Energy all gone!

Long hard days will either stretch us or shrink us. I have been stretched to my limit today. Not in a bad way. I have been on my feet for twelve hours. This is a miracle for me. So........Thank you Lord for the strength and endurance, Amen.

S.O.A.P.

1-19-2015      Romans 5:3

S.       3 and not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh                           patience;

O.      Tribulation can lead to patience.

A.      In the midst of a problem I seldom look far enough down the road to see added blessing resulting from my dilemma. But, God’s word is true and hind-sight reveals his handiwork does bring a new level of trust and patience when I listen and obey.

   P.       Father; walk with me and let me see your foot prints each step of the way. Amen.

Finding Grace

How long will God hold back judgement? As I read the old testament I see that God was angry at man and decided to erase him altogether. But one man was given special consideration because he was different. How was he different? He had developed a relationship with God, he respected God, he made acceptable sacrifices unto God, he did not practice sin and he listened to God! So God spared him (and his family) as he erased everyone else. Looking at the condition of the world today I am amazed that God has held back his wrath for so long. Just for the record; I am going to learn and practice Noah's relationship secrets.......and find Grace in the eyes of the Lord.

S.O.A.P.

1-4-2015         Romans 1:18-24

S.       18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

O.      God will not let wickedness, sin or self-pleasing go un-punished. He will not tolerate idol worship.

A.      I must guard against self-indulgence of every type or kind. Self-indulgence is idol worship and I am the idol. My focus will be on God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as my teachers, leaders and protectors of my life. I will live to please God and bring my body into subjection and surrender to God’s will for me.

    P.     Father; without your help I can’t live a holy life, think holy thoughts or be a holy man.                        Cleans me, fill me, lead me and hold my hand that I do not stumble or fail. May the world see              Jesus living through me, Amen.

How I begin each day.

Early morning time alone with God is my "secret to success". Praying for my family and friends brings me comfort. Reading the Word fills my soul with delight and my day starts off right.

S.O.A.P.

12-26-2014    Mark 15: 1-4

S.       1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

O.      Jesus is silent before Pilate.

A.      The life of Jesus was his testimony and there was no need to justify or defend himself.  The life I live shall speak louder than any words. I need not defend or justify righteousness, just live it!

P        Father; I am committed to you and you alone as my God and Saviour. Reveal to me my shortcomings as I strive to live in righteousness and faith. Amen. 

Wilderness

9-8-2014         Mark 1:12-13

S.       12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

O.      Jesus is tempted by satan in the wilderness. Mark does not give any details of the temptation but notes the wild beasts and Angels being present.

A.      Temptation comes to every life. Being tempted is not a sin but giving in to temptation is. This world is a wilderness full of wild beasts and temptation to sin is everywhere. We must hold fast to the knowledge that Jesus overcame temptation as an example for us to follow.

P.       Father: lead me not into temptation but deliver me from this evil world. Amen.

Ordinary Days?

8-26-2014           Acts 27:1-8

S.       1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

O.      Paul’s final leg of his journey to Rome begins under Julius, a understanding and fair, centurion.

A.      These were long weary days of difficult travel. Changing ships often, uncomfortable lodgings and many schedule disruptions. No great miracles or events are mentioned, just ordinary life and struggles. We must face days like these often and keep our faith strong and our joy intact. God is the God of the ordinary day just as he is in the day of miracles.

P.       Father; Keep me strong and encouraged through the ordinary days of life. Help me to show your joy to others and be an example of a happy servant. Amen.

Motives

7-17-2014      Acts 20:28-32

S.       28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

O.      Paul starts with instruction to “feed” the church and ends with a warning. The warning is about self-serving men with impure motives.

A.      What is my motive in this ministry? I must examine my motives and keep them aligned with God’s word. I am sure that the best motive is love, love of God and love of my fellow man.

P.       Father; teach me of your love and clean my heart of all selfish motives. Amen.   

No Faith---No Results

7-9-2014         Acts 19:13-17

S.       13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

O.      Non-believers are trying to perform miracles and find that they have no power or authority. This failure causes many to change their mind concerning Jesus.

A.      Everything of a divine nature must begin and end with Jesus. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. I will seek to have Jesus as the very center of my life rather than someone I have only heard “about”.

P.       Father; wash all my sin away, I confess, I repent and I seek to have his redeeming blood cover me both inside and out. Use me today to help others in their walk and lead me to one that has never heard the words of life. Amen.

Fasting and Prayer

5-27-2014      Acts 13:1-3

S.       1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

O.      Barnabas and Saul are sent from the church in Antioch to spread the message of Jesus and teach the new Christians of God’s new covenant. The preparation included fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands.

A.      God has a work for me to do also in the spreading of the gospel message. Prayer and fasting should be a part of my preparation. I may also receive blessing from other Christian leaders as they encourage (bless by the laying on of hands) me and support my efforts. What a wonderful, powerful and delightful thing……knowing that I am not alone in my labor for God?

P.       Father; strengthen my hand in the labor as I fast and prepare for this day. Amen.

5-28-2014      Acts 13:4-11

S.       4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar–jesus:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

O.      Saul judges the actions of Elymas the sorcerer as evil and speaks blindness on him.

A.      I must confront all evil practices and speak out the judgments of God. If God condemns sin, so shall I.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the sin in my life first, then in the lives of those around me and give me anointing to speak the truth in love and be bold. Amen.  

The Promise of Return

4-2-2014              Acts 1:9-11

S.            9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

O.           The disciples are witness to yet another prophecy as they see Jesus received up into heaven and hear the promise of his return.

A.           Jesus will return. What a wonderful promise! I must be prepared, at all times, to every extent possible, for his return. I will be prepared. I will denounce sin, embrace salvation, follow the Spirit’s leading and encourage everyone I meet to do the same.

P.            Father; Help me to be ready, each day, each hour of each day, each minute and every second of each day to welcome the return of Jesus. I denounce my sin and declare my salvation, by faith, in Jesus Christ. I am made whole through the cross and my hope is secure. I am your son, adopted into Christ, looking forward to the day of reunification of this blessed family. Amen.