Thursday, March 1st> Isaiah 29: 13-21
How does God feel about the man-made rituals established in our worship services?
I suppose anything man-made would remind God of flesh and carnality. The church, as Jesus knew it, was the thing He said He'd come to tear down and in 3 days rebuild. Why? I think because it had become full of man-made do's and don'ts that give man a form of godliness, but end up denying His true power and purpose. Your thoughts?
Where Is The Church?
Wednesday, Feb. 29th> 2 Timothy 3: 1-9
In what way does this FORM of godliness prevent the church from being the church, and repel souls from coming into the kingdom? Wow! What a loaded question! I'll answer it by asking another set of loaded questions. About how many churches are in Palatka and the surrounding areas alone? More than 200 ( it is officially 191 in Palatka). Out of that number, how many souls are being added DAILY to the body of Christ? In the book of Acts, a handful of disciples and apostles caused 3,000 to be added through the power of the Holy Spirit. What is the problem if we still have the Holy Spirit present with us? With a church literally on almost every street corner, why aren't we overflowing into those streets and impacting lives, compelling them to come out of darkness and into the Lord's marvelous light? Why aren't signs, miracles, and wonders following us who believe?
In what way does this FORM of godliness prevent the church from being the church, and repel souls from coming into the kingdom? Wow! What a loaded question! I'll answer it by asking another set of loaded questions. About how many churches are in Palatka and the surrounding areas alone? More than 200 ( it is officially 191 in Palatka). Out of that number, how many souls are being added DAILY to the body of Christ? In the book of Acts, a handful of disciples and apostles caused 3,000 to be added through the power of the Holy Spirit. What is the problem if we still have the Holy Spirit present with us? With a church literally on almost every street corner, why aren't we overflowing into those streets and impacting lives, compelling them to come out of darkness and into the Lord's marvelous light? Why aren't signs, miracles, and wonders following us who believe?
Why Do We Choose "The FORM"?
Tuesday,Feb. 28th >2 Timothy 3: 1-9
Why do we focus on being "experts" of form, tradition, and ceremony -- even in churches claiming to be spirit-filled? According to this passage, the characteristics described are not necessarily those of people outside the church. These are people claiming to be Christians who want the holy standards of God's Word to be manipulated to fit their situations. Therefore, even in "spirit-filled" churches, it's easy to resort to the form. "Doing" church is easy because anything other than that leaves room for the Holy Spirit to come in and do what HE does, which is CHANGE us.
Why do we focus on being "experts" of form, tradition, and ceremony -- even in churches claiming to be spirit-filled? According to this passage, the characteristics described are not necessarily those of people outside the church. These are people claiming to be Christians who want the holy standards of God's Word to be manipulated to fit their situations. Therefore, even in "spirit-filled" churches, it's easy to resort to the form. "Doing" church is easy because anything other than that leaves room for the Holy Spirit to come in and do what HE does, which is CHANGE us.
The FORM of Godliness
Monday, Feb. 27th> 2 Timothy 3: 1-9
How does the FORM of godliness spoken of in this passage manifest in our church today?
How does the FORM of godliness spoken of in this passage manifest in our church today?
We Are NOT Alone!
Sunday, February 26th> Zechariah 1:10-11
As we proceed to amplify God's voice in the world, what proof do we have that we're not alone? God's Word is stock full of the evidence. And not only that, but every endeavor in our personal experience that was launched to bring glory to God has been supported by all of Heaven. We have the Holy Spirit, Who reminds us of the Father's will so we can stay on track. Nthen the angels go before us to fight off the enemy forces standing in our way. Mlet's not forget the great company of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews who have gone before us, rooting us on and interceeding for us along with our Savior, Jesus Christ Himself. Need I say more? We just CAN'T fail!
As we proceed to amplify God's voice in the world, what proof do we have that we're not alone? God's Word is stock full of the evidence. And not only that, but every endeavor in our personal experience that was launched to bring glory to God has been supported by all of Heaven. We have the Holy Spirit, Who reminds us of the Father's will so we can stay on track. Nthen the angels go before us to fight off the enemy forces standing in our way. Mlet's not forget the great company of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews who have gone before us, rooting us on and interceeding for us along with our Savior, Jesus Christ Himself. Need I say more? We just CAN'T fail!
Check Your Motives!
Saturday, February 25th> 1 Chronicles 21:1-2
What does this account of David's life teach us about staying focused on what God wants? It's quite simple: are the decisions we make ultimately about us, or about God? Will they bring US glory, or Him? We cannot afford to deceive ourselves into a false sense of wanting to please God.
What does this account of David's life teach us about staying focused on what God wants? It's quite simple: are the decisions we make ultimately about us, or about God? Will they bring US glory, or Him? We cannot afford to deceive ourselves into a false sense of wanting to please God.
A Perpetual Attitude
Friday, February 24th> Job 1:7
According to scripture, Satan likes to know what will make us "give in". That being said, what things must the believer do to nullify his plans? Whatever it takes? Have you watched athletes as they train to win their sport? When are they ever NOT in that mindset? We must have a perpetual attitude of training to win every battle the enemy launches-- before, during, AND after.
According to scripture, Satan likes to know what will make us "give in". That being said, what things must the believer do to nullify his plans? Whatever it takes? Have you watched athletes as they train to win their sport? When are they ever NOT in that mindset? We must have a perpetual attitude of training to win every battle the enemy launches-- before, during, AND after.
Don't Stop Standing For Our Faith!
Thursday, February 23rd> Acts 5:38-41
To what lengths would the enemy go to silence our voices? Just look around you! Which "minority" group is losing its rights the most as each day goes by? Christians! Never forget how much he hates us. Never underestimate his schemes to make us retreat into insignificance wherever we are-- and ALWAYS fight to accomplish the opposite.
To what lengths would the enemy go to silence our voices? Just look around you! Which "minority" group is losing its rights the most as each day goes by? Christians! Never forget how much he hates us. Never underestimate his schemes to make us retreat into insignificance wherever we are-- and ALWAYS fight to accomplish the opposite.
Put Flesh in Its Place!
Wednesday, February 22nd> Acts 5:38-40
In what ways do trials make it easy to want to fight against flesh and blood? In EVERY way! Our flesh was designed since the fall to want what it wants, and to defend itself. But the plan of God is for us to kill it daily through life in the Spirit. We must fight the daily battle of putting our flesh in its place.
In what ways do trials make it easy to want to fight against flesh and blood? In EVERY way! Our flesh was designed since the fall to want what it wants, and to defend itself. But the plan of God is for us to kill it daily through life in the Spirit. We must fight the daily battle of putting our flesh in its place.
Proclaim the NAME!
Tuesday, February 21st> Acts 5:38-40
Why do you think the world is so threatened by Jesus' name? I'll tell you: because it's the single, most powerful Name that has ever existed. Inside of Jesus' Name God has hidden the power to live, be healed, and be set free from any and every type of bondage. Since the enemy is convinced of this, his ultimate goal is to make sure that Name is not spoken with the power and authority to make it effective. That's why we must NEVER allow his kingdom to stop us from proclaiming it.
Why do you think the world is so threatened by Jesus' name? I'll tell you: because it's the single, most powerful Name that has ever existed. Inside of Jesus' Name God has hidden the power to live, be healed, and be set free from any and every type of bondage. Since the enemy is convinced of this, his ultimate goal is to make sure that Name is not spoken with the power and authority to make it effective. That's why we must NEVER allow his kingdom to stop us from proclaiming it.
What's The Purpose?
Monday, February 20th> Acts 5:38-39
As we assess the trials we may face, how important is it to make sure our purpose is kingdom-driven? We must be confident that our life's goal is to always seek the kingdom of God FIRST and its righteousness. Any other ulterior motives will be exposed through the periods of trial and testing.
As we assess the trials we may face, how important is it to make sure our purpose is kingdom-driven? We must be confident that our life's goal is to always seek the kingdom of God FIRST and its righteousness. Any other ulterior motives will be exposed through the periods of trial and testing.
Love-- The Greatest Force
Saturday,February 18, 2012
Today's Passage> 1 Peter 4: 1-11
What is the greatest force that motivated Christ to suffer and give His life for us?
Today's Passage> 1 Peter 4: 1-11
What is the greatest force that motivated Christ to suffer and give His life for us?
The Ultimate Example
Friday,February 17, 2012
Today's Passage> 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4; Isaiah 53: 1-9
How does Christ set the ultimate example that we should never respond in our flesh since our battle is not with human flesh?
Today's Passage> 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4; Isaiah 53: 1-9
How does Christ set the ultimate example that we should never respond in our flesh since our battle is not with human flesh?
Holy Encounters
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Today's Passage> Exodus chapter 3
Memory Verse>. Ex. 3: 5-6
In what way does God's method of meeting us where we are show His faith that we will surrender to His plan for our lives? I think He has so much confidence in His plan that He decides to have an encounter with us in order to change the course of our lives. Because He is holy and cannot abide where sin is, He simply consecrates the place where He meets us. Wherever He goes becomes holy, and once we come into agreement with the fact that He stopped what He was doing just to meet with us in our sinful state, it becomes life-changing. Aren't you grateful for those Holy encounters?
Today's Passage> Exodus chapter 3
Memory Verse>. Ex. 3: 5-6
In what way does God's method of meeting us where we are show His faith that we will surrender to His plan for our lives? I think He has so much confidence in His plan that He decides to have an encounter with us in order to change the course of our lives. Because He is holy and cannot abide where sin is, He simply consecrates the place where He meets us. Wherever He goes becomes holy, and once we come into agreement with the fact that He stopped what He was doing just to meet with us in our sinful state, it becomes life-changing. Aren't you grateful for those Holy encounters?
A Holy Preview In An UnHoly Place
Tuesday, February 14th, 2011
Today's Passage> Exodus 2: 11-25
Memory Verse> Ex. 2: 12-13
How does God give us "pop quizzes" before we're even saved to show us a preview of the calling He has on our lives? Did you ever have a glimpse of your life in Christ that you're living now when you were a mess and steeped in sin? I always wondered why God does that.
Today's Passage> Exodus 2: 11-25
Memory Verse> Ex. 2: 12-13
How does God give us "pop quizzes" before we're even saved to show us a preview of the calling He has on our lives? Did you ever have a glimpse of your life in Christ that you're living now when you were a mess and steeped in sin? I always wondered why God does that.
What's It Gonna Take?
Monday, Feb. 13th, 2012
Today's Passage> James 1: 1-8; 12-18
Memory Verse> James 1: 2-4
What is God's formula for a life of joy as a believer? Is this an "Easy- As 1-2-3" process as advertised by the world, or is there more involved? If there is, is it worth what it costs to obtain this joy?
Today's Passage> James 1: 1-8; 12-18
Memory Verse> James 1: 2-4
What is God's formula for a life of joy as a believer? Is this an "Easy- As 1-2-3" process as advertised by the world, or is there more involved? If there is, is it worth what it costs to obtain this joy?
NO Weapon Shall Prosper!
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
Today's Passage> Acts 19: 30-41
Memory Verse> Acts 19: 40-41
No fear. Do not be afraid. Take courage. Be very courageous. Such words always come before God commissions any of His people to do anything. Moses , Joshua, David-- the list goes on and on, and their names are written in the faith Hall of Fame. I wonder where our lives as believers would be if they had decided not to proceed with what God had called them to do out of fear that they would be persecuted?
With the complicated legal systems that have been set up by the enemy to intimidate the body of Christ, it can become mind-boggling to wonder what we can and can't do when it comes down to sharing our faith. But God's Word assures us that greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world. No matter what weapons form against us, they shall NOT prosper. In this passage, you can clearly see the scheme of those sent by the enemy to entrap and put God's people in chains, but it would not work. Now, had they been chained before? Yes. Would they be unfairly persecuted in days to come? Certainly.
But the one thing that keeps ringing in my spirit is that THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO STOP the furtherance of this awesome gospel. None of their schemes and tactics could accomplish that task then, and they won't do so now. We must remember that God's Word has been designed, anointed and ordained to go forth throughout all the earth. It has been assigned to never return to Him without having accomplished that which it was sent to accomplish. So what are we waiting for? Even if they succeed in silencing us, thousands more vessels will spring up in our place.
It's very important that we not take for granted the earthly elements we now have in our favor-- the hunger in the hearts of people in the world as things get worse and worse, and the time that we've been given to declare the Word of God with boldness. So, no fear. Let us not be afraid. Let us take courage. No legal systems can stand in our way, for every knee must bow and every tongue confess that Jesus IS Lord. Let us be very courageous and take the city for our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father, You're calling us to arise and go forth without fear of being silenced or held back by the world's systems. We declare now that we are Your ambassadors. We will go where You send us, speak what You say, and see lives changed for Your holy kingdom. Thank You for every open door and heart. May Your Word resonate loudly and change every life that it comes in contact with. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's Passage> Acts 19: 30-41
Memory Verse> Acts 19: 40-41
No fear. Do not be afraid. Take courage. Be very courageous. Such words always come before God commissions any of His people to do anything. Moses , Joshua, David-- the list goes on and on, and their names are written in the faith Hall of Fame. I wonder where our lives as believers would be if they had decided not to proceed with what God had called them to do out of fear that they would be persecuted?
With the complicated legal systems that have been set up by the enemy to intimidate the body of Christ, it can become mind-boggling to wonder what we can and can't do when it comes down to sharing our faith. But God's Word assures us that greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world. No matter what weapons form against us, they shall NOT prosper. In this passage, you can clearly see the scheme of those sent by the enemy to entrap and put God's people in chains, but it would not work. Now, had they been chained before? Yes. Would they be unfairly persecuted in days to come? Certainly.
But the one thing that keeps ringing in my spirit is that THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO STOP the furtherance of this awesome gospel. None of their schemes and tactics could accomplish that task then, and they won't do so now. We must remember that God's Word has been designed, anointed and ordained to go forth throughout all the earth. It has been assigned to never return to Him without having accomplished that which it was sent to accomplish. So what are we waiting for? Even if they succeed in silencing us, thousands more vessels will spring up in our place.
It's very important that we not take for granted the earthly elements we now have in our favor-- the hunger in the hearts of people in the world as things get worse and worse, and the time that we've been given to declare the Word of God with boldness. So, no fear. Let us not be afraid. Let us take courage. No legal systems can stand in our way, for every knee must bow and every tongue confess that Jesus IS Lord. Let us be very courageous and take the city for our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father, You're calling us to arise and go forth without fear of being silenced or held back by the world's systems. We declare now that we are Your ambassadors. We will go where You send us, speak what You say, and see lives changed for Your holy kingdom. Thank You for every open door and heart. May Your Word resonate loudly and change every life that it comes in contact with. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Change The World!
Thursday February 9, 2012
Today's Passage> Acts 5: 12-32
How did the apostles interact with the people in their city as they ministered to them?
Today's Passage> Acts 5: 12-32
How did the apostles interact with the people in their city as they ministered to them?
Why Put Up With Us?
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Today's Passage> Matthew 13: 24-43
Even among those who are believers, it sometimes seems difficult to tell which ones are being the dividing line. Why does God allow those who aren't totally devoted to be raised up and remain in the kingdom? Why doesn't He just expose and reject those who are fake, not living right, who have the wrong motives, and who are just bound and determined to halfway live this thing?
Today's Passage> Matthew 13: 24-43
Even among those who are believers, it sometimes seems difficult to tell which ones are being the dividing line. Why does God allow those who aren't totally devoted to be raised up and remain in the kingdom? Why doesn't He just expose and reject those who are fake, not living right, who have the wrong motives, and who are just bound and determined to halfway live this thing?
Where Do You Stand?
Monday, Feb. 6th, 2012
Today's Passage> Luke 12: 49-53; Luke 14:25-35
1. As far as God is concerned, how important is having the dividing line even when it comes to our family members? Let's be honest: our families sometimes play the "loyalty" card even past the point where we might even be required to choose between them and our devotion to God. As a believer, where do YOU stand?
Today's Passage> Luke 12: 49-53; Luke 14:25-35
1. As far as God is concerned, how important is having the dividing line even when it comes to our family members? Let's be honest: our families sometimes play the "loyalty" card even past the point where we might even be required to choose between them and our devotion to God. As a believer, where do YOU stand?
Good Morning Faith!!!
Saturday February 4, 2012
Today's Passage> Romans 1:1-20
What is the greatest struggle believers have with being willing to INTERRUPT society's uninterrupted existence?
Today's Passage> Romans 1:1-20
What is the greatest struggle believers have with being willing to INTERRUPT society's uninterrupted existence?
Ashamed No More!
Saturday, February 4th, 2012
Today's Passage: Romans chapter 1
Memory Verse> Rom. 1:16
All around us, there is evidence of the ungodliness that is threatening to overwhelm and stamp out the light of God. Especially in the mainstream media, there continues to be a steady process of erasing the standard of morality that existed not too long ago. But rather than waste time complaining about it, God is calling us to DO something about it. Wherever WE are, His presence is, and thus the opportunity exists for light to conquer darkness.
So why do we hesitate when the time comes for us to speak up-- do our part to break the uninterrupted existence of evil in our society? We have the salt and light this world needs, so why DON'T we use it every chance we get? The answer is quite simple, and it's found in the 16th verse of today's passage. WE ARE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Even as I write this, I am overcome with shame that ninety percent of the time, I hold back from saying something to someone in the world because I don't want to interrupt their life, or cause conflict, or -- let me just be honest: open myself up to rejection. And yet on Wednesdays and Sundays, I'm declaring at the top of my lungs that what I have inside me is the MOST important thing in the world.
This gospel that saved us DOES cause disruption. It stops the ungodly in their tracks and makes them have to acknowledge what they try so hard to ignore-- that God is real, that He loves them, and that He wants to be a part of their lives. So for us to hold it in because we don't want them to get mad at us is unacceptable. Never again should we look at a person who obviously has not accepted God's Son in his or her life without looking for the opportunity to share the THING that changed US: the GOSPEL. Someone bothered to push past THEIR comfort zone so we could be saved and set free. Now WE must push past our need to feel accepted by everyone and share the power of salvation while we are able.
Our ulterior motive should simply be compassion. That alone should drive us to see lives that are broken set right again by God's love. Where would WE be if seeds had not been sown by willing vessels? Where will THEY be if we don't get out of our comfort zones and share the LOVE that was shared with us? My prayer today is that God will forgive us and open new doors in the same places that we've grown calloused to-- our neighbors and workmates. May we AWAKE and see souls dying, not well-dressed or seemingly successful people whose lives we don't want to interrupt. They NEED us to break through their insanity and speak that there IS a way out of bondage. We just have to be willing to give it away.
Prayer: Father, we have so much to repent for when it comes to Your broken. We are Your hands and feet. Yet we're not reaching out or going to where the broken are. Please give us new hearts, new eyes, and new minds. Hearts that feel true compassion, eyes that see brokenness, and minds that are NOT ashamed of what You've done for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
Today's Passage: Romans chapter 1
Memory Verse> Rom. 1:16
All around us, there is evidence of the ungodliness that is threatening to overwhelm and stamp out the light of God. Especially in the mainstream media, there continues to be a steady process of erasing the standard of morality that existed not too long ago. But rather than waste time complaining about it, God is calling us to DO something about it. Wherever WE are, His presence is, and thus the opportunity exists for light to conquer darkness.
So why do we hesitate when the time comes for us to speak up-- do our part to break the uninterrupted existence of evil in our society? We have the salt and light this world needs, so why DON'T we use it every chance we get? The answer is quite simple, and it's found in the 16th verse of today's passage. WE ARE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Even as I write this, I am overcome with shame that ninety percent of the time, I hold back from saying something to someone in the world because I don't want to interrupt their life, or cause conflict, or -- let me just be honest: open myself up to rejection. And yet on Wednesdays and Sundays, I'm declaring at the top of my lungs that what I have inside me is the MOST important thing in the world.
This gospel that saved us DOES cause disruption. It stops the ungodly in their tracks and makes them have to acknowledge what they try so hard to ignore-- that God is real, that He loves them, and that He wants to be a part of their lives. So for us to hold it in because we don't want them to get mad at us is unacceptable. Never again should we look at a person who obviously has not accepted God's Son in his or her life without looking for the opportunity to share the THING that changed US: the GOSPEL. Someone bothered to push past THEIR comfort zone so we could be saved and set free. Now WE must push past our need to feel accepted by everyone and share the power of salvation while we are able.
Our ulterior motive should simply be compassion. That alone should drive us to see lives that are broken set right again by God's love. Where would WE be if seeds had not been sown by willing vessels? Where will THEY be if we don't get out of our comfort zones and share the LOVE that was shared with us? My prayer today is that God will forgive us and open new doors in the same places that we've grown calloused to-- our neighbors and workmates. May we AWAKE and see souls dying, not well-dressed or seemingly successful people whose lives we don't want to interrupt. They NEED us to break through their insanity and speak that there IS a way out of bondage. We just have to be willing to give it away.
Prayer: Father, we have so much to repent for when it comes to Your broken. We are Your hands and feet. Yet we're not reaching out or going to where the broken are. Please give us new hearts, new eyes, and new minds. Hearts that feel true compassion, eyes that see brokenness, and minds that are NOT ashamed of what You've done for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
Life Through Christ!!!
Friday February 3, 2012
Today's Passage> Ephesians 2
Why is it so important to BE the dividing line no matter the cost?
Today's Passage> Ephesians 2
Why is it so important to BE the dividing line no matter the cost?
Good Morning Obedience!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Today's Passage> Exodus 20: 1-20.
What IS the dividing line that we are compelled to uphold as believers in the One True God?
Today's Passage> Exodus 20: 1-20.
What IS the dividing line that we are compelled to uphold as believers in the One True God?
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