"For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen." Romans 11:36 NLT
"Every thing comes from Him." God created all things. Nothing exists apart from His creative activity. "And exists by His power." God sustains and guides all things. He is in control and everything depends on Him for its continued existence. "And is intended for His glory." The purpose of all that God has created and sustains is to glorify Him as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. All creation glorifies God. The skies witness to His greatness and wisdom. The hills, flowers, and trees declare His beauty and kindness. The birds sing His praises and the deer display His gracefulness.
The one part of creation that may or may not glorify God is humankind. We are the crowning act of His creation. The creation of everything else led up to and prepared for the creation of human beings in the image of the Creator. We alone have free will so that although we are the most prized of His possessions we may yet not glorify Him. And we alone of all creation have been redeemed through the blood of His Son. Today we can choose to glorify our great God along with the rest of creation or we can choose to dishonor and grieve Him. It's a weighty choice that we may not often give much thought. Think about it. "All glory to him forever! Amen."
Father, You have created all things in beauty, wisdom, and power, and all things continue to exist by Your grace and for Your glory. Today with all the rest of Your creation I desire and choose to give You glory as my Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. All glory to You forever! Amen.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
DISCIPLINE
“Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.” Deuteronomy 8:5
If only I could discipline my son with the wisdom, care, and patience that God has exercised in my life. This is not an indictment of my son, he’s generally doing well; what it so evident to me is that the guidance and correction I receive from God is vastly superior to my own efforts with my child.
God’s discipline leads us to walk in his ways and revere Him (verse 6). He knows what He’s doing—He’s completely trustworthy (remember all that He did for the Israelites). Whether we’re enjoying His direction and teaching, or undergoing a season of correction, it’s amazing to know that it is God Himself who works in our lives. It’s like the ultimate in customer service! (Yes, I know we’re not God’s customers—I’m just communicating an idea.)
It‘s great that we receive discipline, but what I think is truly awesome is Who disciplines us.
Father, thank You so much for Your guidance and correction. I ask that today will bring me closer to You—thinking and doing as You want me to.
Trusting,
Jim
If only I could discipline my son with the wisdom, care, and patience that God has exercised in my life. This is not an indictment of my son, he’s generally doing well; what it so evident to me is that the guidance and correction I receive from God is vastly superior to my own efforts with my child.
God’s discipline leads us to walk in his ways and revere Him (verse 6). He knows what He’s doing—He’s completely trustworthy (remember all that He did for the Israelites). Whether we’re enjoying His direction and teaching, or undergoing a season of correction, it’s amazing to know that it is God Himself who works in our lives. It’s like the ultimate in customer service! (Yes, I know we’re not God’s customers—I’m just communicating an idea.)
It‘s great that we receive discipline, but what I think is truly awesome is Who disciplines us.
Father, thank You so much for Your guidance and correction. I ask that today will bring me closer to You—thinking and doing as You want me to.
Trusting,
Jim
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Loving God
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NLT
The LORD God who is exclusively God without any rival both desires and deserves our exclusive and unrivaled love and loyalty to Him. To love the one God with all we have and are is a lifelong adventure. We never arrive at the completion so that we can say I have now loved God completely. We could more easily swim every square inch of the oceans than we could completely know and love the God who created them. It is an unending journey never completed but always rewarding. To know God and love Him through our heart's affection, our soul's worship, our mind's understanding and our body's service is life's greatest and most rewarding adventure. Keep on the journey!
Father, You are alone God and You are unfathomably great and wonderful. I do love You and yet my love is not yet full. Help me to know You better so that I can love you more fully day by day for You alone are worthy of such love.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
The LORD God who is exclusively God without any rival both desires and deserves our exclusive and unrivaled love and loyalty to Him. To love the one God with all we have and are is a lifelong adventure. We never arrive at the completion so that we can say I have now loved God completely. We could more easily swim every square inch of the oceans than we could completely know and love the God who created them. It is an unending journey never completed but always rewarding. To know God and love Him through our heart's affection, our soul's worship, our mind's understanding and our body's service is life's greatest and most rewarding adventure. Keep on the journey!
Father, You are alone God and You are unfathomably great and wonderful. I do love You and yet my love is not yet full. Help me to know You better so that I can love you more fully day by day for You alone are worthy of such love.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Listen, Learn, Obey
Moses called all the people of Israel together and said, "Listen carefully to all the laws and regulations I am giving you today. Learn them and be sure to obey them!"
Deuteronomy 5:1 NLT
Three key words in this verse describe the approach we should take to God's Word. We are to listen to God's Word by reading it and hearing others teach it. We are to learn God's Word through careful study. We should not be content to let the Word go in one ear and out the other. It is the Word of God, the Word of life and it is worth not only our hearing it but our learning it. Finally we should obey God's Word. James says, "And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself" (James 1:22 NLT). All the listening and learning in the world will do us no good if we do not practice in our daily living the things God teaches us through His Word.
Father, Thank You for the treasure of Your Word. Help me to be a faithful listener, a diligent learner, and an active doer of Your Word today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Deuteronomy 5:1 NLT
Three key words in this verse describe the approach we should take to God's Word. We are to listen to God's Word by reading it and hearing others teach it. We are to learn God's Word through careful study. We should not be content to let the Word go in one ear and out the other. It is the Word of God, the Word of life and it is worth not only our hearing it but our learning it. Finally we should obey God's Word. James says, "And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself" (James 1:22 NLT). All the listening and learning in the world will do us no good if we do not practice in our daily living the things God teaches us through His Word.
Father, Thank You for the treasure of Your Word. Help me to be a faithful listener, a diligent learner, and an active doer of Your Word today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, May 24, 2010
No Other God
"So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The LORD [Yahweh] is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other god!" Deuteronomy 4:39 NLT
The LORD God who created the heavens and the earth is God alone in them and over them. There is none above Him who surpasses Him. There is none beside Him who equals Him. There is none beneath Him who runs second to Him. He is in a category by himself--there is no other god.
The LORD fills heaven and earth with His glorious presence. He exceeds the heavens and contains the universe within His being. He is above all things ruling them. He is beneath all things sustaining them. He is beside all things guiding them. He is in all things filling them. Our minds cannot begin to grasp the wonder and magnificence of His being but perhaps the greatest truth is that He is our God and we are His people. He has chosen in love to bring us into relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Blessed be the Lord!
Father, You are alone God. You are magnificent. You stand alone in worth and power and wisdom. I rejoice in You and thank You for being my God today and always through Jesus Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
The LORD God who created the heavens and the earth is God alone in them and over them. There is none above Him who surpasses Him. There is none beside Him who equals Him. There is none beneath Him who runs second to Him. He is in a category by himself--there is no other god.
The LORD fills heaven and earth with His glorious presence. He exceeds the heavens and contains the universe within His being. He is above all things ruling them. He is beneath all things sustaining them. He is beside all things guiding them. He is in all things filling them. Our minds cannot begin to grasp the wonder and magnificence of His being but perhaps the greatest truth is that He is our God and we are His people. He has chosen in love to bring us into relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Blessed be the Lord!
Father, You are alone God. You are magnificent. You stand alone in worth and power and wisdom. I rejoice in You and thank You for being my God today and always through Jesus Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Faith of Abraham
But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. - Romans 4:5 NLT
Paul's letter to the Romans is saturated with the gospel. In chapter four he uses Abraham as the example of saving faith. He explains that it wasn't what Abraham did that saved him, but whom he trusted - and the same is true for us.
It's important for us to remember that there isn't anything we can do to earn God's forgiveness. Our moral pursuits, religious practices, and good deeds don't make us any more acceptable to God. We are made right with God by faith alone. This is hard for us to accept. Our expectation is that God is as focused on external behavior as we are. The Scriptures are clear, God forgives us because of our faith. But what is faith? Verse 21 provides a great definition of faith. In describing Abraham's faith Paul said, "He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises."
Do we trust that God is both able and faithful to fulfill his promises?
Father, I want a faith like Abraham's. I want to follow you unconditionally. I want to serve you wholeheartedly, but you know that I am weak. You know how great my failures are. Forgive me for trusting in my own efforts and remove the pride the comes from the good things I do. I ask that you would pour out your grace on me and strengthen my faith that you may be glorified through my life.
Only By His Grace,
Matt
Paul's letter to the Romans is saturated with the gospel. In chapter four he uses Abraham as the example of saving faith. He explains that it wasn't what Abraham did that saved him, but whom he trusted - and the same is true for us.
It's important for us to remember that there isn't anything we can do to earn God's forgiveness. Our moral pursuits, religious practices, and good deeds don't make us any more acceptable to God. We are made right with God by faith alone. This is hard for us to accept. Our expectation is that God is as focused on external behavior as we are. The Scriptures are clear, God forgives us because of our faith. But what is faith? Verse 21 provides a great definition of faith. In describing Abraham's faith Paul said, "He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises."
Do we trust that God is both able and faithful to fulfill his promises?
Father, I want a faith like Abraham's. I want to follow you unconditionally. I want to serve you wholeheartedly, but you know that I am weak. You know how great my failures are. Forgive me for trusting in my own efforts and remove the pride the comes from the good things I do. I ask that you would pour out your grace on me and strengthen my faith that you may be glorified through my life.
Only By His Grace,
Matt
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Grace
We are all familiar with Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard" (NLT). But have you ever noticed the verses on either side of it?
"We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:22 NLT).
"Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins" (Romans 3:24 NLT).
Wow!!! How great is God's grace in Christ toward sinners who trust in Jesus to take away their sins. I love the phrase "no matter who we are." In the context of Romans it means whether we are a religious Jew or a pagan Gentile the grace of God in Christ takes away our sin when we trust in Him. But the application is much broader. No matter our race, class, nationality, education, past sins, and so on, God's grace in Christ will take away our sins when we trust in Him. How truly amazing is His grace! We do not earn it by our goodness we simply receive it as a gift.
Father, I praise You for Your amazing grace that has reached down to me in Christ. Thank you for taking away my sin and making me right with You through His cross. Help me to walk in the freedom and power of Your grace today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
"We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are" (Romans 3:22 NLT).
"Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins" (Romans 3:24 NLT).
Wow!!! How great is God's grace in Christ toward sinners who trust in Jesus to take away their sins. I love the phrase "no matter who we are." In the context of Romans it means whether we are a religious Jew or a pagan Gentile the grace of God in Christ takes away our sin when we trust in Him. But the application is much broader. No matter our race, class, nationality, education, past sins, and so on, God's grace in Christ will take away our sins when we trust in Him. How truly amazing is His grace! We do not earn it by our goodness we simply receive it as a gift.
Father, I praise You for Your amazing grace that has reached down to me in Christ. Thank you for taking away my sin and making me right with You through His cross. Help me to walk in the freedom and power of Your grace today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, May 13, 2010
God is In Control
But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.
Acts 27:22
I always enjoy reading about an action packed event that happened in scripture. In this chapter we come across Paul as he is being sent to Rome to face trial against Caesar. Along their journey they are faced with storms and begin to panic. However, Paul remains calm and assures everyone that God is in control of the ship and no one needs to jump off.
I am always amazed at Paul's courage and faith. In the middle of a storm he remains calm because he knows that God is in full control. When storms come into your life, how do you react? Do you run around asking questions, possibly even questioning where God is at or do you rest in the full assurance that God is in control.
Father, help me to know and understand that you are in full control. When storms arise in my life, help me to rest calmly in your hands, trusting my life completely to you!!
Your Servant
Chris
Acts 27:22
I always enjoy reading about an action packed event that happened in scripture. In this chapter we come across Paul as he is being sent to Rome to face trial against Caesar. Along their journey they are faced with storms and begin to panic. However, Paul remains calm and assures everyone that God is in control of the ship and no one needs to jump off.
I am always amazed at Paul's courage and faith. In the middle of a storm he remains calm because he knows that God is in full control. When storms come into your life, how do you react? Do you run around asking questions, possibly even questioning where God is at or do you rest in the full assurance that God is in control.
Father, help me to know and understand that you are in full control. When storms arise in my life, help me to rest calmly in your hands, trusting my life completely to you!!
Your Servant
Chris
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Passionate about Christ
"Paul replied, 'Whether quickly or not, I pray to God both you [King Agrippa] and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.'" Acts 26:29 NLT
Paul was passionate about seeing people come to know Jesus Christ. It was the driving force in his life--even when he was in chains as a prisoner. He was more concerned about leading those who put him on trial to Christ than he was about securing his release. His desire was that everyone who heard him speak of Christ 'might become the same as I am.' Can you say that? Are you so alive in Jesus and in love with Jesus that you want everyone to have the life and relationship with him that you enjoy? May it be so more and more with each passing day.
Father, I pray that my life in and relationship with Jesus will indeed be so significant to me that I would desire and work to see others 'become as I am.' Revive me today that I might burn with passion for Jesus and for others to know Him.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Paul was passionate about seeing people come to know Jesus Christ. It was the driving force in his life--even when he was in chains as a prisoner. He was more concerned about leading those who put him on trial to Christ than he was about securing his release. His desire was that everyone who heard him speak of Christ 'might become the same as I am.' Can you say that? Are you so alive in Jesus and in love with Jesus that you want everyone to have the life and relationship with him that you enjoy? May it be so more and more with each passing day.
Father, I pray that my life in and relationship with Jesus will indeed be so significant to me that I would desire and work to see others 'become as I am.' Revive me today that I might burn with passion for Jesus and for others to know Him.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Clear Conscience
"Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people."
Acts 24:16 NLT
Paul's belief in the resurrection and that he would stand before God (see verse 15) compelled him to keep a clear conscience before God and all people. Keeping a clean slate now leads to confidence on that day. Doing right and making things right when we have done wrong keep our conscience clear and our confidence high before God now and on that day.
Our conscience alone is not sufficient to guide us because it is affected by sin. But our conscience soaked in Scripture and receptive to the Holy Spirit is a great gift from God to guide us in righteous living. If we consistently resist the nudging of our conscience toward righteous it can become hardened (see 1 Timothy 4:2). We keep our conscience tender toward God through prayer and Scripture.
Father, I thank You for the conscience you have given to spur me on to be and do right in Your sight. Help me to maintain a sensitive and clear conscience before You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Acts 24:16 NLT
Paul's belief in the resurrection and that he would stand before God (see verse 15) compelled him to keep a clear conscience before God and all people. Keeping a clean slate now leads to confidence on that day. Doing right and making things right when we have done wrong keep our conscience clear and our confidence high before God now and on that day.
Our conscience alone is not sufficient to guide us because it is affected by sin. But our conscience soaked in Scripture and receptive to the Holy Spirit is a great gift from God to guide us in righteous living. If we consistently resist the nudging of our conscience toward righteous it can become hardened (see 1 Timothy 4:2). We keep our conscience tender toward God through prayer and Scripture.
Father, I thank You for the conscience you have given to spur me on to be and do right in Your sight. Help me to maintain a sensitive and clear conscience before You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, May 6, 2010
SPEAK
"Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." Numbers 22:38
God made it abundantly clear that Balaam was only to speak the words that God directed him to say, but Balaam came close to getting killed in order to learn this lesson. When Balaam said, "I must speak only what God puts in my mouth," he was most certainly thinking "because I do not want God mad at me."
Yes, this is the chapter where the donkey talks to her master (Balaam). What's more amazing is that he answers her! They have this heart to heart moment that's presented as if it's completely normal (is anything too hard for God?). I'm sure that Balaam was much kinder to his donkey after that day and I doubt he could resist trying to get her to talk again (imagine him trying to convince his friends . . . ).
What are the words that God prompts you to speak? Perhaps His Spirit prompts you to tell your friends about your faith in Jesus, or you just can't hold back your words of praise in response to something God has done. You may be directed to pray for a specific person or event. Maybe you can think of other examples.
While Balaam obeyed after receiving a healthy dose of the "fear of God," I think our response can be tempered by the grace we've received from our faithful, loving Heavenly Father. My point though, is that God does want us to speak on His behalf and that there are "certain things" that we should be prepared to say when there is an opportunity to do so.
Which do you think is the bigger challenge: getting us to speak, or using a donkey?
Father, I know that You promise to help me with the words to say, and I ask You to help me to recognize the opportunities that You give me to speak and to act upon them.
May God bless your day!
-Jim
God made it abundantly clear that Balaam was only to speak the words that God directed him to say, but Balaam came close to getting killed in order to learn this lesson. When Balaam said, "I must speak only what God puts in my mouth," he was most certainly thinking "because I do not want God mad at me."
Yes, this is the chapter where the donkey talks to her master (Balaam). What's more amazing is that he answers her! They have this heart to heart moment that's presented as if it's completely normal (is anything too hard for God?). I'm sure that Balaam was much kinder to his donkey after that day and I doubt he could resist trying to get her to talk again (imagine him trying to convince his friends . . . ).
What are the words that God prompts you to speak? Perhaps His Spirit prompts you to tell your friends about your faith in Jesus, or you just can't hold back your words of praise in response to something God has done. You may be directed to pray for a specific person or event. Maybe you can think of other examples.
While Balaam obeyed after receiving a healthy dose of the "fear of God," I think our response can be tempered by the grace we've received from our faithful, loving Heavenly Father. My point though, is that God does want us to speak on His behalf and that there are "certain things" that we should be prepared to say when there is an opportunity to do so.
Which do you think is the bigger challenge: getting us to speak, or using a donkey?
Father, I know that You promise to help me with the words to say, and I ask You to help me to recognize the opportunities that You give me to speak and to act upon them.
May God bless your day!
-Jim
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
No Turning Back
"But he [Paul] said, 'Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.'" Acts 21:13 NLT
Paul was convinced it was the Lord's will for him to go to Jerusalem. His friends foresaw danger for him there and pleaded with Paul not to go. But convinced it was God's will Paul was ready to face whatever might come--jail or even death--in order to obey and serve Jesus. Nothing would turn him aside from God's will.
What would it take to turn you aside from God's will? Our enemy is committed to turning God's servants back from doing God's will. He attempted with Christ and failed. He attempted it with Paul and failed. Other times with other people he has succeeded. May he never succeed in our life. If we are to stand and not fall we must stay close to God in prayer and rely on the strength of Christ who alone has the power to overcome the enemy. He will win the victory on our behalf if we will fully commit ourselves to follow Him at any cost. "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back."
Father, as You make Your will clear to me through Your Word and Your Spirit, may nothing--not even death--turn me aside from doing it. Grant me a holy tenacity that will not be dissuaded by friend or foe from walking with You all the way in Your will.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Paul was convinced it was the Lord's will for him to go to Jerusalem. His friends foresaw danger for him there and pleaded with Paul not to go. But convinced it was God's will Paul was ready to face whatever might come--jail or even death--in order to obey and serve Jesus. Nothing would turn him aside from God's will.
What would it take to turn you aside from God's will? Our enemy is committed to turning God's servants back from doing God's will. He attempted with Christ and failed. He attempted it with Paul and failed. Other times with other people he has succeeded. May he never succeed in our life. If we are to stand and not fall we must stay close to God in prayer and rely on the strength of Christ who alone has the power to overcome the enemy. He will win the victory on our behalf if we will fully commit ourselves to follow Him at any cost. "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back."
Father, as You make Your will clear to me through Your Word and Your Spirit, may nothing--not even death--turn me aside from doing it. Grant me a holy tenacity that will not be dissuaded by friend or foe from walking with You all the way in Your will.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Costly Disobedience
"But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving to them!'" Numbers 20:12 NLT
God told Moses to speak to the rock and it would pour forth water for the people. However, Moses struck the rock with his staff rather than speaking to it as God instructed. God gave the water but Moses' disobedience cost him greatly. His failure to do it the Lord's way amounted to a lack of trust in and honor to the Lord. Because of this disobedience Moses would not enter the land of promise with the people. Moses did not lose his "salvation" (eternal relationship with God) but he did lose the privilege of leading the people.
God takes trust and obedience seriously and especially so in the lives of those who lead because of their influence over the lives of others. If the leader dose not trust and obey the Lord, what will the followers do? If the leader rebels, what will the people do? We all have influence (leadership) over somebody. It is important that we trust and obey God before those we influence so they will learn to do the same. Is there some area where you need to choose to trust and obey God today before the watching eyes of others rather than follow your own natural inclinations?
Father, help me to remember the importance of my influence and to faithfully use it to lead others to trust and obey You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
God told Moses to speak to the rock and it would pour forth water for the people. However, Moses struck the rock with his staff rather than speaking to it as God instructed. God gave the water but Moses' disobedience cost him greatly. His failure to do it the Lord's way amounted to a lack of trust in and honor to the Lord. Because of this disobedience Moses would not enter the land of promise with the people. Moses did not lose his "salvation" (eternal relationship with God) but he did lose the privilege of leading the people.
God takes trust and obedience seriously and especially so in the lives of those who lead because of their influence over the lives of others. If the leader dose not trust and obey the Lord, what will the followers do? If the leader rebels, what will the people do? We all have influence (leadership) over somebody. It is important that we trust and obey God before those we influence so they will learn to do the same. Is there some area where you need to choose to trust and obey God today before the watching eyes of others rather than follow your own natural inclinations?
Father, help me to remember the importance of my influence and to faithfully use it to lead others to trust and obey You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, May 3, 2010
Life-Changing Power
"Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect." Acts 19:18-20 NLT
We may forget the just how powerful and life-transforming the gospel is. Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). We need to remember and embrace the life-changing power of the gospel for our life and share it with others so they too can experience its power.
Father, I thank you for the life-changing message of Jesus. As I continue to believe may it continue to alter my life from sinful practices to holiness. As I share it with others may they come to believe and experience its power also.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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