Acts 17:23-28 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.'
Definition of separated; to set or keep apart
Lord, I pray for the ones who are separated from You. The ones who don't know You and will be kept apart from You for eternity. Use us to tell of the hope we have found in You. Amen
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week 15 Charles Stanley's Intercession for America/Reaffirming Our Nation's Christian Heritage
Ps. 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Definition of heritage: something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; something reserved for on.
Eph.1:12-14 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
The definition of inheritance: the action of inheriting, legacy; bequest, ownership by virtue of birthright.
Heb.9:15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
1 Peter1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.Though you have not seen him, you love him.Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Definition of heritage: something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; something reserved for on.
Eph.1:12-14 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
The definition of inheritance: the action of inheriting, legacy; bequest, ownership by virtue of birthright.
Heb.9:15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
1 Peter1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.Though you have not seen him, you love him.Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Justified by Faith
Gal.2:15-21 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Gal.3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Gal.3:23-29 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
How marvelous is Your word, O Lord! Thank You for Jesus and thank You for our faith! I am so glad we are not under the bondage of the law. We have been set free and we are free indeed!! Amen
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
Gal.3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Gal.3:23-29 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
How marvelous is Your word, O Lord! Thank You for Jesus and thank You for our faith! I am so glad we are not under the bondage of the law. We have been set free and we are free indeed!! Amen
Saul, Saul, Why Are You Persecuting Me?
Acts 9:1-19 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.
So, you think you are too terrible for God to use? This bible truth lets you see God can change and use anyone from any background!! Saul persecuted the believers. He wanted them all thrown in prison, men and women alike. God struck him blind to get his attention and then used him, till his death, to multiply the church.
Gracious Lord, have mercy on us. Mold us for Your glory. Use us to share the hope we have found in Christ Jesus. Lord, help us teach repentance as an never ending part of being a Christ follower. For if we say we have no sin, we lie. Amen
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.
So, you think you are too terrible for God to use? This bible truth lets you see God can change and use anyone from any background!! Saul persecuted the believers. He wanted them all thrown in prison, men and women alike. God struck him blind to get his attention and then used him, till his death, to multiply the church.
Gracious Lord, have mercy on us. Mold us for Your glory. Use us to share the hope we have found in Christ Jesus. Lord, help us teach repentance as an never ending part of being a Christ follower. For if we say we have no sin, we lie. Amen
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Stoning of Stephen
These are some of the words of Stephen to the high priest and the counsel: Acts 7:51-53 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."
This is such a sad fact. Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, longed for the people to come to repentance. He and the disciples went from town to town preaching the word of God. This angered the high priest and the counsel who feared losing control over the people. Above all, they wanted to be the only spiritual leaders and to keep the people under the bondage of the law and in the customs that Moses had taught.They set up false witnesses against Stephen who were told to lie and say he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. In the end, Stephen was stoned.
Acts 7:54-60 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this he fell asleep.
Did you catch that? He asked God to have mercy on his murderers! How humbling! Also, notice in the previous verses that the young man Saul, at whose feet Stephen's garments were laid, would later use the name Paul and would be one of the most devoted witnesses for Christ.
Lord, it is my prayer that You would touch hearts today for Your glory. They are many who are being persecuted for their obedience to You. Bless them and give them courage through Your Spirit. Amen
This is such a sad fact. Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, longed for the people to come to repentance. He and the disciples went from town to town preaching the word of God. This angered the high priest and the counsel who feared losing control over the people. Above all, they wanted to be the only spiritual leaders and to keep the people under the bondage of the law and in the customs that Moses had taught.They set up false witnesses against Stephen who were told to lie and say he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. In the end, Stephen was stoned.
Acts 7:54-60 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this he fell asleep.
Did you catch that? He asked God to have mercy on his murderers! How humbling! Also, notice in the previous verses that the young man Saul, at whose feet Stephen's garments were laid, would later use the name Paul and would be one of the most devoted witnesses for Christ.
Lord, it is my prayer that You would touch hearts today for Your glory. They are many who are being persecuted for their obedience to You. Bless them and give them courage through Your Spirit. Amen
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Doubting Thomas
John 20:24-29 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Are you a doubting Thomas? Do you need physical assurance(perhaps a small miracle) that Jesus is Lord?
Well dear friend, being a christian is based on faith.
Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Lord, only Your word can change hearts. I pray for every doubt the adversary will put in our head to be put to rest with Your word. Let us run to it as we need it to survive. Amen
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Are you a doubting Thomas? Do you need physical assurance(perhaps a small miracle) that Jesus is Lord?
Well dear friend, being a christian is based on faith.
Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Lord, only Your word can change hearts. I pray for every doubt the adversary will put in our head to be put to rest with Your word. Let us run to it as we need it to survive. Amen
Monday, September 27, 2010
Week 14 of Charles Stanley's Intercession for America/Turning Away From Israel
Gen.12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
God blessed us through Abraham. He is the father of all nations, Jew and Gentile alike.
Acts 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'
Gal.3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed."
Lord, I pray for our family in Israel. Open their hearts to the truth of Your word. I pray we would never forget that we are brothers in God's eyes and that our blessings come from Abraham. Amen
God blessed us through Abraham. He is the father of all nations, Jew and Gentile alike.
Acts 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'
Gal.3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed."
Lord, I pray for our family in Israel. Open their hearts to the truth of Your word. I pray we would never forget that we are brothers in God's eyes and that our blessings come from Abraham. Amen
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