Celebration Notes

February 10 Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalms 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

2012-02-10T09:52:00.003-06:00

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To live or die?

Today’s reading brings up a problem that we, as imperfect humans are faced with daily. Choices. Old, young, big, tall, short, or small, we all have to make them. Sometimes, the choices we make are irrelevant, and sometimes the choices we make affect others around us. Of those choices that affect others, we have to stop and think of the potential outcomes. Will the choice I make hurt someone I love? Will my choice hurt my children, or my spouse? For the younger generation, you need to ask yourselves, will my choice hurt my parents or my friends?

Now, I said that to say this. Will the choices you make lead to life, or death? You have a choice to sin. It’s totally up to you. You have a choice to listen when your parents teach you that lying, stealing, and killing are wrong. If you don’t listen then, your choices are affected as adults. You have a choice to steal that new game you’ve been wanting. You have a choice to hurt the store clerk when you get caught. OR, you can save your allowance to buy the game. You can get a part time job and save for the new car you want. You can choose to do what’s right.

In Matt 26:47-55, we read that Jesus is arrested in the garden of Gethsemane after being betrayed by Judas Iscariot. We also read that “one who was with Him, drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” Jesus gives the man a piece of advice that still holds true today. “Put your sword back in its place, for those who draw the sword will die by the sword.”

Ask yourself something. “Will the choice I make today, affect me tomorrow?” Your answer is yes. Make live giving choices, and don’t die by the “sword.”

Peace, Love and Blessings.
Joe Berry

February 9 Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

2012-02-09T09:27:00.003-06:00

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We look at all creation and should be in awe. It is amazing to see how everything works so beautifully together. But even before all of this was created, God first created wisdom. This passage in Proverbs is a continuation of “Wisdom’s” autobiography that began yesterday. Solomon becomes the ghostwriter for Wisdom itself. Today we got to read the bulk of Wisdom’s story. It reads a little like a personal ad might read. If Wisdom was on eHarmony, this passage is what would be there. It lists Wisdom’s personal attributes, likes, accomplishments and brief personal history. The point is Wisdom wants to be found (“those who seek me find me”). Wisdom wants you to know its attributes and recognize it when you see it. Wisdom wants to be a part of your life. In the truest sense of the word, Wisdom is our soulmate. (Soul being defined as our mind, will and emotions.) When we make wisdom part of our lives, our soul gets the guidance that we need and it leads us to the life that God has created for us and that we so long to live. Pursue wisdom. You won’t regret it.

February 8 Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13

2012-02-08T09:17:00.002-06:00

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There is so much depth of meaning in looking at the high priest's garment. The Urim and Thummim were objects that were used in making decisions by the High Priest. The traditional view of the translation of Urim and Thummim is “Light and Truth.” They were used like casting lots or flipping a quarter in making a decision. The big difference is that the Urim and Thummim were guided by God. The text says that “Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.”

God has always wanted to lead us from within. Not through an external set of rules that would force us in a direction, but through an internal desire to love and follow him. God has placed his Spirit within us to be our guide. God has given us the truth to be hidden in our hearts.

In our reading, we have not made it to the book of Acts yet but when we get there we will see a similar decision making style taking place in the first chapter. The disciples remember that the scriptures foretold that someone would take Judas’s place. They proposed two different men for the job and then they cast lots. The lot fell to a man named Matthias (who we never hear of again, although I am sure that he had a great ministry impact). Shortly after that, the Holy Spirit is poured out and they never cast lots again. They are always led by the Spirit.

Even in Exodus, God was showing that it was more about the heart than it was about the Urim and Thummim.

February 7 Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11

2012-02-07T09:34:00.006-06:00

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Parables can seem so confusing, especially to those new to the Word of God. Why doesn’t Jesus just tell us what He wants us to know???? Because He wants us to understand beyond a shadow of doubt what He means. This can only happen if we get ourselves involved to a point that we are consciously seeking Him.

The parable of the ten virgins used to confuse me on a few things:

First, why were there ten virgins?

Second, why did this have to be where they went to Him, and at night to boot?

And third why are the five with plenty of oil so stingy to the others who needed oil -aren’t we supposed to help others?

Even though the Bible was written in a time and place and to a people whose customs we don’t understand, with some effort even the parables can even be understood.

Here’s how I see it:

First, God wants all of us to come to him.

Second, He already came and took care of our sin. When He comes again we will have to have done something-Chosen Him

And third, yes we are to be generous, but we ourselves as individuals have to make our own decision to make Christ our personal Lord andSavior. No one else can do it for us, and we are not “saved” just because those around us are.

As a father to an Eagle Scout I have heard the motto “Be prepared” (Boy Scout Motto) for years.

Maybe it is time for every one of us to make sure we are prepared for The Lord's return-and just like the virgins, we don’t know WHEN He is coming.

Be ready to fly-

Steve Lawhone

February 6 Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

2012-02-06T09:14:00.001-06:00

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BE READY

I am always telling my kids to be ready. One day we all wanted to go to the movies and there were only two showings. I wanted to go to the first one (because its cheaper). I told the kids to be ready at a certain time so we would have time to get candy (yes I bring my own candy). I ran my errands and returned home expecting my kids to be ready to do the thing they wanted to do. All I found were kids surprised that I was home, one still in jammies, another looking for their shoes, only one was ready. Wow. They missed out on family fun day, because they were not ready.

As I was reading Matthew 24, I was thinking about how Jesus tells us to be ready. He is not asking us to do things out of the norm but live our lives in HIM through the grace he has given us. He is such a loving Father, he even gives us this warning to be alert and ready for his return. He doesn't want us to miss out on something he meant for us to have because we aren't ready.

Are you ready? Or are you still in your jammies?

Kim Turney

February 5 Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23

2012-02-05T05:21:00.005-06:00

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Voice of the Lord...

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful,
The voice of the LORD is majestic.
7 The voice of the LORD hews out flames of fire. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer to calve And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, "Glory!" 10 The LORD sat as King at the flood; Yes, the LORD sits as King forever. 11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace

I admit it! I am a voice snob! I don’t turn off the radio when I hear a Tom Petty song because I think the guy is a little strange (even though I do), I can’t stand to hear his voice. There’s just something about his voice that is like nails on a chalkboard to me.
In these days of text messaging and email, it is easy for the power of the human voice to be lost. Your boss announces, “I need to see you in my office”, a spouse says, “We need to talk”, your baby cries, your child giggles, your mother sings and something stirs inside you.
It’s hard to fathom the power of God’s voice. God’s voice can build up or tear down. It can stir things up or bring peace. It can reach where no voice has ever reached before. Why do I cross paths with so many people who have never heard it?
Because I am the voice of God.

The more I give glory to his name, the louder his voice will be.

Strengthen some ones heart today with God’s message of hope and healing.

February 4 Exodus 19:16-21:21, Matthew 23:13-39, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 7:1-5

2012-02-04T08:50:00.003-06:00

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Did you ever notice that the Hebrew people had only been out from under their Egyptian oppressors for a very short time, before God came down to Mount Sinai to lay down the law? Why would He do that?

God knew that without some kind of laws, the Hebrew people would become slaves of another kind. They would be living a life that would be tied to sin and death. Their life would have been like living in a constant free fall; a life without balance.

When God gave Moses, His commandments and laws for the Hebrew people to follow, they were to serve as a guide for them to live their lives by. Through the Ten Commandments God gave them instructions on how to worship Him and how to treat one another in all situations. God loved the Hebrew people so much that He wanted them to know how to live a life pleasing to Him. A life that would be filled with fulfilled promises and blessings.

Jesus came to save us while we were yet in our sins and that because of Him we are shown much grace and mercy. He did not come for us to live a life of condemnation. With God’s grace on us, if we were to decide to live our life as closely to the Holy Spirit as we possibly can, then the new life we have in Christ will keep us from violating the spirit of the law and our life would be much less complicated.

“6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:6 NIV)

Debra Lawhone

February 3 Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35

2012-02-03T09:53:00.003-06:00

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Lifting...

8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword." Ex 17:8 -13 NIV

As I read this I can't help but see the Church. To me this story more about Aaron and Hur than about the fight that is taking place.

We all face challenges. Battles day in and day out. Those come and go.

But do we have an Aaron or Hur to lift us up during these times when we feel beaten up and tired.

This to me is what Church is about. Being there for those who are battle beaten and lifting them up, encouraging them so they can see the victory!

It's to be a Sam to somebody's Frodo! (Lord of the Rings reference)

I know I would not have seen the victory's in my life had it not been for the Sams in my Life! Those who have stood with me during those crazy times when most people would run away.

That is what people need. Someone to come along side and lift them up until victory comes!

Be that Someone!

Nathan Bosworth

February 2 Exodus 15:19-17:7, Matthew 22:1-33, Psalm 27:1-6, Proverbs 6:20-26

2012-02-02T08:42:00.002-06:00

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God of the Living

In Matthew 22:32, Jesus makes a powerful statement, after the Pharisees try once again to trip Him up. Jesus reminds them that God said, “‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And continues, “So he is the God of the living, not the dead.”

Jesus was answering their question if there really was a resurrection of the dead, but I think there is so much more there. We were created for eternity! But we can’t see our life as only beginning in the here-after.

Wasn’t it Jesus who said, “I have come that you may have life and life abundant” and “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”?

I was talking with a woman a few weeks ago, that is struggling with depression and was having a really bad week. I asked her what she thought would make her happy, and her answer, “To be in heaven with Jesus.” It may sound spiritual, but it is the furtherest thing from what Jesus has for us here. He desires us to live every day, every moment, every breath in this great, big wonderful life He made for us!

It is here that we can live out this life as only Jesus could give us, “the good, the bad and the ugly”, this great big adventure as only God could take us on!

Tomorrow morning, why not wake up with this thought first, “What adventure do you have planned today for us, Lord?” and let Him be the God of the living? Let’s get to this business of living!

Cassie Francis

February 1 Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

2012-02-01T08:48:00.003-06:00

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Intentions…

The year is still fresh and our minds are still full of all that we intend to do with the weeks and months ahead. Intention is a precious thing. It reveals our desires. It even empowers and propels some planning and study toward the intended end. Intention buys the new workout videos. Intention picks a Bible reading plan. Intention buys carrots instead of candy bars at the grocery store. Intention can sign up for a marriage class. Intention looks good at the moment but does not actually accomplish anything.

Execution…now execution gets things done. Execution actually eats the carrots. Execution reads those passages in the Bible. Execution pushes the play button on those DVDs and breaks a sweat. Execution puts those marriage tips to work and actually has a date night.

In Matthew 21, we read about two sons who were instructed to, “go and work today in the vineyard.” One says that he will and the other says that he will not. The twist comes when each one does not do what they said that they would do. One intended. One executed. Intention alone merely said a powerless “yes.” Execution brought heart and hand into the equation and did what the father wanted.

Some people have said “no” to God when they should have said yes. Good news… it’s not too late for a heart change. Some have said a quick “yes” but have left it unfulfilled. Good news… it’s not too late for a heart change. God has much in store for us this year. Let’s choose to follow him not merely with an easy and empty “yes,” but with a believing heart that puts our entire lives into His service.

Brandon Clark

January 31 Exodus 12:14-13:16, Matthew 20:29-21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

2012-01-31T08:48:00.003-06:00

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In this day of exceeding meanness, abundant evil, and uncertain economic times it is good to remember that as a child of God we have favor. That favor extends to personal protection, which is a great comfort. We don’t have to live in fear because we know God is there to continuously protect us. When we are away from our property God’s angels will watch over everything if we ask him to do that. We don’t have to worry about losing our job because God will silently influence decisions affecting us; and if we do lose it, then something better is waiting for us. Man, what peace does that give! We are supposed to live life abundantly and this is part of it. Not worrying or stressing allows such a joyous time.

Meet God, accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, receive eternal life and stress-free living during your life. Favor follows God’s people. The beautiful thing is just as the two blind men sitting by the road called out to Jesus and he opened their eyes, so can anyone who calls out to him have their eyes opened to him so they might see him and the life He promises. So call out to Him and watch how your life will change: eyes opened, peace in your life, favor in all you do, and the greatest gift ever…..closeness with the King of the Universe eternally.

Eddie Clark

January 30 Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 6:6-11

2012-01-30T09:06:00.002-06:00

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Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit!

One of the wonderful fruits of the Spirit is Joy! Do you have Joy? It's my best "Quick Check" of spiritual health! When I'm walking in "Thanksgiving" I'm so very thankful the Lord has not given me what I've earned (and deserve) considering the "wages of SIN is DEATH."

He has not dealt with me according to my sin, but rather according to His Goodness!
In Matthew 20:1-19 Jesus tells a parable sure to provoke the 'works oriented Pharisees' of His Day. The workmen who started working first are paid last, and . . . even worse - they are PAID THE SAME as the 'Johnny-come-lately's'!!

From cover to cover, the Scripture reveals a consistent theme of just... "Who is this KING OF GLORY?" The King Of Glory surrounds His Eternal Throne with Seraphim and Cherubim who cry day & night "HOLY HOLY HOLY IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY."

As a "sinner saved by GRACE" I'm overwhelmed at the fact that I can't even comprehend the cost for my salvation! It is nothing short of the death of His Own Dear Son Jesus! The very same kindness that made the "late in the day workmen" so happy, is the kindness that HE has not given me what I HAVE earned!

As I walk in this... I have GREAT JOY!!!

Pure White Hot Holiness of God in All His Refulgent Glory emanates from His Eternal Throne!

I cannot begin to comprehend what it would be like to stand before Him in HIs Glory, without the Blood Of Jesus covering my sin!!!

Alan Rees

January 29 Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5

2012-01-29T05:20:00.001-06:00

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How soon they forgot what Jesus said.
Mt.18:3..., Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].

Once I sat for a few hours and watched my friend's beautiful 4 year old niece play. It was easy because there was no directing or correcting on my part. She was singing songs, talking to her baby dolls and animals, frustrated at some building blocks that weren't cooperating. Quite happy just being who she was - no worries about being too much or not enough. Unpretentious. Staying in the now. Her life simple. None of the years of wounding or years of the enemy's arrows. Not hardened by sin (hers or other's). Not tangled up with status or possessions.

Rich young ruler's life was his status, possessions and law keeping. It may "look" good but, no freedom or simplicity in that. He thought he had it made, keeping those commandments. Then Jesus pointed out his bondage to self and stuff. To be fair, give the guy credit for his honesty because at least he didn't pretend obedience. He wasn't at surrender but, Jesus didn't rebuke him saying "Scram you greedy poser!"

Mt.19:22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad (grieved and in much distress), for he had great possessions.

The disciples didn't know what to make of Jesus' hard sayings about rich folks. Sounds like rich folks won't make it, to which He replies . . .

Mt. 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.

Elaine Rees

January 28 Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23

2012-01-28T09:52:00.000-06:00

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This is a funny scripture simply because it falls in the lot with John 3:16 and the “Lord’s Prayer.”

Everyone knows them from childhood and therefore takes no time to glance at them later on. Even when I began reading this Psalm, I already started turning pages. But, I stopped because a movie came to mind. “The Book of Eli” is about about a man in a post-apocalyptic world and he has the only Bible. On his journey he meets a girl named Salara, who asks him to read to her. He tells her Psalm 23.

I found it interesting that the director would choose such a common scripture when he could have used anyone he wanted. But, it donned on me. Eli himself is in a “valley of death” full of ruthless bandits and a tyrant who hunts Eli for the Bible so he can use it to manipulate his people. Not only that, but at the end of the movie it is revealed that Eli has been blind this whole time and the Bible is in brail. God leads him west, where he finds a group of people with a printing press who copy the Bible so everyone can have it. It just goes to shows that God is the ultimate Shepherd. That even in the worst darkness, our own blindness, God can still lead you to your favor and destiny.

Jenna Francis

January 27 Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

2012-01-27T11:00:00.003-06:00

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Faith and Obedience

Exodus 4:1-5:21

1Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’”

In reading this scripture God is teaching Moses about Faith and trusting in him. Moses wonders how people will believe what God has told him to do. I know in my life when God first tells me to do something I will first question myself. God wants us to trust in him and have faith in His word and us. He goes on to teach Moses on the power he has through God. When God speaks to us about talking to others about him, or praying with others He wants us to be obedient because it not only has a purpose, it increases our faith. When we really learn to trust in him He will do so much through us. God goes on to tell Moses to go to Pharaoh and give him a word.

21 And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.

In our lives God will use us to not only change our lives, our hearts but also the lives and hearts of others. We are to be an instrument, a staff that He can use every day. God loves us and wants to teach us, but without the obedience that cannot happen. When we walk in Faith and Obedience his glory truly shines through in us and his blessings are over flowing. Look at all Moses did, look at the power that God was able to have in him because he was obedient and faithful. WOW! How will He use me? How will he use you?

Love and Blessings,

Melissa Falkner

January 26 Exodus 2:11-3:22, Matthew 17:10-27, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 5:7-14

2012-01-26T08:46:00.003-06:00

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As described in the verses of Psalm 22, I can recount several instances in my life where I had a great deal of anguish. Although the circumstances were incomparable, each time I cried out to God, “Take this from me, I cannot do it on my own!”

At one point I thought I was going to die because of the deep rooted anguish and all I could offer was sorrowful groaning. Like David, with every bit of strength I had, I did nothing short of beg Him to ‘let that cup pass!’ Not that day….

Sometimes the waiting is almost more agonizing than the circumstance. Incidentally, we serve a just God who loves us so much that He helps us to “wait it out” with purpose. We don’t always know what good will come from the difficulty, but by His redemptive love, we know without a doubt that He will bring it to pass. And He reveals the lesson so that our index finger doesn’t push repeat.

Mitzi Atkinson

January 25 Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6

2012-01-25T09:09:00.002-06:00

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For anyone who has ever played (or attempted to play) golf, most likely you have experienced the extremely ineffective and certainly not pretty to look at – Slice. The problem with the slice is that it not only goes nowhere, but the more you try not to slice, the greater the slice will become. The quickest and easiest way to remedy the problem is to line up further in the direction you have been hitting the ball - in essence the exact opposite of what our mind would think or wants to do.

Life is full of these types of idiosyncrasies – less is more; to move forward you must go backwards; if you want to change someone else, you must change yourself. But surely these are limited in application to a silly sport or some theoretical idea we toss around with little thought, right? Well, Jesus gives us one for the ages in the book of Matthew. In chapter 16:25, he states that “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.” I dare to say that each and everyone one of us has the ultimate goal to find true life and Jesus is giving us the blueprint for how to obtain it. Holding on to all or even some of our life may seem like the right thing to do, but it is in giving it up that we find the things we are truly looking for.

Jeff Atkinson

January 24 Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27

2012-01-24T08:29:00.003-06:00

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It always amazes me how God works, how He chooses to speak to us if we’re willing to listen. As I read the passages that I was given to choose from, I knew immediately which one I was to write about. For the past 3 years I’ve lead a class with a young group of ladies at our school. The verse that I believe God gave me for them is found in one of the passages. Proverbs 4: 23 tells us “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

When I think of guarding ones heart, I imagine a king placing soldiers strategically around a precious, irreplaceable princess. I imagine a war going on all around her. Arrows are flying towards her from the right and the left. The enemies’ only goal is to capture the princess. The kings’ only desire is to keep her safe. The soldier’s only job is to guard her with their very lives.

In this scenario we are the soldiers and the princess is our hearts. The problem is that we don’t take our jobs as soldiers serious enough. If we were ordered by an actual king to guard his princess, we would take that very seriously. Being in charge of a young princess’ life would be important, it would be an honor, and it would be a huge responsibility. Our hearts are our responsibility. If we get distracted even for a moment, the enemy will take that opportunity to strike us with his arrows. Be assured, he does not fight fair. I find it very sad that many times the enemy is more aware and determined to see us fail than we are on guard and determined to succeed. The more discouraged he sees us get, the more determined he is to see us completely fail and ultimately quit. That is why I believe we are warned to guard our hearts with all diligence. If we give anything less than our all, we can be sure to fall. As we are on our guard, we are not alone. Jesus himself was tempted in every way yet without sin. What a comfort to know that such a champion is walking beside us, holding us up when we are weak. He has also given us each other. I believe we’ll not only have to give account for how we did or did not guard our own hearts but also for how we did or did not lift each other up in times of weakness and need.

As we continue this journey together, may we look straight ahead, fixing our gaze on Jesus Christ. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He will see to it that the work God began in us will be made complete.

Marci Huffman

January 23 Genesis 46:1-47:31, Matthew 15:1-28, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 4:14-19

2012-01-23T09:11:00.003-06:00

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I was talking to a student this morning about the game "words with friends" on the iPhone. He was complaining about the advertisements that appeared from time to time and I recommended that he just upgrade to the paid app; after all it's only a dollar, then he could be rid of those pesky ads. Another student chimed in that he knew how he could get it for free. I knew the source he was talking about and I advised them that if they used that service that they were stealing the app and it was not a good idea. The clever student replied that the purpose of the service was not to steal the apps, but to provide a way for people to try out apps before they go and pay for them. When pressed, however. he admitted that he had never actually done so. The idea that the service existed only to give people an opportunity to try something out before they spent their hard-earned cash on it was a nifty way to keep the company out of legal trouble, but ultimately they were providing stolen goods to a large consumer base and depriving the people who designed and produced the applications of their rightful compensation.

This is exactly the kind of legal maneuvering Jesus was accusing the Pharisees of in Matthew 15. Look at how the Message version puts it:

But Jesus put it right back on them. "Why do you use your rules to play fast and loose with God's commands? God clearly says, 'Respect your father and mother,' and, 'Anyone denouncing father or mother should be killed.' But you weasel around that by saying, 'Whoever wants to, can say to father and mother, What I owed to you I've given to God.' That can hardly be called respecting a parent. You cancel God's command by your rules.

The problem with the law is that, if we're real clever, we can observe the letter of the law and completely miss the point. There is always a loophole, a way to weasel out of what the law is really requiring. Jesus' purpose was to bring a new commandment, one that we could not simply negate by our traditions and our man-made rules. This is what Jesus was accusing the Pharisee of; loving God on the outside, observing the laws and rules on the outside, but on the inside, they were full of anger, prejudice and anger. They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him.

Jesus came to bring a new commandment. In John 13:43 He says "I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you. so you too should love one another." That's it. No bargaining, no loopholes, no clever legal maneuvering. We are commanded to measure everything we do in light of this new commandment that we love each other like Jesus loved us. In this way, we are invited into a new relationship with God and a new relationship with the law. No longer are we to be led and guided by words chiseled on stone tablets, rather we are invited to be led by the very Spirit of God. We are no longer accountable to outward displays of righteousness, now we ARE the righteousness of God in Christ. We are no longer beholden to a system of seemingly arbitrary rules and regulations, rather we are sons and daughters of God who act out of a love for Him and a love for one another. The old way was drudgery and obligation, the new way is an adventure! Let's see where it takes us.

Nat Turney

January 22 Genesis 44:1-45:28, Matthew 14:13-36, Psalm 18:37-50, Proverbs 4:11-13

2012-01-22T01:04:00.004-06:00

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There are times where I am going through life and all is great! I am smiling, happy, and feeling like nothing could go wrong. Then all of the sudden my whole world gets turned upside down, and I feel like I have been thrown to the wolves. Why would someone I know hurt me this bad?

As I try to dig myself out of the hurt, I find myself wondering at times why God would let this happen to me? I am a good person. I am nice, and although I am nowhere close to perfect I do try to be a good Christian. So again: why did this happen to me?

In Genesis 44 and 45: I learned a lot about how God takes a bad situation and turns it into His good work by looking at Joseph's life. Joseph was sold into slavery by his very own brothers. When his brothers came back into Joseph's life, not knowing who he was, to get food with their little brother, Joseph tested the brothers' character and learned that God had used the hurt of Joseph's father from their betrayal to change the very hearts of the brothers that had betrayed him. Joseph talked to his brothers about his life from that day of betrayal, and Joseph praised God. Joseph knew that God had known that the bad would happen to him, but he never lost his faith in God. God led him through the slavery and into leadership. Not only did God help Joseph, He also used the same incident to change the very lives of those that had hurt Joseph.

So the next time you sit in your gloom, remember that you are a child of God that is Blessed and Highly Favored. Know that God will help you through the hurt to make you an even better person than you already were, and God is also working on changing the ones that hurt you for the better. It may take a day or years, be patient and confident in knowing that God is always at work in the hearts of everyone you encounter.

Crystal Berry

January 21 Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10

2012-01-21T14:36:00.005-06:00

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Just Keep Swimming!

Psalm 18:16-18. It amazes me that these three verses, these three sentences could say so much.
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters”. (16)
“He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me”. (17)
“They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support”. (18)
Wow. Just wow. How many times during our lives have we found ourselves in “deep waters?” Speaking for myself well, let’s just say I don’t have enough fingers or toes to count them. But the one thing I could count was the number of times that I was rescued. God has always been faithful to reach down from on high and lend me a helping hand. Sometimes it was through another person who spoke words of wisdom or encouragement. Sometimes it was God’s own voice, telling me that he “rescued me because he delighted in me.” (19) Folks, I have a secret to tell you. GOD DELIGHTS IN YOU TOO! I hope I didn’t say that too softly. I want everyone to know that my God is a loving, forgiving, wonderful God, who absolutely delights in you and I. You see, we are his creations. He made us! Think back for a moment when you were a kid, and you brought mom or dad a page out of a coloring book. Remember how you colored every nook and cranny, and stayed inside the lines? And most of all, remember how excited and delighted you felt when mom or dad put that coloring page on the refrigerator? That’s the same excitement God feels when we go to Him for help!
So if you remember nothing else from these verses, remember this: when you find yourself in deep waters, God will always be ready, willing, and able to reach out a helping hand. Be delightful to our Father, and reach back.
Peace, Love and Blessings.
Joe Berry

January 20 Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 4:1-6

2012-01-20T09:44:00.002-06:00

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I began reading about Joseph and his life. The trials, the betrayal, the tribulations, hurts and fears. Oh sure, there were some victories in there, but the hardships seemed to scream so much louder. All I could think of (at first) was “How did he do it? How did he do it without Jesus? He didn’t have Jesus like I do.” What would I do if I couldn’t cry to Jesus? What did Joseph do?

What did Joseph do when God was all he had? (Did I really just think that?) He cried to God. Joseph walked with God; and God was more than enough. It only took a little while for me to hear it loud enough that I stopped... and listened.

...HELLO! I AM GOD! I AM THE SAME GOD!

Joseph didn’t have any less of God than I do; and he didn’t have any more.

In Psalms, it said, “God is the bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God – the high crag where I run for dear life.” “I cry to God to help me. From his palace he hears my call; my cry brings me right into his presence – a private audience!” David cried to the SAME GOD! Wow!

Before Jesus shed His blood... before He conquered the grave... He was GOD! No less GOD and no less the victor than He is today! God is God! Jesus is God! The same yesterday, today and forever. He was there for Joseph. He was there for David and He’s here for me and you. On days when life seems to be overwhelming and the trials too big; they are not too big for our God. We can cry to Him and have a private audience with God..., our Papa God.

Kim Hayes

January 19 Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35

2012-01-19T09:35:00.007-06:00

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Did you know that you are the Lords favorite?

Even when things don't seem like it? Joseph was chosen by God for an incredilble destiny. He was betrayed and thrown into a well and sold into slavery, but God was with him.

He rose in favor in Potiphar's house, but was slandered by Potiphar's wife for something he wouldn't do. Thrown into prison, but God was with him. He was the favored of the warden and interperated dreams for the cupbearer and baker. He was forgotten by the one who lived and was left in prison for another two years, but God was with him.

God is doing something in our lives,and taking us to a place where He can accomplish His plan. No matter what the assualt of the enemy or the circumstances around us, when we lean on God and do His will, HE IS WITH US! And praise Him even when we blow it, He is with us. When we read on, Joseph does alright, saves Egypt and the patriarchs of what will become nation of Israel.

Kelly Dunn

January 18 Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

2012-01-18T09:07:00.007-06:00

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Psalm 16:1-11
God is comfort. He is peace and a strong tower. If you run to Him in your time of need, He will shelter you. The same God that spoke the Earth into existence lives in your heart, if you let Him.

Every star that seems so unimaginably massive and distant is held in His hand. If that same God is our comfort and love, shouldn't it be unending? Shouldn't our peace be so massive that it is everlasting? I don't see why not. If we accept His loving help, we will grow and grow without stopping. There is no limit in God. Our peace and joy would overflow into everyone, and the process would never cease.

So why isn't this so? Well for me, I often put limitations on God. I don't expect and prepare for His best, therefore I don't recieve His best. He is waiting and knocking. When you let go and put your faith in God, Heavens gates will open and pour on you. The everlasting peace and joy. In this passage, David allowed God to work. God sheltered him, and he knew it. He praised God, and God continued to give him comfort. Allow God to work in your life, you will prosper. He only wants what's best for you, and His best is much, much better than ours.

Jonathan Huffman

January 17 Genesis 35:1-36:43, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 15:1-5, Proverbs 3:21-26

2012-01-17T08:51:00.002-06:00

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We have seen huge conflict between Jacob and Esau, to the point that Jacob fled in fear of his life. Esau was royally hacked off at his brother for taking his birthright and his blessing. Their relationship was down and dirty and a “no coming back from this situation” kind of relationship. Yet they do come back. The last verse of Genesis 35 states simply, “Isaac breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, an old man of ripe age; and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.”

This hit me as such a huge declaration of the ties of family. When times get rough, your family is there for you. Now it doesn’t say that they did anything more than the actions necessary. It doesn’t report any words exchanged, but they definitely didn’t kill one another. Esau could have built up anger year upon year until it culminated in a horrific murder scene. He was already digging a grave. He could have dug two. But somewhere in there was forgiveness. He saw the bigger picture and what was and wasn’t worth a battle.

Along with that, Jacob could have easily let fear overtake him and avoided participating. If someone had once threatened my life, I’m not sure that I would ever see him again.

I was once told that “forgiveness is not condoning the actions of another; it is giving God control of the situation.” The brothers may have never spoken again, but they gave up control and focused on what was important, the task at hand. There is always a way to come back. It takes one small step at a time and diligent prayer, but God loves to restore and rebuild!!

DesaRay Goff

January 16 Genesis 32:13-34:31, Matthew 11:7-30, Psalm 14:1-7, Proverbs 3:19-20

2012-01-16T09:49:00.004-06:00

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Have you ever had a time where you were trying to carry something by yourself that was way too heavy or awkward? At that time, were you wishing that someone would come along and help you carry it?

I am one of those people that tries to carry in as many bags of groceries at one time as I can. The plastic bags makes it way to easy for me to load up both arms with multiple bags and then, try and get into the house with all of them. My sweet husband has come home, more than once, about the time I am unloading the car and see me struggling with all the bags. Shanking his head at me, He will say, “here you carry this and I will get the rest.” I will be given something light like the bread and chips and he will grab all the heavy things. He becomes my hero, because he is looking out for me.

I was talking about a physical weight, but we all know that some times the things of life can seem like we are carrying the world’s weight. We need a hero to come and scoop things up and help us get where we are going.

Matthew 11: 28-30 tell us that He WILL carry our heavy loads and replace them with a way that is light and bearable. His way is gentle and peaceable. Jesus is our load bearer, He is strong and able to handle all life has to throw at us, but first, we have to surrender it to him.

He offers everyday to free us of our burdens, but just like me and the groceries, We have to let the strong one carry the load.

Debbie Clark

January 15 Genesis 31:17-32:12, Matthew 10:24-11:6, Psalm 13:1-6, Proverbs 3:16-18

2012-01-15T06:18:00.007-06:00

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I love the Psalms. For every situation I encounter, and for every conversation I have with God, the Psalmist seems to have already written a verse for it. The reading for today is no different.

When we enter a difficult season in our lives, or even a difficult day, it can feel as though we are caught in the enemy's snare. Tough times can weaken our resolve and even make us forget the bounty of prayers God has answered.

I read these verses in several different versions of the Bible and I really like the way the Message talks about how we get out of that pit. For the Psalmist, the enemy has gotten the best of him "long enough" and he has chosen instead to "celebrate" God's rescue. And it isn't just that He comes in the nick of time, either. Even when we forget or doubt, our Father is there, pushing the enemy back. Much of the time, I think we only need to change our perspective of the difficult times to see the way He is there for us.

Courtney Goff

January 14 Genesis 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15

2012-01-14T05:00:00.001-06:00

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“That” Guy

So, in Matthew 10 the Apostles are named. It seems they’re all given a family association, former job title, etc. to identify them...except Judas. No, he is the dude that betrayed Jesus. Make no bones about it. Let’s get it all out in the open right now who this guy is. What a legacy.

I have often wondered if he would have bounced back and done great things for the Kingdom had he not killed himself in the Potter’s Field. Perhaps Judas did do miraculous acts of ministry during his time with Jesus and the Apostles. Because of how it all went down in the end, we will never know since the Bible only speaks of him as the betrayer. Instead, Judas is “that” guy. And if you think about it, by committing suicide, Judas stole away the opportunity for God to do something amazing with the remainder of his life.

There is nothing we have done that can prevent God from working a comeback...unless we give up like Judas did. So, what is your legacy that you’re leaving behind? Will you be thought of as “that” guy (or girl)?

-Russ Collins

January 13 Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12

2012-01-13T09:24:00.002-06:00

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Matt. 9:20

Here we read the story of the woman with the flow of blood. We see how she used her faith to reach out through the crowd of people to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. This story, when we understand the background, will unveil some of the differences between the law and grace. According to Leviticus 15:25 this woman, if caught, would have been stoned to death because she was unclean.
There is another story found in 2 Samuel 6:6 about a man name Uzzah who was helping King David move the Ark of God on a new wooden cart (which he was suppose to carry the Ark on poles carried by men). It would seem that David did not think that it was important to carry the Ark God’s way. When the oxen that were pulling the cart with the Ark stumbled, Uzzah reach out with his hand to steady the Ark to keep it from falling. He was struck dead! Uzzah operated in good intent but according to the Law he too was unclean.
When we contrast this story to the one in Matthew, we can see the difference that the grace of Jesus makes. In 2 Corinthians, the scripture says that the letter of the law kills, but the Spirit gives life. Uzzah came in contact with the law and even though his intent was good the law can not show any mercy, it only knows demand. The woman in Matthew was unclean but comes into contact with Jesus and receives life.

They both came in contact with God, but the woman touched the new Covent of Life and Grace and the Life and Grace was God in the flesh His name is Jesus.

Larry Lane

January 12 Genesis 26:17-27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10

2012-01-12T09:10:00.004-06:00

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(NLT) Matt 9: 6-7 6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man[b] has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 7 And the man jumped up and went home!

Wow, can you imagine standing their watching Jesus perform these miracles? Can you imagine seeing a person who was paralyzed and all of a sudden JUMP UP and walk home!

Just the other day Elizabeth was telling me that her friend’s 18 month old baby swallowed a watch battery. The Mother quickly called poison control, and they told her to take the baby to the ER immediately! After seeing the X-rays and battery in the baby’s body, the ER Doctor had the baby Med Evaced to Phoenix Children’s hospital. If battery dissolves, it could be fatal. The entire family was extremely frightened, but they had Faith and begin to pray for a miracle. The Doctor in Phoenix, told them that he was going to give the child 3 days to try and pass the battery, and if not they were going to have to do emergency surgery to keep the battery from harming the baby. They gave the baby all types of foods and medicine to help try and pass the battery. The Mother very diligently searched through every soiled diaper, praying she would find the battery. She never found it. After 3 days (day of the surgery) they sent the baby for an X-Ray to see where the battery was. The X-rays were negative; there was no battery to be found. So a second X-ray was done and again nothing was found. The doctor reviewed the X-ray again and again, it puzzled him and he had no explanation for why the battery had simply “disappeared”…. After seeing the results the Doctor walked in and told the Mother, “I cannot explain this, there is no explanation for this, the battery is gone!” The Mother and family knew what had happened and they smiled in relief, and the Mother told the Doctor “God did it”!

Wow what an Awesome God we serve!

NLT) Heb 13:8 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Randy Chavez

January 11 Genesis 24:52-26:16, Matthew 8:18-34, Psalm 10:1-15, Proverbs 3:7-8

2012-01-11T09:21:00.002-06:00

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Always run to God!!

Ever since I could remember I was told to always rely on God. I can remember going on trips with my Grandpa down the old highways in Amarillo Texas. I remember him saying, "Lauryn, always think God first and he will make sure all your paths are straight." I never really understood what that meant when I was little but as I grew older and different situations came against me, I began to understand more. In today's reading, Proverbs tells us to rely on God and he will make sure you are in good health and will ease your pain.

In our everyday life of the hustle and bustle, it is easier to just try to figure problems out on our own and not stop our train of thought by asking for someone else's help. And in most cases it ends up not going as planned or blows way up. Through all of that, we have to remember that God is on our side and when problems come up, run to God! He said he would help us and we wouldn't have to stress and get sick. I know times are hard with the economy but if we rely on God he is faithful and will do his part.

So as I leave you with this final thought ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS RUN TO GOD... He is a great problem solver.

Lauryn Jo Ramirez

January 10 Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6

2012-01-10T11:25:00.003-06:00

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Today's story was about Abraham desirinig a wife for his son. He knew what he didn't want for his son, just like so many of us feel for our own children. As a single parent, I pray regularly for my children to have the mate that God selects for them, instead of the the plan that they might otherwise choose.

Abraham sends the right person to find this woman, too. A man who trusted God to show him who His choice would be for Isaac. Can you imagine what he might have returned with if he had just selected her himself? She might have been a lovely person, but there are certain characteristics she may not have had. Rebekkah was kind in that she offerred water to the servent and his camels. She was also very beautiful. Too many times we get involved in the facilitating of God's plan and end up with less than what He planned.

God's plan is perfect for us and we just need to trust him. I know that my kids have great things in store for them!

Selena Strickland

January 9 Genesis 20:1-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22

2012-01-09T09:05:00.003-06:00

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Have you ever lied to keep out of trouble?......So did Abraham.

Have you ever “helped” God (and made the situation worse) because He wasn’t moving fast enough in your life? ….So did Abraham.

Has God ever asked you to do something that you didn’t want to do? ……He also asked Abraham.

Has God ever blessed your life beyond your imagination? He also blessed Abraham.
As I read the story of Abraham again I actually see a story about God’s grace instead of just Abraham’s life.

We know Abraham was a great man who found favor with God and became the Father of many nations. But do we see God was just as loving and full of grace then as He is now.

As we read his story in Genesis we see that by our standards Abraham was sometimes a knucklehead (just like us). He lied about who his wife was, to save himself (and was shown grace). God promised him a son with his wife, but it didn’t happen fast enough for Abraham so he “helped” God, and had a son by another woman (and was shown grace).

God then keeps His promise and gives Abraham a son from his wife, and then when He tells Abraham to sacrifice the boy, he stops him from doing it (again showing grace). Abraham’s faith and obedience is all God was really asking for. And that is what He wants from us too. Sometimes God might just want to show us that being willing to obey Him is a sign of our faith.

Think about this. Abraham lived before the Law and before the covenant of Grace. Yet he broke the law and was showed grace. Just like us.

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever.

-Steve Lawhone

January 8 Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15

2012-01-08T05:09:00.000-06:00

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Proverbs 2:6-15 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 6 For the LORD gives wisdom;  From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;  He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,  8 Guarding the paths of justice,  And He preserves the way of His godly ones.  9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice  And equity and every good course.  10 For wisdom will enter your heart  And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;  11 Discretion will guard you,  Understanding will watch over you,  12 To deliver you from the way of evil,  From the man who speaks perverse things;  13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness  To walk in the ways of darkness;  14 Who delight in doing evil  And rejoice in the perversity of evil;  15 Whose paths are crooked,  And who are devious in their ways;

As people with limited knowledge of the future, it is easy for us to get into fear of the unknown. We have a tendency to see the worst-case scenario and forget that it’s fiction. God promises not only to give us the wisdom and knowledge that we need to handle every situation, but that HE, HIMSELF will protect us. We are defending ourselves against the schoolyard bully with Daddy behind us to beat him up if we need help. Not fair to the bully, but we’re OK with it because we win. As Christians we should not fear knowledge. It is our friend and it is our way to know God better. And knowing God better means we can trust him more, with our loved ones, our careers and our future. And we can know that he’s already there. We can’t be afraid of a future that involves him when we know that we can trust him.

Dallas Goff

January 7 Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5

2012-01-07T12:20:00.004-06:00

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It's always a blessing to be able to give God all the glory from reading his incredible word! This morning I would like to visit with you about doing good deeds for God for all the wrong reasons! It is very easy for us to worry about what the world thinks of our walk instead of what God really desires from us! I've had so many conversations with Christians telling me how they've blessed other people with money and good deeds! Im a very competitive person and realized the motives these people had were some of the same as mine! I wanted people to know what I had done for others!

I wanted people to say amazing job Shane instead of my God being well pleased! It's very easy to get caught up in boasting about what you did for God and tainting the real reason for the deed from the beginning! In the 1st few verses from Matthew 6, Jesus makes it clear that there is no reward from the father if the motive is to please man. The good news is God has forgiven me and now my priority is to please him! Every single decision we make should be to his glory and the result as the word says is that he will bless us openly!

Be blessed today and remember how much God loves and adores us as his children!

Shane Falkner

January 6 Genesis 13:5-15:21, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 1:29-33

2012-01-06T09:51:00.003-06:00

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Love your enemies.

I have always struggled with this due to I don't like to admit I have any enemies... there are just those who are simply confused. To pray for those who may not care for me is hard. In my trying to get understanding in why I should do this, it was nicely pointed out to me that as much as the prayer is for them that I needed it for me. I say to that... "I beg your pardon!" So I began to watch how when I prayed for my "confused friends," my heart for them changed. My heart broke that I could have done something to cause the confusion in them. God is so good in the walking us through our own blindness so that we can see what we are to do for each person in our life. There isn't a place where we can escape that makes these situations not exist. God always wants us to hit it head on. I like the fact that when I am reminded to pray for those who are my enemies that I am doing good for them and making my life much stronger and happier.

Understanding that through my prayer I can help others in their life is very rewarding. As confusing as it is for me to understand why I have enemies, I have understood that they don't necessarily understand why I might would be their enemy. And in that there is truth to my phrase of "simply confused." We all are simply confused. Why would someone hurt me, why would someone do what they did to me or my family? When we realize we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against the one who robs us, then it is so much easier to pray. The ones who are our enemies have been robbed from just as much as anyone else. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He loves to destroy happiness and relationships. If you have an enemy, then these two things were some of what has been robbed from you and your enemy. I say to that "Don't you dare stand for it." If it were a personal possession you would fight hard to get it back! You should fight even harder to get that enemy to not be an enemy anymore,

We are instructed to pray without ceasing. I guess there is enough time in there to pray for those who are brought to your mind on this lovely day. And as Aunt Bee says in the Andy Griffith show "Get To It!"

Krista Clark

January 5 Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalms 5:1-12, Proverbs 1:24-28

2012-01-05T09:02:00.002-06:00

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"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”
(Matthew 5:3 The Message)

Let’s face it there are times when all of us feel like life is coming at us like a freight train, and we just don’t know where to turn or what to do to fix it. Life brings things our way that we literally cannot fix ourselves. I honestly cannot count the number of times in my own life that I have literally felt like I was at the end of my “rope”. It seemed like the problems just kept coming, and just when I thought I had a grip on things, here came some more stuff to deal with. The big question is… where is your focus during those times in your life?

“With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

There is an expression of when you are at the end of your rope you should tie a knot into the rope so that you can hang on to it easier, but I think instead wasting your energy trying to tie that knot, you should just hand God that rope and let Him bless you.

Another question you might have….. How is God going to bless me if I give him my rope?

I believe that today’s reading of Psalms 5 answers that question rather nicely.

“11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
12 For you bless the godly, O LORD;
you surround them with your shield of love.” (Psalm 5:11-12 NLT)

“You’re blessed” because there are no freight trains (problems) bigger than God!

Be blessed,
Debra Lawhone

January 4 Genesis 8:1-10:32, Matthew 4:12-25, Psalms 4:1-8, Proverbs 1:20-23

2012-01-04T08:50:00.003-06:00

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In Hebrew, the word Ararat seems to have two schools of thought and meanings. One teacher says it means “the curse is reversed”. Then another, more technical meaning from all the characters, is “a curse and a trembling; then a mountain and a future in a flash laid out”; both are absolutely incredible!

As the human race, a curse was brought upon us in the Garden, one that would separate us from God. But even there God began to reverse what man had done! (Genesis 3:15)

Fast-forward to Mt. Ararat. Everyone is dead except for Noah and his family and they come to rest on Mt. Ararat, a place where the curse of the flood would be reversed (remember the rainbow?) and their future is laid before them. They have to whole earth to make it what they wanted it to be! And again, man failed.

But God!

Fast-forward to Mt. Calvary now, and we see that everything that man had done and would ever do, to bring a curse would be once and for all reversed, forgiven,” the slate wiped clean”!

Galatians 3:13-14 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

There, at Calvary, Jesus “reversed the curse” and in a flash laid out our future. Not sure what you’re future might hold? Get to know Jesus and you will; our future is in Him, and it is good!

Cassie Francis

January 3 Genesis 5:1-7:24, Matthew 3:7-4:11, Psalms 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:10-19

2012-01-03T10:33:00.001-06:00

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Build it and they will come...
Anyone ever watch the Field of Dreams? It's a totally crazy movie but has one of the all time greatest movie lines..."Build it and they will come."
In Genesis 7 we get to meet Noah and the Family.
9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth." Gen 7:9-10

Seems like your Normal Family...until Gen 7:11-14

11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress...

God goes on to explain how to make the ark.

Noah is faced with a choice...Do I do it or not? Do I look like a fool with a Big Boat or a fool without a Big Boat? Decisions..Decisions...Decisions!
A lot of the decisions in our lives really come down to one thing...Obedience. Do I obey God or not?

We know what Noah did. Genesis 7: 22
"22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him."

Because he obeyed, he lived. Because he obeyed, his family lived. Because he obeyed, the animals lived!
He built it and they came!
Build your life on obeying God and your field of dreams will come.

Nathan Bosworth

January 2 Genesis 3:1-4:26, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalms 2:1-12, Proverbs 1:7-9

2012-01-02T09:25:00.001-06:00

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This passage in Genesis, as well as the passage in Matthew, are both “Watershed” moments in human history. The first plunged mankind into sin and the second preserves the person (Jesus) who would redeem mankind from sin. One disobedient and the other obedient. Two simple acts……..with incredible worldwide, pan-generational and historical significance. I am sure that neither Adam and Eve nor Joseph and Mary had any idea of the consequences of each of their decisions would wrought upon mankind. I stand in wonder (and terrible fear) of how differently my life would be had Adam and Eve chosen to obey the Lord or Joseph and Mary had disobeyed. I look back in my own life……to the simple decisions that I have made…..following the best that I could what I thought the Lord was asking of me. The decision to accept Jesus, submit to a mentor, marry my wife, have children, choose a career, and most recently throw my support behind dear friends whose had chosen to start having church in a movie theater (Church in 3D – not such a crazy idea, after all).

What if Peter had not obeyed and not preached at Cornelius’ house or Paul had stubbornly gone East to Asia instead of obeying and gone West to Europe? What if Martin Luther had not nailed his thesis to that castle door in Wittenburg, Germany? Your decisions do matter. Even the seemingly simple ones.

My prayer for myself and for all of you is that we make the best of decisions in the New Year. Proverbs 1:7-9 sums this up nicely “The fear (respect and obedience) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck”.

As for me, I am off to find my own castle door………

Lee Francie

January 1 Genesis 1:1-2:25, Matthew 1:1-2:12, Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 1:1-6

2012-01-01T06:29:00.007-06:00

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A blank canvas...

That is what a new year feels like. Right now all of the joys and sorrows of our lives belong in another year. This one is fresh. This one is untouched. So what do we do with it...

Well, we just read in Genesis 1 and 2. In that we see God take what is formless, empty, and dark and begin to create. God began with His word. He spoke. With every "Let there be..." God's creative power was released and the thing He intended came into existence.

Stepping into this new year, we need to "let" somethings happen.

Matthew 11:15 "He who has ears, let him hear."

God is still speaking. He has given us His Spirit to lead and guide us. The places of true change and true life will come not from personal resolve but from hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying to our hearts and then responding with one more "let."

Luke 1:38 "And Mary said, Behold the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her."

This must be our response. "Let it be to me according to your word." This year let's choose to allow God to continue His creative process in our lives and reveal the new creations that we are in Christ!

So what did you get from today’s reading?

Brandon Clark

December 31 Malachi3:1-4:6, Revelation 22:1-21, Psalm 150:1-6, Proverbs 31:25-31

2011-12-31T06:35:00.001-06:00

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Final words...

Congratulations! You finished the Bible! Whether this was your first time to read it through or your 50th time. I know that you got so much out of the experience.

Final words are important. Joseph had some for the children of Israel..."Take my bones with you when you leave Egypt." Jesus had some to his disciples... "Go into all the world and make more disciples." Paul had final words to Timothy... "Keep the Message alive."

Today we read the last words that Jesus had to say through the Revelation of John...

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done."

We need to take these words to heart and be ready for Him to come. Not in a "sit around doing nothing" kind of way but in a "let's be found doing the master's work" kind of way. Jesus is bringing His reward with Him and we want to be ready!

Brandon Clark

December 30 Malachi1:1-2:17, Revelation 21:1-27, Psalm 149:1-9, Proverbs 31:10-24

2011-12-30T09:19:00.001-06:00

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"Praise"

Praise is Awesome! Especially when what /who you are praising reciprocates. Have you ever complimented someone only to feel like it fell on deaf ears? Not that we compliment or praise someone to get anything back, it's more the acknowledgement of it. In verse 4 its says "For the Lord takes delight in his people..." God delights in us! How cool is that! The Creator of the Universe delights in us! We serve and praise a living God who cares about us! Our Praise will not fall on deaf ears! in Ps 22:3 is says God inhabits the praises of his people! He dwells there! Our Praise delights God so much he lives there! As we begin our day lets praise God and put a smile on his face!

Nathan Bosworth

December 29 Zechariah 14:1-21, Revelation 20:1-15, Psalm 148:1-14, Proverbs 31:8-9

2011-12-29T07:56:00.003-06:00

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People often choose to do the wrong things. We all make mistakes, but some people make a point of making decisions that take no one else into account and often create pain and suffering. That is the world we live in, and “man’s heart is wicked” (Jer. 17:9). It is difficult not to respond in kind, isn’t it? Someone cuts you off in traffic and you want them to know you are ticked off! A person in your life does something selfish and makes your life miserable, and you want them to be unhappy too. And don’t we all want criminals who hurt the innocent to be brought to justice?
The book of Zechariah could be viewed by some as a depressing account of the future. However, I was overwhelmed by the thought that God is coming to set things right. These passages tell of God setting foot on earth to do battle, so powerful as to even move the land around. He is our strong defender! (Prov. 23:11) He is coming to face those who went against what was right.
Do not let the situations of this world drag you down to its level. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 20:10) Our big, strong Dad is coming to take care of that bully who won’t leave us alone.
Selena Strickland

December 28 Zechariah 12:1-13:9, Revelation 19:1-21, Psalm 147:1-20, Proverbs 31:1-7

2011-12-28T08:35:00.002-06:00

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"...whose rider is called Faithful and True."

Nicknames usually reveal what someone is like. Richard Neale Hedeman, the bullrider, was nicknamed "Tuff" at an early age because he is...tough. Richard Bernard Skelton, the classic comedian, was known as "Red" Skelton because he had red hair. Even the sarcastic nicknames like calling a large man "Tiny" are based on the person's characteristics.

When we see that Jesus is called Faithful and True, then that shows us to whom we are connected. He isn't called "Usually" and "Almost." He isn't called "Mostly Reliable." He is Faithful and True... exactly what we want in someone we must trust with our whole lives.

Brandon Clark

December 27 Zechariah 10:1-11:17, Revelation 18:1-24, Psalm 146:1-10, Proverbs 30:33

2011-12-27T09:48:00.002-06:00

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Good Idea!

One thing I love about God's Word is that it, as my friend Mark puts it, is full of good ideas. Anybody can pick it up, even a nonbeliever or someone of a different faith, and find ways to live a fulfilling life. Who else would you ask but the Creator of everything? God is the Great Architect, the Great Engineer...He knows the inner workings of this thing called life! So why would He ever give us a BAD idea?

Proverbs 30:33 says that stirring up anger produces strife just as churning milk creates butter or twisting a nose brings forth blood. When Amy & I first got married, we were terrible at understanding this. We knew how to "push each other's buttons"...and we did. We would make each other so ANGRY, and just as the proverb states, strife began to form. (The dictionary defines strife as, "a struggle; contention.") Too much of this left unresolved turns into bitterness, which leads to resentment, and we had plenty of that. Then survival mode sets in. At that point, it downright stinks to be in a relationship. It becomes about how wrong that lover, friend, or family member is instead of about how much you love them. Satan has his grubby hooks in Christian hearts everywhere through this truth, causing division. Praise God that our marriage didn't end up as a statistic! We finally matured and began to grow in God's Word and are learning how to not stir each other's anger, as well as not easily be stirred. In addition to marriage, I feel it is highly important to live this proverb in all aspects of my life- with my daughter, my students, my coworkers, friends, etc. It has proven time and again to indeed be... a good idea.

-Russ Collins

December 26 Zechariah 9:1-17, Revelation 17:1-18, Psalm 145:1-21, Proverbs 30:32

2011-12-27T09:44:00.001-06:00

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My heart sank as I read Revelation 17:15: “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.” Multitudes of people will not make it to Heaven since they have not followed the way of Jesus and “curse God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores, but still refuse to repent of what they have done” (Revelations 16:11).

Just the thought of so many people not being saved and never knowing the wonderful life that they are refusing to have in Heaven, is overwhelming to me. Why would so many people refuse to believe that God is good when Psalms 145:13 says “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does”? Sadly some of this misconception comes from Christians. Non-believers watch Christians the most when we are vulnerable. If we gripe and whine about our problems to those of the world doubting our faith, they begin to think this “God thing” is fake. When we praise the Lord for helping us through the struggle, during the struggle, get spiritual advice from other Christians, and show no doubt in our faith, then non-believers begin to take notice. As we climb our way up out of our struggle with praise, they see that we never gave up on the Lord through our words and actions. They see a connection that God is there for us; HE does help us through everything. This makes them want to know more about our Lord and want to know how they can have what we have, a personal relationship with God. Let’s change this misconception and save more lives before it’s too late. Our daily challenge: ALWAYS Praise the LORD and let all the world the hear us!!!

Crystal Berry

December 25 Zechariah 8:1-23, Revelation 16:1-21, Psalm 144:1-15, Proverbs 30:29-31

2011-12-27T09:39:00.001-06:00

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MY ROCK, MY FORTRESS, MY DELIVERER

This was a life-changing scripture for me. God showed me that He is my everything! I did not have a father around as a child. Depending on someone, knowing that I was loved or actually thinking I was valuable was not something that I felt. God urged me to dig into a deeper more intimate relationship with Him. As I did, God showed me that the birth of His son, Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice He made was for ME! What a gift! This scripture represents how He wants us to need him, miss Him and chase after Him because He truly wants to take care of us. He has increased my faith and has made me feel a love and security that I have never felt. Jesus truly is enough. He has delivered me from all the negative things and fears that kept me from experiencing His greatness. He has shown me that I am more valuable than I could possibly imagine, and that He needed me. As I leaned on Him, He spoke so many promises to me. He wanted me to trust in Him and have faith. As I did, He built a ministry for me in a place I call my business. God knows the desires of your heart and when you embrace Him and trust in Him with your life He truly delivers! When you see even a tiny taste of what Jesus has given us, there is nothing you can't accomplish or do. I now have security in my Heavenly Father, there is peace in knowing I am His and He will take care of me and my children.
Love and Blessings,
Melissa Falkner

December 24 Zechariah 6:1-7:14, Revelation 15:1-8, Psalm 143:1-12, Proverbs 30:24-28

2011-12-27T09:38:00.002-06:00

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Psalm 143:11-12 Keep up your reputation, God—give me life!
In your justice, get me out of this trouble!
In your great love, vanquish my enemies;
make a clean sweep of those who harass me.
And why? Because I'm your servant.(The Message)

It seems as if David is begging for help. He sounds a lot like us when we are in trouble, doesn’t he? Look at the last two sentences-“And why? Because I'm your servant.” David does not ask hopelessly for help. He does not tell the Lord “help me because of what I have done for you” or even “help me because of what I will do for you.” David understands who he is in the Lord.
We don’t have to perform for the Lord, or earn points (we can’t.) He just doesn’t keep score. He loves us and we are His, period. When you need help, ask Him and expect Him to deliver. Why? Because you are His servant. ‘Nuff said.

Merry Christmas

Steve Lawhone

December 23 Zechariah 4:1-5:11, Revelation 14:1-20, Psalm 142:1-7, Proverbs 30:21-23

2011-12-23T07:11:00.002-06:00

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How many times do we find ourselves in a cave, confused, overwhelmed, and feeling completely alone? It happens to the best of us. Just like David we should always seek refuge in our great God and Father and let Him lead the way. The temptation is always there to try and figure it out on our own, and while that is not always a horrible idea, using the brain that he gave us, we are never to feel like we are on our own in these crazy times. It is not our might or great thinking that is going to give us the right outcome but the Spirit of God and our willingness to listen and obey His leadings no matter how insignificant they may seem. Just like our Father we should rejoice at these small beginnings of obedience since they will yield His desired fruit in our lives.

Mandi Evans

December 22 Zechariah 2:1-3:10, Revelation 13:1-18, Psalm 141:1-10, Proverbs 30:18-20

2011-12-22T07:15:00.002-06:00

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It is difficult for many people to read the book of Revelations. Let’s face it, Revelations is a scary, scary book. I think the biggest reason for this fear is that this is bible prophecy.

Revelations 13 tells of the two beasts. It tells of one beast from the sea, one beast from the land, each with authority to make people to worship the beast. All this talk of two beasts with many heads and horns, makes you think of something out of a Hollywood horror movie. The chapter ends by telling of the mark of the beast. For those of us who grew up in church, we are familiar with the mark of the beast. For those who have not been exposed to Revelations or bible prophecy, there will come a time in our future, possibly in our lifetime where the government or society will try to force believers to take a mark of identification in order to buy food, or sell goods.

Folks, this will happen. If the Word of God says it will happen then I believe it will. And it scares me. But, if we believe that these things will come to pass because it is the Word of God, then shouldn’t we also believe the rest of what the Bible says? Just knowing what God has promised us is enough to take the fear out of my heart. If Revelations scares you, read the rest of God’s word. Try John 3:16 on for size. I am a believer in the Word of God. I believe that Jesus will come again, and I believe I will have eternal life. Salvation is our gift. Take it, and when you have it, don’t worry about tomorrow. Focus on God’s blessings for you today.

Care freely, love deeply, speak kindly,
Leave the rest to God.
Joe Berry

December 21 Zechariah 1:1-21, Revelation 12:1-17, Psalm 140:1-13, Proverbs 30:17

2011-12-21T09:16:00.003-06:00

Proverbs 30:17 (New American Standard Bible)

17The eye that (A)mocks a father
And (B)scorns a mother,
The (C)ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young (D)eagles will eat it.

This verse is one that could cause some to say that the Bible is full of violence. I personally read it as the Bible being full of truth about the consequences of our actions.

This verse is a reminder that our parents are in our lives to share with us the wisdom of the Lord so that we don't end up in a ditch somewhere getting eaten by scavengers. Mocking their experience in life lands us in a world of pain.

The entire Old Testament is a collection of cause and effect stories. People act and the consequences find them. Wisdom is the way that you are able to see the consequences of your actions before you act. Learning from those who are in your life, who already have life experience is one of the ways to avoid pitfalls.

The warning verses in the Bible are the ones that reveal the reality of God's mercy. They keep us alert and alive

Dallas Goff

December 20 Haggai 1:1-2:23, Revelation 11:1-19, Psalm 139:1-24, Proverbs 30:15-16

2011-12-20T08:59:00.002-06:00

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Psalm 139...

I so enjoy this Psalm. It is a beautiful reminder that God knows us...He understands us. Not in a "Oh-yeah...Brandon...yeah, I know that guy" kind of way, but in a very intimate and involved kind of way.

He knows our schedule...and where He fits in it.

He is aware of what is happening in our lives every moment...and wants to be included.

His thoughts about us are so numerous that they outnumber the grains of sand. God is thinking about us constantly. We are the objects of His affection and therefore the objects of His attention.

Thinking about this re-energizes me. I can turn to God at any instance and He is totally up to speed on what is happening. I don't have to fill Him in on the latest so that He can then give me the guidance, comfort, correction or encouragement that I might need in that moment. He stays completely engaged with what is happening. If God is for me, then...seriously...who can be against me.

Brandon Clark

December 19 Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Revelation 10:1-11, Psalm 138:1-8, Proverbs 30:11-14

2011-12-19T08:57:00.002-06:00

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One of the things that I enjoy about this time of year, are all of the Christmas Carols we sing. Many of these songs we learned as children were passed down to us from previous generations and now they have been passed on to our children and grandchildren. Who will hopefully pass these songs down to their children. Songs such as Silent Night, We Three Kings of Orient Are, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

These wonderful songs sing of the Glory of God and of His Gift to all of us. They speak of Kings worshipping Him, of Angels and mankind alike singing their praises to Him, and expressing their wonder of His power and might.

Psalms 138 is one song of many that King David wrote. David wrote many songs about the Glory of God long before the Christ Child was born, yet these Christmas Carols tell that the prayers in David’s song have been answered. The amazing thing is that even though David’s prayer was answered at this time, I do believe there will be many more times to come that kings will hear His Word and sing His praises.

“4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, LORD,
when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
for the glory of the LORD is great.” (Psalms 138:4,5 NIV)

Merry Christmas and may the prayers in your songs be answered as well.

Debra Lawhone

December 18 Habakkuk 1:1-3:19, Revelation 9:1-21, Psalm 137:1-9, Proverbs 30:10

2011-12-18T02:26:00.004-06:00

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How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save? Hab 1:2 (NIV)

Habakkuk is a little frustrated and doesn't understand why God is just letting stuff happen. Have you ever felt that way? I know I have. Habakkuk is complaining and God lets him, He then answers him. Not once does he rebuke Habakkuk for feeling this way or say "How dare you question me." God is big enough to handle our frustrations and our lack of understanding. The key is that we communicate with Him.
God gives his response in chapter 2. He basically gives a long version of Gal. 6:7 "A man reaps what he sows." In verse 4 is how we deal with all this mess :"but the righteous will live by his faith" Hab. 2:4
Our Faith must be in God. Not in what we see or feel. Regardless how the situation looks or how unfair it may be, we must trust God.

Nathan Bosworth

December 17 Nahum 1:1-3:19, Revelation 8:1-13, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 30:7-9

2011-12-18T02:22:00.003-06:00

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Two things I ask...

1. Keep me from lies.

2. Help me deal with money.

These ares the basic requests of Agur son of Jakeh found in Proverbs 30:7-9. If truth sets us free, then lies trap us. We need to cry out like Agur to be kept from lies. Not just from having lying lips or being a liar, but from believing lies. We almost always stoop to lying out of buying into a lie ourselves. We believe that the truth will not bring freedom, so we lie. We believe that people will not love us if they know the truth, so we lie. We believe that the pain of what the truth exposes will be worse than the pain of hiding behind falsehoods...so we lie. The Bible along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit reveals the truth. This truth embraced and believed sets us up to speak the truth...in love...and live free. We must want the truth. We must hate what lies do to us.

The second request initially looks like a plea to be middle class, but this is not the heart of the request. Let's look at it.

"give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God"

He desires to neither disown nor dishonor God due to his financial status. Being desperately poor and independently wealthy are more mindsets than they are dollar amounts. There are many people who have found themselves so poor that they would steal and dishonor God while having access to more resources than you currently do. There are also many people who have leaned on their riches instead of God all the while having access to less resources than you currently do. The place we need to be is to constantly look to God as our source. We should never see our need so bad that God will not provide and therefore we must violate what God asks of us to survive. Neither should we ever see our resources so great that the daily desperation for God leave due to us feeling so secure in riches that can easily disappear. God must always be our focus and security.

Brandon Clark

December 16 Micah 5:1-7:20, Revelation 7:1-17, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 30:5-6

2011-12-16T09:50:00.002-06:00

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"God keeps every promise he makes. He is like a shield for all who seek his protection." Proverbs 30:5 (Good News Tradition)

God has given us many promises through his word:

"He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalms 107:20 NKJV)

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalms 147:3 NKJV)

"20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV)

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." (Psalm 20:4)

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)

God has given these promises because he loves his children. You can't go wrong if you keep his word close to your heart. He just didn't give us a book full of useless knowledge. He gave us a Bible full of the living word. The word is still alive and active.

Lauryn "Jo" Rameriz

January 15 Genesis 31:17-32:12, Matthew 10:24-11:6, Psalm 13:1-6, Proverbs 3:16-18

2011-12-15T08:54:00.002-06:00

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After reading all the passages for today, I wasn’t left with a warm fuzzy feeling. Most of it was dealing with the just consequences that are coming to a world that doesn’t need or love its creator.

My daughter-in-law, Krista, has mentioned several times, a statement she has heard, and it has stuck with me. “You can never understand Grace, until you understand Justice.” Justice by definition is the administration of deserved punishment or reward.

What is due us is death, and destruction. As humanity it was what we chose. We all need to know that is what is deserved. We are nothing outside of God.

But hold on…. He doesn’t leave us there. God loves us too much! He loves us with a love that can go to the depths of hell, a love that can look in the eyes of the most evil of evil and say, I have paid the price for that sin. I have made a way for you to have forgiveness and peace. I will pay every debt owed and I cover it with my love.

Sometime we need to be reminded of all we have been spared. And our hearts should burn in us to be sure that everyone knows the Love that yanks us from the grip of our sins and washes us white as snow, and to know The Love that sets us free to live not only today, but for eternity.

Debbie Clark

December 14 Jonah 1:1-4:11, Revelation 5:1-14, Psalm 133:1-3, Proverbs 29:26-27

2011-12-14T08:41:00.002-06:00

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Imagine

Being swallowed by a giant fish has to be one of the worst things that can happen to you...UNLESS you are about to drown in the murky waters of the deep! Ok, so it is probably STILL one of the worst things that can happen to you. I think my favorite things about the book of Jonah is that its stark details are but a mere skeleton of the actual goings-on. This means that we get to use our imagination a lot with this story! I'm sure we all picture the scenarios quite differently- especially inside the fish. I wonder what it was like...dark, acidic, cramped, difficult to breathe due to a small air pocket combined with the overwhelming stench of rotting meat and other foul odors? (I'm feeling a little claustrophobic & nauseous just thinking about it.) And, yet, Jonah praised God because he knew he was about to die, and God spared him.

Have you ever had a Jonah experience? About three years ago, I quit caring. After being in the ministry for 20 years as a layman, I just finally had my fill of living for God and, like Jonah, went my own way. You see, I was messed up...been messed up most of my life, but God always seemed to bless me anyway as long as I was seeking after him with a sincere heart- like David, maybe. However, once I quit caring and went my own way, I was removed from God's blessing, and great storms came as a result of my selfish actions. And before I knew it, I was drowning in a sea of sin. Then I hit rock bottom- something that should have been considered the worst thing that could happen, yet, it was the BEST thing! Because I was so broken and humbled before the throne of God, I was finally able to admit some things that I had been in denial about for years and was finally ready for God to start helping me overcome them! Has the restoration process been difficult and uncomfortable? Very much so. And, yet, I praise God because I know I was about to lose it all, and God spared me. Hallelujah!!

-Russ Collins

December 13 Obadiah 1:1-21, Revelation 4:1-11, Psalm 132:1-18, Proverbs 29:24-25

2011-12-13T08:54:00.002-06:00

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Don’t be a hater!
This scripture says, “Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life.” To me, that means when we steal, lie or cheat we are only cheating ourselves. We hate our lives as in we're not living it right…not treating it with value. If you hate your life, then you don't care about it and it will result in worldly things dominating you. Even if we simply participate with someone who is a thief, then it reflects on our own integrity. God wants us to live under his law and not the life of a thief. It also states in Proverbs, “The fear of man brings a snare.” We are to fear God and not man. God does not give us a spirit of fear, but a sound mind. We are to fear God with authority. If you fear man, then you are opening a door for evil to come in. Fearing man will bring anguish and pain. When we trust in Him and let Him handle our lives, it takes away fear. Fear in man comes from Satan, but fear in the Lord comes from trusting God and the Holy Spirit. If you trust in the Lord with everything, then you shall be safe.
Blessings,
Briana Falkner

December 12 Amos 7:1-9:15, Revelation 3:7-22, Psalm 131:1-3, Proverbs 29:23

2011-12-13T08:51:00.002-06:00

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One of the biggest themes throughout the Old Testament is the anger that stirs within God when he watches people oppress others and use deceit to keep the poor, well... poor.

In Amos the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel is at hand for this very reason. It will not be a standard famine of food and supplies but a famine of the very essence of life, God’s word. The poor are not necessarily nobler than the rich. The reason is found in Proverbs 29:23. Too often the rich become prideful as a result of their wealth and it ends up becoming their place of trust and confidence. When riches fail or cease to satisfy what their soul is looking for, they crumble. The poor however have nothing to trust in except God, who doesn’t fail, or other people, which incidentally was God’s design in the first place. You see, those who are blessed are instructed by God to help those who are truly needy and I think the reason for that is to help nurture humility and gratefulness rather than pride and greediness. In whatever situation we find ourselves, poverty or riches, we must remember that humility leads to life. Without humility we cannot hear from God, and if we fail to hear God, we miss our source of true life.

Jason Evans

December 11 Amos 4:1-6:14, Revelation 2:18-3:6, Psalm 130:1-8, Proverbs 29:21-22

2011-12-11T00:43:00.004-06:00

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Merry Christmas! I love this time of year. The air is crisp and cool, people are nicer and more patient…after Black Friday. There are beautiful bright lights as far as the eye can see, and the spirit of cheerful giving is EVERYWHERE.
My favorite thing about this time of year is the children. They are so excited about everything. They have their wish lists ready and are willing to do almost anything asked-especially if they have been not so good.
After Thanksgiving when signs of Christmas start showing up, kids start thinking about how they have acted all year. This is the time of year for repentance!
I know there is no comparison between God and Santa-it is the heart issue that is the same. Kids know if they are on the “naughty list” they may have time to get on the “nice list” if they change how they act. They will do chores and help out without even being asked, because they know Santa “keeps a record”. In their little hearts if they become good, Santa will forgive them and their Christmas wishes will come true.
As adult followers of Christ, our heart needs to be the same. If we will turn from our sin, God will forgive us (every time).
Psalm 130:3-4 “3 If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
I am so thankful God does not keep a record of sins. Jesus has taken the sin on himself and dealt with it on our behalf therefore God see us (in Christ) as sinless. Because we have His forgiveness, it allows us to serve Him with the honor and respect only He deserves. Praise Him.
Steve Lawhone

December 10 Amos 1:1-3:15, Revelation 2:1-17, Psalm 129:1-8, Proverbs 29:19-20

2011-12-10T12:51:00.003-06:00

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In Revelations 2:17, Jesus promises two things to those who listen to the Spirit of God and are victorious.

The first one is some of the Hidden Manna. The significance of this is rather obvious. It speaks of all the provision that you need to live and flourish as a child of God. The other one is a white stone with a new name written on it. Upon some research on the different cultural uses for these white stones I found that it is, as you would expect, packed full of implications. One use in the Hebrew culture was as a sign of an invitation to a banquet or feast. Also, the Greeks used them in order to determine guilt or innocence. A black stone represent guilt while a white one would declare your innocence. The Hebrews would also spread white stones over grave as an assurance of the rebirth of the deceased’s spirit.

The coolest part of all of this to me is the new name. When Abram had his name changed to Abraham, it was God revealing to him the plan, purpose and meaning for his life. All three of these things are necessary for us as human beings to at least try to understand because it is hard wired into us to become something more than another piece of flesh that lived and died on this planet. His plan for our lives will in the end be the only thing that will actually fulfill that craving inside every human for purpose.

So as we listen to and obey the spirit of God, we need to keep four things in our minds. First of all we are invited. God is calling to every person on the planet and inviting him or her to follow Him on a journey. Second, we are found not guilty by the blood. We have right standing before Him forever. Third, we are assured of the rebirth of our spirit. As we live this life, we have an unfathomable source to draw from to live life to the fullest because our spirits have been reborn and restored to the image of God. Lastly, His journey for your life will be marked by His provision in every aspect of your life. It is His plan and purpose for your life, so why wouldn’t He provide for the journey? The better that we can wrap our mind around these four truths, the better we will be able to walk in the name that God has called us.

Jason Evans

December 9 Joel 1:1-3:21, Revelation 1:1-20, Psalm 128:1-6, Proverbs 29:18

2011-12-09T09:24:00.002-06:00

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Is...was...is to come...

It is good to remember that God is with us, has seen it all, and is not going anywhere. God is the one constant in all of creation. The atmosphere that we breath has not always been here. It will not always be here. The sun has not always risen (not until God told it too.) It will not always rise. In the cycles that seem eternal but are not, and in the seemingly random and total unexpected (but never catching God off-guard)...God is our constant.

There is an old song that those who have walked this road before us have sung for years. It was written in 1834 by a man named Edward Mote.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

God is here. He has been here. He will be here. To build life on anything but Christ is to build on something temporary. We build our lives one decision at a time. Each of those decisions should be weighed from the point of view of our loving, eternal God. It is so comforting to know, since we are eternal beings, that we can trust in God for everything and not hope that the temporary will not erode out from under us like the sands on the beach.

Brandon Clark

December 8 Hosea 10:1-14:9, Jude 1:1-25, Psalm 127:1-5, Proverbs 29:15-17

2011-12-08T08:38:00.001-06:00

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Jude
"8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”[d] 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them."

Although this verse seems like a negative rebuke, I really love it because it is one of the few verses that explain why people with authority still manage to be attacked by the enemy. We've all had attacks in our lives and one of the ways that the enemy gets into our lives is by people trying to do things on their own, apart from God's guidence.

I am a firm believer that the the only safe way to do warfare is through worship. When we worship and pray in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. While in worship, walls around us fall. While in worship, enemies fall. While in worship, we have breakthrough because the presence of God is what carries the breakthrough we want.

Verse 6 says, "6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day."

One of the the things that this means, is that the enemy lives in darkness. We should not allow ourselves to do battle in darkness. We need to take our stand from our position in the light. There, the enemy has no power.

1 John 1:5
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."

When we worship we get into God's presence where the enemy cannot touch us. In that place, darkness actually runs from us. We don't battle with darkness any more than a lamp has to fight to chase the darkness out of a room.

Dallas Goff

December 7 Hosea 6:1-9:17, 3 John 1:1-14, Psalm 126:1-6, Proverbs 29:12-14

2011-12-07T08:57:00.002-06:00

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3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

When we walk in the truth, we are aligning ourselves completely with the word of God, the ultimate source of truth. Sometimes it is as simple as living our lives in accordance with the word; making good choices, setting right priorities,dealing with sin in our lives. Sometimes it is more challenging than that.

There is a tendency to see the facts of our situations as the truth when, in reality, facts are not necessarily truth. The fact may be that we are sick, but the truth of God's word says that we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5). The facts may say that we seem to be defeated, but the truth is that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). The facts might suggest that if we give, we will have less, but the truth is that when we give, we receive (Luke 6:38). We have got to learn to differentiate between fact and truth and be prepared to embrace one over the other. When we do this, we are not delusional and we are not in denial...we can accept the reality of our different situations without embracing them as truth. Simply put, we can choose to walk in a higher level of truth than what our mere senses tell us; we can choose to walk in truth in spite of our "facts".

Nat Turney

December 6 Hosea 4:1-5:15, 2 John 1:1-13, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 29:9-11

2011-12-06T08:22:00.002-06:00

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"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore." (Psalms 125:2)

I grew up in a small town that is surrounded by Mesas or what is commonly called Table Top Mountains. While these mountains are not very large mountains with tall peaks like you see in the pictures of mountains in Colorado; there are just enough of them, and they are just high enough that they serve this wonderful protective service for my home town.

I remember as a young person, I would often hear the adults around me talking about those mountains and how they are often the reason why many life threatening storms do not make it into the area where that town is located. Those mountains are responsible for deflecting many funnel clouds, which carried the very serious threat of tornados from coming inside our town. Needless to say, there is a certain security that comes with that knowledge. You feel like as long as you are within the protection of those mountains, you are safe and secure from the dangers of those storms.

There is another piece of knowledge about those mountains that I grew up with. In our town we grew up learning what to do if a tornado did hit our small town, just like all towns in this part of Texas. You see, if a tornado did manage to make inside those mountains it would most likely wreak total havoc, and the likelihood that the whole town would be destroyed is very possible.

That is what happens to us and our relationship with the Lord. As long as we are living a righteous life, we are within the protective mountains of the Lord that surround us and bring us Peace. Should we choose to allow evil into our lives then the storms of life are just as likely to wreak total havoc on us and our relationship with the Lord.

Should a tornado make it inside those mountains; does that mean that they would no longer serve to protect my home town? No it would not, and just as those mountains would not stop protecting my home town, neither would the Lord stop protecting us. All we have to do is to trust in Him and allow Him to surround us “both now and forevermore."

Deb Lawhone

December 5 Hosea 1:1-3:5, 1 John 5:1-21, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 29:5-8

2011-12-05T08:52:00.003-06:00

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"Overcomers"

"Who is it that overcomes the world?" (1 John 5:5)

A very smart man I know, not me, says "questions locate you." They pinpoint your exact location. They are like your spiritual GPS. If you want to know where someone is located, then ask them a question. God did it with Adam and Eve. He asked them where they were. He did it with Cain when he asked where his brother was.

John asks this question but he doesn't leave it unanswered. the answer is "Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

Way too often we feel like underachievers' rather than what we are OVERCOMERS!
(Thank God we aren't what we feel!)
We tend to measure success by employment, income or neighborhood.
God measures by faith. Our faith in Jesus.

John asks this question so we can realign our thinking to what an Overcomer really is. To pinpoint our location. Because if we don't know where we're at, then we can't get to where we're going.

By believing in Jesus, this propels us from second rate to first place. We are Overcomers!

So whenever you begin to feel less than an overcomer ask yourself a question: Who is it that overcomes the world?... The answer should brighten your day!

Nathan Bosworth

December 4 Daniel 11:36-12:13, 1 John 4:1-21, Psalm 123:1-4, Proverbs 29:2-4

2011-12-04T06:29:00.002-06:00

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The litmus test...

I have had the opportunity to help Weston with his science fair project. On one particular project he decided to test the acidity of apples as they rotted. He made his hypothesis and planned his approach. He then began to test the level of acid in the apples. To do this he used litmus paper. Litmus paper changes color depending on presence of either an acid or a base. The litmus paper reveals the truth of what is inside.

John knows that false teaching is already circulating and that it will continue to circulate more and more. In this chapter He gives us a "litmus test" to see if what is said is from God. This litmus test is Jesus. If the teaching does not recognize Jesus truly coming in the flesh and being from God, then it is not of God. This is why we stay focused on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. It begins and ends with Him. We never outgrow Jesus. We never get away from Jesus.

Keep Jesus at the center of life.

Brandon Clark

December 3 Daniel 11:2-35, 1 John 3:7-24, Psalm 122:1-9, Proverbs 29:1

2011-12-03T14:30:00.000-06:00

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The Message translation really makes this scripture sound out the real problem of all of mankind and brings new meaning to the original sin. “For people, who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there will come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it will be too late to help them.” We often speak of the nature of Adam but it really is the nature of Satan. Look at Isa.14:12 and you will read how many times Satan said “I will”, just like some of us do, always wanting to do whatever “I” want, and refusing to listen to wise counsel. My old dad use to tell me all the time when I was a young man, “Son, you can dance to whatever music you want to but you always have to pay the fiddler”, because there are always consequences to your decisions.

From the time we first began to talk, the old nature raises its ugly head and the first words we speak are word like “NO, MINE, I WANT!“, and scream when we don’t get our way. The real problem arises when we are suppose to be a mature Christian and we still cry and scream when we don’t get our way . Thank God we who are born again are not under the control of the god of this world as Eph.2:2 “You once walked according to the course of this world,” but we, who are in Christ, have the ability to grow in Grace. Paul said in 1Cor. 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke like as a child, I understand like a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man I put away childish things.” There are times, all of us, no matter how long we have been in this walk, will be checked by the Holy Spirit when we cease to walk in Love. If we walk in Love we can overcome any attempt of the enemy to try to trick us up...

Larry Lane

December 2 Daniel 9:1-11:1, 1 John 2:18-3:6, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 28:27-28,

2011-12-02T09:31:00.003-06:00

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Proverbs 28: 27-28He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes [from their want] will have many a curse.
In this time of giving, I feel it is very important to try and bless people. I am not trying to say that this is the only time we should try and bless people, but during this time it seems to be more significant, especially to kids. I always use my own personal saying “Bless to be Blessed”. There are many different ways that we can bless people. We can bless them with our time and with our money to name a couple. We all have been in a situation when we felt poor, whether financially or physically or even mentally. We have all needed some kind of help.
Praise God that he gave us absolutely everything when he gave us Jesus. He gave us perfection who committed no sin. He did it for all of us. God gave us life, he gave us healing, and he gave us miracles (just to name a few). All of this was done for us, when Jesus came and was crucified. It was for every last one of us; whether we are believers or non believers. It is kind of hard to imagine how much God loves us, because who can really imagine giving up someone they totally love. This perfect gift is for all of us. God gave his only son, for all of us. What an absolute priceless, wonderful treasure Jesus is.
Bless to be Blessed
Randy Chavez

December 1 Daniel 8:1-27, 1 John 2:1-17, Psalm 120:1-7, Proverbs 28:25-26

2011-12-01T08:44:00.004-06:00

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It is important to understand what John is and is not saying in this passage. So first, we have to back up just a little. The last two verses of I John 1 are “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” John is making it clear that, well…….Christians sin. He is also making it clear that God made a way to deal with the sin that Christians commit. He continues this thought in chapter 2: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” If one reads the rest of this passage without understanding what John is saying before it, one may completely misunderstand it. This is because when John writes “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” it sounds like he is saying “If you call yourself a Christian and ever sin, you are a liar and are without truth”. Whatever John hopes to communicate, this is NOT it. If it were, John doesn’t know his own mind. You can’t say “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” and then say “If you sin at all, then you are not a Christian”. I think what John is trying to say is Christians should love one another and love God. After all it was Jesus Himself who said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” and “This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (both in John 13) as well as “This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” and “These things I command you, that ye love one another” (both from John 15).

Lee Francis

November 30 Daniel 7:1-28, 1 John 1:1-10, Psalm 119:153-176, Proverbs 28:23-24

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

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In today’s portion of Psalms 119, David is in a jam once again and crying out to God to deliver him. David keeps reminding God of His promises and he is looking for an answer to come quickly.
I have been in that place several times in my life and God is faithful to see me through them each time, but one time sticks out in my mind.
Our girls were both going to Christ for the Nations at the same time. Eddie and I prayed and both felt very strongly that was exactly where each one needed to be. Financially we didn‘t have the extra money to have them there, but we knew that if God was truly leading us, He would provide for it. Month after month we saw Him do just that.
Well, tuition time rolled around again and this time the money wasn’t there. I had a wallpapering business, and up until then, my work had been steady and I would just push a little harder and we would have the money to cover the charges.
Suddenly, my work had stopped, and I couldn’t find anyone who needed work done. We were faced with not having the money for their tuition, their living expenses, or the portion of bills that my work covered.
I remember standing at the sink doing dishes, I was crying out to God like David. I was telling Him all about the situation, and how he had lead us to have the girls in the school and was reminding Him how he promised to provide. I remember standing there with tears running down my face as I prayed.
All my praying was interrupted as I heard God speak into my heart, “ This is a test…….This is ONLY a test”. I busted out laughing! (I love God’s sense of humor) I said, if this is only a test, then I am going to pass!
At that moment, I didn’t know how, or when, or where the money was coming from, but I knew it would. Once again, Our God was faithful, and I am pleased to say, all the needs were met and right on time.
Learning to trust Him in all things is hard sometimes, but we need to remember He is faithful to us and to His Word.
Debbie Clark

November 29 Daniel 6:1-28, 2 Peter 3:1-18, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 28:21-22

2011-11-29T08:42:00.005-06:00

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Don't forget to remember to look forward...

Peter is dealing with all of those who have may have become frusterated in waiting for Jesus' return. He warned of scoffers giving them a hard time...we still see this today. But Peter reminds them that God is not slow in keeping His promise...God is simply loving. He does not want anyone to perish, but desires that everyone come to repentance. So history (His-story) has marched forward to include you and I, but just because it has been 2000 years in the making does not mean that we should not be ready and expectant for the return of Christ.

With the earthquakes lately and all the talk about 2012, there have been a few people ask me what I think about the return of Christ and the end of the world in the next couple of years. Here is my take. We must live ready for Jesus to come back today and simulataneously live like we must prepare for the generations to come after us.

Jesus is coming again and we are closer to it (whenever that may be) than any people ever to live. Lets not forget to remember to look forward to that awesome day.

Brandon Clark

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2011-11-28T15:16:00.004-06:00

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November 28 Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20

2011-11-28T08:52:00.003-06:00

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In the passage in 2 Peter today, we see a warning for us about false teachers. We read about how they will act in a depraved manner and distort the Word, but what we need to see in this verse is our responsibility.

In verse 14 it says they “they seduce the unstable” and again in verse 18 “they entice people who are just escaping”. They go for the weak and the “babies” in the Lord! Now, as a Mom, they just gets me all riled up! You may mess with me, but don’t mess with my “babies”!

As I was preparing for this, I watched a few videos about lions hunting. Video after video showed them going for the weak, the sick, the babies of another animal group. Until I watched one that showed a lioness going for a baby water buffalo. I watched as the lioness jumped on its’ back and pulled it down, thinking I was about to watch another animal be mauled, when one of the bigger, older adult buffalo turned around! She went after that lioness, using her horns to hit her again and again till she left the little one alone!

That is what we need to be like!!

1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
We have to watch out for those around us, who maybe going through something and find themselves “weak” at that moment, and especially our “babies”, our new Christians. Those of us that are older, stronger in the Lord have a responsibility to them, to help them grow, and if need be, get into the middle of it with them!

Cassie Francis

November 27 Daniel 4:1-37, 2 Peter 1:1-21, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18

2011-11-27T05:21:00.001-06:00

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I remember one time when the electricity went out in our house. The kids were yelling to find Nat and I. No one knew where the matches or flashlights were, it was crazy. We were all scattered around the house. It was frustrating stumbling around trying to find something to shed light on the situation. When I found the matches, I lit the candle and we all gathered around it. The glow gave us some direction. The panicking stopped and there was an instant calm in the atmosphere. It was much easier to find our way around.

Can you imagine going through life like that? Stumbling around in the darkness, searching for something to guide you? Fumbling around for some kind of direction? It would be so frustrating and yet so many people do this every day. The good news is that we don't have to do that! God has given us His word as a guide and as a lamp. If we immerse ourselves in it and if we hide its truths in our hearts, we will always know which way to go; even when the lights go out.

Kim Turney

November 26 Daniel 2:24-3:30, 1 Peter 4:7-5:14, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 28:15-16

2011-11-26T05:20:00.000-06:00

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Dream Weaver...

As a child, I was fascinated by dreams...so much so that by the time I was in my late teens, I was pretty keen at dream interpretation. I bought lots of books on the subject and even kept a dream journal next to my bed. I have 2 recurring dream themes: serpents and tornados. When the storms of life are raging, I can expect a dream involving the latter...and when sin is creeping into my life, then I will soon see the former. They both serve as warnings, as well as encouragement.

My favorite dream of all time, however, came 4 years after my dad passed away. I had just graduated college and was taking my 14-year-old nephew in to live with me as I began teaching. The weight of the situation was crushing; I was scared of the entire task set before me. One night in a dream, my dad walked beside me, and we just talked. His garments were pure & white, and his blonde hair was long and flowing- ironic since he always seemed to dislike my hair when it was long. Anyway, I told him of my concerns, and he reassured me I would do just fine and that he was proud of me. Wow! That was exactly what I needed to hear.

Does God work through dreams? I believe He does. The Holy Word certainly seems to show that He does. Daniel definitely would agree...as would Joseph, Mary, and numerous other folks we read about in scripture. Heck, Daniel even got promoted because of dreams! Joseph was encouraged to persevere when he wanted to flee...and Mary was shown her part in a Great Plan. Dreams are one of many ways that God communicates with us. What about you...is God speaking to you in your dreams?

Russ Collins

November 25 Daniel 1:1-2:23, 1 Peter 3:8-4:6, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 28:14

2011-11-25T05:17:00.002-06:00

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“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Have you ever noticed little kids when they get into a fight with a friend? It starts with the kids playing and having a good time but then , when something happens such as one not sharing a toy with the other, or one saying something mean, out of anger, one of the kids would say to the other, “I hate you!” or, “you’re not my friend anymore!” After they tell the teacher or they leave for a little bit they make up and they are friends again in a matter of just a little time.

As we get older we see this happen with little kids and we laugh about it but in all honesty, we still continue to do it as we get older. It’s not the same situation where we are mad because someone isn’t sharing a toy with us, but sometimes we say things to people that we don’t mean to say. People say things all the time that they don’t mean to say or that is taken the wrong way; we just have to learn to not take offense to things so quickly and to watch what we say to others even when something is said to us that we don’t like.

When we get offended by something, we need to take time to think about what is being said and return it with something positive instead of returning something negative and adding more fuel to the fire. The sooner that you return it with something good, the sooner the situation can be fixed.

Staci Lawhone

November 24 Ezekiel 47:1-48:35, 1 Peter 2:11-3:7, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 28:12-13

2011-11-24T09:38:00.002-06:00

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Have you ever heard anyone compare their boss to Hitler?

I’m sure there are some pretty bad ones out there, but none compare to the horror of having to live under Emperor Nero as an early Christian. This guy fed people to lions, burned people alive, crucified countless Christians, and is rumored to have started one of the biggest fires Rome ever saw. All of this was an effort to maintain his control and power in Rome. Nice guy huh?

It is an interesting contrast to our example of leadership though. Nero’s insatiable need for control came from a place of paranoia. Always looking over his shoulder for the next threat to his throne drove him crazy. This lead to his intolerable tyranny. In spite of this, Peter tells his readers to follow Jesus’ example. Wrap a towel around your waist and honor the king. Now that is crazy. Or is it?

Nero was arguably the most powerful man on the face of the planet, but he was going crazy because he couldn’t stand the thought of losing his empire. His whole world centered and revolved around him and no one was going to change that. Nero was eventually overthrown and replaced, as was the norm in Rome. The most powerful and influential man in history looked very different from this. A carpenter, then rabbi, serving the masses and washing the feet of those He came to teach and save. He then submitted to the authorities over Him that sentenced Him to death for being, well, too good. This is our example. Honor. Submission. Humility. Servanthood. These are the qualities that hold true power.

So in whatever situation you find yourself, find the way to lift up and serve others as more important than yourself, and you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with the greatest servant, and most powerful man the world has ever seen. It could change your life.

Jason Evans

November 23 Ezekiel 45:13-46:24, 1 Peter 1:13-2:10, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 28:11

2011-11-23T08:43:00.002-06:00

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Watching the news or reading the newspaper, concerning crime and punishment, it seems to me as there is no set standard. One person kills someone or rapes someone and gets a certain sentence, then the next one gets a completely different sentence. Sometimes the sentences seem like night and day for the same crime.

I am thankful God has given us a standard-our standard is Jesus. When we can see our standard we can choose to live accordingly. To live accordingly, we must be as much like the standard as we can. Jesus lived a holy life here on Earth and as God’s children we are expected to do the same.

1 Peter 1:15 "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy."

We need to strive to live a holy life, one that should be noticeable to others.

1 Peter 1:17 "And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as 'foreigners in the land.'" -New Living Translation

I love how this translation calls us “foreigners in the land.”
Think about when in an airport or a mall or somewhere with lots of people, when we see someone from another land (who is living by their standard of life) they stick out like a sore thumb. I believe that is exactly how followers of Christ should stick out. Our fellow man should know we are different, simply by our acts of love. It may not be easy or popular to follow Christ, but it is THE choice of life.

Steve Lawhone

November 22 Ezekiel 44:1-45:12, 1 Peter 1:1-12, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 28:8-10

2011-11-22T08:09:00.002-06:00

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More precious than gold...

Peter’s letter comes with authority from God because he was an apostle of Jesus. He is writing to the early Christians who were facing trials many of us could not even imagine, all for the sake of Jesus. Peter was writing to give them hope and a strong set of promises to hold onto. He assures them that even though they are facing trials right now, they will not always. He says that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. After they come out of their trial, their faith will be evident. He mentions gold here. The process of refining gold involves melting it down and it is then that you can see how pure the gold really is. All of the impurities rise to the top and can then be scooped off. Our struggles are a little like that process. We can face them knowing that the encouragement and promises Peter is giving these early Christians apply to us as well. They can be a very positive time in our lives because in these moments we have growth that resembles the process of refining gold. We know we will come out on the other side with proof of our faith that will result in praise and glory to God.

Mandi Evans

November 21 Ezekiel 42:1-43:27, James 5:1-20, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 28:6-7

2011-11-21T08:48:00.003-06:00

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James tells us that we should constantly be turning to God. Are we in trouble? Then pray. Are we happy? Then we sing songs of praise. Are we sick? Then we let those who have known God for a long time know about it and have them anoint us with oil and pray.

Yesterday we read about drawing near to God and He will draw near to us. There is not a facet of our lives that we are to live outside of God. We need Him desperately.

James goes on to say that the prayers of a righteous man is powerful and effective. We are made righteous in Christ and in Christ alone. So if you are in Christ through faith in His life, death, and resurrection, then you are righteous and your prayer is powerful and effective. We should not neglect prayer or simply use it as a last resort.

A righteous man prays from that righteous/reborn nature...not the old selfish nature. We have to remember James 4:3... "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." These prayers are prayed by a believer but from desires based on self love instead of love for God and love for others. A righteous man (remember that he is a new creation in Christ) prays from motivations from the spiritual man. That is why we so need to study the word of God and have our minds renewed. Then we can tell what is motivating us in prayer.

Brandon Clark

November 20 Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4:1-17, Psalm 118:19-29, Proverbs 28:3-5

2011-11-20T04:51:00.000-06:00

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I heard a story about Kenneth Hagin once that got my attention. Someone apparently asked the famous preacher and founder of Rhema Bible College to what he attributed his long life and success and he supposedly answered that he had never said a negative thing about any other man of God. He just would not engage in that kind of slanderous talk about other ministers or Christians for that matter. This is amazing, especially if you consider just how much was said (is still said for that matter) about Rev. Hagin by other supposed men of God. He had every human right to fire back and point out the short-comings and inadequacies of those who were questioning his faith, his integrity, even his salvation, but he understood, I think, the principle outlined in this passage of James: when we bad-mouth or slander each other, it is the Word, the Message that takes a beating and it is the work of the Kingdom that suffers. We should encourage and buttress one another; we are called to prop each other up, not tear each other down. In short, we are to be builders, not demolition experts.

James 4:11-12 "Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You're supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it." The Message

Nat Turney

November 19 Ezekiel 39:1-40:27, James 2:18-3:18, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 28:2

2011-11-19T02:49:00.000-06:00

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The Strongest Muscle In The World

It does not matter if you a are considered to be a small weak person, or the world’s strongest, there is one muscle in everyone’s body that has the same ability for all. This muscle can make a weak person feel strong, and make a strong person weak. There is without comparison no other muscle in the human body as capable of a magnitude of good and evil, as what this muscle can do. Of course if you have already read today’s Bible reading then you know I am talking about the tongue. (James 2:9-10 NIV)

I remember the first time I realized just how strong the tongue is. I was at a Bible Study and we were discussing the creation of the Heaven’s and the Earth. When the leader of our group brought to our attention, that the Bible tells us in Genesis, that God spoke the words “ let there be” for each thing He wanted to be created, and that thing came into existence.

Matthew 21:18-20 says “18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered." (NIV) A few verses later Jesus tells His disciples that they can do the same thing, if they believe and do not doubt.

In James 2, the Bible compares the tongue to the rudder of a large ship that depends on strong winds to cause it to sail. It also compares the tongue to the smallest of sparks that can cause a huge forest fire, capable of much destruction.

These are just a few examples of what the Bible has to say about the tongue. When I read verses 9 and 10, I have to admit it kind of stung me in my spirit. How many times have I used my tongue to speak a curse over the "likeness” of God? It is never fun when we are given such a realistic view of our human nature, that it reflects on us just the same as it would if we were looking in a mirror. How important is it that we take the time to think about what we speak? Even if we feel like we are justified, and someone is attacking us with their words.

The wonderful thing is that it does not end there. God without fail, always wants us to know that there is hope, and that He has not and will not give up on us. Instead of giving up, He gives us scripture that guides us toward a more peaceful, and blessed life. A life that we can enjoy.
That is why, I do not think that it is an accident that the next topic in the book of James is about wisdom, and that we are given a description of what heavenly wisdom is like. He wants us to be able to recognize this wisdom, so that we are able to use it not only in our lives, but to be an example in such a way that others will want to have it to use in their lives.

“17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18 NIV)

Deb Lawhone

November 18 Ezekiel 37:1-38:23, James 1:19-2:17, Psalm 117:1-2, Proverbs 28:1

2011-11-18T09:45:00.002-06:00

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Mercy triumphs over judgment!

"Action"

What we believe should cause actions! Not that we are saved by actions or made righteous by them, but because we are in right standing with God through what Jesus did. That should cause actions!

Our faith only works by love. Our love for God and others.

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Gal 5:6

People see our faith based on our actions. Our actions don't save us but reflect what we believe.
"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17

Faith (what you believe or know to be true) without a result of action is worthless, its dead. It's like a contractor with building plans. Those plans are useless if he doesn't act on them. When he begins to put those plans into action you begin to see the plans come to life. In order to act (properly) you must know what to do. The contractor had to know how to execute the plans. To quote a great American cartoon "Knowing is half the battle" - G.I. Joe

For instance, the man who looks in the mirror, he knows what he looks like, but fails to finish the process and he walks away and forgets. However the one who knows and then acts on what he knows to be true, that is a blessed man. (James 1:22-25)
Knowing how to act - "Love your neighbor as yourself" - James 2:8
Your faith should call you to action! That action is Love!

As you go through today and the days to come, let your faith be shown in acts of love!

Nathan Bosworth

November 17 Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18

2011-11-17T08:46:00.001-06:00

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The following is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and it just happened to be in my section!

James 1:17 "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens."

God” bankrupted” heaven just so he could spend eternity with his creation. He “bankrupted” heaven by giving up his son Jesus because he loves us so much that he did what was absolutely necessary to close the gap that Sin created back in the Garden of Eden. We are not promised our next breath but he grants us the gift of life each and every time we take a breath. I even believe that what the enemy meant for bad, God can turn to good.

The passage in Ezekiel talks about Faith and Endurance which makes me think of the Refiner’s Fire. When a Silversmith is trying to purify silver or any precious metal, they must separate the impurities from the metal. The only way they to effectively do this is to heat the metal till it melts completely into a molten state. Once the metal has melted the dross, aka impurities, float to the surface and then can be easily remove to leave a pure metal behind.

Everything can be used to glorify the Kingdom of God...good or bad. As we go through the fire, He can get rid of the bad stuff in our character and we become more pure. As you go through your day remember, whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. Even if there is something bad going on in your life remember, he might just be refining something that is precious to him.

Brandon “Deuce” Clark

November 16 Ezekiel 33:1-34:31, Hebrews 13:1-25, Psalm 115:1-18, Proverbs 27:21-22

2011-11-16T08:45:00.002-06:00

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

This one little truth helps us so much in our understanding of who Jesus is for us today. Jesus has not changed who He is. When we read about Him healing, we know that Jesus still heals. When we see Him accepting those society rejects, then we know that He still does. When we read about His compassion for children, then Jesus still wants the children to come to Him.

He still calms the storm.

He still loves weddings.

He still provides when it looks like there is just no way.

He still doesn't like it when we are self righteous.

He still wants us to love our enemies.

He still wants us to know that following Him comes with a cost as well as reward.

He still gives us the power and authority of His name.

He still loves us with everything He is!

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Brandon Clark

Email: celebrationchurchsa@gmail.com

Website: http://www.celebrationchurchsa.com/

November 15 Ezekiel 31:1-32:32, Hebrews 12:14-29, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 27:18-20

2011-11-15T08:49:00.001-06:00

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HEART CHECK!!!

Proverbs 27:19 "As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart."

Water is a natural mirror. I'm brought back to the childhood movie "Mulan" where she is singing into the water and sees her reflection. There is a verse in that song that says "I can wear a mask and fool the world, but i can not fool my heart."

This is so true!!

Sometimes we need to just take time to step back and examine our own hearts. The second part of the scripture tells us that one's life will reflect the heart. Its so easy for us to say, "Yes, I read my Bible, pray daily and I have a strong relationship with God." But as soon as something bad happens or you get cut off in traffic you want to say "wordy dirts." Life reflects the heart.

I love this quote and try hard to live by this daily... "We may be the only Bible someone reads." This is so easy but sometimes so hard to understand. So I challenge whoever reads this to show HEART today!

Lauryn "JO" Ramirez

November 14 Ezekiel 29:1-30:26, Hebrews 11:32-12:13, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 27:17

2011-11-14T08:44:00.001-06:00

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Hebrews 12:6-10

Have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

"My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. 6 It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. 7 God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, 8 the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? 9 We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? 10 While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best."

No one likes to be disciplined. Even the word “discipline” sounds negative. So often, we equate discipline with punishment, but they don't necessarily mean the same things. You can be punished without being disciplined and vice versa. This scripture is encouraging because it demonstrates that we are God's children and he wants the best for us. He is shaping us into his image and the process takes time. It is not always pleasant when we are going through the struggles, but the rewards are always worth the effort.

Kim Turney

November 13 Ezekiel 27:1-28:26, Hebrews 11:17-31, Psalm 111:1-10, Proverbs 27:15-16

2011-11-13T09:34:00.002-06:00

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Control Freak

Have you ever referred to yourself, or someone else, as a "control freak"? If you really think about it, to some degree, aren't we all? I attend a weekly group called Celebrate Recovery to help me with some of life's issues, and two of the things that I say I am there for are: perfectionism and control. As I read Ezekiel 27 & 28, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "The leader of Tyre- that's YOU." What?? How can that be? The still, small voice spoke again deep in my heart, "You like to play God in your life." He was right. I mean, there is only One who is perfect; there is only One who is indeed in control. Therefore, if I am striving to be those things...

I can remember the last time I was living "out of control". It was about a year ago- when we moved to San Angelo. We completely came out here on faith. No job, no home, no church, and only knowing about 1/2 dozen folks. It was really tough to "let go and let God", but it was so rewarding! He took care of us. He provided.

God spends nearly the entire chapter 27 pointing out all of the accomplishments of the king of Tyre...only to then point out where that eventually leads him- and all of us when we play God in our lives.

-Russ Collins

November 12 Ezekiel 24:1-26:21, Hebrews 11:1-16, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 27:14

2011-11-13T09:32:00.003-06:00

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Hebrews 11 is one of my favorite chapters. It reads like your watching a highlights reel. Instead of massive dunks and last second touchdowns, Hebrews 11 is full of acts of faith.

Romans 1, Galatians 3, and Hebrews 10 (which we read yesterday) all quote Habakkuk 2:4b which says, "but the righteous will live by his faith." In this chapter we are being told how it looks to live by faith. Faith should guide and motivate every area of our lives.

Abel gave by faith. Enoch's relationship with God was totally lived in faith and he never faced physical death. Noah saw his family preserved by faith.

Abraham recieved a child by faith and lived in a land that would be his children's but he did not get to own it.

Our lives are lived to their peak when we walk in loving obedience to the caring guidance God just us through His word and His Spirit...it is a life of faith.

Brandon Clark

November 11 Ezekiel 23:1-49, Hebrews 10:18-39, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 27:13

2011-11-11T09:50:00.002-06:00

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A few weeks ago, my wife confessed to doing something and hiding it from me for a while that she knew would probably make me very unhappy with her. I was sitting there, very unhappy with her, and she stood up and took the cutest, and most timid step towards me as if to say “Are we okay? Can I get a hug?” As angry as I was about what she had done, my only response to her was “what are you doing?” Any of you that know us, know that we have been through quite a bit of stuff, and it actually kind of hurt my feelings that she felt like somehow this one little thing could make me love her less. Cause if ya’ll couldn’t tell, I’m pretty crazy about her and I will use any excuse to hug on her and what not. If I feel this way about my wife, and I’m just this random dude, do you think God feels that way about us when we act timidly when we come to Him for anything? Our hearts and bodies have been purified and sanctified by the blood of Jesus and the veil has been destroyed that kept us from Him. We can now draw near to Him with full assurance of His love and acceptance. We are, after all, His bride that He is crazy about.

Jason Evans

November 10 Ezekiel 21:1-22:31, Hebrews 10:1-17, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 27:12

2011-11-10T08:44:00.002-06:00

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Remember no more...

Have you ever gotten a traffic ticket and went to defensive driving to keep it off your driving record? Yeah, me too.
The process is cut and dry. Pay the fee, complete driving class, turn in proof of class and the judge forgives the ticket. We understand this process and we believe (have faith) that we are forgiven forever for the ticket-we don’t give it a second thought. In our mind it is finished.
In our walk with Christ we are offered this same redemption. We all sin and mess up. When we do mess up, all we have to do is come to God (the judge), ask for forgiveness, make the changes in our life to get back on track, and move on – it is finished.
The problem is the enemy-he distracts us and brings past sins to memory and we feel condemned all over again after we have been forgiven. We then try to repent for these sins again –we do this over and over. The thing is God (judge) has forgiven these things and cannot forgive them again – it is finished.

Hebrews 10:17 ” AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."

When we repent we are forgiven, redeemed, and it is forgotten to God. Since we are saved, we are in Christ and Romans 8:1 says there is NO condemnation in Christ. We need to have at least the same faith in what God says as we do in what a human judge says. We can only have this faith by reading (Hearing) the Word of God-(Romans 10:17)
The Word has the solution to this problem of the enemy bringing the past up again and again. All we have to do for peace in this situation is to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

When you repent, it is finished! Forever!

Steve Lawhone

November 9 Ezekiel 20:1-49, Hebrews 9:11-28, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 27:11

2011-11-09T08:38:00.001-06:00

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So, here we see a picture of The Great Testator. You don’t stand to benefit from a will and testament until the person who writes it dies. Jesus gave his life to put into effect the will of God in our lives. We now get to reap the benefits of the greatest inheritance of all time. But that’s not even the best part.

Picture a rich and powerful family whose patriarch has done amazing things for the community around them... fed the poor people, gave money to hospitals for the sick, and helped the homeless. He’s basically used his wealth and power to make life better for other people around him. This great man grows old and dies and leaves everything to his only son. Now, the son has a choice. He can either take this huge inheritance that this great man left to him... buy Ferraris, big houses, and lots of toys, or he can carry on the legacy his father established and use that inheritance for the good of the people around him. Every morning when you wake up that same choice is yours to make.

Mandi Evans

November 8 Ezekiel 18:1-19:14, Hebrews 9:1-10, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 27:10

2011-11-08T09:46:00.001-06:00

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Proverbs 27:10 "Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away."

The Lord, for a while now, has been imparting to me this thing about "Favor by Association." For example, Christians are supposed to love people based solely on the fact that Jesus loves them.

I don't think I'll ever forget how my wife and I received a huge hug when Pastor John Hollar came to visit the church. It wasn't because he knew us, but because he knows one of our close friends.

By loving people, we in turn love the people that they love. When we do favors for people we don't know, or even don't like, for the sake of someone we do know and love, we say to those we love that they have favor in our eyes.

Our relationship with the Father is just like this, in fact. Our adoption is based on the favor that Jesus has with the Father. We are, in a manner of speaking, purchased on Jesus' own credit. Jesus died for us, so the Father accepts us.

You should go love someone just because someone else does...go ahead...I'll wait...

Dallas Goff

November 7 Ezekiel 16:42-17:24, Hebrews 8:1-13, Psalm 106:13-31, Proverbs 27:7-9

2011-11-07T09:51:00.001-06:00

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Written on our hearts...

Hebrews 8:10 "This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

A law observed out of duty or obligation has very little power. When no one is watching, such a law is easily forgotten and easily broken. I have watched over the years as my children have progressed from people who will do the right thing as long as someone is watching to people who do the right thing even when they are alone. Over the years, as they have matured, they have begun to internalize God's laws and it is shaping who they are.

When the law remains outside, we remain outside the law...but when Jesus comes and writes His law on our hearts, there is no escaping. If He is ours and we are His, if the law has been firmly placed in our minds and hearts, then it is no burden to obey; it is, in reality, a larger burden to disobey because when we do, we are betraying not only God but ourselves. When Jesus said that the Father was looking for people who would worship Him in spirit and in truth, I believe this is what he was talking about; a people who would so internalize His laws and so identify with Christ that all of the legalism and religiosity would fall away and people would become less concerned with where we worship or how we worship or when we worship than WHO we worship.

Nat Turney

November 6 Ezekiel 14:12-16:41, Hebrews 7:18-28, Psalm 106: 1-12, Proverbs 27:4-6

2011-11-06T05:16:00.000-06:00

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Satisfaction Guaranteed...

How many times have you watched an infomercial on TV and heard during the sales pitch, that they are so certain that you will be so completely satisfied with their product, that they are willing to give you a Satisfaction Guarantee? Many times adding that if you are not 100% satisfied, they will refund some or all of your money.

How many times have you purchased a product at a store and noticed printed on the side of the box, a Satisfaction Guarantee: stating all of the stipulations from the product’s company for claiming restitution?

How many times in life have you actually believed in that Satisfaction Guarantee? How many times have you just figured that it was just part of the company’s gimmick, to get you to feel like you can trust in that company just long enough to purchase their product? How many times have you heard or read the word guarantee, and not really paid any attention to it? Why is that?

In today’s reading of Hebrews 7: 18-28 I came across the word guarantor, and it completely caught my attention. Wouldn’t this be the one who is responsible to make sure that the obligations of a guarantee are met? You mean God gave us a guarantor to back up His promises to us? I have to say that I never before now, looked at Jesus in that light.

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”[b]

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.”
( Hebrews 7: 21(b),22 NIV)

Then the Bible goes on in telling us why Jesus is the chosen guarantor:

24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[b] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. ( Hebrews 7: 24, 25 NIV)

You see a guarantee should be viewed as a promise, and the guarantor should be viewed as the one who is going to, with every means possible, see to it that those promises are fulfilled. Just as Jesus sees to it that the Word of our Heavenly Father is fulfilled; even though it cost Him the sacrifice of His life on the cross, to make sure that those promises are fulfilled.

Isn’t is nice to know that there is one guarantee, that we can always count on.
God is in control, Jesus is alive and on His throne, and one day we will be in Heaven with them enjoying a life eternal.

Deb Lawhone

November 5 Ezekiel 12:1-14:11, Hebrews 7:1-17, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 27:3

2011-11-05T05:14:00.001-05:00

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Psalm 105:37-45

"Promise"

My kids love to remind me of when I said they can do something or get something. The famous phrase "Dad, you said..." comes into action. Kids quickly realize that they are blessed not because of what they do, but because of who we are (as parents).

The children of Israel became free and blessed because of who God is! He remembered his Promise (His word) to Abraham. God did what he did based on his word! It was not based on anything they did or didn't do.

So many times we think we have to do something. The truth is it has already been done! Our Salvation was provided by God's Word.

John 1:1-3 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”

We get in on the promises of God not based on anything we do, but on what Jesus did!

Nathan Bosworth

November 4 Ezekiel 10:1-11:25, Hebrews 6:1-20, Psalm 105: 16-36, Proverbs 27:1-2

2011-11-04T05:22:00.003-05:00

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Hebrews 6:1-20
First, let me explain “Big Rock Theology”. A business school instructor was teaching on time management. He had a very large, round glass container brought into the class. With big rocks that were about the size of large grapefruits, he filled the container to the top. He then asked the class “Is the container full?” Most of the class indicated that they thought it was. He then proceeded to put in marble sized rocks, taking the time to shake them into the space in between the large rocks. He turned to his class, “Is the container full?” They were now unsure. He then proceeded to fill the container with pea sized gravel until it filled all of the space that it could. “Is the container full?”, He asked. Catching on, several exclaimed “No!”. He then started pouring sand into the mix, again making sure that it filled all the tiny spaces that were left. “Is the container full now?” “NO!” they all shouted. Water was added until it reached the top and spilled over a little. “Is the container full now?”, He implored. “NO!!!” they all shouted with zeal. But he had nothing smaller than water to add and told them that the container was indeed full. Then he asked them “What lesson can we learn from this?” Someone in the back shouted “There is always room for more!!” “NO!!” admonished the teacher, “The lesson is: Get your big rocks in first, or there won’t be room for them at the last”.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that the “principles” and “foundations” of the “doctrine of Christ” are 1) Repentance from dead works, 2) Faith toward God 3) Doctrines of baptisms 4) Laying on of hands 5) The resurrection of the dead and 6) Eternal judgment. These are the subjects about which we should know and understand the most as Christians.
Years and years ago, I decided to teach on these 6 “foundational” concepts in the little church that Cassie and I pastored. When I told the adults who would be attending the class what I intended to do, a member assured me that she already knew these doctrines well having been a Christian for years and would not be attending. But when I asked her to stay anyway to help “guide” those “less knowledgeable” than she, she agreed. The class lasted 3 months. After two weeks, she came to me in private and admitted that she had a lot to learn about what I was teaching.
I think that we all do. I could never hope to attempt to cover all that these foundations and principles mean in this or any other blog. Tens of thousands of books and sermons have already attempted to do so and will continue to do so in the future. My question to you is: Are these “Big Rocks” of theology already in your mind, heart and life? In your “big glass container”? If not, I challenge you to get the truth concerning them in there by whatever means needed. You’ll find real weight and anchorage in them.

Lee Francis