I just had to share this picture Roberto took on our recent vacation to California. This is a waterfall on the beach in Big Sur off the PCH. God's creation is so beautiful. Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ministry of Death...
The following information was taken from "Destined to Reign" by Joseph Prince.
Chapter 10: The Ministry of Death
Joseph Prince writes in the first paragraph, "I wrote this book to declare to you what is right about you (in spite of your weaknesses) because of Jesus Christ."
People are living in condemnation, as though the Cross was in vain.
2 Corinthians 3:7-9
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passed away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
(The ten commandments are being referred to the ministry of death)
The Covenant of law kills, but the covenant of grace gives life!!
Grace is Jesus. Grace tells us we are righteous in Him. Here is a fun fact that blew me away.
"At the foot of Mount Sinai, 3,000 people died. Now lets compare with this with the New Testament. When the day of Pentecost had come, God poured out His Holy Spirit on all flesh and what was the result? Peter stood up to preach the gospel and 3,000 people were saved that day."
Read this over and over until you get it. The Good News of Jesus Christ imparts righteousness on you, it doesn't demand it! It brings life, not death. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus! The law was given so man could see their need for a Savior, not to condemn us.
When you fail in your daily walk or do something you know you shouldn't have, what is your first thought? Is it condemning? Or is it, I am righteous in the sight of God? One brings guilt, the other brings empowerment to do right.
(this is not talking about living in sin, that is a different subject.)
Thank you Jesus for Grace.
Chapter 10: The Ministry of Death
Joseph Prince writes in the first paragraph, "I wrote this book to declare to you what is right about you (in spite of your weaknesses) because of Jesus Christ."
People are living in condemnation, as though the Cross was in vain.
2 Corinthians 3:7-9
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passed away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
(The ten commandments are being referred to the ministry of death)
The Covenant of law kills, but the covenant of grace gives life!!
Grace is Jesus. Grace tells us we are righteous in Him. Here is a fun fact that blew me away.
"At the foot of Mount Sinai, 3,000 people died. Now lets compare with this with the New Testament. When the day of Pentecost had come, God poured out His Holy Spirit on all flesh and what was the result? Peter stood up to preach the gospel and 3,000 people were saved that day."
Read this over and over until you get it. The Good News of Jesus Christ imparts righteousness on you, it doesn't demand it! It brings life, not death. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus! The law was given so man could see their need for a Savior, not to condemn us.
When you fail in your daily walk or do something you know you shouldn't have, what is your first thought? Is it condemning? Or is it, I am righteous in the sight of God? One brings guilt, the other brings empowerment to do right.
(this is not talking about living in sin, that is a different subject.)
Thank you Jesus for Grace.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The wicked hate GOODNESS
Proverbs 29:26-27 (The Message)
26 Everyone tries to get help from the leader,
but only God will give us justice.
27 Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil;
the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness.
Have you ever tried doing good to people and they just didn't receive it? I came across this verse this morning and it jumped off the page. I was looking at verses about goodness. I intended writing about the Goodness of God and how we can apply it in our life. Then "BAM" I came across this verse in the message translation.
Through some frustrating experiences and my journey of learning to hate the things the Lord hates, such as wickedness, the wicked hate goodness. You can do good and be hated for it.
It still means you have to walk in love and pray for your enemies, but people will hate you if you have good in you.
Proverbs 8:13 says,
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.
This makes sense. The righteous/wise person will hate evil, but the evil will hate good. You cannot serve two masters.
When you feel you are doing good and people aren't receiving it, pray for them. Love those who hate you.
Matthew 5:38-42
38 You have heard that it was said, "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."
39 But I (Jesus) tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
41 and whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him who asks you , and you from him who wants to borrow from you, do not turn away.
Matthew 5:44
But I (Jesus) say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
The next time you experience someone hating you for doing good, follow these steps Jesus gives us, also in Luke 6:27-36
1. Love them
2. Bless them
3. Pray for them
26 Everyone tries to get help from the leader,
but only God will give us justice.
27 Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil;
the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness.
Have you ever tried doing good to people and they just didn't receive it? I came across this verse this morning and it jumped off the page. I was looking at verses about goodness. I intended writing about the Goodness of God and how we can apply it in our life. Then "BAM" I came across this verse in the message translation.
Through some frustrating experiences and my journey of learning to hate the things the Lord hates, such as wickedness, the wicked hate goodness. You can do good and be hated for it.
It still means you have to walk in love and pray for your enemies, but people will hate you if you have good in you.
Proverbs 8:13 says,
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.
This makes sense. The righteous/wise person will hate evil, but the evil will hate good. You cannot serve two masters.
When you feel you are doing good and people aren't receiving it, pray for them. Love those who hate you.
Matthew 5:38-42
38 You have heard that it was said, "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."
39 But I (Jesus) tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
41 and whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him who asks you , and you from him who wants to borrow from you, do not turn away.
Matthew 5:44
But I (Jesus) say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
The next time you experience someone hating you for doing good, follow these steps Jesus gives us, also in Luke 6:27-36
1. Love them
2. Bless them
3. Pray for them
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
What do you speak for? What do you give voice to?
I had a meeting with a woman the other day. We were at a Caribou Coffee and she made a statement that really stood out to me. When I go to business meetings, people always ask, ok…so what do you do?
During this meeting, we shared what we both do for a living and then we got into a deeper conversation on our “passions”. It was a great conversation and it lead to more meetings and relationship building between the two of us. But aside from the meeting, this woman asked:
What do you speak for? What do you give voice to?
I LOVE these two questions. I thougt to myself, I am a service coordinator for a home care company. I know I am an intrinsic health coach. That really doesn't say what I speak for though. Now when asked what I do…I have a better answer. I speak for the seniors who want to stay in their own home and not move to a facility. I speak for the individuals who want to live fully alive and remove any obstacles that keep them from accomplishing their full potential.
Ok, this is who I speak for in my job, but what else do I speak for in my life or give voice to daily? You know where I am going with this, don’t you?
I want to be a voice who speaks truth to people who need to know God’s love or who have fallen away from believing the goodness of God and the need of a Savior.
I give my voice to the glorification of the Lord and to profess the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:22-24 (New International Version)
22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
During this meeting, we shared what we both do for a living and then we got into a deeper conversation on our “passions”. It was a great conversation and it lead to more meetings and relationship building between the two of us. But aside from the meeting, this woman asked:
What do you speak for? What do you give voice to?
I LOVE these two questions. I thougt to myself, I am a service coordinator for a home care company. I know I am an intrinsic health coach. That really doesn't say what I speak for though. Now when asked what I do…I have a better answer. I speak for the seniors who want to stay in their own home and not move to a facility. I speak for the individuals who want to live fully alive and remove any obstacles that keep them from accomplishing their full potential.
Ok, this is who I speak for in my job, but what else do I speak for in my life or give voice to daily? You know where I am going with this, don’t you?
I want to be a voice who speaks truth to people who need to know God’s love or who have fallen away from believing the goodness of God and the need of a Savior.
I give my voice to the glorification of the Lord and to profess the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:22-24 (New International Version)
22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Still waters
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Ps 23:1-3
Monday, August 25, 2008
Christ's leadership
When you say that title out loud, Christ-the head of the church, or Christ-the leader of the church, what do you think of? What pops up in your mind?
I recently finished a book for marriage called, Boundaries in Marriage by Henry Cloud. It went over the very well known verse in Ephesians 5:22-23, and 25;
Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which is the Savior...Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy.
I know many of us have read this verse time and again, whether single, engaged, married, divorced or widowed. I know I have. But what does this verse describe? What leadership describes Christ to the church? I read this next paragraph, and I thought it was beautiful.
I want to share this piece of the book with you just to remind you of our beautiful Savior.
"He (Christ) died for her (church) and makes her whole. He looks out for her growth, and protects her from the world, the flesh, and the devil. He helps her to invest her talents, heals her hurts, takes her suffering on himself, supports her trials, and comes alongside of her when she falls."
Paul describes the leadership role in Phil. 2:5-8
Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
"A leader is a giving servant who is committed to the best for the one(s) he or she is leading."
taken by Henry Cloud's, Boundaries in Marriage.
This truly inspired me to start disciplining myself to have this same mind set. I want to have this in my relationships and places of influence. Imagining what this is going to look like in my life is so much fun.
I recently finished a book for marriage called, Boundaries in Marriage by Henry Cloud. It went over the very well known verse in Ephesians 5:22-23, and 25;
Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which is the Savior...Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy.
I know many of us have read this verse time and again, whether single, engaged, married, divorced or widowed. I know I have. But what does this verse describe? What leadership describes Christ to the church? I read this next paragraph, and I thought it was beautiful.
I want to share this piece of the book with you just to remind you of our beautiful Savior.
"He (Christ) died for her (church) and makes her whole. He looks out for her growth, and protects her from the world, the flesh, and the devil. He helps her to invest her talents, heals her hurts, takes her suffering on himself, supports her trials, and comes alongside of her when she falls."
Paul describes the leadership role in Phil. 2:5-8
Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
"A leader is a giving servant who is committed to the best for the one(s) he or she is leading."
taken by Henry Cloud's, Boundaries in Marriage.
This truly inspired me to start disciplining myself to have this same mind set. I want to have this in my relationships and places of influence. Imagining what this is going to look like in my life is so much fun.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Simply being with Jesus
Tricia encouraged us to share what the most important thing is right now in our walk with the Lord so I'll share some of what Jesus is doing in my heart and life. I thought it was great that Tricia used the wording "right now"....what is the Lord doing "right now?", because we all go through different seasons at different times and what God 's doing with me right now is probably different than what He's doing in you right now, but it's all equally important and valuable. And this is a great place to share and encourage one another with what Jesus is doing in our lives.
This summer The Lord has been drawing me back to Him and just loving Him and simply being with Him. So often I want to come away from my devotion time with notes of what I learned or an answer to the current challenge in my life, and I miss experiencing Him and His love and presence. But I am more aware than ever that it's Him that I need more than mental understanding or answers to my questions. Jesus has used the revival going on in Lakeland, FL and the book The Shack to really jump start a new hunger for HIM. And for simply walking with Him each day in simplicity...hearing and obeying that day. Of course,it's a constant struggle to do this and to focus on my relationship with Him and to just sit down and be quiet. Honestly, my flesh feels better when I feel like I've accomplished something during my time with Him. I get convicted all the time of reading ABOUT Him, or studying ABOUT Him and forgetting to just BE with Him.
So today I encourage myself and everyone to take a little time to just BE with him....even if you went to church today and heard a great message....have you just quieted yourself and spent time with Him? He's always there...waiting for me, and as I'm slowly finding out, that when I feel His love and presence, suddenly mental understanding, or answers I need don't matter so much anymore. Jesus is showing me that my life is best lived IN Him, not just for Him.
Everyone have a blessed week, Emily :)
This summer The Lord has been drawing me back to Him and just loving Him and simply being with Him. So often I want to come away from my devotion time with notes of what I learned or an answer to the current challenge in my life, and I miss experiencing Him and His love and presence. But I am more aware than ever that it's Him that I need more than mental understanding or answers to my questions. Jesus has used the revival going on in Lakeland, FL and the book The Shack to really jump start a new hunger for HIM. And for simply walking with Him each day in simplicity...hearing and obeying that day. Of course,it's a constant struggle to do this and to focus on my relationship with Him and to just sit down and be quiet. Honestly, my flesh feels better when I feel like I've accomplished something during my time with Him. I get convicted all the time of reading ABOUT Him, or studying ABOUT Him and forgetting to just BE with Him.
So today I encourage myself and everyone to take a little time to just BE with him....even if you went to church today and heard a great message....have you just quieted yourself and spent time with Him? He's always there...waiting for me, and as I'm slowly finding out, that when I feel His love and presence, suddenly mental understanding, or answers I need don't matter so much anymore. Jesus is showing me that my life is best lived IN Him, not just for Him.
Everyone have a blessed week, Emily :)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Knowing Him as Abba
Over 2,000 years ago Jesus came to declare to the world that the uncreated God of Heaven and Earth is a Father who so loved the world that He gave His only Son to die so that He may inherit a family through the blood of His Son. As Jesus taught, He was very intentional about speaking of God as His Father, your Father, and our Father.
Two verses in the Bible can have a different impact when you change one word; God to Father. Genesis 1:1 could read “In the beginning the Father...” and John 3:16 could easily read, “For the Father so loved the world.” As we consider the truth that Jesus came and taught us to relate to God as our Father we must actually begin to look at several places in the Word and consider Him a Father, a 'Papa', a Dad that has real tangible affection, feeling and emotion for His children.
Consider the many verses that speak of God's delight, rejoicing heart and enjoyment of those that fear Him. Psalm 16:3 As for the saints who are on the earth, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. Job 33:26 He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, he shall see His face with joy. Proverbs 8:30 I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him. I approach these verses as the description of what my Father in heaven is like and how He feels about me. The truth is He delights in me. He takes pleasure in me. He rejoices over me. I write my name in those verses to where it reads ‘as for Wes who lives in KC, he is my excellent son in whom is all my delight’ (psalm 16:3). This can seem minute but beloved this is powerful. When I speak it, pray it and sing it the most powerful thing begins to happen... I begin to believe it! When our hearts begin to be rooted and grounded in the truth of how our Father feels towards us we will become bold and confident sons and daughters.
I ask myself why? Why does my Father feel this way about me? Because I am His son and He is my Father. That’s it. Jesus said it best in John 17:23 You (Father) have loved them as You have loved Me. This is stunning! The same love that the Father loves Jesus He loves me. The way God loves God is the SAME way God loves me. Unthinkable! He is a Father that is madly in love with His children. He actually likes us, He is for us and He’s zealous to be our Father in whom we find our strength, our comfort, our hope and our security.
I’m a new dad these days and I can tell you that there’s nothing that could keep me from taking joy in my son. When I think of him I’m filled with affection, gladness and pleasure. He’s only six months old, he cannot earn my love. He doesn’t have to do anything for it. He can barely sit up let alone ‘do’ for me, and He doesn’t have to. He is my son! Therefore I’m full of love and affection for him. And the scripture says if you then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much more your Father in heaven... Mt 7:11.
Rest in the knowledge that He knows your name, that He built your frame and takes the hitghest pleasure in you. Rest in the fact that you cannot nor ever will be expected to EARN His love. Before time began He knew you, sent His Son--the very gloy of his image--as ransom for you. Rest knowing that you have an eternal Father who will never fail you, who is forever proud of you and let him embrace you with His effection!
Written By: Wes Martin
Written By: Wes Martin
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Take me into the holy of holies
Theres nothing that can compare to entering into a place in worship where Gods manifested presence meets you there. To go in so deep that everything around you seems to drown itself out and fade into nonexistence. A place where God has you all to Himself, to share the intimacy with you that He has longed for since before you were born. Its the one place that He knows His voice is clearer to you than any other sound on earth.
But, its a journey that not all experience. Some may be too timid to venture much past the outer courtyard. Others press in, only to stop short in the holy place they have felt His touch but may not even know that it goes much, much deeper. Or maybe they enjoy the comfort of the holy place a little too much and settle for a sip when they can have a river. The most holy place the holy of holies where the Shekinah glory of the Lord resides. Two minutes spent in the holy of holies can change a life forever.
In these last days, God is calling for a restoration of Davids tabernacle. We know that the structure of Davids tabernacle consisted of not much more than a tent. So, why would God choose this make-shift tent over the tabernacle of Moses or especially Solomon? Davids tabernacle was the only one of the three that lacked a veil that separated the presence of God from His people. He could finally be intimate with His people. His tabernacle was also one that offered up worship around the clock to God without ceasing.
Acts chapter 15 (NIV) says After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.(Also found in Amos 9).
Why is He going to restore the tabernacle of David? So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD I believe that restoring worship to the body of Christ is an imperative part to these last days and specifically to the harvest of souls in these last days not to mention the fact that the Father misses that intimacy with His children.
Its time for the body of Christ to tap into that glory like we never have before. We must hunger and thirst like we never have if we want an encounter like weve never experienced. Its the power that resides in the glory where we will find healing, restoration, and breakthrough in every area of our lives.
Taken from www.Micahjared.com
-Colleen Eide
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Come to Papa
I wanted to share this precious testimony with all of you!
It's an excerpt from a book that I recently read, it touched my heart and really helped me see God in a new light! I hope that it blesses you as much as it did me...
"When I was preaching at Metro Christian Fellowship, one of the sisters in the fellowship told me a wonderful story, and I will tell it to you with her permission. She came up during the ministry time after one of the messages to receive the good news of the forgiveness of God. Thirty years earlier, she had a child out of wedlock, was sent away by her family to have the child and give it up for adoption. When she came home after that experience, she was met by her father, who was the cranky accountant that many of us picture God to be. He gave her a little black book in which he had detailed all of the expenses of her pregnancy and her experience. He took her into her room, set that little black book on her dresser, and said, "There, now you remember."
How many of us know that little black books like that are about more than money? They are about things like shame, rejection, fear, and brokenness. Then every week, as she would bring home her paycheck from her job she would hand her paycheck to her father. He would receive it, and then he would go into her room, take that little black book, and mark out a line of debt - week after week, line upon line, until the debt was paid. Perhaps you can relate to the burden of that weight of shame and guilt clouding every encounter with your father, the one who could forgive, but chooses not to. The world is filled with people living under just such a cloud of unforgiveness. They never know the joy of being set free from the debt, never believing that God would be the Father of forgiveness.
So, that particular Sunday during the ministry time, she was at the altar when the Lord opened the eyes of her spirit. She saw herself standing again in her bedroom and looking at that little black book on the dresser, when suddenly the door opened and Jesus walked in. He walked straight to that little black book, opened it, and stamped it "Paid-in-Full." Then He took that little book of her debt and flung it away! He sent it away. He threw it out! And He took a little white book that was a book of promise and hope, gave it to her, and said, "This is it, this is the Book of Salvation." He replaced the debt with hope. The debt is paid and cast away. His blood is enough. You owe God nothing, except to say thank you and ask Him again."
Taken from the Book "Come to Papa" (Encountering the Father that Jesus Knew)
By: Gary Wiens
-Colleen Eide
It's an excerpt from a book that I recently read, it touched my heart and really helped me see God in a new light! I hope that it blesses you as much as it did me...
"When I was preaching at Metro Christian Fellowship, one of the sisters in the fellowship told me a wonderful story, and I will tell it to you with her permission. She came up during the ministry time after one of the messages to receive the good news of the forgiveness of God. Thirty years earlier, she had a child out of wedlock, was sent away by her family to have the child and give it up for adoption. When she came home after that experience, she was met by her father, who was the cranky accountant that many of us picture God to be. He gave her a little black book in which he had detailed all of the expenses of her pregnancy and her experience. He took her into her room, set that little black book on her dresser, and said, "There, now you remember."
How many of us know that little black books like that are about more than money? They are about things like shame, rejection, fear, and brokenness. Then every week, as she would bring home her paycheck from her job she would hand her paycheck to her father. He would receive it, and then he would go into her room, take that little black book, and mark out a line of debt - week after week, line upon line, until the debt was paid. Perhaps you can relate to the burden of that weight of shame and guilt clouding every encounter with your father, the one who could forgive, but chooses not to. The world is filled with people living under just such a cloud of unforgiveness. They never know the joy of being set free from the debt, never believing that God would be the Father of forgiveness.
So, that particular Sunday during the ministry time, she was at the altar when the Lord opened the eyes of her spirit. She saw herself standing again in her bedroom and looking at that little black book on the dresser, when suddenly the door opened and Jesus walked in. He walked straight to that little black book, opened it, and stamped it "Paid-in-Full." Then He took that little book of her debt and flung it away! He sent it away. He threw it out! And He took a little white book that was a book of promise and hope, gave it to her, and said, "This is it, this is the Book of Salvation." He replaced the debt with hope. The debt is paid and cast away. His blood is enough. You owe God nothing, except to say thank you and ask Him again."
Taken from the Book "Come to Papa" (Encountering the Father that Jesus Knew)
By: Gary Wiens
-Colleen Eide
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Thoughts...
I am on vacation until the 21st and one of my goals is to not get online during this trip...haha
So...I will not put a post up until the end of the month.
However, before then, I would really like to know where every one's thoughts are. Are these Bible studies working, what would you like to see in your walk with God, would anyone like to post their learning's, or what is the most important thing right now with your relationship with the Lord? I lovingly nudge those who said they want to participate, to post a comment...let me know where your thoughts are. You don't have to post comments on the study posted...it can be from your one on one with our Father and His Word in your life.
-Tricia
So...I will not put a post up until the end of the month.
However, before then, I would really like to know where every one's thoughts are. Are these Bible studies working, what would you like to see in your walk with God, would anyone like to post their learning's, or what is the most important thing right now with your relationship with the Lord? I lovingly nudge those who said they want to participate, to post a comment...let me know where your thoughts are. You don't have to post comments on the study posted...it can be from your one on one with our Father and His Word in your life.
-Tricia
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Daniel 4-6 reading as well as some other thoughts
Before I post regarding our Study in Daniel, I want to share a heart thought...
I was checking my email and I came across some prayer notes my church sends out and this verse really stood out to me.
FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, (2) For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. (3) For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, (4) Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4 AMP)
I like the part where the verse says, it is good and right, it is pleasing and acceptable to God. I feel we are going to be moving in a direction of seeing what pleases God. I was talking with a wonderful woman of God and she said this to me, "I ask the Lord what would please Him today, what can I do for you today, Lord". I realized I always come to God with my needs and my wants. Lord do this, Lord I need help, and the requests continue.
My heart thought is...
What would my life look like if I asked God what He wanted today, would my life be the same? Would my day look the same? Lord what do you want to show me today, how can I serve you in this day you have given me?
Regarding Daniel 4-6
Belshazzar dies and King Darius is now in the picture...
Before his death, he praises the Lord with these powerful words...
Daniel 4:34-35, “His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’”
Another great verse I found is this one.
Daniel 5:14, "I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you."
I want this reputation!!! How awesome would that be if people knew you for that.
Chapter 6 is the most common one because it is Daniel in the Lion's Den
Darius praises God as well...
Daniel 6:26-27, "For He is the Living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
This makes me think of times I need deliverance. I think we can all think of times in the past or things going on now. This is a testimony and an encouragement for us! God delivers and rescues...praise God!
I hope you really get a chance to read these chapters, they are so powerful!
I was checking my email and I came across some prayer notes my church sends out and this verse really stood out to me.
FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, (2) For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. (3) For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, (4) Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4 AMP)
I like the part where the verse says, it is good and right, it is pleasing and acceptable to God. I feel we are going to be moving in a direction of seeing what pleases God. I was talking with a wonderful woman of God and she said this to me, "I ask the Lord what would please Him today, what can I do for you today, Lord". I realized I always come to God with my needs and my wants. Lord do this, Lord I need help, and the requests continue.
My heart thought is...
What would my life look like if I asked God what He wanted today, would my life be the same? Would my day look the same? Lord what do you want to show me today, how can I serve you in this day you have given me?
Regarding Daniel 4-6
Belshazzar dies and King Darius is now in the picture...
Before his death, he praises the Lord with these powerful words...
Daniel 4:34-35, “His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’”
Another great verse I found is this one.
Daniel 5:14, "I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you."
I want this reputation!!! How awesome would that be if people knew you for that.
Chapter 6 is the most common one because it is Daniel in the Lion's Den
Darius praises God as well...
Daniel 6:26-27, "For He is the Living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
This makes me think of times I need deliverance. I think we can all think of times in the past or things going on now. This is a testimony and an encouragement for us! God delivers and rescues...praise God!
I hope you really get a chance to read these chapters, they are so powerful!
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Study of Daniel
Reading: Daniel 1-3
Daniel (Belteshazzar)
Objective: Over the next few weeks we will read the whole book. Daniel starts off amazing and then gets in to a lot of prophecy. Let's try meditating on Daniel 1-3 first. As you read it, try and apply things to your own life. Ask the Lord to allow you to have favor at work, favor with the doctors, favor in financial decisions, and where else it may apply.
Chapter 1:17 God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Do you have understanding, knowledge, and wisdom in all area's of your life? Why did Daniel have this? What challenges did Daniel go through and how did his faith play a part of his outcome? Let's explore these passages. This book is filled with amazing truths, moves of God, and prophecy's. We should always stand for what is right. God is bigger than any punishment we could ever have, whether He delivers us or not. He is worthy of our trust. Let me know what you get from the reading.
Brief Description of Chapters 1-3
Daniel chapter 1 describes Daniel and his three friends being deported to Babylon and being “promoted” in the king’s service. Daniel chapter 2 records Nebuchadnezzar having a dream that only Daniel could correctly interpret. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a great statue represented the kingdoms that would arise in the future. Daniel chapter 3 records Nebuchadnezzar making a great statue and forcing everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused and were miraculously spared by God despite being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Daniel (Belteshazzar)
Objective: Over the next few weeks we will read the whole book. Daniel starts off amazing and then gets in to a lot of prophecy. Let's try meditating on Daniel 1-3 first. As you read it, try and apply things to your own life. Ask the Lord to allow you to have favor at work, favor with the doctors, favor in financial decisions, and where else it may apply.
Chapter 1:17 God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Do you have understanding, knowledge, and wisdom in all area's of your life? Why did Daniel have this? What challenges did Daniel go through and how did his faith play a part of his outcome? Let's explore these passages. This book is filled with amazing truths, moves of God, and prophecy's. We should always stand for what is right. God is bigger than any punishment we could ever have, whether He delivers us or not. He is worthy of our trust. Let me know what you get from the reading.
Brief Description of Chapters 1-3
Daniel chapter 1 describes Daniel and his three friends being deported to Babylon and being “promoted” in the king’s service. Daniel chapter 2 records Nebuchadnezzar having a dream that only Daniel could correctly interpret. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a great statue represented the kingdoms that would arise in the future. Daniel chapter 3 records Nebuchadnezzar making a great statue and forcing everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused and were miraculously spared by God despite being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Pauline Prayers
I wanted to include these in our daily walk with God because these are prayers Paul never stopped praying during his ministry. I believe these are powerful prayers. I was recently challenged to say them every day for a year. The outcome would be far beyond what I could ever hope. Well, I have said them a few weeks, maybe not every day, and BIG things are happening. It is the Word of God coming alive in our life. Please read these and think about incorporating these in your everyday walk.
1. Ephesians 1:16-23
2. Ephesians 3:16-21
3. Colossians 1:9-14
4. Philippians 1:6
5. Philippians 1:9-11
I just realized that there are five...Lets try saying one a day and meditating on that one.
Once you pray it for yourself, think of all the people you can pray this for, your family, our Nation, our friends, the people that have hurt you the most, our President, etc...
Please comment on what you think after you read them.
1. Ephesians 1:16-23
2. Ephesians 3:16-21
3. Colossians 1:9-14
4. Philippians 1:6
5. Philippians 1:9-11
I just realized that there are five...Lets try saying one a day and meditating on that one.
Once you pray it for yourself, think of all the people you can pray this for, your family, our Nation, our friends, the people that have hurt you the most, our President, etc...
Please comment on what you think after you read them.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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