Scripture:"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."
2 Corinthians 4:15
Observation:
Paul explains to the Corinthians that the grace of the new covenant makes redemption possible. Though he has often been mistreated, injured, generally been "done wrong," he insists that God is his strength. In verse 15, he points the church toward both God's grace and the thanksgiving that should accompany it.
Application:
My question is this: do I rejoice when others receive grace or am I like the older brother in the prodigal son? Am I thrilled to see others receive mercy? Does my heart stir with excitement to see God's compassion at work in lives?
Prayer:
Father,
I've done nothing to deserve your grace. Would you prompt me to rejoice when others receive it too? Forgive me for considering my own self when your grace is overflowing into the lives of others. Teach me true selflessness, true grace.
Amen.
Friday, March 28, by Nancy
Scripture:
"After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord."
Judges 4:1
Observation:
The book of the Judges records a terrible cycle in the history of Israel--one of rebellion and repentance, repeated over and over again. Some how the Israelites never seem to learn the lesson. They never make the connection between obedience and blessing and disobedience and devastation. Yet God repeatedly takes them back, time and again, when they finally recognize the error of their ways, he takes them back in forgiveness.
Application:
That's among the best things I've ever heard! I am embarrassed to say that I am often just as wrong-headed as the children of Israel. It turns out, I too am stubborn and stiff-necked! I'm so thankful that God forgives and forgets. That He removes my sin as far as the east is from the west. How remarkable that He does not tire of having his children come back to Him in repentance--His mercies are new every morning!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for not keeping track of the number of times I foolishly demand my own way, the times I fail to submit, or choose selfishness over grace. I am so grateful for your mercy in my life.
Amen
"After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord."
Judges 4:1
Observation:
The book of the Judges records a terrible cycle in the history of Israel--one of rebellion and repentance, repeated over and over again. Some how the Israelites never seem to learn the lesson. They never make the connection between obedience and blessing and disobedience and devastation. Yet God repeatedly takes them back, time and again, when they finally recognize the error of their ways, he takes them back in forgiveness.
Application:
That's among the best things I've ever heard! I am embarrassed to say that I am often just as wrong-headed as the children of Israel. It turns out, I too am stubborn and stiff-necked! I'm so thankful that God forgives and forgets. That He removes my sin as far as the east is from the west. How remarkable that He does not tire of having his children come back to Him in repentance--His mercies are new every morning!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for not keeping track of the number of times I foolishly demand my own way, the times I fail to submit, or choose selfishness over grace. I am so grateful for your mercy in my life.
Amen
Monday, March 24th, 2008 by Randy
Title
One more for Jesus!
Scripture
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV)
Observation
Paul’s passion for others well ups in this chapter. For him, sharing the gospel was not an option, but a godly calling, compelling him point one more person to Christ. In these two verses Paul gives some important principles to bridge the gap. First, we must cultivate a relationship with others that makes them feel accepted and not threatened. Paul writes, “To the weak I become weak, to win the weak”. Paul was willing to be vulnerable. Also, Paul said “I have become all things to all men…” He saw the importance of finding common ground with the unbelievers. In fact he went so far as to write, “so that by ALL possible means, I might save some.” Without compromising his faith, he was willing to do whatever it took to win one more.
The last part of this verse ends with a promise. There is a blessing that comes only from sharing our faith. Paul says he does this for the sake of the gospel--that he may share in its blessings. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone come to Christ. There is nothing more lasting. Nothing more God-honoring.
Application
I want to share my faith more. Too often in the business of my schedule (so I think), I fail to slow down and relate to those outside the faith. God wants me to be sensitive to the needs of others and actively look for opportunities to share him. I want to be willing to do whatever it takes to point one person to Jesus! The cool thing is that I don’t believe God is asking me to stand on a corner or go door to door. He wants me to share with people in the places I already frequent. My neighbors, at the coffee shop, when I’m exercising. My heart needs to be broken for these people who don’t know Jesus.
Prayer
Father, may I have great passion for the lost around me. I know that is your heart. I want it to be my heart. Help me to be willing to “be all things to all men” to point people to you. AMEN.
One more for Jesus!
Scripture
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV)
Observation
Paul’s passion for others well ups in this chapter. For him, sharing the gospel was not an option, but a godly calling, compelling him point one more person to Christ. In these two verses Paul gives some important principles to bridge the gap. First, we must cultivate a relationship with others that makes them feel accepted and not threatened. Paul writes, “To the weak I become weak, to win the weak”. Paul was willing to be vulnerable. Also, Paul said “I have become all things to all men…” He saw the importance of finding common ground with the unbelievers. In fact he went so far as to write, “so that by ALL possible means, I might save some.” Without compromising his faith, he was willing to do whatever it took to win one more.
The last part of this verse ends with a promise. There is a blessing that comes only from sharing our faith. Paul says he does this for the sake of the gospel--that he may share in its blessings. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone come to Christ. There is nothing more lasting. Nothing more God-honoring.
Application
I want to share my faith more. Too often in the business of my schedule (so I think), I fail to slow down and relate to those outside the faith. God wants me to be sensitive to the needs of others and actively look for opportunities to share him. I want to be willing to do whatever it takes to point one person to Jesus! The cool thing is that I don’t believe God is asking me to stand on a corner or go door to door. He wants me to share with people in the places I already frequent. My neighbors, at the coffee shop, when I’m exercising. My heart needs to be broken for these people who don’t know Jesus.
Prayer
Father, may I have great passion for the lost around me. I know that is your heart. I want it to be my heart. Help me to be willing to “be all things to all men” to point people to you. AMEN.
Friday, March 21, by Nancy
Scripture:
"The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord."
Joshua 9:14
Observation:
In the midst of conquering the Promised Land, Joshua and the people are tricked by the Gibeonites. They were thorough in their disguise and beguiling in their speech and Joshua was deceived. Though God instructed them to destroy all of the inhabitants of the land, they made an accord with the Gibeonites that they would let them live as their slaves. The people of Gibeon chose life-long servanthood over sure death.
I've always wondered at the inclusion of this story in the account of Joshua and the Israelites. I think the reason for it is in verse 14--they did not inquire of the Lord. While their motives were good, their impulse merciful, their instinct to check on the veracity of the story, they failed to consult with El Deah, the God of Knowledge.
Application:
I do that too. I carefully consider, I get wise counsel, I ponder, but honestly, sometimes I fail to consult my God. Of course I check my motives; of course I consider the morality of the decision; of course I act with integrity; but I do not always inquire of the Lord. And I foolishly blunder hurting myself and others, causing difficulties and complications which would have been easily avoided had I asked the God who knows.
Wise counsel, consideration, morality and integrity are all good. I should continue to seek them but firstI must seek the One Who Knows.
Prayer:
Forgive me, Father, for foolishly making decisions without coming first to you. I know you know me like none other. You know my going out and my coming in. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I trust you always to lead me where you know is best. Stir my heart to come first to you--to inquire of the Lord before I take any other steps.
Amen.
"The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord."
Joshua 9:14
Observation:
In the midst of conquering the Promised Land, Joshua and the people are tricked by the Gibeonites. They were thorough in their disguise and beguiling in their speech and Joshua was deceived. Though God instructed them to destroy all of the inhabitants of the land, they made an accord with the Gibeonites that they would let them live as their slaves. The people of Gibeon chose life-long servanthood over sure death.
I've always wondered at the inclusion of this story in the account of Joshua and the Israelites. I think the reason for it is in verse 14--they did not inquire of the Lord. While their motives were good, their impulse merciful, their instinct to check on the veracity of the story, they failed to consult with El Deah, the God of Knowledge.
Application:
I do that too. I carefully consider, I get wise counsel, I ponder, but honestly, sometimes I fail to consult my God. Of course I check my motives; of course I consider the morality of the decision; of course I act with integrity; but I do not always inquire of the Lord. And I foolishly blunder hurting myself and others, causing difficulties and complications which would have been easily avoided had I asked the God who knows.
Wise counsel, consideration, morality and integrity are all good. I should continue to seek them but firstI must seek the One Who Knows.
Prayer:
Forgive me, Father, for foolishly making decisions without coming first to you. I know you know me like none other. You know my going out and my coming in. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I trust you always to lead me where you know is best. Stir my heart to come first to you--to inquire of the Lord before I take any other steps.
Amen.
March 20, 2008 by Keith
Title: Stand up!
Scripture:
Joshua 7:10“ The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?”
Observation:
Joshua is desperate! All he can do is come before the Lord and plead… “Why?!, why?!” In his mind the Lord didn’t do what He had promised. Israel went to Battle a small city and lost! This didn’t look so good for the future.
Then like a slap to the face or a surprise water balloon to the head, the Lord says, “Stand up!” I can only imagine what that would sound like coming from God… Unfortunately my mind hears an American father that speaks English… thus, I can’t fully comprehend what God’s voice and fluctuation would sound like… but I bet it’s stern, not angry, comforting, not weak… so he says, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?” God knew exactly what he was doing. This is a test from a father to a son. Son, don’t you trust me? Won’t you be obedient to me?
Application:
There are times in my life that I feel confused about God’s calling. I’ve never lost a battle in a literal war but I do feel defeated at times. I do feel a bit lost… I do have pity parties.
So, I hear these words of my God speaking to me today, “Keith, Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?”
The Lord says arise! Be confident in me! I will provide! I am the Lord Almighty! I am your Commander and Chief!
These are encouraging words from my Father.
The only concern is why Israel lost the battle in the first place… it was because one man gave into sin. He coveted, and then gave into temptation. This proved deadly for himself, his family, and the people of Israel.
May I not be like this man… may I be more like Joshua. May I be honest, filled with integrity, and dependant on the Lord God.
Prayer:
God, Your Words are encouraging. May I take courage today that You are God. You always have been and you will be all day today!! I praise You for this. You forever get the glory. In Christ, amen!
Scripture:
Joshua 7:10“ The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?”
Observation:
Joshua is desperate! All he can do is come before the Lord and plead… “Why?!, why?!” In his mind the Lord didn’t do what He had promised. Israel went to Battle a small city and lost! This didn’t look so good for the future.
Then like a slap to the face or a surprise water balloon to the head, the Lord says, “Stand up!” I can only imagine what that would sound like coming from God… Unfortunately my mind hears an American father that speaks English… thus, I can’t fully comprehend what God’s voice and fluctuation would sound like… but I bet it’s stern, not angry, comforting, not weak… so he says, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?” God knew exactly what he was doing. This is a test from a father to a son. Son, don’t you trust me? Won’t you be obedient to me?
Application:
There are times in my life that I feel confused about God’s calling. I’ve never lost a battle in a literal war but I do feel defeated at times. I do feel a bit lost… I do have pity parties.
So, I hear these words of my God speaking to me today, “Keith, Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?”
The Lord says arise! Be confident in me! I will provide! I am the Lord Almighty! I am your Commander and Chief!
These are encouraging words from my Father.
The only concern is why Israel lost the battle in the first place… it was because one man gave into sin. He coveted, and then gave into temptation. This proved deadly for himself, his family, and the people of Israel.
May I not be like this man… may I be more like Joshua. May I be honest, filled with integrity, and dependant on the Lord God.
Prayer:
God, Your Words are encouraging. May I take courage today that You are God. You always have been and you will be all day today!! I praise You for this. You forever get the glory. In Christ, amen!
March 19, 2008 by Andy
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
Actions speak louder than words is one of those phrases that you hear tossed around quit a bit. I hear on ESPN as well as the Food Network. It is a basic principle that says what you do means more than what you say. I 1 Corinthians 4:20 Paul gives this line that basically is saying the same thing only it is about God. “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
The kingdom of God is referred to I scripture in a few different ways. I believe that Paul is referring to the idea of living like Christ or living in God’s will. I know that this passage deserve further study but since this is just my journal I think I am fine. I hear Paul saying that God is not a God of only words but he is a God of Power and action. Honestly I think Paul is encouraging his audience to be of the same mind. As I read I need to look in my life and see where I have had a tendency to operate in a “words” realm and not is God’s kingdom. I think that challenge comes to me in the form of evangelism and loving my neighbors. I usually just do life and wait for these 2 opportunities to arise. It isn’t terrible but it just isn’t living as if God’s Kingdom is a matter of Power. I need to be seeking out my neighbors and seeing how I can love them and I need to be seeking relationships that I may be able to lead someone to Christ. Living this way means that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of Power.
Lord help me to live as if your kingdom has power. I don’t want to be a talker but I want to be a doer. May I always be quick to act on your word and to love those that enter my life. May I also always be seeking our those whose lives need to be touched my you. AMEN
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 by Bob
Title: Drops of Grace
Scripture: 1 Cor 3:6-7, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
Observation: In this chapter we see Paul admonishing the Corinthian church because of their spiritual immaturity demonstrated by their squabbling over which leader was better. In one straightforward statement Paul attempted to resolve the issue and left them with a truth which speaks to all generations. Paul revealed that God has purposed them to lay the groundwork to bring people into the Kingdom, but it was God who ultimately wins their souls.
Application: New Hope Church’s OUTFLOW into our community this last weekend was a practical way to ‘lay the groundwork’ and spill God’s grace into the lives of others in our community. Some of us even had an opportunity to share the gospel to others through words. That’s what we are called to do, to be “Light to the World” (Matt 5:14). But we need to remember our role in building God’s Kingdom. Once our work is done we need to patiently wait on God to touch and change their hearts, and bring them to Him. As we place ‘drops of grace’ on the lives of those placed in our lives, God will use them to grow a faith that yearns for Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your grace and for your plan which allows us to participate in the joy of preparing others for your Kingdom. Help me to freely share your loving kindness to those around me, and to always be sensitive to those who need you desperately.
Scripture: 1 Cor 3:6-7, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
Observation: In this chapter we see Paul admonishing the Corinthian church because of their spiritual immaturity demonstrated by their squabbling over which leader was better. In one straightforward statement Paul attempted to resolve the issue and left them with a truth which speaks to all generations. Paul revealed that God has purposed them to lay the groundwork to bring people into the Kingdom, but it was God who ultimately wins their souls.
Application: New Hope Church’s OUTFLOW into our community this last weekend was a practical way to ‘lay the groundwork’ and spill God’s grace into the lives of others in our community. Some of us even had an opportunity to share the gospel to others through words. That’s what we are called to do, to be “Light to the World” (Matt 5:14). But we need to remember our role in building God’s Kingdom. Once our work is done we need to patiently wait on God to touch and change their hearts, and bring them to Him. As we place ‘drops of grace’ on the lives of those placed in our lives, God will use them to grow a faith that yearns for Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your grace and for your plan which allows us to participate in the joy of preparing others for your Kingdom. Help me to freely share your loving kindness to those around me, and to always be sensitive to those who need you desperately.
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