EXCELLENCE (Virtue)

I want to serve my Lord in an "excellent" manner. Not to be seen of man and receive his rewards or accolades, but because this is what my Lord deserves. I will not settle for a "just getting by" attitude or "doing as little as possible" approach. I will strive for EXCELLENCE! (with God's help of course)
Less of me, replaced with more of him, even when I don't fit in.

12-11-2014    Mark 13: 9-11

S.       9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

O.      This is a warning concerning the treatment that the disciples would face in future ministry. They were instructed to rely on the Holy Ghost for their response to this harsh treatment.

A.      I must depend on the Holy Spirit for my responses to life’s challenges. Self-reliance is how I have failed, too much of my own will and confidence has landed me in my poorest estate. God fills with the Holy Spirit but I must yield.

P.       Father; I humble myself today and simply ask; Lead me by your Spirit. Amen.

Pentecostal?

How do you define yourself; Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Pentecostal or Christian?
I find myself applying labels of definition when speaking to others about my faith that often are miss-applied, incomplete or just wrong. I think I am "this" or "that". Then I read God's Word and find that my definition does not match. Oops, that just can't be, but it is. We must let God's word be the definer. You Pentecostals that are defining yourself based on your church background are in error and are missing the point. The Holy Ghost makes a person "Pentecostal" not where you go to church.

11-9-2014      Mark 9:1

S.       1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

O.      Jesus declares his power and that after his resurrection some of those with him would live to see God’s Kingdom established on earth.

A.      God’s Kingdom is here on earth and in heaven, on earth in the heart of every true believer, in heaven where god resides.

     P.       Father; soften my heart and lead me into the best your kingdom has to offer. Open the eyes of my understanding                and help me live, teach, declare and be a living testimony of your love and grace. Amen.   

What do you want Jesus to Do?

They that worship God must worship him "In Spirit and In Truth".  Much of the current noise about worship leaves this scripture completely out of the conversation. To worship in the spirit you must be filled with the Spirit....not sin. 

10-14-2014    Mark 5:15-17

S.       15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

O.      After Jesus cast out the demons all the people were afraid and ask Jesus to leave.

A.      I must not become afraid of supernatural events. God is always the same and his ways are not always understandable. I will embrace and believe each miracle in the Bible. I will seek to draw closer to my Lord and conquer fear.

P.       Father; I seek to overcome all my fears and worries. Heal my mind and touch my spirit. I praise you and invite you to use me in this dark hour. 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.. 

River Jordan

9-6-2014         Mark 1:7-8

S.       7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

O.      John declares that Jesus will come and baptize man with the Holy Ghost.

A.       Repentance brings a person into right standing with God. The Holy Ghost is the ambassador of God who dwells in man to aid him in his new walk.

P.       Father; baptize me fresh today and renew my spirit. Amen.

Paul in Rome

9-4-2014         Acts 28:29-31

S.       29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

O.      Paul lives as a free man in Rome and uses this freedom to spread the gospel.

A.      I must live the life of a free man, free from sin, shame and free from regret. I will keep myself from wickedness by clinging to Jesus and his word. I will commune with the Lord, listen and obey using my freedom wisely to the saving of my soul and as many other souls as possible.

P.       Father; I come to you weak to be made strong. I come to you hungry to be made full. I come to you lost that I may be found. I come to you to serve, use me as you will. 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.

Protection

8-28-2014      Acts 27:38-44

S.       38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

O.      Day breaks and the sailors see land and a place to take the ship to land. The ship runs aground and is broken up. To save Paul’s life all the prisoners are told to swim or float on parts of the ship to shore. All aboard made it safe to the shore.

A.      God’s protection for us can be extended to those around us. If we are living as willing and obedient servants our journey can be a testimony to those around us. We must follow the Lord in a humble manner and “be” that testimony.

P.       Father; my request is to see and know your will for this day. I submit to your will and ask you to send your Holy 

Spirit to direct me as I go. Amen. 

Listen to God!

8-27-2014      Acts 27:9-37

S.       9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands strake sail, and so were driven.18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

O.      The journey is filled with danger and hardship. God gives Paul knowledge; if all the people stay together, none shall die. The sailors and soldiers do all within their human strength to overcome the terrible storm and save the ship.

A.      Humans will go to great length to make things turn out the way they want them to go. Trusting God is seldom the direction taken. We must first believe in God as the “only true source” of help and direction. Then we must listen to his direction and obey his voice.

P.       Father; speak to me from your word and declare your will. Direct me by your Holy Spirit in all matters of life, both great and small. Amen. 

Apposing Views

8-24-2014      Acts 26:24-29

S.       24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

O.      Festus thinks Paul to be out of his mind (mad) and Agrippa is almost persuaded to become a Christian.

A.      Some will reject and some will accept the message of faith in God. We must tell, tell and re-tell so that many can be saved. Time is short. The lost are many. The workers are so few. We must not be self-centered, looking after our own needs only; we must spread the good news to the lost.

P.       Father; Open our eyes and let us see how few are ready to stand at your Judgment Seat. Stir our souls with a passion for the lost and dyeing. Use us Lord while there is time. Amen.

Stand up

8-22-2014      Acts 26:16-18

S.       16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

O.      Jesus is speaking to Paul on the road to Damascus. Arise and stand on your feet are his first command.

A.      we must stand and declare our message. We must tell the world of the love of God and how God deals directly with his children.

P.       Father: I ask for courage and guidance for this day to spread the gospel. Fill me with your Spirit and use me. Amen.

Citizenship

8-15-2014      Acts 25: 1-12

S.       1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. 1 2 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shalt thou go.

O.      Changes in Roman leadership bring about yet another trial for Paul before Festus. Paul claims his right as a Roman citizen and Festus is constrained to send Paul to Caesar. This ruling stops the Jewish people that were trying to kill Paul.

A.      God will use many different methods to protect his children as they labor for him and obey his voice. This negative circumstance that Paul lived was turned into opportunities to spread the gospel into new and almost inaccessible places.

P.       Father; protect me, fill me and lead me into every place where I can spread your word. Amen.

Two Years in Jail

8-14-2014      Acts 24:24-27

S.       24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

O.      Paul has many opportunities to convert Felix to the faith. Felix never seems to understand or find it “convenient” to become a Christian. Paul was a prisoner for two years with Felix.

A.      We should never give up on anybody as we spread the gospel. Our circumstances may be unpleasant and not to our liking, but the work of the Lord should never stop.

P.       Father; the plight of Paul seems very unfair but you used him to take the gospel into many unreachable places. Help me Lord to focus on your work instead of my circumstances and difficulties. Teach me the same values that Paul lived by and keep me from distractions as I labor for you. Amen. 

Resurrection

8-11-2014      Acts 24:10-16

S.       10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

O.      Paul gives his defence before Felix. He begins with a reference to the Jewish belief in resurrection and how he too has that same hope and faith.

A.      The power of resurrection is alive and stirring my heart today. I declare the resurrection of Jesus from the grave and then my own resurrection from sin. I rejoice in this truth and shout it out loud; I have been resurrected (born again) from my grave of sin and now I live in and through Jesus, The Christ!

P.       Father; Thank you for raising Jesus from the tomb and thank you for calling me out of the grave. Amen.

No Fear!

8-10-2014      Acts 24: 6-9

S.       6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

O.      Tertullus lies to Felix about Paul’s profaning of the Temple, Paul was lawfully in the Temple, and he exaggerates the actions of Lysias in securing Paul away from the mob.

A.      We must be ready to hear lies and exaggerations told about us. The Devil must use lies because he has no truth in him. God will redeem us according to his will!

P.       Father; Take away all my fear, worry and doubt. Secure me in your arms as the storms pass my way. Amen.

God Who Cares

8-7-2014         Acts 23:11

S.       11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

O.      The Lord prepares Paul’s heart for his ministry in Rome.

A.      God does not want us to live in fear over the duties of the ministry. He speaks to us from his word, by the Spirit and through his faithful servants. I will listen and obey the directions of God!

P.       Father; use me as you will this day, to help, to heal, to guide and to comfort your people. Heal the e-bola victims around the world. Cause that terrible disease to be eradicated from the face of the earth. Protect the minds of your people from fear and give rest to the weary laborer. 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. 

Beating

8-2-2014         Acts 22:17-24

S.       17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

O.      Paul begins to explain his fear in coming to Jerusalem and his former standing as one that persecuted the church. The crowd erupts and Paul is taken into the castle to be beaten.

A.      Following God can bring us into some dangerous places. We must be courageous and keep on spreading the good news.

P.       Father; help me to keep my eyes on you instead of the circumstances around me, double my courage and my resolve. Amen.

Instructions Please!

7-30-2014      Acts 22:9-10

S.       9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.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.

O.      The light of God surrounds Paul and his company and he asks, “What shall I do, Lord”.

A.      I must ask God for instruction each and every day.

P.       Father; what would you have me to do today, where should I go, what should I say? Lead me by your Holy Spirit to do your perfect will. Amen.  

I will Not be HURT!

7-27-2014      Acts 21:37-39

S.       37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

O.      The captain holding Paul finds out that he has the wrong man in custody. Paul still wants to speak to the very people that have hurt him.

A.      We must communicate with people if they are to learn who we really are. We must not lose our compassion and love for the ones that have hurt us.

P.       Father; cleanse my heart and mind of thoughts of retribution towards those that have hurt me. Teach me how to communicate love and forgiveness to each one. May people see more of you in me! Amen.