Matthew 18:21-35
Peter came to Jesus and asked how many times he should forgive his brother. Jesus tells him that he is to forgive his brother seventy times seven times (490). He then told the parable of the unmerciful servant. The servant owed ten thousand talents, and he was long overdue paying this money. The debt needed to be paid, so the master ordered that him, his wife, his children and all that he had should be sold to repay the debt owed. The servant was broken upon hearing this, and he fell to his knees, begging for the master to be patient with him. The servant's master felt pity on the man, and he canceled the debt and let the servant go. Later that day, the servant went out and found one of his fellow servants. The fellow servant owed him 100 talents, and the servant ordered him to pay him back. The fellow servant fell to his knees and begged for the servant to be patient with him. Instead of forgiving the debt, the servant threw the man in jail. The other servants saw this happen, and they told their master. The master called the servant and told him how wicked he was, and how he should have had more mercy on the fellow servant, just as the master had been to him. The master was angry and maid the jailers torture the servant until he was able to pay back what was owed. The scripture ends with this: "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
I tend to carry grudges and I often allow my feelings and problems towards a person to affect the relationship I have with them. If someone owes me money, I remember, and I generally make them pay it back. If someone has hurt me, I remember, and I remind them of it if the chance comes up. If someone has promised me something, I remember, and I show them ways that they can make it up to me. This is a terrible habit, one that I am trying hard to break. I want to be a merciful person, showing mercy to the people I know and care so deeply about. It is my goal to show others that I can forgiven them. My goal is to clear in my mind what is owed from others, to forgive the hurts that I feel towards others, and to stop holding grudges. Reading this scripture has challenged me.
God, help me to keep up with my goal of forgiving others and being merciful towards them. Help me to be as you are, and to treat people the way You would have me treat them. Amen.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day 17 - Faith... Again.
Matthew 17:14-21
A demon-possessed boy was brought before Jesus. He was having seizures and was suffering quite a bit. The demon-possession within him caused him to fall into fire and water. The same boy had been brought before the disciples, but they had been unable to heal him. Jesus replied by saying this: "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." The boy was brought to Jesus, and Jesus rebuked the demon. Immediately the boy was healed. Later on, the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn't drive the demon out. Jesus responded by saying: "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible to you."
The Bible talks quite a bit about faith. Faith is what we are to live by and it is how we should go about our daily lives. Without faith, we will lack everything. We will lack a proper relationship with God, we won't believe in the forgiveness of sins, we won't receive any blessings, and we will be confused about relationships and friendships. No matter the fact that faith is mentioned in the Bible so many times, the amount of times is important and beneficial to Christians. Faith is what will drive us to follow God and to live life in complete surrender. Have faith, don't let doubt or sin bring you down.
God, continue to teach me how to be faithful. I want to have faith that can move mountains, and I want to believe that You can do all things. Teach me how I can do this. Amen.
A demon-possessed boy was brought before Jesus. He was having seizures and was suffering quite a bit. The demon-possession within him caused him to fall into fire and water. The same boy had been brought before the disciples, but they had been unable to heal him. Jesus replied by saying this: "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." The boy was brought to Jesus, and Jesus rebuked the demon. Immediately the boy was healed. Later on, the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn't drive the demon out. Jesus responded by saying: "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible to you."
The Bible talks quite a bit about faith. Faith is what we are to live by and it is how we should go about our daily lives. Without faith, we will lack everything. We will lack a proper relationship with God, we won't believe in the forgiveness of sins, we won't receive any blessings, and we will be confused about relationships and friendships. No matter the fact that faith is mentioned in the Bible so many times, the amount of times is important and beneficial to Christians. Faith is what will drive us to follow God and to live life in complete surrender. Have faith, don't let doubt or sin bring you down.
God, continue to teach me how to be faithful. I want to have faith that can move mountains, and I want to believe that You can do all things. Teach me how I can do this. Amen.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day 16 - Demanding A Sign
Matthew 16:1-4
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and demanded Him to show them a sign from heaven. They were doing everything in their power to prove Him wrong. Jesus replied saying that the sky is red so the weather will be fair, and that during the day it will be storm because the sky is red and overcast. Jesus told them that they had the power to interpret the appearance of the sky, but that they could not interpret the signs of times. Wickedness and adulterous times were upon them, and a miraculous sign would not be given. After saying all this, Jesus left.
Similar questions are asked of God in these days. "When is the second coming going to happen?" and "When can we meet You in heaven?" Others demand answers from God (with quite odd expectations as to how he answers those demands): "If I'm supposed to take this job offer, make the shower turn cold after two minutes." or "Bring a man, 5'11" tall, to tell me that I'm supposed to buy that sweater." We must be aware that God does not work on man's timing, but He works on His own timing. We are to be patient and wait for God to do as He wishes. Rushing it or demanding things from God will make situations harder.
Often I try to rush God into telling me how He's going to provide for me. But I realize that He will provide for me when the time is right. My job right now is to press into Him and to pray into what He is doing and continuing to do. I will make the process harder if I demand too much, and don't follow God's timing.
God, help me to follow your timing, and to not get too caught up in my own timing or demands. Help me to not be like the Pharisees, who expected a specific type of sign from You. Help me to be patient and ready to wait for You to work your will. Amen.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and demanded Him to show them a sign from heaven. They were doing everything in their power to prove Him wrong. Jesus replied saying that the sky is red so the weather will be fair, and that during the day it will be storm because the sky is red and overcast. Jesus told them that they had the power to interpret the appearance of the sky, but that they could not interpret the signs of times. Wickedness and adulterous times were upon them, and a miraculous sign would not be given. After saying all this, Jesus left.
Similar questions are asked of God in these days. "When is the second coming going to happen?" and "When can we meet You in heaven?" Others demand answers from God (with quite odd expectations as to how he answers those demands): "If I'm supposed to take this job offer, make the shower turn cold after two minutes." or "Bring a man, 5'11" tall, to tell me that I'm supposed to buy that sweater." We must be aware that God does not work on man's timing, but He works on His own timing. We are to be patient and wait for God to do as He wishes. Rushing it or demanding things from God will make situations harder.
Often I try to rush God into telling me how He's going to provide for me. But I realize that He will provide for me when the time is right. My job right now is to press into Him and to pray into what He is doing and continuing to do. I will make the process harder if I demand too much, and don't follow God's timing.
God, help me to follow your timing, and to not get too caught up in my own timing or demands. Help me to not be like the Pharisees, who expected a specific type of sign from You. Help me to be patient and ready to wait for You to work your will. Amen.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 15 - Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus was preparing to mourn the death of John the Baptist, and He was trying to move to a quieter place. But crowds followed Jesus, bringing the sick with them. They wanted to see Jesus perform miracles and heal the hurting people. The crowds of people were not thinking, and they followed Jesus into a remote place. The disciples became worried, and asked to send the crowds away to find some food. Jesus told the disciples that they didn't need to send them away, but that the disciples needed to provide the crowds with food. The disciples responded by saying, "we only have five loaves and two fishes." Jesus took the food and prayed over it. And the food began to multiply, allowing enough for each person (5,000 men plus women and children), and leaving 12 baskets leftover. Jesus performed a great miracle, and showed His disciples was faith and prayer can do.
The disciples had very little faith, and they allowed worry to take over their lives. Little did they know that God was going to provide abundantly for them. I too can start to have minimal faith. I let the worries of this world get to me, and I forget that God owns the key to this storehouse. He has power to heal and to miraculously provide. All we need to do is pray and He will give us what we ask for, if it is in accordance to His will. I hope that I can start to apply this into my life, and allow God to bless me and keep me safe.
God, allow me to accept your abundance in my life. Help me to remember that you are all powerful and that you can do great things. Help me to listen to Your word and to remember the miracles that you have done. Amen.
Jesus was preparing to mourn the death of John the Baptist, and He was trying to move to a quieter place. But crowds followed Jesus, bringing the sick with them. They wanted to see Jesus perform miracles and heal the hurting people. The crowds of people were not thinking, and they followed Jesus into a remote place. The disciples became worried, and asked to send the crowds away to find some food. Jesus told the disciples that they didn't need to send them away, but that the disciples needed to provide the crowds with food. The disciples responded by saying, "we only have five loaves and two fishes." Jesus took the food and prayed over it. And the food began to multiply, allowing enough for each person (5,000 men plus women and children), and leaving 12 baskets leftover. Jesus performed a great miracle, and showed His disciples was faith and prayer can do.
The disciples had very little faith, and they allowed worry to take over their lives. Little did they know that God was going to provide abundantly for them. I too can start to have minimal faith. I let the worries of this world get to me, and I forget that God owns the key to this storehouse. He has power to heal and to miraculously provide. All we need to do is pray and He will give us what we ask for, if it is in accordance to His will. I hope that I can start to apply this into my life, and allow God to bless me and keep me safe.
God, allow me to accept your abundance in my life. Help me to remember that you are all powerful and that you can do great things. Help me to listen to Your word and to remember the miracles that you have done. Amen.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 14 - Honour Jesus
Matthew 13:53-58
Jesus shared many parables and stories with people in a variety of towns and cities. He was open with them all and told them the great things that God had in store for them. Everyone was amazed at what He did, and they all had a great respect for Him. However, when Jesus returned to His hometown, He was looked down upon. The people from his hometown said terrible things about Jesus. They judged Him, they judged His family, and they talked about how jealous they were of the great and wonderful things Jesus had done. Jesus was not shown any respect. In response to all that people had said He told them this: "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." Jesus left his hometown and did not perform any miracles. The people lacked faith, and they did not deserve to see healings and miracles happen.
Jesus still does amazing things, and He will continue to do great things. He gives others the privilege of carrying on His work while He is in heaven. He allows people to have the supernatural gift of prophesies and miracles, and to have the gift of signs and wonders. As people in this world, we should not judge those who are given this gift. It is not given to everybody, but it is given to specific people for a specific reason. If we judge others and become jealous of what they have been given, we will lose out on what God has for us. He wants us to support other Christians, and not tear them down.
God, help me to honor those around me. Help me not be jealous of those with seemingly better then me. But help me to support others and acknowledge people like I should. Amen.
Jesus shared many parables and stories with people in a variety of towns and cities. He was open with them all and told them the great things that God had in store for them. Everyone was amazed at what He did, and they all had a great respect for Him. However, when Jesus returned to His hometown, He was looked down upon. The people from his hometown said terrible things about Jesus. They judged Him, they judged His family, and they talked about how jealous they were of the great and wonderful things Jesus had done. Jesus was not shown any respect. In response to all that people had said He told them this: "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." Jesus left his hometown and did not perform any miracles. The people lacked faith, and they did not deserve to see healings and miracles happen.
Jesus still does amazing things, and He will continue to do great things. He gives others the privilege of carrying on His work while He is in heaven. He allows people to have the supernatural gift of prophesies and miracles, and to have the gift of signs and wonders. As people in this world, we should not judge those who are given this gift. It is not given to everybody, but it is given to specific people for a specific reason. If we judge others and become jealous of what they have been given, we will lose out on what God has for us. He wants us to support other Christians, and not tear them down.
God, help me to honor those around me. Help me not be jealous of those with seemingly better then me. But help me to support others and acknowledge people like I should. Amen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 13 - Sabbath Rules
Matthew 12:1-14
The scripture talks about how as Jesus and the disciples were in a wheat field, the disciples began to eat the wheat because they were hungry. The Pharisees saw this, and immediately began to ridicule Jesus and the disciples. They claimed that the disciples were being unlawful by working on the Sabbath. Jesus responded by telling them of David and how he would eat the break from the temple when they were were hungry on the Sabbath. Then Jesus told the Pharisees that He desired mercy, not sacrifice. He told the Pharisees that they did not require this same mercy, and because of it they have condemned the innocent. He told them that "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." From there, Jesus went on to heal a man's hand at the temple. The Pharisees questioned Jesus on this, and Jesus told them that they would save their lambs or a person's life on the Sabbath if the need somehow came up. The Pharisees were very angry, and they went away plotting to kill Jesus.
I believe that it is very important to take one day out of every week to rest. It should be a day when you don't go to work, and when you spend time praising God. However, I am not as extreme as the Pharisees. You should be able to work and do chores like washing dishes and helping at your church. You should just do it in moderation, and not make it like any other day of the week. God should be the focus of any Sabbath day, and you should avoid judgement and frustration. A Sabbath day is a day where you focus on God and when you avoid sin and destructive attitudes from your life.
God, show me how to properly have a Sabbath day. Don't let me judge others, but let me be a light and a strong tower to those around me. Amen.
The scripture talks about how as Jesus and the disciples were in a wheat field, the disciples began to eat the wheat because they were hungry. The Pharisees saw this, and immediately began to ridicule Jesus and the disciples. They claimed that the disciples were being unlawful by working on the Sabbath. Jesus responded by telling them of David and how he would eat the break from the temple when they were were hungry on the Sabbath. Then Jesus told the Pharisees that He desired mercy, not sacrifice. He told the Pharisees that they did not require this same mercy, and because of it they have condemned the innocent. He told them that "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." From there, Jesus went on to heal a man's hand at the temple. The Pharisees questioned Jesus on this, and Jesus told them that they would save their lambs or a person's life on the Sabbath if the need somehow came up. The Pharisees were very angry, and they went away plotting to kill Jesus.
I believe that it is very important to take one day out of every week to rest. It should be a day when you don't go to work, and when you spend time praising God. However, I am not as extreme as the Pharisees. You should be able to work and do chores like washing dishes and helping at your church. You should just do it in moderation, and not make it like any other day of the week. God should be the focus of any Sabbath day, and you should avoid judgement and frustration. A Sabbath day is a day where you focus on God and when you avoid sin and destructive attitudes from your life.
God, show me how to properly have a Sabbath day. Don't let me judge others, but let me be a light and a strong tower to those around me. Amen.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 12 - Rest for the Weary
Matthew 11:25-30
This scripture talks what God has revealed to the young and to the people of this world. It also talks about giving rest to the weary and burdened. God is all powerful and He is very strong. If we rest our burdens on Him, He will make them lighter and easier to handle. The yoke that we carry is easy and the burden is light through Christ Jesus. He will take all things and carry the worst of them. We should not fear, but rather we should believe and trust that God will not give us too much to handle.
I often get stressed and worried about the little things in life. I let work, family, friends, school, and life in general get to me. I take on far too many things, and I find myself stressed out and frustrated. This scripture was important for me to hear. We need to give all stresses and burdens to God, and He will make them easier for us to carry. If we are unable to carry as much as we do, God will take them away and make our lighter and easier to live. Do not worry, God is looking out for us. Do not fret for our burdens will be removed if we only ask.
Dear God, please show me to how to give my burdens to you. Take away my stresses and replace them with the strength needed to do God's will. Show me how to love others, and to not do so in a burdensome way. Amen.
This scripture talks what God has revealed to the young and to the people of this world. It also talks about giving rest to the weary and burdened. God is all powerful and He is very strong. If we rest our burdens on Him, He will make them lighter and easier to handle. The yoke that we carry is easy and the burden is light through Christ Jesus. He will take all things and carry the worst of them. We should not fear, but rather we should believe and trust that God will not give us too much to handle.
I often get stressed and worried about the little things in life. I let work, family, friends, school, and life in general get to me. I take on far too many things, and I find myself stressed out and frustrated. This scripture was important for me to hear. We need to give all stresses and burdens to God, and He will make them easier for us to carry. If we are unable to carry as much as we do, God will take them away and make our lighter and easier to live. Do not worry, God is looking out for us. Do not fret for our burdens will be removed if we only ask.
Dear God, please show me to how to give my burdens to you. Take away my stresses and replace them with the strength needed to do God's will. Show me how to love others, and to not do so in a burdensome way. Amen.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day 11 - Disciples
Matthew 10
The sending of the 12 is an important passage to study in the Bible. Jesus carefully selected twelve disciples. These twelve men were not perfect, but they were the right men for the positions. They were sinners, but were willing to repent. They had lives, but were willing to lay them down and follow Christ. They had many things, but were willing to give them away and leave them behind. These men were selfless, willing, and ready for the ministry that God allowed them to be apart of. They acted as servants, and they lived with their hearts open and their lives ready for minstry.
I believe that each person should act as the twelve disciples did. You should be ready at a moments notice, ready to give up your lives to follow Christ. There should be nothing and no one holding you back from a willing life of following God. We are all on this earth for a reason, and we should be working towards fulfilling this reason. I want to be a selfless, ready Christian. Prepared for Jesus Christ to come and take me to a higher place. I want to serve others and share the word of God with all those around me. This should be the goal for all Christians, and not just the twelve disciples.
God, help me be a light to those around me. Thank you for placing me on this earth for a reason. help me to fulfill your will be following this reason and doing as you command me to do. Allow me to have the same heart that the disciples had. Amen.
The sending of the 12 is an important passage to study in the Bible. Jesus carefully selected twelve disciples. These twelve men were not perfect, but they were the right men for the positions. They were sinners, but were willing to repent. They had lives, but were willing to lay them down and follow Christ. They had many things, but were willing to give them away and leave them behind. These men were selfless, willing, and ready for the ministry that God allowed them to be apart of. They acted as servants, and they lived with their hearts open and their lives ready for minstry.
I believe that each person should act as the twelve disciples did. You should be ready at a moments notice, ready to give up your lives to follow Christ. There should be nothing and no one holding you back from a willing life of following God. We are all on this earth for a reason, and we should be working towards fulfilling this reason. I want to be a selfless, ready Christian. Prepared for Jesus Christ to come and take me to a higher place. I want to serve others and share the word of God with all those around me. This should be the goal for all Christians, and not just the twelve disciples.
God, help me be a light to those around me. Thank you for placing me on this earth for a reason. help me to fulfill your will be following this reason and doing as you command me to do. Allow me to have the same heart that the disciples had. Amen.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 10 - Jesus Heals
Matthew 9:27-34
Matthew 9 tells of when Jesus healed the blind man and the mute man. Both men who were healed had faith that Jesus would take away their diseases. Their faith is what worked to heal them. Then Jesus met a demon-possessed man. He healed that man to, delivering him from the evil that had overtaken his body After Jesus healed the men, the Pharisees said: "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons." The Pharisees exclaimed that Jesus was working with Satan and his demons. This was not the case, but Jesus did not lose his patience. Instead he continued to heal people and deliver them from pain and disease.
As Christians in this world, our goal is to reach those around us. We are to pray and heal, and to love and respect those around us. We should have faith and we should work to show others this faith. Through faith we will see healings, freedom, and a higher trust in God. Faith and trust are two hard things for people to understand. Even Christians, myself included, have a hard time having faith and trusting that God will look out for us. Often we are so scared to be vulnerable and to show people that we serve a great God. But we should not let "Pharisees" or judgemental people stand in our way. We should plough through and stand in the faith that God has given us.
Jesus, help me to have faith and trust that I can do all things. Give me strength and guidance, even when people try to get in my way or tell me I cannot do something. Grant me faith, and help me to love all those around me. Amen.
Matthew 9 tells of when Jesus healed the blind man and the mute man. Both men who were healed had faith that Jesus would take away their diseases. Their faith is what worked to heal them. Then Jesus met a demon-possessed man. He healed that man to, delivering him from the evil that had overtaken his body After Jesus healed the men, the Pharisees said: "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons." The Pharisees exclaimed that Jesus was working with Satan and his demons. This was not the case, but Jesus did not lose his patience. Instead he continued to heal people and deliver them from pain and disease.
As Christians in this world, our goal is to reach those around us. We are to pray and heal, and to love and respect those around us. We should have faith and we should work to show others this faith. Through faith we will see healings, freedom, and a higher trust in God. Faith and trust are two hard things for people to understand. Even Christians, myself included, have a hard time having faith and trusting that God will look out for us. Often we are so scared to be vulnerable and to show people that we serve a great God. But we should not let "Pharisees" or judgemental people stand in our way. We should plough through and stand in the faith that God has given us.
Jesus, help me to have faith and trust that I can do all things. Give me strength and guidance, even when people try to get in my way or tell me I cannot do something. Grant me faith, and help me to love all those around me. Amen.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Day 9 - Centurion Faith
Matthew 8:5-13
In Mattthew 8 it tells a story of the Centurion visiting Jesus. He begs Jesus to come save his favored servant, who is sick and dying. Jesus responds by telling the centurion that he will go and help heal his servant. The centurion told Jesus of the authority that he had in his household. He said that if he says go, his servants will go. If the centurion says comes, they will come. The centurion said that if Jesus wishes the servant to be healed, he must simply say it is so, and it will be so. Jesus spoke to those following saying, this man has great faith. He knew that Jesus would heal the servant. The centurion had faith. Because of this faith, the servant was instantly healed.
We live in a world that has a hard time believing what is true and untrue. We have a difficult time keeping our faith. We often don't believe or have faith that what we need done will be done. This is a bad attitude, we should practice faith everyday. It can be a difficult thing to do, but once we accept faith, our lives will be changed forever. We will be able to walk boldly in our lives, and we will live with positivity and surrender. Faith is what can hold us together, and faith will help us to live loving and God directed lives.
God, help me to be faithful to you. Help me to also have faith in what I see and do not see. I believe that you died for me, and I believe that you can do all things for the good of my life. Teach me to follow in your ways and to have faith in what I can see and what I cannot see. Amen.
In Mattthew 8 it tells a story of the Centurion visiting Jesus. He begs Jesus to come save his favored servant, who is sick and dying. Jesus responds by telling the centurion that he will go and help heal his servant. The centurion told Jesus of the authority that he had in his household. He said that if he says go, his servants will go. If the centurion says comes, they will come. The centurion said that if Jesus wishes the servant to be healed, he must simply say it is so, and it will be so. Jesus spoke to those following saying, this man has great faith. He knew that Jesus would heal the servant. The centurion had faith. Because of this faith, the servant was instantly healed.
We live in a world that has a hard time believing what is true and untrue. We have a difficult time keeping our faith. We often don't believe or have faith that what we need done will be done. This is a bad attitude, we should practice faith everyday. It can be a difficult thing to do, but once we accept faith, our lives will be changed forever. We will be able to walk boldly in our lives, and we will live with positivity and surrender. Faith is what can hold us together, and faith will help us to live loving and God directed lives.
God, help me to be faithful to you. Help me to also have faith in what I see and do not see. I believe that you died for me, and I believe that you can do all things for the good of my life. Teach me to follow in your ways and to have faith in what I can see and what I cannot see. Amen.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 8 - The Foolish & Wise
Matthew 7: 24-29
Jesus gave the parable of two builders. One builder built on a bed of sand, the other built on a rock. Needless to say, the builder who built on the rock withstood the storms of life, and did not collapse. The house on the bed of sand washed away in the storm. The same is true in our lives. We are to build our lives on the Rock (GOD) and not on the Sand (the world, sin). When we allow sin or worldliness into our lives, we will soon find that our lives fall apart. When we follow God and so as we wish, we will live a strong and impacting life.
My challenge to those reading is to follow God and to build our lives with God as our foundation and focus. You will IMMEDIATELY see God working in your life once you build your life with Him. He will make your paths straight and your life easier. You will walk boldly in life, knowing that there is nothing that can knock you down. Even though negativity and pain may come, you will have God, the Rock, supporting you and giving you the strength needed to live life. With God as your Rock, you will never have to fear again. Read God's word, pray daily, and spend time in His presence. Your life will see immediate changes.
Dear God, show me how to effectively build my life on You, the Rock. Help me to avoid the sandy areas, the places where I will fall away into sin. Give me strength to follow Your ways, and to avoid the destruction of the evil one. Amen.
Jesus gave the parable of two builders. One builder built on a bed of sand, the other built on a rock. Needless to say, the builder who built on the rock withstood the storms of life, and did not collapse. The house on the bed of sand washed away in the storm. The same is true in our lives. We are to build our lives on the Rock (GOD) and not on the Sand (the world, sin). When we allow sin or worldliness into our lives, we will soon find that our lives fall apart. When we follow God and so as we wish, we will live a strong and impacting life.
My challenge to those reading is to follow God and to build our lives with God as our foundation and focus. You will IMMEDIATELY see God working in your life once you build your life with Him. He will make your paths straight and your life easier. You will walk boldly in life, knowing that there is nothing that can knock you down. Even though negativity and pain may come, you will have God, the Rock, supporting you and giving you the strength needed to live life. With God as your Rock, you will never have to fear again. Read God's word, pray daily, and spend time in His presence. Your life will see immediate changes.
Dear God, show me how to effectively build my life on You, the Rock. Help me to avoid the sandy areas, the places where I will fall away into sin. Give me strength to follow Your ways, and to avoid the destruction of the evil one. Amen.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day 7 - Fasting & Sacrifice
Matthew 6:16-18
When I was younger, I struggled for a year with eating disorders. The result of these eating disorders is that I started to destroy my body. After I finally beat my eating problems I ended up developing hypo-glycemia. Hypo-glycemia is a type of low-blood sugar disorder, meaning that I have to keep my blood sugars up at all times. I tried fasting last year, and barely lasted a day. By the end of the day I was very sick and I was forced to stay in bed because I had absolutely no energy. Needless to say, I have learned that fasting is something I cannot do.
However, I use sacrifice as my form of fasting. I look into my life and find what is distracting me from a proper relationship with God. Sacrifice and fasting are both very important to helping a person reevaluate their lives and their priorities. It is important to note that sacrifice and fasting are not to be gloated about. Matthew 6 talks of how you should not be obvious about your fasting or sacrifice. You should go about your daily life, and avoid complaining and drawing attention to the fact that you aren't eating or that you aren't doing specific things.
In sacrifice, God should always be the focus. He should be what we turn to first. We should not take our time of fasting and sacrifice to focus on how hungry we are or how much we miss watching tv or anything else that we are sacrificing. We should praise God for what we have, and praise God for giving us life. Fasting and sacrifice is about God, not us.
God, let us be selfless in our fasting and praying. When we choose to fast or sacrifice, help us to focus completely on you and to not let our problems or frustrations get in the way. Amen.
When I was younger, I struggled for a year with eating disorders. The result of these eating disorders is that I started to destroy my body. After I finally beat my eating problems I ended up developing hypo-glycemia. Hypo-glycemia is a type of low-blood sugar disorder, meaning that I have to keep my blood sugars up at all times. I tried fasting last year, and barely lasted a day. By the end of the day I was very sick and I was forced to stay in bed because I had absolutely no energy. Needless to say, I have learned that fasting is something I cannot do.
However, I use sacrifice as my form of fasting. I look into my life and find what is distracting me from a proper relationship with God. Sacrifice and fasting are both very important to helping a person reevaluate their lives and their priorities. It is important to note that sacrifice and fasting are not to be gloated about. Matthew 6 talks of how you should not be obvious about your fasting or sacrifice. You should go about your daily life, and avoid complaining and drawing attention to the fact that you aren't eating or that you aren't doing specific things.
In sacrifice, God should always be the focus. He should be what we turn to first. We should not take our time of fasting and sacrifice to focus on how hungry we are or how much we miss watching tv or anything else that we are sacrificing. We should praise God for what we have, and praise God for giving us life. Fasting and sacrifice is about God, not us.
God, let us be selfless in our fasting and praying. When we choose to fast or sacrifice, help us to focus completely on you and to not let our problems or frustrations get in the way. Amen.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day 6 - God's Heart
Jeremiah 17:8
Recently in my Life Group we did a prophetic action. We took 5 pieces of paper, one for each Life Group member, and numbered them 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Then we put on some worship music and prayed. After praying we took whatever number we felt called to, and wrote a note of encouragement in whatever way God directed us to. God spoke to each one of us in the group, and I felt especially spoken to.
Lately I have felt weary and dry, empty and broken. I have many friends who draw from me on a regular basis, and often it gets to be very exhausting. I have chosen to apply this scripture to my life, giving more time for God. I understand that once God is first and foremost in my life, I will begin to feel full and ready to give. Having God in my life will mean that I am not dry and weary, but that I am prepared and ready for giving to others and for blessing others.
Dear God, help me to apply this scripture to my life. Teach me to spend more time with you, and to not allow my body to grow weary from emptiness. Teach me what I need to learn, and allow me to be receptive to all that is said to help me. Amen.
Recently in my Life Group we did a prophetic action. We took 5 pieces of paper, one for each Life Group member, and numbered them 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Then we put on some worship music and prayed. After praying we took whatever number we felt called to, and wrote a note of encouragement in whatever way God directed us to. God spoke to each one of us in the group, and I felt especially spoken to.
Lately I have felt weary and dry, empty and broken. I have many friends who draw from me on a regular basis, and often it gets to be very exhausting. I have chosen to apply this scripture to my life, giving more time for God. I understand that once God is first and foremost in my life, I will begin to feel full and ready to give. Having God in my life will mean that I am not dry and weary, but that I am prepared and ready for giving to others and for blessing others.
Dear God, help me to apply this scripture to my life. Teach me to spend more time with you, and to not allow my body to grow weary from emptiness. Teach me what I need to learn, and allow me to be receptive to all that is said to help me. Amen.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day 5 - Trust God
Psalm 37
The world is full of corruption and sin, and we are all surrounded by wicked people and wicked ways. God does not want us to follow in this corruption, so he gives us some examples of what we should do in Psalm 37. The main point that God emphasizes is "trust in me." It also goes on to list the negative things that happen in life, and how we should give it all to God. We are told to: "be still in the presence of God," "trust in the Lord," and "turn from evil and do good." Psalm 37 also talks about many ways that God has helped us and looked out for us. It goes on to show what your life would be like if you followed God faithfully. God did many things to prepare the way for us, and many of these ways are discussed within Psalm 37.
We are to walk justly and uprighteously. If we truly want to live in the way God commands, we are to follow his regulations and guidelines. Psalms 37 gives many good examples of what we can do to follow him and to live a pure life. We are to put our hope and trust in God, step out of our comfort zone, and walk into a pure and just life.
God, help me to put my trust and hope in you. Allow me to follow your ways, and to continue life without giving into the pressures of the world around me. Be my strength, and my guide. Be my hope in times of trouble. Amen.
The world is full of corruption and sin, and we are all surrounded by wicked people and wicked ways. God does not want us to follow in this corruption, so he gives us some examples of what we should do in Psalm 37. The main point that God emphasizes is "trust in me." It also goes on to list the negative things that happen in life, and how we should give it all to God. We are told to: "be still in the presence of God," "trust in the Lord," and "turn from evil and do good." Psalm 37 also talks about many ways that God has helped us and looked out for us. It goes on to show what your life would be like if you followed God faithfully. God did many things to prepare the way for us, and many of these ways are discussed within Psalm 37.
We are to walk justly and uprighteously. If we truly want to live in the way God commands, we are to follow his regulations and guidelines. Psalms 37 gives many good examples of what we can do to follow him and to live a pure life. We are to put our hope and trust in God, step out of our comfort zone, and walk into a pure and just life.
God, help me to put my trust and hope in you. Allow me to follow your ways, and to continue life without giving into the pressures of the world around me. Be my strength, and my guide. Be my hope in times of trouble. Amen.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day 4 - Do Not Judge
Matthew 7
We live in a culture that is very judgemental. We compare ourselves to others, and often judge those who are different. This sense of judgement has gotten to the point where many people cannot trust their friends and acquaintances. But the Bible says in Matthew 7: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." We are not to judge, because if we judge, the same will be used on us. If we talk badly about another person, we should expect the same to be spoken of us. So it is best to follow the Bible and simply not judge others.
I tend to be a judgemental person, but God has taught me how I should treat people, and how I should talk about people. I am learning to follow God's ways and apply a non-judgemental attitude in my daily life. I choose to obey the Bible and to avoid judgement and thinking less of people. Each person is special and unique, and it is not my place to judge what they do and don't do.
Dear God, help me to keep from judging others. Help me follow the Bible and respect the people around me. Help me realize the importance of loving others, and of not judging them. Amen.
We live in a culture that is very judgemental. We compare ourselves to others, and often judge those who are different. This sense of judgement has gotten to the point where many people cannot trust their friends and acquaintances. But the Bible says in Matthew 7: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." We are not to judge, because if we judge, the same will be used on us. If we talk badly about another person, we should expect the same to be spoken of us. So it is best to follow the Bible and simply not judge others.
I tend to be a judgemental person, but God has taught me how I should treat people, and how I should talk about people. I am learning to follow God's ways and apply a non-judgemental attitude in my daily life. I choose to obey the Bible and to avoid judgement and thinking less of people. Each person is special and unique, and it is not my place to judge what they do and don't do.
Dear God, help me to keep from judging others. Help me follow the Bible and respect the people around me. Help me realize the importance of loving others, and of not judging them. Amen.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Day 3 - Promises
Matthew 5
This chapter talked of many things, including God's blessings, heaven, and divorce. One verse that I found interesting and eye-opening was verse 37. This verse talks about how you are not to make an oath or promise. It states that promises are not acceptable to God, man, or acquaintances. Making a promise is something that cannot be broken, as it is a very serious matter. Breaking a promise will break an oath to God, and it will cause people to lose their trust in you.
In my life, I have made the choice not to make promises to people. There have been many times when people want me to make a promise to them, but I have had to deny their wish. I have had many conversations like this:
"Jodi, I never see you!"
"I know, we should hang out soon."
"Yes! Promise that we'll hang out!?"
"I can't promise you that we'll hang out, but I will do my best to spend time with you."
I understand that hanging out with people is important, but I also know that I have a very busy life. I work and I go to school full-time, so between those two, I am constantly busy. I do my best to spend time with my friends, but often times, I can't do everything. So I choose not to make a promise to my friends, because there is a chance that the promise will be broken.
God, help me to keep my word. Let my yes be yes, let my no be no. Keep me from making promises, especially promises that cannot be kept. You are my focus and you are one who I put my trust in. Amen.
This chapter talked of many things, including God's blessings, heaven, and divorce. One verse that I found interesting and eye-opening was verse 37. This verse talks about how you are not to make an oath or promise. It states that promises are not acceptable to God, man, or acquaintances. Making a promise is something that cannot be broken, as it is a very serious matter. Breaking a promise will break an oath to God, and it will cause people to lose their trust in you.
In my life, I have made the choice not to make promises to people. There have been many times when people want me to make a promise to them, but I have had to deny their wish. I have had many conversations like this:
"Jodi, I never see you!"
"I know, we should hang out soon."
"Yes! Promise that we'll hang out!?"
"I can't promise you that we'll hang out, but I will do my best to spend time with you."
I understand that hanging out with people is important, but I also know that I have a very busy life. I work and I go to school full-time, so between those two, I am constantly busy. I do my best to spend time with my friends, but often times, I can't do everything. So I choose not to make a promise to my friends, because there is a chance that the promise will be broken.
God, help me to keep my word. Let my yes be yes, let my no be no. Keep me from making promises, especially promises that cannot be kept. You are my focus and you are one who I put my trust in. Amen.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day 2 - Purity
Psalm 119
Lately I have been struggling with my purity. I waited a long time to date, and I had strict boundaries and expectations about how my future relationship would go. I found the perfect man, and we are moving towards a marriage relationship in years to come. This man had dated before me, and had given up all but sex to other girls. In our relationship he never intended to push me too far, but because of his past and those tendancies, I did get pushed more then I wanted to. And we have made steps to overcoming our sins and the things we have done together. But guilt has still found it's way into my life, I feel completely shameful when I think of the things I've done. So I made the choice to work towards redeeming myself, and giving my life to God, in my purity, my relationship, and in all other areas of my life.
Psalm 119 gives working guidelines to how you can walk purely and controlled for God. It talks about staying grounded in God's word, and about how to keep from faltering, despite what the world tells you you can or can't do. It was a difficult passage to read, but it gave me faith in redemption and God's saving grace. He doesn't require for us to sit in a mud puddle, bemoaning the life that we are living. He wants us to stand up and walk for him, living a God directed life. He shows that he will honor us if we walk purely and righteously.
My goal is to follow God's guidelines and to live a pure life as directed through the scriptures. I choose to follow God's commands, walk in accordance to God's word, take a stand against sin. I will follow the direction that Psalm 119 and God's word says. I know that by following God's ways, he will help me overcome the difficulties in my life. Nobody else can help me in the way that God does, for he is divine and perfect.
Dear God, help me to walk purely and righteously. Give me direction to where you want me to go. Allow me to live the life that you have called me to live. You are my King, and it is my duty and choice to follow your ways. Amen.
Lately I have been struggling with my purity. I waited a long time to date, and I had strict boundaries and expectations about how my future relationship would go. I found the perfect man, and we are moving towards a marriage relationship in years to come. This man had dated before me, and had given up all but sex to other girls. In our relationship he never intended to push me too far, but because of his past and those tendancies, I did get pushed more then I wanted to. And we have made steps to overcoming our sins and the things we have done together. But guilt has still found it's way into my life, I feel completely shameful when I think of the things I've done. So I made the choice to work towards redeeming myself, and giving my life to God, in my purity, my relationship, and in all other areas of my life.
Psalm 119 gives working guidelines to how you can walk purely and controlled for God. It talks about staying grounded in God's word, and about how to keep from faltering, despite what the world tells you you can or can't do. It was a difficult passage to read, but it gave me faith in redemption and God's saving grace. He doesn't require for us to sit in a mud puddle, bemoaning the life that we are living. He wants us to stand up and walk for him, living a God directed life. He shows that he will honor us if we walk purely and righteously.
My goal is to follow God's guidelines and to live a pure life as directed through the scriptures. I choose to follow God's commands, walk in accordance to God's word, take a stand against sin. I will follow the direction that Psalm 119 and God's word says. I know that by following God's ways, he will help me overcome the difficulties in my life. Nobody else can help me in the way that God does, for he is divine and perfect.
Dear God, help me to walk purely and righteously. Give me direction to where you want me to go. Allow me to live the life that you have called me to live. You are my King, and it is my duty and choice to follow your ways. Amen.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 1 - John Prepares A Way For Jesus
Matthew 3-4
A new semester has begun, and new classes have also begun. I have decided to incorporate two class, New Testament Survey and Spiritual Formations 2. My plan is to read through the New Testament, and keep a daily journal about my readings.
As my daily devotions this morning I read through Matthew 3 and 4, learning about all that John did to prepare the way for Jesus. John recognized that Jesus was someone of importance, and he refuted his faith in God and Jesus as he was opposed by rulers and authority. John looked to Jesus a someone much more then a human man living on the earth. So it shocked John when Jesus came to him to receive water baptism. In John's eyes, Jesus was blameless and pure, and did not require cleansing through water baptism. But Jesus showed John that even though He was free of sin, He too required the physical demonstration of baptism through water. Through this, God showed His love for His Son, and for His children.
Reading these passages of scriptures proved that Jesus was a humble and respectful man. Not only was He blameless, and the Son of God... but He was also willing to follow in God's will on earth. By humbling himself and allowing His cousin to baptize Him, He showed that He had a respect and love for the things that God desires for all His children to do. Also in reading the scripture, I saw that John had such a high respect for Jesus. He knew that Jesus was an important man, and John was always willing to defend and back up Jesus. It showed a deep respect and adoration for someone who deserved every bit of that respect and adoration.
In my life, I want to show the same respect and adoration for Jesus. I want to defend who He is, no matter who opposes Him. Jesus deserves the highest place of honor, and it hurts me when I see people knocking Him down. Jesus lived as a plain and ordinary man, and He ended up living out His calling to do amazing, world altering changes.
Dear God, I pray that I can defend You and Your Son. Your Son sacrificed so much, and He humbled His life greatly. I pray that I can defend and honor Jesus in the way He deserves. Help me to follow You, and to keep on track with Your will and ways. Amen.
A new semester has begun, and new classes have also begun. I have decided to incorporate two class, New Testament Survey and Spiritual Formations 2. My plan is to read through the New Testament, and keep a daily journal about my readings.
As my daily devotions this morning I read through Matthew 3 and 4, learning about all that John did to prepare the way for Jesus. John recognized that Jesus was someone of importance, and he refuted his faith in God and Jesus as he was opposed by rulers and authority. John looked to Jesus a someone much more then a human man living on the earth. So it shocked John when Jesus came to him to receive water baptism. In John's eyes, Jesus was blameless and pure, and did not require cleansing through water baptism. But Jesus showed John that even though He was free of sin, He too required the physical demonstration of baptism through water. Through this, God showed His love for His Son, and for His children.
Reading these passages of scriptures proved that Jesus was a humble and respectful man. Not only was He blameless, and the Son of God... but He was also willing to follow in God's will on earth. By humbling himself and allowing His cousin to baptize Him, He showed that He had a respect and love for the things that God desires for all His children to do. Also in reading the scripture, I saw that John had such a high respect for Jesus. He knew that Jesus was an important man, and John was always willing to defend and back up Jesus. It showed a deep respect and adoration for someone who deserved every bit of that respect and adoration.
In my life, I want to show the same respect and adoration for Jesus. I want to defend who He is, no matter who opposes Him. Jesus deserves the highest place of honor, and it hurts me when I see people knocking Him down. Jesus lived as a plain and ordinary man, and He ended up living out His calling to do amazing, world altering changes.
Dear God, I pray that I can defend You and Your Son. Your Son sacrificed so much, and He humbled His life greatly. I pray that I can defend and honor Jesus in the way He deserves. Help me to follow You, and to keep on track with Your will and ways. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
