Scripture: Psalm 26:2
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.
Observation:
David is asking the Lord to examine him, he is walking in the right way, but he needs the Lord's help in making sure. So he asks the Lord to examine, test him, see if his motives are pure.
Application:
I need to ask the Lord to examine me also. I may think in my own mind that I am doing right in all things, but the Lord knows better than I do. I don't want to be one of those "Christians" who on the last day says to the Lord, But Lord I did this and this in your name, then He tells me He doesn't know me. That would be truly devastating. The Lord will show me where I need to make changes in my life, I just have to be willing to make them. When the Lord returns if I have faithfully done what He has instructed, He will welcome me, instead of looking at me as if I am some stranger.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please examine me and show me where I need to change. Help me to accept what you show me Lord. Help me make the changes necessary to have life everlasting with you.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
An Eye for an Eye
Scripture: Leviticus 24:19-21
‘If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him— 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him. And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death.
Observation:
Well I believe the law has been laid down. There seems to be no doubt what the punishment for certain crimes will be. Whatever you do to another person, it will be done to you. Killing animals means you will have to replace it, but killing people will cause you to be put to death.
Application:
Just this week I read on the Internet that Federal Judges are releasing 58,000 prisoners in California due to prison overcrowding. I can't believe it! We have people spending years in jail for crimes in which the punishment is way to severe and then we have people who are getting no jail time for crimes that should have punishments like what God is handing out. If we had the kind of laws that God had for the Israelites we wouldn't have the overcrowding problem today, and there would be a lot less crime.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, the world is a mess. Many in government positions are corrupt. With all this evil around us, please protect us and help us shine your light brightly. In Jesus Name Amen.
‘If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him— 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him. And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death.
Observation:
Well I believe the law has been laid down. There seems to be no doubt what the punishment for certain crimes will be. Whatever you do to another person, it will be done to you. Killing animals means you will have to replace it, but killing people will cause you to be put to death.
Application:
Just this week I read on the Internet that Federal Judges are releasing 58,000 prisoners in California due to prison overcrowding. I can't believe it! We have people spending years in jail for crimes in which the punishment is way to severe and then we have people who are getting no jail time for crimes that should have punishments like what God is handing out. If we had the kind of laws that God had for the Israelites we wouldn't have the overcrowding problem today, and there would be a lot less crime.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, the world is a mess. Many in government positions are corrupt. With all this evil around us, please protect us and help us shine your light brightly. In Jesus Name Amen.
Friday, February 13, 2009
More Blessed to Give than to Receive
Scripture: Acts 20:35
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Observation:
Paul is visiting the church leaders for the last time and he talks with them and says that they know him, he hasn't kept anything from them. He tells them that he has shown them by his examples how they ought to serve and to remember that Jesus said it was better to give than to receive.
Application:
Why am I serving the Lord? Is it because people expect me to and I don't want to let them down? Could it be that I want recognition for a job well done? I will tell you it is none of those things. I take ministry work seriously and I like to do it well, but it is not because I want to be noticed or because it is expected of me. I serve because I enjoy doing it for the Lord. I enjoy being part of something that helps people develop a closer relationship with Jesus. When I do get noticed, I am surprised and sometimes don't know how to respond, but the Lord has helped me and this is what I must do when I get any praise and that is give it directly to God because without Him, I wouldn't be able to do it.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for using me and allowing me to be a participant in shining your light to others. Thank you for your love and guidance. Help me to see the blessings that you bestow upon me when I share your love with others. In Jesus Name Amen.
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Observation:
Paul is visiting the church leaders for the last time and he talks with them and says that they know him, he hasn't kept anything from them. He tells them that he has shown them by his examples how they ought to serve and to remember that Jesus said it was better to give than to receive.
Application:
Why am I serving the Lord? Is it because people expect me to and I don't want to let them down? Could it be that I want recognition for a job well done? I will tell you it is none of those things. I take ministry work seriously and I like to do it well, but it is not because I want to be noticed or because it is expected of me. I serve because I enjoy doing it for the Lord. I enjoy being part of something that helps people develop a closer relationship with Jesus. When I do get noticed, I am surprised and sometimes don't know how to respond, but the Lord has helped me and this is what I must do when I get any praise and that is give it directly to God because without Him, I wouldn't be able to do it.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for using me and allowing me to be a participant in shining your light to others. Thank you for your love and guidance. Help me to see the blessings that you bestow upon me when I share your love with others. In Jesus Name Amen.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
To God be the Glory
Scripture: Acts 19:19-20
Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
Observation:
Many people had seen the miracles that God performed through his servant Paul. They took some items that Paul had worn and used them to heal people and cast out evil spirits. The Jewish priest's sons decided to do the same thing and use Jesus name to cast out evil spirits from before the people. The evil spirits spoke to them, then attacked them and the men ran from the house wounded. The story got out to all the people and Jesus was glorified. Also the people who used magic brought their books and burned them in front of the people and confessed their deeds.
Application:
This shows that God is the one who deals with the devil and his demons, not man. We can not fight Satan and his demons. But if we fully rely on God, He will protect and fight for us. God should be glorified in everything we do, we should not seek after our own glory.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to call on you in good times and bad. May you be glorified in every situation that I find myself involved in. In Jesus Name Amen.
Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
Observation:
Many people had seen the miracles that God performed through his servant Paul. They took some items that Paul had worn and used them to heal people and cast out evil spirits. The Jewish priest's sons decided to do the same thing and use Jesus name to cast out evil spirits from before the people. The evil spirits spoke to them, then attacked them and the men ran from the house wounded. The story got out to all the people and Jesus was glorified. Also the people who used magic brought their books and burned them in front of the people and confessed their deeds.
Application:
This shows that God is the one who deals with the devil and his demons, not man. We can not fight Satan and his demons. But if we fully rely on God, He will protect and fight for us. God should be glorified in everything we do, we should not seek after our own glory.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to call on you in good times and bad. May you be glorified in every situation that I find myself involved in. In Jesus Name Amen.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
We Don't Know it All
Scripture: Acts 18: 25-26
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Observation:
Apollos starts "witnessing" to the people, yet he only knew certain things. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they taught him more about God. Justus was receptive to their teachings and afterward went on to speak in other places with the disciples.
Application:
I like this part of the story..it shows that we never really stop learning. We should be open to the teaching of God. He may send someone to us that we would least expect. But if their words line up with the Bible then we should consider what is being said. When you think you know it all and nobody can teach you anything...watch out because you are fooling yourself. God is a great teacher and I have a lot to learn.
Prayer:
Dear Lord help me be open to what you are trying to teach me. Help me to receive whomever you choose to direct me. Keep me humble in service to you Lord and help me be bold in proclaiming You to others. In Jesus Name Amen.
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Observation:
Apollos starts "witnessing" to the people, yet he only knew certain things. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they taught him more about God. Justus was receptive to their teachings and afterward went on to speak in other places with the disciples.
Application:
I like this part of the story..it shows that we never really stop learning. We should be open to the teaching of God. He may send someone to us that we would least expect. But if their words line up with the Bible then we should consider what is being said. When you think you know it all and nobody can teach you anything...watch out because you are fooling yourself. God is a great teacher and I have a lot to learn.
Prayer:
Dear Lord help me be open to what you are trying to teach me. Help me to receive whomever you choose to direct me. Keep me humble in service to you Lord and help me be bold in proclaiming You to others. In Jesus Name Amen.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Who Do You Serve?
Scripture: Acts 17:5
But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
Observation:
These Jews are starting to get on my nerves! They have scripture and physical evidence of Jesus being the Messiah and they refuse to accept it. They are arrogant, proud, and corrupt. They even enlist the help of evil men to stir up the crowd and attack a believer. So much for religion, We know who they are working for!
Application:
This reminds me that even church leadership can be misguided or even worse corrupt. Persons in leadership roles should strive to show an accurate picture of Christ to others. God has placed us where we are. We should serve with a humble spirit and a receptive heart and mind.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to serve you with a humble spirit. Help me never become arrogant or proud. Help me be open to where you are leading. In Jesus Name Amen.
But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
Observation:
These Jews are starting to get on my nerves! They have scripture and physical evidence of Jesus being the Messiah and they refuse to accept it. They are arrogant, proud, and corrupt. They even enlist the help of evil men to stir up the crowd and attack a believer. So much for religion, We know who they are working for!
Application:
This reminds me that even church leadership can be misguided or even worse corrupt. Persons in leadership roles should strive to show an accurate picture of Christ to others. God has placed us where we are. We should serve with a humble spirit and a receptive heart and mind.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to serve you with a humble spirit. Help me never become arrogant or proud. Help me be open to where you are leading. In Jesus Name Amen.
Monday, February 9, 2009
God at Work
Scripture: Acts 16:31-33
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
Observation:
Paul and Silas are thrown in jail because Paul cast a demon out of a little girl and it spoiled someones money making scheme. As a result of being placed in jail, the jailer and his whole family are baptized.
Application:
It's amazing how God works! Sometimes when we are going thru difficult times, we tend to complain and focus on the negative. But Paul and Silas were praying thru it. The Lord had a reason for them being placed in jail and even though they didn't understand it, they certainly found out later. They had the opportunity to tell others about God and an entire family was baptized!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, when I am going thru difficult times, please help me to remember that you have a reason for allowing me to be in this place. Help me to pray thru it and focus on You rather than my circumstances. In Jesus Name Amen.
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
Observation:
Paul and Silas are thrown in jail because Paul cast a demon out of a little girl and it spoiled someones money making scheme. As a result of being placed in jail, the jailer and his whole family are baptized.
Application:
It's amazing how God works! Sometimes when we are going thru difficult times, we tend to complain and focus on the negative. But Paul and Silas were praying thru it. The Lord had a reason for them being placed in jail and even though they didn't understand it, they certainly found out later. They had the opportunity to tell others about God and an entire family was baptized!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, when I am going thru difficult times, please help me to remember that you have a reason for allowing me to be in this place. Help me to pray thru it and focus on You rather than my circumstances. In Jesus Name Amen.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Let the Holy Spirit Work
Scripture: Acts 15:5
But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
Observation:
Paul and Barnabas are telling the people in Jerusalem about the conversion of the Gentiles. The church leaders decide they need to discuss what needs to be done with the Gentiles and what rules they need to follow. Eventually they finally agree to a few items that make everyone happy.
Application:
This shows me that when new believers come into the church, I should not expect them to know and follow the same rules that I do. I should not burden a person down with a list of Thou Shalt Not's. That would be the quickest way to run them right out of the church. Instead I should accept them. Allowing them time to learn the rules as the Holy Spirit directs. We are all on the same road in following Jesus, we are just at different places along the road. The things that the Holy Spirit has revealed to me as important in my life, may not be something that is important to someone else. It is OK for me to share what the Holy Spirit has shown me, but it is not OK for to expect others to conform to it and follow it. The Holy Spirit is much stronger and greater than I am and He will be the one to reveal what others need to know.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Help me accept others and allow them to learn your truth at their pace as the Holy Spirit guides them. Help me not to judge them but to love and nurture them in their walk with you. In Jesus Name Amen.
But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
Observation:
Paul and Barnabas are telling the people in Jerusalem about the conversion of the Gentiles. The church leaders decide they need to discuss what needs to be done with the Gentiles and what rules they need to follow. Eventually they finally agree to a few items that make everyone happy.
Application:
This shows me that when new believers come into the church, I should not expect them to know and follow the same rules that I do. I should not burden a person down with a list of Thou Shalt Not's. That would be the quickest way to run them right out of the church. Instead I should accept them. Allowing them time to learn the rules as the Holy Spirit directs. We are all on the same road in following Jesus, we are just at different places along the road. The things that the Holy Spirit has revealed to me as important in my life, may not be something that is important to someone else. It is OK for me to share what the Holy Spirit has shown me, but it is not OK for to expect others to conform to it and follow it. The Holy Spirit is much stronger and greater than I am and He will be the one to reveal what others need to know.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Help me accept others and allow them to learn your truth at their pace as the Holy Spirit guides them. Help me not to judge them but to love and nurture them in their walk with you. In Jesus Name Amen.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A Faith You Can See
Scripture: Acts 14: 9-10
This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
Observation:
This man is listening to Paul speak, and somehow Paul notices that this man has great faith, even enough faith to be healed. So Paul heals the man right then and there by commanding him to stand up. The man obeys and is healed.
Application:
Now that is great faith! It was faith that could be seen. It was faith in action. So many times people say they have faith. I wonder if they really know what they are saying? Faith isn't something we tell others we have, it is something that others can see that we have. It is a living, breathing, walking faith. There is no question of it's presence and who the author of it is. I want that kind of faith!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me have the kind of faith that people can see. Help me put my faith in action. In Jesus Name Amen
This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
Observation:
This man is listening to Paul speak, and somehow Paul notices that this man has great faith, even enough faith to be healed. So Paul heals the man right then and there by commanding him to stand up. The man obeys and is healed.
Application:
Now that is great faith! It was faith that could be seen. It was faith in action. So many times people say they have faith. I wonder if they really know what they are saying? Faith isn't something we tell others we have, it is something that others can see that we have. It is a living, breathing, walking faith. There is no question of it's presence and who the author of it is. I want that kind of faith!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me have the kind of faith that people can see. Help me put my faith in action. In Jesus Name Amen
Friday, February 6, 2009
Focus on God
Scripture: Acts 13:45-46
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
Observation:
This is interesting because the first time Paul and Barnabas preached, the Jews were ok with it. The second time however they were not. When they saw the crowd that had come to hear the message, they couldn't handle it. They are suddenly jealous and start telling lies and opposing everything that Paul and Barnabas are saying. Finally enough is enough and the disciples let them know that since they rejected the Word of God, they are going to the Gentiles with God's word.
Application:
Well, I have been jealous a time or two because of someones position or perceived status. I was wrong to be that way, and God had to help me get over it. Why should I be jealous of someone else? God has given us all special abilities to use for His service. My focus should be on serving God, not myself and how great I am. If I spend my time focusing on what others are able to do, I will only become jealous. This was exactly what was wrong with Satan, he couldn't stop focusing on the fact that he wasn't as great as God and he wanted to be. So he started putting God down to everyone and finally convinced himself that he was superior. Satan believed his own lie and was finally kicked out of Heaven because of it.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me not be jealous of others. Help me to focus on serving You and not worry about what others may be doing. In Jesus Name Amen.
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
Observation:
This is interesting because the first time Paul and Barnabas preached, the Jews were ok with it. The second time however they were not. When they saw the crowd that had come to hear the message, they couldn't handle it. They are suddenly jealous and start telling lies and opposing everything that Paul and Barnabas are saying. Finally enough is enough and the disciples let them know that since they rejected the Word of God, they are going to the Gentiles with God's word.
Application:
Well, I have been jealous a time or two because of someones position or perceived status. I was wrong to be that way, and God had to help me get over it. Why should I be jealous of someone else? God has given us all special abilities to use for His service. My focus should be on serving God, not myself and how great I am. If I spend my time focusing on what others are able to do, I will only become jealous. This was exactly what was wrong with Satan, he couldn't stop focusing on the fact that he wasn't as great as God and he wanted to be. So he started putting God down to everyone and finally convinced himself that he was superior. Satan believed his own lie and was finally kicked out of Heaven because of it.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me not be jealous of others. Help me to focus on serving You and not worry about what others may be doing. In Jesus Name Amen.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Angels Watching Over Me
Scripture: Acts 12:7-8
Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”
Observation:
Peter is in prison. I am sure he is thinking that in the morning he will be put to death. But God had other plans. God sent His Angel to free Peter from prison so he could continue to do the Lord's work.
Application:
Just like with Peter, God sends His Angels to watch over me. God has a job that He wants me to complete. He will see to it that nothing prevents His work from being accomplished. I wonder how many times the Angels have spared my life so that I could do the work the Lord wants me to do? That is a question I am going to have to ask when I get to Heaven.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Your Angels to guard and protect me. Help me to continue to do the work you have for me. In Jesus Name Amen.
Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.”
Observation:
Peter is in prison. I am sure he is thinking that in the morning he will be put to death. But God had other plans. God sent His Angel to free Peter from prison so he could continue to do the Lord's work.
Application:
Just like with Peter, God sends His Angels to watch over me. God has a job that He wants me to complete. He will see to it that nothing prevents His work from being accomplished. I wonder how many times the Angels have spared my life so that I could do the work the Lord wants me to do? That is a question I am going to have to ask when I get to Heaven.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Your Angels to guard and protect me. Help me to continue to do the work you have for me. In Jesus Name Amen.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Sin Problem
Scripture: Psalm 19:12-14
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Observation:
This tells me that even David struggled with sin. He is asking the Lord to save him from it, and help his words and thoughts be pure, so he will be found acceptable to God.
Application:
I want the same thing. So many times I have failed in my struggles. I don't understand it myself, but God does. He knows what to do about. I just have to give it up to Him and He will help me.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, forgive my sins and don't allow them to conquer me. Guide my speech and my thoughts so that my words and thoughts are pure and acceptable to You. In Jesus Name Amen.
Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Observation:
This tells me that even David struggled with sin. He is asking the Lord to save him from it, and help his words and thoughts be pure, so he will be found acceptable to God.
Application:
I want the same thing. So many times I have failed in my struggles. I don't understand it myself, but God does. He knows what to do about. I just have to give it up to Him and He will help me.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, forgive my sins and don't allow them to conquer me. Guide my speech and my thoughts so that my words and thoughts are pure and acceptable to You. In Jesus Name Amen.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Created Equally
Scripture: Acts 10:28
Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Observation:
Peter had a vision before this meeting and he was wondering what it meant. He finally realizes what God was trying to show him. It was that he shouldn't think that men from other nations are filthy and not worthy enough to be in the company of.
Application:
I am no better than another person and other people are no better than me. God made us all the same and we are equal. Oh, we may have different backgrounds or better jobs, make more money, have a fancier house, a faster car, nicer clothes, or think we are smarter, etc.. but God doesn't care about those things. Those things are material and God looks at the heart.
Prayer:
Dear Lord help me to treat people equally. Help me not esteem any person above another. In Jesus Name Amen
Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Observation:
Peter had a vision before this meeting and he was wondering what it meant. He finally realizes what God was trying to show him. It was that he shouldn't think that men from other nations are filthy and not worthy enough to be in the company of.
Application:
I am no better than another person and other people are no better than me. God made us all the same and we are equal. Oh, we may have different backgrounds or better jobs, make more money, have a fancier house, a faster car, nicer clothes, or think we are smarter, etc.. but God doesn't care about those things. Those things are material and God looks at the heart.
Prayer:
Dear Lord help me to treat people equally. Help me not esteem any person above another. In Jesus Name Amen
Monday, February 2, 2009
Friend to Friend with God
Scripture: Exodus 33:11
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.
Observation:
Moses is meeting with the Lord at the Tabernacle. The Lord meets to talk with him like a friend, face to face.
Application:
This was very interesting to me. The Lord wanted to talk with Moses face to face as a friend would talk with each other. I believe that the Lord would like to have a friend to friend relationship with me also. I have often rushed thru my talks with God and not thought twice about it. But I have realized that God wants to communicate with me. He doesn't want a one sided relationship. I need to hang around long enough to hear what he has to say.
Prayer:
Dear Lord help me listen for you to speak to me. Help me to hear what you have to say. Forgive me for rushing thru my prayers and not considering you. Thank for your love and forgiveness. In Jesus Name Amen.
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.
Observation:
Moses is meeting with the Lord at the Tabernacle. The Lord meets to talk with him like a friend, face to face.
Application:
This was very interesting to me. The Lord wanted to talk with Moses face to face as a friend would talk with each other. I believe that the Lord would like to have a friend to friend relationship with me also. I have often rushed thru my talks with God and not thought twice about it. But I have realized that God wants to communicate with me. He doesn't want a one sided relationship. I need to hang around long enough to hear what he has to say.
Prayer:
Dear Lord help me listen for you to speak to me. Help me to hear what you have to say. Forgive me for rushing thru my prayers and not considering you. Thank for your love and forgiveness. In Jesus Name Amen.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Pleading with God
Scripture: Exodus 32:11-14
Then Moses pleaded with the LORD his God, and said: “LORD, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” So the LORD relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.
Observation:
The Lord was greatly angered. And for a second time He is ready to wipe out His creation. Moses pleads with Him to spare them and to remember the promise He made to Abraham, Isaac and Israel. God decides not to destroy His people.
Application:
Whew! God does get angry. But He also relents from giving us what we really deserve. Thank God for Moses pleading. It makes me think about intercessory prayer. Moses pleading to the Father on behalf of the others. God listened to him. God listens to us also. When we pray for others it allows God to act in their lives. They may not ask God for anything, they may not even know God, but when we are praying on behalf of them, God hears and responds.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for sparing the Israelites that day. Thank you for sparing me! Help me to pray for others so that you may be able to work in their lives also. In Jesus Name Amen.
Then Moses pleaded with the LORD his God, and said: “LORD, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” So the LORD relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.
Observation:
The Lord was greatly angered. And for a second time He is ready to wipe out His creation. Moses pleads with Him to spare them and to remember the promise He made to Abraham, Isaac and Israel. God decides not to destroy His people.
Application:
Whew! God does get angry. But He also relents from giving us what we really deserve. Thank God for Moses pleading. It makes me think about intercessory prayer. Moses pleading to the Father on behalf of the others. God listened to him. God listens to us also. When we pray for others it allows God to act in their lives. They may not ask God for anything, they may not even know God, but when we are praying on behalf of them, God hears and responds.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for sparing the Israelites that day. Thank you for sparing me! Help me to pray for others so that you may be able to work in their lives also. In Jesus Name Amen.
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