Accountability

I depend on my fellow Christians. Their prayers, encouragement, fellowship and love carry me along on life's journey. I always have a friend to lean on, caring ears to listen to my problems, strong arms to lift when I fall and prayers to help me find the way. My church is a family to me. When a Family is very large it is impossible to interact with them all or even know them all. I have many cousins that I have never even meant on the larger side of my natural family. Unity should be a goal for every church. God's people, pulling together can do mighty works and at the same time aid each other along the journey.

S.O.A.P.

3-11-2015      Romans 10:11-13

S.       11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

O.      Walls of social and political division are eliminated to those that believe.

A.      I see all Christians as one people no matter their nationality. Salvation unites us as one people.

    P.       Father; help me teach the unity of believers by living and preaching a good example. Amen. 

ON THE WINNING TEAM!

What a great day to be serving the Lord. With a heart full of peace and a mind at rest we can enjoy each day. My soul was fully rested yesterday. My God honored his word as I honored his Sabbath.....all is well.

9-29-2014      Mark 3:28-

S.       28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: 30 because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

O.      Jesus tells of the un-forgivable sin.

A.      I must guard my mind and keep my thoughts aligned with the word of God. I will not call the work of the Holy Ghost the work of satan, nor compare the wicked to the good with any level of respect to the wicked.

P.       Father God; fill me to the full with the Holy Ghost as I surrender my life to your plan and purpose. Amen.. 

Friendship

I received word of a great loss yesterday morning. My friend was killed in a motorcycle accident.
What do we do when a friend is suddenly gone? Do we cry, scream, hide our pain or just come undone? I have done all that and I still hurt. My friend was the best example of friendship. He never let anything I said, or did, change our relationship. He was always the same. Seek out your friends today and let them know you care. This may be your last chance.

9-14-2014      Mark 1:36-39

S.       36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

O.      Simon finds Jesus in prayer and tells him that people are seeking to see him. Jesus travels to new places to minister in Galilee.

A.      The messages of salvation, healing and deliverance are my responsibility. I will share these with as many as possible.

P.       Father; lead me by your Holy Spirit in the sharing of this wonderful gospel message today. Speak through me, heal through me and love through me. Amen.

Seek and Tell

9-1-2014         Acts 28:17-22   Labor Day

S.       17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

O.      Paul is now in Rome and he meets with the Jewish leaders to share with them the reason of his arrest. A time is set to hear Paul’s defence and to learn about the Christian sect.

A.      We must actively seek out people and tell them our testimony. The message of salvation is needed today. People are hurting, sick and afraid and we have the message of hope, healing and love. I will share!

P.       Father; guide my steps today to those that need your love, hope, healing and salvation. Increase my courage and help me speak. Amen.

Told and Re-Told

8-16-2014      Acts 25:13-21

S.       13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.14And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

O.      King Festus shares his experience with King Agrippa and Bernice concerning Paul. Festus declares that he found nothing worthy of judgment in Paul and would have the matter handled in Jerusalem by Jewish courts but Paul exercised his right as a Roman to be judged by Caesar.

A.      When we are working to spread the gospel many of our listeners will rehearse our words to others. Our work is multiplied and God’s good news becomes a point of interest. We must plant the seed willingly and vigorously to as many as possible. Then and only then is the gospel imprinted into the minds of others that will continue the spreading.  

P.       Father; lead me to the individuals today that I may plant your words in them. Fill me with your spirit and speak through me. Amen.

I am not what I was.

8-6-2014         Acts 23:6-10

S.       6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

O.      Paul’s accusers become divided because of his declaration. He is rescued once again by the captain of the guard.

A.      We must speak a message that will be understood by the people. We must show people that we too have backgrounds similar to theirs. Then we can share the wonderful changes that have come into our life.

P.       Father; help me to be an open book to those I minister to. Help me to share the hope I have in a manner that will give all the glory to you. Amen. 

We need each other

7-31-2014      Acts 22:11-15

S.       10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

O.      Paul is led blind into Damascus and Ananias comes to heal and instruct him.

A.      God will use others to instruct us, to teach us and to bring to light his will. We need each other in this struggle to spread the gospel.

P.       Father in Heaven; bring your children together. Make us as one mighty army as we spread the word. Our world is falling apart, destroying itself and most people have never heard the message of Christ. Help me to walk in unity. Amen.

Lost Souls

7-28-2014      Acts 21:40

S.       40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

O.      Paul begins his speech to the Jews in the Hebrew tongue.

A.      With his life in danger Paul still wants to explain his conversion. He wants everyone to understand his faith. He is more concerned for the souls of others than for his own life. I want to have this same type of devotion and dedication to others.

P.       Father; I want to share my faith, even to people that disagree with me. I need to love others more than I love myself. Teach me this level of love. Amen. 

No Pain

7-20-2014      Acts 20:36-38

S.       36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

O.      Paul is leaving, for the last time, his friends and going to Jerusalem. This is the cause of great sorrow.

A.      Separation brings in heavy hearts, tears, and sorrow. Love that binds us together will never disappear from our hearts and minds even when we are miles apart. One of the great joys of Heaven……no separation….ever. The more we love, the more separation hurts.

P.       Father; wash all my sin away. If sin separates me from you, I hate sin, I denounce sin and I open myself to your presence that I may live forever in your Grace and never be separated from you. Amen.

The counsel of God.

7-16-2014      Acts 20:25-27

S.       25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

O.      Paul says goodbye and declares that he has taught them everything he could.

A.      It is wise to share our knowledge with each other. Missing elements are brought to light and memory is awakened. I will share all I know about God and his love.

P.       Father; I rededicate myself to the spreading of the gospel. Help me to remember all I have learned and to listen to my brethren and learn. Amen.

Dead Boy

7-13-2014      Acts 20:4-12

S.       4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

O.      Paul’s travels bring to Troas where he preaches so long that Eutychus falls asleep and is killed by his fall from a high window. Eutychus is brought back to life and the miracle brings great comfort to the church. Many people are traveling with Paul through Asia, leaders and men of good standing from churches newly established. These men are being trained in the ministry “on the job”.

A.      Working together will make us better. I must teach and learn from my fellow Christians. It is not just about me and what I am. It is about us and who we are. God gives us these examples of unity and fellowship to show us the proper way to live. We are to be parts of the whole, not isolated, not independent, not loaners or islands.

P.       Father; teach me how to pull people together, to grow, to produce and live as one being fully dedicated to worship, fellowship and to saving the lost. I need others and God I need you. Teach me Lord. Amen.

Staying Put

7-3-2014         Acts 18:9-11

S.       9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

O.      In this time of difficulty Paul received a vision that encouraged him to keep going. He remained in this difficult place for 18 months.

A.      God will encourage us in times of difficulty. We should not run from adversity. We should seek God for a fresh “vision” and courage to stay put and win souls.

P.       Father; give me a fresh vision for Tolar, Texas, Hood County, North Texas, America and the whole world. Let me see “beyond the four walls” of my church. Amen.

Friends

7-1-2014         Acts 18:1-4

S.       1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

O.      In Corinth Paul joins together with Aquila and his wife Priscilla……and the work goes on.

A.      It is a great blessing to have help and fellowship with others. I am grateful for all the people that I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside.  I learn, I grow and I even rest because of these wonderful men and women of God. I am blessed.

P.       Father: Thank you for all my friends. Please send special blessings to each of them today. Send them a double portion of joy, a double portion of peace and remind them of how much they are loved. Amen.

New Teachings

6-28-2014      Acts 17:16-21

S.       16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

O.      Paul preaches at Athens and his message is very new to these people.

A.      We must spread the message of Jesus to people who have never heard his teachings.

P.       Father; fill me with the words that can reach those who have never heard your message. Lead me by your Holy Spirit to the ones that I may be a comfort to. Amen.

New Town, Same Message.

6-25-2014      Acts 17:1-9

S.       1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

O.      Thessalonica is the next city to hear the news of Jesus. Once again trouble is stirred up by un-believing Jews.

A.      Some will hear and believe and others will reject the message of Jesus. I must remember it is Jesus they are rejecting and not to be offended.

P.       Father; renew my energy, fill my heart and lead me to the ones that will hear and believe. Amen.

New Places

6-19-2014      Acts 16:5-10

S.       5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

O.      Proper doctrine and unity lead to church growth. Paul keeps spreading the message of Jesus in the places he is directed to go by the Holy Spirit. God gives Paul a vision concerning Macedonia.

A.      The leadership of the Holy Spirit is essential to the effective spreading of the gospel message. None of the disciples of Jesus in the early church attempted to minister without the Holy Spirit. Today the need for the gospel is greater than ever, more people equals more need. So the need to be Spirit Filled is greater than ever.

P.       Father; fill me to the overflowing with your Holy Spirit. I surrender my all to you and seek to do your will perfectly throughout this day. Amen. 

More Help

6-18-2014      Acts 16:1-4

S.       1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

O.      Paul takes on Timothy as his student/helper here. Timothy is circumcised (no explanation is given as to why Timothy did not fall under the decision made at Jerusalem) and the group moves on to spread the word and the results of the Jerusalem council.

A.      God will place certain people in our lives that are to work alongside us. Working together can bring better result with less strain on a single individual. As we learn to depend on each other we gain better understanding about depending on God. The goals are unity, harmony and peace. These are in short supply in today’s me-istic society.

P.       Father; grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize which individuals I am to work beside. Speak into my spirit your holy instruction that I will know when to be student and when to be teacher. Amen.  

Who To Trust?

6-16-2014      Acts 15: 30-36

S.       30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

O.      The decision of Jerusalem is well received by all the churches and the ministry prospers.

A.      Unity also builds trust and obedience. God wants me to trust, trust Him and my fellow laborers in the cause of Christ. Trust is the mortar that holds the church together.

P.       Father; show me how to live so that others can trust me. Teach me how to trust and who to trust. Amen.