Phil.2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Romans 10:13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
You may ask, just why is this name "Jesus" so important? He is part of the Holy Trinity. Father-God, Son-Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit which is why we were all created. We were created by God for His purpose which has eternal implications because our soul is eternal. Whatever we do, do it in Jesus' name! Col.3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. I am persuaded by God's word that a name holds great importance, not the highest degree of importance like God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit but an importance that will determine our eternal home. John 10:3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And for Him to know our name is very dear to every Christ follower! One final word about our name, Rev.20:15 And if any one's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Oh Lord God Almighty, have mercy on us. We want to be with You in eternity. We are unworthy, except by Your grace, to be Your sheep. Teach us Your ways and let us show Your love to the lost. Amen
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
That Touch Could Be A Lifeline
Do you ever just watch people? I do! They eyes will reveal a lot if you just be still and observe. I can see their hurts, their happiness, their frustrations and yes, I can see their loneliness. Some people are not physically touched for a long time. We need human touch! Not in a sexual way but in a way that lets a person know they are not alone. I know you may think this is a weird way of thinking but let me tell you what I mean. I knew a woman who was so mean people hated to see her coming. I began to pray for this lady because I knew something was wrong in her spirit. I told her I just wanted to give her a hug and I did not wait for permission. I just wrapped my arms around her in a big bear hug! She began to tell me all sorts of hurts she lived with day to day. She was different after that. She just needed someone to let her know she was not alone. Look around you and be observant, God will teach you how to show His love to a lost and dying world.
Eph.4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Col.3:12-13 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Cor.13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Lord, I believe your word is the same as being touched. It has the same effect on me and others, the feeling of a touch and knowing we are not alone. It soothes our souls as we wait to see you face to face. We know we are not worthy of Your love but that does not keep us from hoping and longing to see You even as we face judgment from You. Forgive us and show us mercy for our failures. Amen
Ps.63:1-8 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Eph.4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Col.3:12-13 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Cor.13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Lord, I believe your word is the same as being touched. It has the same effect on me and others, the feeling of a touch and knowing we are not alone. It soothes our souls as we wait to see you face to face. We know we are not worthy of Your love but that does not keep us from hoping and longing to see You even as we face judgment from You. Forgive us and show us mercy for our failures. Amen
Ps.63:1-8 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Sovereign Plan of God Never Fails and is for Eternity
Why don't we just face it!! We have no control! We are created by God for His purpose and for His glory. We do however have choices. We can deny Christ, and hope for the best or we can stand on the promises of a holy Sovereign God. Definition of sovereign: supreme ruler, having supreme power, being above all others.
His plan can not fail! Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
He is our King and Lord over our lives for His purposes. Gen.50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Eccl.2:24-25 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?
Our responsibility. Prov.16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
We are His creation. Matt.10:28-33 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
The security of His salvation. John 6:35-40 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
He is the master of all events in life. Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
His result! Acts 13:47-48 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
Romans 9:11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls--
Eph.1:7-14 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 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
Lord, I see You at work in so many lives. Help us to fully understand Your grace and joy. You are our hope and our ever present help in time of trouble. Lord, I ask for mercy for the lost, open their closed heart to receive Your power of supreme healing so they may taste Your sweet gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I stand amazed at the wonder of You. I cry out to You in anguish and You still my shaking soul. You know my heart and my deepest desire to follow you. I often fail and You are there to gently push me to try harder. Lord, forgive me for any transgression against You or any failure to be an obedient servant. Lord, I pray for the ones who are sick, the ones who have lost loved ones, the ones who are battling demons, the ones who are in financial woes and the ones who are in rebellion against You. Lord, I ask for You to be revealed to the nations by Your power and for your purpose. For we know from Your word that every knee will bow to You. Amen
His plan can not fail! Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
He is our King and Lord over our lives for His purposes. Gen.50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Eccl.2:24-25 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?
Our responsibility. Prov.16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
We are His creation. Matt.10:28-33 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
The security of His salvation. John 6:35-40 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
He is the master of all events in life. Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
His result! Acts 13:47-48 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
Romans 9:11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls--
Eph.1:7-14 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 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
Lord, I see You at work in so many lives. Help us to fully understand Your grace and joy. You are our hope and our ever present help in time of trouble. Lord, I ask for mercy for the lost, open their closed heart to receive Your power of supreme healing so they may taste Your sweet gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I stand amazed at the wonder of You. I cry out to You in anguish and You still my shaking soul. You know my heart and my deepest desire to follow you. I often fail and You are there to gently push me to try harder. Lord, forgive me for any transgression against You or any failure to be an obedient servant. Lord, I pray for the ones who are sick, the ones who have lost loved ones, the ones who are battling demons, the ones who are in financial woes and the ones who are in rebellion against You. Lord, I ask for You to be revealed to the nations by Your power and for your purpose. For we know from Your word that every knee will bow to You. Amen
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
What is the Bible?
My pastor preached a sermon Sunday about "Why do we have the bible"? Is it for religious guidance, historical information, moral lessons, or character studies? Well, that is what we use it for but we should be using it to reveal God to us and to see how God redeems His people for His kingdom. God is using His word to re-create us into His image. God is bringing His people to His place for His purpose. And you may ask, what is this leading us to? To God for His final blessing and judgment! In revelation God tells us through John: Revelation 22:12-14 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
His judgment: Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
And His final blessing:
Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Oh Lord, how we long to see You face to face. We eagerly await your return. We want to live with You through out eternity where there is no sin. Mold us for Your purpose for Your kingdom. Amen
His judgment: Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
And His final blessing:
Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Oh Lord, how we long to see You face to face. We eagerly await your return. We want to live with You through out eternity where there is no sin. Mold us for Your purpose for Your kingdom. Amen
Sunday, January 2, 2011
For You are Dust, and to Dust You Shall Return
Gen.3:19 ESV By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Gen.2:7 ESV then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Ps.103:14 ESV For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Ecc.3:20 ESV All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.
Did you ever stop to think about these statements? We are just plain old dirt! God, in his majesty, made us from what we walk on everyday! If that does not humble you, then you have a real problem!
Ps.104:29 ESV When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
Take heart, God cares for us!
Ps.8:3-5 ESV When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
Ps.8:6-8 ESV You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. Even though we are born into sin, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ who is our sinless sacrifice.Matt.2:4-6 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" Lord, thank You for caring for us even while we are in rebellion against You. Forgive us and have mercy on us for You are our creator. Amen
Gen.2:7 ESV then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Ps.103:14 ESV For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Ecc.3:20 ESV All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.
Did you ever stop to think about these statements? We are just plain old dirt! God, in his majesty, made us from what we walk on everyday! If that does not humble you, then you have a real problem!
Ps.104:29 ESV When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
Take heart, God cares for us!
Ps.8:3-5 ESV When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
Ps.8:6-8 ESV You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. Even though we are born into sin, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ who is our sinless sacrifice.Matt.2:4-6 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" Lord, thank You for caring for us even while we are in rebellion against You. Forgive us and have mercy on us for You are our creator. Amen
Saturday, January 1, 2011
God Spoke the World into Existence
Gen.1:1-5 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Can we grasp the power of a holy God? He said it and it was!!! Lord God, You did not even need light because You are The Light! You created water, land, the seas, heaven, earth, green grass, trees, light, darkness, animals and man. And God blessed the seventh day and called it holy and a day of rest.
Gen.1:26-27 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Did you notice that God said"Let us make man in our own image"? It is clear that He is acknowledging Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Lord, reveal Yourself to us. Amen
Can we grasp the power of a holy God? He said it and it was!!! Lord God, You did not even need light because You are The Light! You created water, land, the seas, heaven, earth, green grass, trees, light, darkness, animals and man. And God blessed the seventh day and called it holy and a day of rest.
Gen.1:26-27 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Did you notice that God said"Let us make man in our own image"? It is clear that He is acknowledging Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Lord, reveal Yourself to us. Amen
January Bible Reading
Date Old Testament New Testament
January 1 Genesis 1, 2 Matthew 1
January 2 Genesis 3, 4, 5 Matthew 2
January 3 Genesis 6, 7, 8 Matthew 3
January 4 Genesis 9, 10, 11 Matthew 4
January 5 Genesis 12, 13, 14 Matthew 5:1-26
January 6 Genesis 15, 16, 17 Matthew 5:27-48
January 7 Genesis 18, 19 Matthew 6
January 8 Genesis 20, 21, 22 Matthew 7
January 9 Genesis 23, 24 Matthew 8
January 10 Genesis 25, 26 Matthew 9: 1-17
January 11 Genesis 27, 28 Matthew 9:18-38
January 12 Genesis 29, 30 Matthew 10:1-23
January 13 Genesis 31, 32 Matthew 10:24-42
January 14 Genesis 33, 34, 35 Matthew 11
January 15 Genesis 36, 37 Matthew 12:1-21
January 16 Genesis 38, 39, 40 Matthew 12:22-50
January 17 Genesis 41 Matthew 13:1-32
January 18 Genesis 42, 43 Matthew 13:33-58
January 19 Genesis 44, 45 Matthew 143:1-21
January 20 Genesis 46, 47, 48 Matthew 14:22-36
January 21 Genesis 49, 50 Matthew 15:1-20
January 22 Exodus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 15:21-39
January 23 Exodus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 16
January 24 Exodus 7, 8 Matthew 17
January 25 Exodus 9, 10 Matthew 18:1-20
January 26 Exodus 11, 12 Matthew 18:21-35
January 27 Exodus 13, 14, 15 Matthew 19:1-15
January 28 Exodus 16, 17, 18 Matthew 19:16-30
January 29 Exodus 19, 20, 21 Matthew 20:1-16
January 30 Exodus 22, 23, 24 Matthew 20:17-34
January 31 Exodus 25, 26 Matthew 21:1-22
January 1 Genesis 1, 2 Matthew 1
January 2 Genesis 3, 4, 5 Matthew 2
January 3 Genesis 6, 7, 8 Matthew 3
January 4 Genesis 9, 10, 11 Matthew 4
January 5 Genesis 12, 13, 14 Matthew 5:1-26
January 6 Genesis 15, 16, 17 Matthew 5:27-48
January 7 Genesis 18, 19 Matthew 6
January 8 Genesis 20, 21, 22 Matthew 7
January 9 Genesis 23, 24 Matthew 8
January 10 Genesis 25, 26 Matthew 9: 1-17
January 11 Genesis 27, 28 Matthew 9:18-38
January 12 Genesis 29, 30 Matthew 10:1-23
January 13 Genesis 31, 32 Matthew 10:24-42
January 14 Genesis 33, 34, 35 Matthew 11
January 15 Genesis 36, 37 Matthew 12:1-21
January 16 Genesis 38, 39, 40 Matthew 12:22-50
January 17 Genesis 41 Matthew 13:1-32
January 18 Genesis 42, 43 Matthew 13:33-58
January 19 Genesis 44, 45 Matthew 143:1-21
January 20 Genesis 46, 47, 48 Matthew 14:22-36
January 21 Genesis 49, 50 Matthew 15:1-20
January 22 Exodus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 15:21-39
January 23 Exodus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 16
January 24 Exodus 7, 8 Matthew 17
January 25 Exodus 9, 10 Matthew 18:1-20
January 26 Exodus 11, 12 Matthew 18:21-35
January 27 Exodus 13, 14, 15 Matthew 19:1-15
January 28 Exodus 16, 17, 18 Matthew 19:16-30
January 29 Exodus 19, 20, 21 Matthew 20:1-16
January 30 Exodus 22, 23, 24 Matthew 20:17-34
January 31 Exodus 25, 26 Matthew 21:1-22
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