is based upon His obvious presence. This place of worship is great, safe and joyous because of its sacred significance. V4-7 Enemies that tried to march upon the city were turned back in terror and destroyed. V8 This display of God's power gave believer a great sense of security. V9-10 God's power on behalf of His people demonstrated His faithfulness. For this he received high praise. V11-14 This psalmist invites the readers to rejoice in the observation of God's awesome city that protects and provides an awesome backdrop of beauty and delight. I am amazed that I forget so quickly how awesome God is. It is obvious to me that I need to be reminded by fellowship with believers, sermons by preachers and my own devotion about God's greatness.
9/26/2007 Psalm 49:1-11
V1-4 All the world is called upon to listen to the wisdom that God's Word will give them. V5 God's people need not fear to live in evil and uncertain days in the world. V6-11 No matter how clever, rich or talented not one man or woman can redeem and provide safety into eternity. Everyone dies and it is God only that gives eternal safety and eternal life. I am thrilled that God has a perfect sacrifice for my sinful life. I can have complete confidence in God's provision for my eternal soul. He promises to keep it from the control of evil people. He wants me to have and live a courageous life.
9/27/2007 Psalm 49:12-20
V12 Rich people will die like everything else. Money cannot save them. V13-14 The destiny of the self-sufficient is death. Proud people will be ruled by humbled godly believers who have trusted in God's provision. V15 God redeems those who trust him. V16 Believers are not to be impressed with people who have money. V17 In eternity we all have the same things in our suitcase, nothing. V18-19 Godless rich people only have their blessing in time. Eternity will not treat them so well. V20 Foolish wealthy people will perish without God. I must always trust God no matter what amount of temporal trappings I collect
9/28/2007 Psalm 50:1-13
V1 God will call men to account for their deeds. V2-3 God will let all people know that He is working in their lives. V4-5 God will judge what His followers have brought to Him. He will accept the gift that meets his standard. His standard is perfection and Christ is the only perfect sacrifice. Believers can trust that God will accept their trust in Christ. V7 God's charges against sinners need to be answered. V8 God will not accept the offering that comes from man's own hand. The sins of new testament believers can only be cleaned from God's perfect sacrifice (Christ). I am delighted that Christ offered to take my place and that God is satisfied with his work. I will learn to let God work in my daily life.
9/29/2007 Psalm 50:14-23
V14-15 The solution to orthodoxy and mechanical worship is trusting God from a genuine faith and a sincere repentant heart. The result is safety and relief from trouble. V16-17 God challenges the evil people of the world. He forbids them to speak His Words and gives them no rights to the benefit of the comforts and blessings that are derived from them. V18-21 The hypocrites were under the impression that they were free and clear from God's judgment because God was silent until now. He rebuked them and accused them directly. V22-23 God warns them to repent and purpose to worship Him. He is honored by those who obey. He displays the path to salvation for them. I must be careful to allow God to reveal sin in my life so that I am not serving God and using God's Word in vain. I must be honest with myself.
9/30/2007 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
V1 Paul was called by God to do His work. He included Timothy in his greeting to the church at Corinth. Paul's claims were important to carry the weight of his message. The readers had to know the letter came from a credible and authorized source. V2 If any group of people needed to understand God's grace, it was the church members at Corinth. Paul extended a blessing of grace to them. V3-4 God's comfort is needed in a time of trouble. Paul helped the Corinthians change their perspective of the trouble they were experiencing. They realized that God could comfort them in their trouble. V5-7 Paul's sufferings were a direct result of his service for God at the hands of men. God's people can be secure in their faith if they believe God can save them. God's comfort can give His people a patient endurance to serve Him with joy. V8 Paul explained his extreme hardship from his ministry in Asia. He was discouraged to despair. V9 Paul sensed that they could have died in Asia. V10 Paul had confidence in God's intervention and Will. He knew God wanted to use him. He also recognized that the Corinthian church was praying for him. Paul was grateful and extended his appreciation. God will use me to do His will. He will provide protection and confident to tackle even extreme problems and trials. I am in need of comfort and confidence for Laurie's health, Geoff's health, Leah's baby and my family’s problems.
10/1/2007 2 Corinthians 1:12-24
V12-14 Paul was determined to minister to these believers with honesty and integrity with their concerns in mind. Paul was truly concerned for their lives and souls. V15-16 Paul's presence was considered a great blessing to those who were influenced by him and they were willing to help him. V17 Paul was careful and purposeful in his planning. V18 God's Word is true. God's faithful messengers are accurate in their message from God. V19 Jesus Christ is real and His salvation is real. Jesus Christ is awesome in His greatness. V20 God's Word is true and each promise is destined to be fulfilled. V21-24 God anoints and seals His messengers and guarantees the promises given. Paul's authority over the Corinthians was to work toward their fulfillment and their complete faith in Christ. I must work hard to develop my faith. My faith must be strong to help others develop theirs.
10/2/2007 2 Corinthians 2:1-13
V1-2 Paul was willing to suffer in the execution of his duties. But he also would avoid suffering if it did not interfere with his duties. V3-4 Paul was determined to keep his fellow believers informed regarding his ministry and its dangers. V5-11 Paul encouraged these believers to learn how to forgive those that caused problems and were difficult. This is one of the methods that Satan uses to destroy the unity of church and its effectiveness. V12-13 Paul was always excited about the opportunities the Lord provided for the Gospel to be preached.
10/3/2007 2 Corinthians 2:14 – 3:5
V14 God will always lead His people to victory in the commission of spreading God's Word. V15-16 Paul's life and service was a sacrifice to God. He served at the suffering of hardship and the rejection from his own countrymen. V17 The ministry of proclaiming the Word of God is a great opportunity for any believer. Chapter 3V1 Paul was disappointed that he was forced to give his own recommendation regarding his ministry. V2 He referred to the converts for others to evaluate the sincerity and truth of the message. V3 God's Word and the effect are powerful in the human life. V4-5 God's work in our lives makes his children confident, competent and powerful in their service. I will trust God for the ability, confidence and wisdom to carry out my ministry with obedience and enthusiasm.
10/4/2007 2 Corinthians 3:6-18
V6 Paul declares that believers are competent as ministers of the Gospel and that sharing this news will result in new life in Christ. V7 The Gospel's influence was powerful and earth shaking. It changed lives. V8 The Holy Spirit added more than His person but makes the believer even more powerful. V9-11 The gospel brings absolute righteousness and an awesome experience that replaces the Old Testament method of atonement. V12-13 The hope that the gospel provides produces an awesome confidence which allows believers to minister with godly boldness, unlike the ministry of Moses. V14-15 The gospel takes the sin that diminishes our boldness. Old Testament law does not provide the same confidence. V16-18 When a person trusts in Christ his life is filled with clarity in his relationship with God and he is blessed with a sense of total freedom and liberty. I am grateful for my faith in God and the confidence it allows me to have in my daily life.
10/5/2007 2 Corinthians 4:1-7
V1 Believers are provided with mercy to deal with the ministry with confidence. V2 Believers speak out against the sin of deception declaring it shameful. God's Word must be handled correctly and applied in integrity. Every believer can have confidence in his words and others can trust them. V3 The gospel is only confusing to those who choose to not believe it. V4 Satan keeps unbelievers from the truth of the Gospel. V5 Believers who preach the gospel must uplift Christ and determine to be servants.V6 God makes his message of hope appear in the darkness so that unbelievers can have the knowledge of the truth. V7 The message is proclaimed by those who are fragile to demonstrate the power of God. My hope and desire is to honor God and His Word. I desire to allow God to make His Word powerful in my life so I can proclaim it in a powerful way.
10/6/2007 2 Corinthians 4:8-18
V8 Paul was confident in his daily life and that when his earthly life ended, he would be in heaven with God. V9-10 Paul warned believers that one day each would be judged for the things accomplished while in their mortal bodies. V11 Paul's motivation to persuade men to trust in God's provided salvation was his fear of God's awesome power and actions. V12 Paul's report of the power of God and the ministry that was had taken place was to give confidence to believers to be bold in their faith. V13 Paul was not concerned with what people thought of his ideas and preaching. He just wanted to get the truth out to the world. V14 Paul was motivated to preach the truth because of Christ's love demonstrated in His death for men. V15 Paul realized that He must follow Christ's example and give his life in service for Christ. V16-17 Paul once evaluated life and people based upon external criteria but now realized that what important was what man believed and practiced. V18 Therefore we have a ministry to help people find and reconcile to God through Christ. I will do my best to do what God tells me and practice my faith with confidence and enthusiasm.
10/7/2007 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
V1 Believers do not fear death because they have this promise. God has provided a place in heaven for their souls. V2-4 After believers know about their eternal benefits and become confident in them they are never satisfied with what the world can provide. V5 The Holy Spirit is the believer’s guarantee that one day we will have all the benefits that God has promised. V6 The believer's earthly body separates them from the presence of the Lord. V7 Believers live by faith not by the things they see. V8 Believers long to be with Christ and absent from the confines of the earthly body. V9-10 Believers are motivated to please God at all times, knowing that each will receive an examination to determine the rewards for deeds done or judgment for things done wrong. I am blessed with faith. God loves me and allows me to live in confidence of eternal life.
10/8/2007 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
V11-12 Paul was determined to convince others that he was God's messenger sent to reconcile people to God because he knew the truth of eternal judgment and eternal life. V13 Paul was trying to convince people he was for real. V14-15 God's people need what Paul's ministry was promoting. Christ was real and what He did for mankind was awesome. V16 Believers have an eternal view of life. V17 Each person who claims faith in Christ becomes a new person. The things he used to do, he doesn't do them anymore. The things he used to say he doesn't say them anymore. The places he used to go he doesn't go there anymore. V18-19 God changes our lives to give us the ability to reconcile others to himself. God's work through Christ provides salvation from sin's penalty on man. V20-21 Believers are Christ's ambassadors to tell the story of reconciliation. Christ made us righteous through his work. I am compelled to tell others about the work of Christ. I have the truth and people need me to speak it.
10/9/2007 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
V1 Some believers were fooled by false preachers and believed in a false Gospel. V2 Paul urged people to trust the message of Christ now not later. V3 Paul was diligent to defend the ministry over himself. V4-10 Paul describes his hardships. He explained that ministry can be effective and give a sense of joy and purpose even in the depths of trouble and hardships. I have a ministry that is misunderstood at times and I am excited to serve.
10/10/2007 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1
V11-13 Paul was willing to pour out his heart and life to those he ministered. He asked for them to do the same. V14-16 God's people hold the precious treasure of holiness in their person and must not allow contamination by evil and worldly participation. There is no common ground or workable union with evil and holiness. God's people belong to God, not the world. V17-18 God gives a plea for separation and a promise to care for each believer as his Child. Ch 7V1 Paul encourages Christians to clean up their lives because they have respect for God. I will do my best to honor God with my daily life and put him first in all things.
10/11/2007 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
V2-3 Paul denied the accusations that others made against him. He pleaded for the affection and allegiance of the Corinthians V4 Paul was confident that his trust in them would not be in vain. V5-7 Paul admitted he had conflicts and was troubled by the trials he was experiencing by the hand of others. He was informed that the Corinthians cared for him. V8-9 Paul referred to his previous communication with them. He told them he was not sorry for the discomfort that it caused them. It helped them repent and get right with God. V10-11 Godly sorrow helps one to repent from sin. It brings a clean life and a clear conscience. V12-13 Paul was encouraged by the end result. V14-16 The overall testimony of the Corinthians was a blessing and produced confidence in the missionaries and pastors. I will do my best to minister and open up to others who minister to me that I might be a blessing and produce confidence for others.
10/13/2007 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
V16-17 Titus was truly concerned for his flock. This characteristic was noticeable in a selfish world. V18-21 Paul was careful to avoid any hint of wrong-doing in regard to the distribution of the offering that was collected. He made plans to have the process validated by someone everyone respected. V22-24 Paul desired to please all parties in this matter and requested that the church respond with favorable behavior. I will do my best to make sure everything I do is done with integrity and ask others to keep me honest. I do want to glorify God with my life.
10/14/2007 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
V1-2 Paul acknowledged their willingness to help others and that they were a great example and motivation for others to give to the needs of hurting saints. V3-5 Paul sent workers to help prepare the offering for delivery so that those who needed it would not be disappointed. V6-7 Believers are reminded about the law of sowing and reaping. Generosity will produce generosity and selfishness will produce selfishness. God is pleased with joyful givers. V8 God's grace will provide everything one needs. V9-10 Practical righteousness will produce practical necessities. God's people who practice righteousness will always experience God's grace. V11-13 These Believer's actions served to accomplish helping others in need and expressed their gratefulness and praise for God. V14-15 Those who witnessed or heard of these deeds were moved to prayer on their behalf and expressed their gratefulness to God for his provision. I will express my love, gratefulness and praise for God. I will remember to do my part to help others and meet needs.
10/15/2007 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
V1-2 Paul was meek in responding to the challenges against himself but was powerful outwardly when it came to helping and protecting others. V3-5 God's children do not react and battle their enemies like the people without faith in God. Their weapons are supernatural and are unbeatable. Everything including their thoughts become captives to Christ's cause. V6 Swift action is required once a believer has achieved his own obedience. V7-8 Paul wanted the believers to recognize God's intervention in their lives and dig deep underneath the surface to tap into the faith and confidence of God supernatural work. V9-11 Paul wanted the believers to read, understand and act upon the things in the letters he wrote. V12-15a Paul avoided boasting about himself But needed someone to pave the way for influence. V15b Paul hoped for their faith to grow. V16 He desired the results in these lives to open doors for further ministry elsewhere. V17-18 He repeats his preference for someone else to promote their ministry. My heart's desire is to make an impact upon the lives of children's and student's leaders and the lives of all youth. I pray t at God works in me.
10/16/2007 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
V1 Paul considered his plea to boost credentials as a minor help almost unneeded. V2-4 Paul was concerned that others would easily convince these believers to follow a different doctrine, not the one that sacrificed Christ. V5-6 The false teachers were effective because they lied about their credentials. They claimed to be validated by the original apostles. There were also trained in public speaking. V7-9 They also trusted the churches for their support. Paul desired to keep himself from being a burden on the Corinthian church. He sought support by other means. V10-12 Paul's love for the Church would motivate him to defeat the false teachers in war of words and of doctrine. V13-15 He warned the church that Satan's missionaries can be seen as angels of light. Therefore believers must look deep and authenticate the teachings. My heart's desire for me and my family is for us to love the true Christ.
2 Corinthians
10/17/2007 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
V16-18 Paul resorted to fighting fire with fire. He wanted the Corinthians to understand the situation. The false teachers were competing with the truth. Paul defended his actions and his ministry. V19-21 Paul explains that they have been tolerant of people who were damaging their faith. V22-28 Paul describes the life he embraced because of the gospel ministry. He listed the hardships and pressures of daily life in the ministry. V29 Paul identified with the pressures of sin. He wanted to help. V30 Paul was careful not to claim credit for the good in his life but willingly accepted the responsibility for the sin and mistakes he made. V31 Paul was confident that he would be validated by God. V32-33 Paul ends this chapter with his testimony of deliverance from Damascus. My hope in ministry and life is to endure the hardships and pressures that could stop the truth from being spread to children and students.
2 Corinthians
10/19/2007 2 Corinthians 12:11-21
V11 Paul explained that he was nothing; he only produced his credentials because they forced him to validate his ministry. V12 Paul added that he had demonstrated his power to them and that should have convinced them of his ministry. V13 Paul supported himself in the ministry because he did not desire to burden his parishioners. V14-15 Paul was willing to spend his life savings for them. V16-18 Paul was answering the charge of deceit as he explained through sarcasm that he was not tricking them. He also defended his decision to send the missionaries to minister to them. Paul's point was that he was consistent in ministry. V19-21 Paul's ultimate plea was for the Corinthians to repent of sin and false doctrine. Paul was only concerned for his testimony among these believers because he wanted to help them with their walk with God. I will work on my reputation and testimony only for the right reason and motivation (to glorify God and to be effective in ministry so that the people I try to help will trust me. May God be glorified in my life.
10/22/2007 Genesis 1:20-2:3
V20-23 On the fifth day God created sea life and birds. He spoke them into existence. God also gave them the purpose of procreation. God made sure the creatures would continue to exist until it was no longer His plan. V24-25 On day five God created the creatures to inhabit and fill the land for a special purpose. V26-31 On sixth day God created mankind to be the ruler and steward over all the earth and its creatures. Chapter 2 V1-3 After God completed His creation, He set aside the seventh day for rest and worship. God's plan includes me. I have a responsibility to do my best with what God puts in my path. I must be a good steward of the resources God gives me. It is an encouragement to serve God who is so powerful and so full of perfect wisdom in all details of life.
whoah - 58 comments! You're still so popular! Hey, it's LeiLani (Miladi) Bryan! Long time no see! what beautiful kids you've got! My little guy is 1 and it's a blast! Just thought I'd stop in and say hi! God Bless you and hope all's well on that side of the states!
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