Proverbs 27
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
Heb 8
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said:
“The days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them,
declares the Lord.
10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
John 13:1-10
John 13:1-10
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
Day 1: John 13:1
13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
Day 2: John 13: 2-4
Day 3: John 13: 5-7
5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
Day 4: John 13: 8-9
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Day 5: John 13: 10
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
John 17:1-26
Jesus prays
17 When Jesus finished saying these things, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that the Son can glorify you. 2 You gave him authority over everyone so that he could give eternal life to everyone you gave him. 3 This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent. 4 I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I shared with you before the world was created.
- salvation. The telling of who Jesus is and what he came here to do. Amen and amen. What a wonderful passage.
9 “I’m praying for them. I’m not praying for the world but for those you gave me, because they are yours. 10 Everything that is mine is yours and everything that is yours is mine; I have been glorified in them. 11 I’m no longer in the world, but they are in the world, even as I’m coming to you. Holy Father, watch over them in your name, the name you gave me, that they will be one just as we are one. 12 When I was with them, I watched over them in your name, the name you gave to me, and I kept them safe. None of them were lost, except the one who was destined for destruction, so that scripture would be fulfilled.
- Jesus prayed only for those that would know him. Are we out of line to pray for everyone? All have a choice to know him by opening their heart.
13 Now I’m coming to you and I say these things while I’m in the world so that they can share completely in my joy. 14 I gave your word to them and the world hated them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t belong to this world. 15 I’m not asking that you take them out of this world but that you keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t belong to this world. 17 Make them holy in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 I made myself holy on their behalf so that they also would be made holy in the truth.
-Thank you Jesus for petitioning to the Father on our behalf. Thank you for seeing our fear of being hated. Thank you for asking the Father to guard us that we may be equipped to be holy by the washing of your word. Lord how am I being sent into the world this day Father as you were sent into the world. For whom am I to love as you loved, to preach to as you preached, to die as you died?
What does this mean: John 17:19" I made myself holy on their behalf so that they also would be made holy in the truth." Is their an aspect of keeping the law and making himself holy that Jesus would not have done? He is God and need not be in keeping with all the laws to be holy but so that we could enter into his holiness he chose to limit himself to our laws that we could be holy.
20 “I’m not praying only for them but also for those who believe in me because of their word. 21 I pray they will be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. I pray that they also will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 22 I’ve given them the glory that you gave me so that they can be one just as we are one. 23 I’m in them and you are in me so that they will be made perfectly one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you have loved them just as you loved me.
-them seems to be the key word . We should be known by our love for one another. We should be known by our common vision and purpose for as we walk in one accord by the Spirit.
24 “Father, I want those you gave me to be with me where I am. Then they can see my glory, which you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, even the world didn’t know you, but I’ve known you, and these believers know that you sent me. 26 I’ve made your name known to them and will continue to make it known so that your love for me will be in them, and I myself will be in them.”
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
John 14:15-27
John 14:15-27
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands.Question:
Do I show my love for God by keeping the commands?
Application:
I need to work on loving God's approval more than man's by obeying him even when it will cause conflict.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
Question:
Do I believe that Jesus speaks to the Father on my behalf? Do I listen to the Spirit of truth and let him be my advocate and helper? How do i deal with the fact that the world can see him nor knows him. Do I choose to follow his lead when those around me can't understand the path I am taking? Do I live believing he is coming for me or like I have been abandoned? -- Do I live because Jesus lives?
Application:
20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Question: Word picture. Do I write His commands on my heart and keep them? In so doing show my love? Is my obedience to Him manifested in him showing himself to me and me knowing I am loved by Jesus and the Father?
Application:
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
Question:
Twist - Do I, like Christ, only make myself known to those that will respect me and follow after God?
Application:
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Question:
Do I let the holy Spirit teach me? Do I know the difference between the peace Jesus is talking about and what the world considers peace? Do I turn my troubles and fears over tot he Lord so that they will not trouble me. Do I live in His presence in the moment he has given me or do I live in the "what if's" of tomorrow?
Application:
Monday, October 8, 2012
John15:14--15
John 15:5-15
New International Version (NIV)
Day 1
Day 2
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Day 3
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Day 4
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Day 5
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I
no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything
that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
John15:12-13
John 15:5-15
New International Version (NIV)
Day 1
Day 2
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Day 3
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Day 4
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Day 5
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I
no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything
that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Step 3 What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
Love as God loves. Their is no greater love than laying down one's life.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do I really understand how God loves? It isn't a sloppy enabling kind of love. It isn't a conditional love. It is a love that see's beyond the pain, beyond the anger, the lies and sees the person for who they are and who they will become in Christ. Lay down your life. Who did this? Christ alone. He layed down his life for the forgiveness of our sin, to bridge the gap between us and God. What example can we take in this in how we are to lay down our lives. It must be for their greater good. It must be to pave the way for them to see Christ as savior.
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will seek God in the pages of the Bible to understand more fully what it means to love like him. I will seek to understand Christs sacrifice for all humanity and seek to discern in the big and smalls ways I am to lay down my life. I will guard my heart in Christ against the ways this world has twisted love and personal sacrifice that is based in fear and self preservation.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
John 15:9-11
John 15:5-15
New International Version (NIV)
Day 1
Day 2
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Day 3
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Day 4
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Day 5
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I
no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything
that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
keeping my commands will allow you to remain in my love which will result in my joy being complete in you.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
Promise God's love and joy can live in me if I obey him.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Is my obedience to the Law and Christ evidence by God love remaining in me and his joy being complete in my life?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will continually seek God for the lie i am believing or the aspect of God's word I am not following when it is obvious that i am not walking in love and joy that are mine to have when i am abiding in him. Have you every flipped this verse around? That if you are lacking in God's love and joy that it might be a warning sign that you are not abiding in Him, walking in obedience to his commands? No one to point the finger at in this verse. Except ourselves. So be empowered today ask God where you are falling short and reclaim His love and joy in your life. It is promised to you. No go do what it takes to have it. Now skip the pity party and start living. Jesus already paid the price for your sin.
Friday, October 5, 2012
John15:8
John 15:5-15
New International Version (NIV)
Day 1
Day 2
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Day 3
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Day 4
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Day 5
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I
no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything
that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
We get to glorify God when we bear fruit. This is how we show ourselves as disciples.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do I take seriously my ability to glorify God? Does this motivate me the way it should? What is the mark of a disciple?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I want to glorify God and have a better understanding of the mark of a disciple that I may live it more fully.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
John 15:5-7
John 15:5-15
New International Version (NIV)
Day 1
Day 2
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Day 3
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Day 4
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Day 5
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I
no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything
that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
5 Jesus is the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
I am a branch. To bear fruit i must remain in the vine. Warning - If I don't remain in the vine i will become worthless and be thrown into the fire and burned. Promise - If I remains in Him and God's word remains in me i can have what i ask for.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do I accept and understand what it means to be a branch? Do I try to do things apart from Christ and find my good intentions wither and die? Do I spend enough time in God's word to remain in him?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will learn what it means to be a branch. I will learn and accept that even my good intentions not lead by God will be thrown in the fire. I will hold fast in my faith to seek God 1st and through out my day.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
5 Jesus is the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
I am a branch. To bear fruit i must remain in the vine. Warning - If I don't remain in the vine i will become worthless and be thrown into the fire and burned. Promise - If I remains in Him and God's word remains in me i can have what i ask for.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do I accept and understand what it means to be a branch? Do I try to do things apart from Christ and find my good intentions wither and die? Do I spend enough time in God's word to remain in him?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will learn what it means to be a branch. I will learn and accept that even my good intentions not lead by God will be thrown in the fire. I will hold fast in my faith to seek God 1st and through out my day.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
John 10:1-10 Reflections
John 10:1-10
Which one was most meaning full? How do I plan to follow through in obedience?
John 10:1 I will choose to only go through Christ the gate to find fulfillment and purpose in my life. to enter through any other means will only robe me and those around me.
John 10:2-3 I really don't know how to respond to this. A sheep by nature doesn't choose who the pastor is nor do they question them. Yet I do this. A sheep has no control over the level of care they receive. This sounds way to out of control. Then you have the strange twist where the analogy breaks down for the sheep eventually become shepherds. We are all called to Shepard. I have a much easier time seeing my responsibility as a Shepard than how to be have as a sheep.
John 10: 4-5 I will choose this day to trust God to lead me. Lord let me look for your light upon my path. Please speak to those areas that I need answers for. I feel like I am without a back bone again. Lord I am so troubled by those that I am required to keep company with that are strangers to your truth. Influencing me to compromise.
John 10: 6 I will look to Christ to explain what I do not understand. Staying long enough in his presence to hear the rest of the story. 7 I will choose to believe that Jesus is the answer to all that is going on in my life. That having faith in what I can not see is better than my own logic. 8 I am so thankful that God's spirit in me will point out the liars and thieves that I will not follow them. 9 I am so thankful that I am saved. I pray for those that are still outside listening to those that are liars.
John 10:10 I will continue to pour out my heart in prayer and in the word to discern his voice. I will not allow anything to stand in the way of hearing God's voice. I will walk in the light.
Prayer Reflections
Which one was most meaning full? How do I plan to follow through in obedience?
John 10:1 I will choose to only go through Christ the gate to find fulfillment and purpose in my life. to enter through any other means will only robe me and those around me.
John 10:2-3 I really don't know how to respond to this. A sheep by nature doesn't choose who the pastor is nor do they question them. Yet I do this. A sheep has no control over the level of care they receive. This sounds way to out of control. Then you have the strange twist where the analogy breaks down for the sheep eventually become shepherds. We are all called to Shepard. I have a much easier time seeing my responsibility as a Shepard than how to be have as a sheep.
John 10: 4-5 I will choose this day to trust God to lead me. Lord let me look for your light upon my path. Please speak to those areas that I need answers for. I feel like I am without a back bone again. Lord I am so troubled by those that I am required to keep company with that are strangers to your truth. Influencing me to compromise.
John 10: 6 I will look to Christ to explain what I do not understand. Staying long enough in his presence to hear the rest of the story. 7 I will choose to believe that Jesus is the answer to all that is going on in my life. That having faith in what I can not see is better than my own logic. 8 I am so thankful that God's spirit in me will point out the liars and thieves that I will not follow them. 9 I am so thankful that I am saved. I pray for those that are still outside listening to those that are liars.
John 10:10 I will continue to pour out my heart in prayer and in the word to discern his voice. I will not allow anything to stand in the way of hearing God's voice. I will walk in the light.
Prayer Reflections
Monday, October 1, 2012
John 10:10
Step 1
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
Warning: Thieves will get in the sheep pen but Christ will be our good Shepard and he will save us and give us a full life.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do I know the voice of Christ well enough through Bible study and prayer to discern it from the thief? Am I living life to the fullest as Christ said was a promise for being a believer, saved by grace.
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will continue to pour out my heart in prayer and in the word to discern his voice. I will not allow anything to stand in the way of hearing God's voice. I will walk in the light.
Read God's Word
Look at the passage
John 10:1-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
The Shepherd and His Flock
10 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
Warning: Thieves will get in the sheep pen but Christ will be our good Shepard and he will save us and give us a full life.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do I know the voice of Christ well enough through Bible study and prayer to discern it from the thief? Am I living life to the fullest as Christ said was a promise for being a believer, saved by grace.
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will continue to pour out my heart in prayer and in the word to discern his voice. I will not allow anything to stand in the way of hearing God's voice. I will walk in the light.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
John 10:6-9
Step 1
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
6 Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not understand what he was saying.7 Jesus tells truth, He is the gate for the sheep. 8 All others were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 He is the gate; enter and be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
6 Jesus spoke in parables that are often no understood. 7 Jesus is the gate for the believers. 8 All other teachers are thieves and robbers. Good news the believers will not follow. 9 If we go through Christ we will be saved. (I don't understand the lesson for the last part.)
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
6 Does Jesus still speak in parables that I may struggle to understand? 7 Do I choose to always go through Jesus for every part of my life? 8 (Don't see a question, just a praise) 9 (Praise for me) Have you gone to Christ for salvation?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
6 I will look to Christ to explain what I do not understand. Staying long enough in his presence to hear the rest of the story. 7 I will choose to believe that Jesus is the answer to all that is going on in my life. That having faith in what I can not see is better than my own logic. 8 I am so thankful that God's spirit in me will point out the liars and thieves that I will not follow them. 9 I am so thankful that I am saved. I pray for those that are still outside listening to those that are liars.
Read God's Word
Look at the passage
John 10:1-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
The Shepherd and His Flock
10 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
6 Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not understand what he was saying.7 Jesus tells truth, He is the gate for the sheep. 8 All others were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 He is the gate; enter and be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
6 Jesus spoke in parables that are often no understood. 7 Jesus is the gate for the believers. 8 All other teachers are thieves and robbers. Good news the believers will not follow. 9 If we go through Christ we will be saved. (I don't understand the lesson for the last part.)
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
6 Does Jesus still speak in parables that I may struggle to understand? 7 Do I choose to always go through Jesus for every part of my life? 8 (Don't see a question, just a praise) 9 (Praise for me) Have you gone to Christ for salvation?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
6 I will look to Christ to explain what I do not understand. Staying long enough in his presence to hear the rest of the story. 7 I will choose to believe that Jesus is the answer to all that is going on in my life. That having faith in what I can not see is better than my own logic. 8 I am so thankful that God's spirit in me will point out the liars and thieves that I will not follow them. 9 I am so thankful that I am saved. I pray for those that are still outside listening to those that are liars.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
John 10:4-5
Step 1
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
4 Promise - Jesus is going to bring us out and go ahead of us but that is OK for he will guild us with his voice which we will know. 5 We can be assured that we will run away from strangers since we don't know their voice.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Am I trusting like a sheep to always follow where he leads. Why do I struggle to hear his voice as it pertains to my life choices? Do I keep company with those that should be strangers? Are their voices now to familiar that they crowd out the voice of God?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will choose this day to trust God to lead me. Lord let me look for your light upon my path. Please speak to those areas that I need answers for. I feel like I am without a back bone again. Lord I am so troubled by those that I am required to keep company with that are strangers to your truth. Influencing me to compromise.
Read God's Word
Look at the passage
John 10:1-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
The Shepherd and His Flock
10 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
4 Promise - Jesus is going to bring us out and go ahead of us but that is OK for he will guild us with his voice which we will know. 5 We can be assured that we will run away from strangers since we don't know their voice.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Am I trusting like a sheep to always follow where he leads. Why do I struggle to hear his voice as it pertains to my life choices? Do I keep company with those that should be strangers? Are their voices now to familiar that they crowd out the voice of God?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will choose this day to trust God to lead me. Lord let me look for your light upon my path. Please speak to those areas that I need answers for. I feel like I am without a back bone again. Lord I am so troubled by those that I am required to keep company with that are strangers to your truth. Influencing me to compromise.
Friday, September 28, 2012
John10:2-3
Step 1
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
2 The man (pastor) who enters by the gate (Jesus) is the shepherd of his (pastor) sheep. 3 The watchman (holy Spirit) opens the gate (his heart to Jesus) for him(the pastor), and the sheep (Christians) listen to his(the pastors) voice. He (The pastor) calls his own sheep(Christians) by name and leads them out.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
2The pastor is to come to us the flock through Jesus and he is to know us. 3The only way the pastor can serve us as a pastor is to have the door open to him by the holy spirit. As the holy spirit is proclaiming the good new of Christ. We the pastors flock will listen to our pastor because we know him well and he knows us well.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do those in pastoral care in my life come to us through Jesus and is he known to us? Is our pastoral care lead by the holy spirit. Do they find Jesus at the hearing of where he is through the holy spirit? Do we know our pastors well enough that we follow them like sheep, knowing that they will care for us? Do I then follow them. Who would I consider to be my pastors?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
I really don't know how to respond to this. A sheep by nature doesn't choose who the pastor is nor do they question them. Yet I do this. A sheep has no control over the level of care they receive. This sounds way to out of control. Then you have the strange twist where the analogy breaks down for the sheep eventually become shepherds. We are all called to Shepard. I have a much easier time seeing my responsibility as a Shepard than how to be have as a sheep.
Live it out!
Read God's Word
Look at the passage
John 10:1-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
The Shepherd and His Flock
10 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
2 The man (pastor) who enters by the gate (Jesus) is the shepherd of his (pastor) sheep. 3 The watchman (holy Spirit) opens the gate (his heart to Jesus) for him(the pastor), and the sheep (Christians) listen to his(the pastors) voice. He (The pastor) calls his own sheep(Christians) by name and leads them out.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
2The pastor is to come to us the flock through Jesus and he is to know us. 3The only way the pastor can serve us as a pastor is to have the door open to him by the holy spirit. As the holy spirit is proclaiming the good new of Christ. We the pastors flock will listen to our pastor because we know him well and he knows us well.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Do those in pastoral care in my life come to us through Jesus and is he known to us? Is our pastoral care lead by the holy spirit. Do they find Jesus at the hearing of where he is through the holy spirit? Do we know our pastors well enough that we follow them like sheep, knowing that they will care for us? Do I then follow them. Who would I consider to be my pastors?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
I really don't know how to respond to this. A sheep by nature doesn't choose who the pastor is nor do they question them. Yet I do this. A sheep has no control over the level of care they receive. This sounds way to out of control. Then you have the strange twist where the analogy breaks down for the sheep eventually become shepherds. We are all called to Shepard. I have a much easier time seeing my responsibility as a Shepard than how to be have as a sheep.
Live it out!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
John 10:1
Step 1
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
1 Jesus is telling the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
1 Warning/command - enter the sheep pen (where the Christians reside, church, our hearts, etc) by the gate (Christ) if you come in any other way you are a thief or a robber.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Are you trying to find fulfillment in anything but Christ? Are you leading others astray by encouraging others to do the same?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will choose to only go through Christ the gate to find fulfillment and purpose in my life. to enter through any other means will only robe me and those around me.
Read God's Word
Look at the passage
John 10:1-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
The Shepherd and His Flock
10 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
1 Jesus is telling the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
1 Warning/command - enter the sheep pen (where the Christians reside, church, our hearts, etc) by the gate (Christ) if you come in any other way you are a thief or a robber.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
Are you trying to find fulfillment in anything but Christ? Are you leading others astray by encouraging others to do the same?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
I will choose to only go through Christ the gate to find fulfillment and purpose in my life. to enter through any other means will only robe me and those around me.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Psalm 27:1-4 Inductive Study
Step 1
Read God's Word
Look at the passage
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Psalm 27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom should I be afraid?
2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh,
my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army deploys against me,
my heart is not afraid;
though a war breaks out against me,
still I am confident.
Step 2
What Does God's Word Say?
List Facts
1 The Lord gives lite to my path and he saves me. Given this I have nothing to fear. The Lord is my anchor therefore I have nothing to be afraid of.
2My enemies will not be able to overtake me for they will stumble and fall.
3 I need not worry even though a multitude is against me and war is breaking out. I can hold my head high.
Step 3
What Does God's Word Mean?
Learn the lessons
1 We get to be discerning of the light God has cast on our path so that we can walk in it. We get to run to him fully believing that he has and will save us from all our troubles and the very sin that dwells within us. We get to believe that we have nothing to fear and walk in this security.
2 We get to look back and see how the Lord has protected us from those that mean us harm. We get to see how they have fallen in their attempts to harm us.
3 We get to see the enemies of our soul advancing against us and still be able to stand firm in our faith not even afraid. Even when those that advance against us and appear to overtake us we are still confident that the Lord will redeem.
Step 4
What Does God's word mean to me?
1 Are you willing to live according to God principals and stay in his word that you can discern His light on the path? Are you willing to abandon self, seeking no other for your salvation? Are you willing to come to God 1st and only as the source of your salvation? Do you believe that God is bigger than all your fears? Do you believe that God is for you and not against you? do you believe that what he does in your behalf is always right and best for you?
2 Are you going to look back and ask the Lord to show you how he protected you? Are you going to seek God's discernment to see how they failed at there attempts to harm you?
3 Are you ready to look into the spirit realm and see all the enemies of your soul waiting to attack you? Are you ready to stand firm in your faith with the full armor of God on not even afraid, know that God is with you? Are you ready to wage war in the heavenlies against principalities and powers of this dark world still confident that the Lord will redeem?
Step 5
How will I respond to God's Word?
Live it out!
1 Wow I never say in this passage before that I had a choice to be in the light and to daily take Him as my savior. Lord forgive me for presuming that I would see your light on the path and for taking for granted my salvation. Lord I pray that this day I would have my sins washed away and that I would be endowed with your spirit and discernment to be able to see the light you have placed on my path. Lord forgive me for not believing that you are bigger than all my fears. For believing lies. Today I will choose to believe that you will take care of me fully.
2 I am really excited about this one. Lord I look forward to seeking your discernment for how you have protected me. I look forward to seeing and hearing the testimony of your protection. I look forward to seeing the enemies schemes fall and crumble under your feet. I look forward to having my faith increase as I see with my own eyes how this has unfolded. I will begin to pray daily for this to be revealed as I am sure the enemy attempts to destroy me daily and you are my rock my Jehovah and the lifter of my head.
3 I am ready Lord yet make me ready. Lord let me be discerning that I am not taken off sides by these enemies of my soul. Lord prepare me for battle that I will be ready to fight the good fight of faith. Lord let me remember when I am weak you are strong and that to be ready to fight is often all you call of us for I can call upon your angels to do battle in my behalf. I am no alone.
Friday, June 8, 2012
June 8, 2012
1 Kings 3:3-4:34; Acts 6:1-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Proverbs 16:26-27 (New International Version)
9 So give your servant a discerning(N) heart to govern your people and to distinguish(O) between right and wrong.
(Lord that I may as well walk in this discernment to tell right from wrong. To see the world through your eyes rather than mine or the way my culture has taught me. That when deceptive talk or persecution comes i would be able to see it through your eyes. That when the enemy of my soul comes to steel my joy or harpen blame upon my heart I would be able to call him out for what he is. Sharpen my sword Lord, dipped in the blood of Christ that I may battle in heavenly places. Lord break down every stronghold and entanglement that hinders my walk with you. Lord teach me what to hold fast to and what to let go of. Teach me to love as you love.)
27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.”
(The love and grief of a mother. Breaks my heart as I can see the pain of both these women.)
29 God gave Solomon wisdom(BY) and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand(BZ) on the seashore.
(Lord how i thank you and praise you for the mighty words you had Solomon pen. What a blessing they are in my life. Lord that they be written on my heart that I may walk in them. Lord I pray that they would guard my family and come to dwell in the heart of all those i love. Lord put a covering over my husband and children that they would NOT be able to sin against you. Lord i ask that the enemies assignment against my family be lifted. that my family could walk in the understanding of you in it's fullness without deception or deceit. Lord i pray for an angle of the Lord to stand guard the gates of our house, our doors, our ears, our eyes our hands and our feet. Lord I pray that any spirit or man with assignment against this house be chased off my holy hail storm that they may not set foot in the land you have for us to walk. that the path you have for us would be cleared that our ways would be straight without snare or entanglement. I stand in the gap for those in my house that are living a lie. Lord let the attacks against them be sent to pit for they have no place here. For I stand before my living God proclaiming this house for the Lord.)
Acts 6
2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples(E) together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God(F) in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters,(G) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit(H) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them(I) 4 and will give our attention to prayer(J) and the ministry of the word.”
(I thank you Lord that this job was not just given to anyone but that this job was still to go to ones of high character full of the Spirit and wisdom. Forgive us Lord for not calling those that serve to higher standard. Lord forgive us not that we may be proud of their character but that we want all men to be free in Christ ready and able to preach the good news with boldness and integrity.)
6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed(N) and laid their hands on them.(O)
Psalm 126
6 Those who go out weeping,(L)
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
9 So give your servant a discerning(N) heart to govern your people and to distinguish(O) between right and wrong.
(Lord that I may as well walk in this discernment to tell right from wrong. To see the world through your eyes rather than mine or the way my culture has taught me. That when deceptive talk or persecution comes i would be able to see it through your eyes. That when the enemy of my soul comes to steel my joy or harpen blame upon my heart I would be able to call him out for what he is. Sharpen my sword Lord, dipped in the blood of Christ that I may battle in heavenly places. Lord break down every stronghold and entanglement that hinders my walk with you. Lord teach me what to hold fast to and what to let go of. Teach me to love as you love.)
27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.”
(The love and grief of a mother. Breaks my heart as I can see the pain of both these women.)
29 God gave Solomon wisdom(BY) and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand(BZ) on the seashore.
(Lord how i thank you and praise you for the mighty words you had Solomon pen. What a blessing they are in my life. Lord that they be written on my heart that I may walk in them. Lord I pray that they would guard my family and come to dwell in the heart of all those i love. Lord put a covering over my husband and children that they would NOT be able to sin against you. Lord i ask that the enemies assignment against my family be lifted. that my family could walk in the understanding of you in it's fullness without deception or deceit. Lord i pray for an angle of the Lord to stand guard the gates of our house, our doors, our ears, our eyes our hands and our feet. Lord I pray that any spirit or man with assignment against this house be chased off my holy hail storm that they may not set foot in the land you have for us to walk. that the path you have for us would be cleared that our ways would be straight without snare or entanglement. I stand in the gap for those in my house that are living a lie. Lord let the attacks against them be sent to pit for they have no place here. For I stand before my living God proclaiming this house for the Lord.)
Acts 6
2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples(E) together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God(F) in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters,(G) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit(H) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them(I) 4 and will give our attention to prayer(J) and the ministry of the word.”
(I thank you Lord that this job was not just given to anyone but that this job was still to go to ones of high character full of the Spirit and wisdom. Forgive us Lord for not calling those that serve to higher standard. Lord forgive us not that we may be proud of their character but that we want all men to be free in Christ ready and able to preach the good news with boldness and integrity.)
6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed(N) and laid their hands on them.(O)
Psalm 126
6 Those who go out weeping,(L)
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13 (English Standard Version)
Praise be to God for all these passages speak to the joy and anguish of being a mother. The responsibility, the sacrifice, the loyalty the steadfast love that endures all things for these precious little ones that seem to grow up right before our eyes. what we wouldn't do for them. This psalm speaks ever so mightily to my heart as the Word is my delight.
8 Hushai said, “You know that your father and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged,[b] (D)like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field.
25 (D)but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and (E)the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, (F)“Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to (G)his own home.
Psalm
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my (W)delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
(X)give me understanding that I may (Y)live.
Praise be to God for all these passages speak to the joy and anguish of being a mother. The responsibility, the sacrifice, the loyalty the steadfast love that endures all things for these precious little ones that seem to grow up right before our eyes. what we wouldn't do for them. This psalm speaks ever so mightily to my heart as the Word is my delight.
8 Hushai said, “You know that your father and his men are mighty men, and that they are enraged,[b] (D)like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field.
25 (D)but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and (E)the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, (F)“Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to (G)his own home.
Psalm
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my (W)delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
(X)give me understanding that I may (Y)live.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
May 30, 2012
The Lord is good. Fully of favor and grace. The Lord is my light and my salvation. The lifter of my head. The Lord is my strong tower in times of trouble. I will forever praise him for His constant love never dies and never changes. He is my rock. I will raise to worship him and His words will fill my heart and burn within me till His gladness over shadows every dark place in my heart. He will bring light to my path and cut off every wayward way in me. I need not worry about the trials and foes in my life for the Lord will go before me this day and make straight my path and lead me away from trouble. He will show me the words to speak aloud and the ones to speak in prayer. I am forever grateful for my maker that he has chosen to be an ever present help in times of trouble and brings me to the still waters for rest and repentance. For the Lords presence is ever around me like the noon day sun. Warming me clear to my bones. Lord forgive me when I find your presence to be to hot to bear. Forgetting that you will take me by the cool water. Lord all that I have to be thankful for and all that I have to cry over dimly compare to the surpassing greatness of being with you. For you are a jealous God desiring that my 1st affections be shared with no one but you. That the love and attention that I lavish on others be only at the direction your hand. For any other way creates an idol our of them as a God before you. Lord forgive me for loving myself more than you. For putting my own happiness above yours. Lord forgive me for not believing firm that it is you and you alone that restores my souls and brings joy to my heart. Any other way to happiness will not last.
2 Sam 15:22-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Ps 119:113-128, Pr 16:10-11
John
36 Jesus answered, (P)“My kingdom (Q)is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, (R)my servants would have been fighting, that (S)I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, (T)“You say that I am a king. (U)For this purpose I was born and for this purpose (V)I have come into the world—(W)to bear witness to the truth. (X)Everyone who is (Y)of the truth (Z)listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, (AR)“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore (AS)he who delivered me over to you (AT)has the greater sin.”
Lord please show me full well this Kingdom you have gone to prepare for us. Lord let me see and hear of all that is yet to come. Not that I may boast in what my eyes have seen but that I may preach of what your word has made alive in me. For your word is more than words on a page it is your love letter to us. Living and active. Father my heart, my passion, is for all that call on your name to meet you in the pages of your word. For the person of Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit to leap out of this book and to embrace every man, women, boy and girl. Lord let your word go down like a warm cup of coffee stirring folks at their very core. Lord help us that have seen the light of life found within to pass it on. Father let no one that hears my testimony of your grace feel condemned by my words. Lord discipline is but our only responsibility. Lord wipe away every misconception that to know you is hard.
2 Sam 15:22-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Ps 119:113-128, Pr 16:10-11
John
36 Jesus answered, (P)“My kingdom (Q)is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, (R)my servants would have been fighting, that (S)I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, (T)“You say that I am a king. (U)For this purpose I was born and for this purpose (V)I have come into the world—(W)to bear witness to the truth. (X)Everyone who is (Y)of the truth (Z)listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, (AR)“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore (AS)he who delivered me over to you (AT)has the greater sin.”
Lord please show me full well this Kingdom you have gone to prepare for us. Lord let me see and hear of all that is yet to come. Not that I may boast in what my eyes have seen but that I may preach of what your word has made alive in me. For your word is more than words on a page it is your love letter to us. Living and active. Father my heart, my passion, is for all that call on your name to meet you in the pages of your word. For the person of Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit to leap out of this book and to embrace every man, women, boy and girl. Lord let your word go down like a warm cup of coffee stirring folks at their very core. Lord help us that have seen the light of life found within to pass it on. Father let no one that hears my testimony of your grace feel condemned by my words. Lord discipline is but our only responsibility. Lord wipe away every misconception that to know you is hard.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Wk 4 - 1 Sam 15-16, Psalm 19,23,39,61
Week 4
1 Samuel 15
1 Samuel 16
Psalms 19
Psalms 23
Psalms 39
Psalms 61
1 Samuel 15
1 Samuel 16
Psalms 19
Psalms 23
Psalms 39
Psalms 61
Friday, May 25, 2012
Wk 3 - 1 Sam 10-13, ! Chron 14, 8-9
Week 3
1 Samuel 10
1 Samuel 11
1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 13
1 Samuel 14
1 Chronicles 8, 9
1 Samuel 10
1 Samuel 11
1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 13
1 Samuel 14
1 Chronicles 8, 9
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Week 1 - 1 Chronicles 1
1 Chronicles 1
Genealogy from Adam to Abraham; Abraham's Descendants
With stress upon God's longstanding relationship to his people, the chronicler prepares his readers to understand the narrative and the call to those who are part of this heritage to be obedient to God's Word. Asbury Bible Commentary
Study
1. What names stick out as important to you? Any names that have become part of the modern lexicon?
2. Why did the Israelites list the names of the descendants of non-Israelites?
3. Why would the new nation of Israel need old roots?
Application
1. Why do we keep genealogies today? What purpose do they serve?
2. As Christians, where do we root ourselves?
Genealogy from Adam to Abraham; Abraham's Descendants
With stress upon God's longstanding relationship to his people, the chronicler prepares his readers to understand the narrative and the call to those who are part of this heritage to be obedient to God's Word. Asbury Bible Commentary
Study
1. What names stick out as important to you? Any names that have become part of the modern lexicon?
2. Why did the Israelites list the names of the descendants of non-Israelites?
3. Why would the new nation of Israel need old roots?
Application
1. Why do we keep genealogies today? What purpose do they serve?
2. As Christians, where do we root ourselves?
Week 1 - 1 Samuel 5
1 Samuel 5
Philistines Smitten while Possessing the Ark
And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. 1 Samuel 5:3 (ESV)
ASHDOD Part of the land of Judah, standing on the highroad between Egypt and Palestine, it was a strong hold of the Philistines and one of the chief places of worship of Dagon.
DAGON The national god of the Philistines, usually shown with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish, representing fruitfulness to the seafaring tribes.
Study
1. What was God showing to the Philistines? What was God teaching the Israelites?
2. The Philistines tried to get rid of the Yahweh by moving the ark. Did this work?
Application
1. How does God correct our behavior today?
2. What happens when we try to hide from God?
Philistines Smitten while Possessing the Ark
And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. 1 Samuel 5:3 (ESV)
ASHDOD Part of the land of Judah, standing on the highroad between Egypt and Palestine, it was a strong hold of the Philistines and one of the chief places of worship of Dagon.
DAGON The national god of the Philistines, usually shown with the face and hands of a man and the tail of a fish, representing fruitfulness to the seafaring tribes.
Study
1. What was God showing to the Philistines? What was God teaching the Israelites?
2. The Philistines tried to get rid of the Yahweh by moving the ark. Did this work?
Application
1. How does God correct our behavior today?
2. What happens when we try to hide from God?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Wk 2, 1 Samuel 6-9, 1 Chron 4-7
Week 2
1 Samuel 6
1 Samuel 7
1 Samuel 8
1 Samuel 9
1 Chronicles 4, 5
1 Chronicles 6, 7
1 Samuel 6
1 Samuel 7
1 Samuel 8
1 Samuel 9
1 Chronicles 4, 5
1 Chronicles 6, 7
Week 1 - 1 Samuel 4
1 Samuel 4
Philistines Take the Ark; Death of Eli
And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:3 (ESV)
Study
1. Why did God allow the Israelites to be defeated?
2. Did God leave Israel when the ark was taken by the Philistines?
Application
1. Do we ever try to control God and make Him do our will? What is the result?
2. Have you ever felt that God had deserted you? What was really happening? (Think about the ‘Footprints’ poem.)
Philistines Take the Ark; Death of Eli
And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:3 (ESV)
Study
1. Why did God allow the Israelites to be defeated?
2. Did God leave Israel when the ark was taken by the Philistines?
Application
1. Do we ever try to control God and make Him do our will? What is the result?
2. Have you ever felt that God had deserted you? What was really happening? (Think about the ‘Footprints’ poem.)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Week 1 - 1 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 3
Samuel's Vision of the fall of Eli's House
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)
Study
1. What were Eli and Samuel doing when God called Samuel?
Sleeping. What's the point of a question with just a one word answer?
2. How many times did God call Samuel before he could recognize His voice? Why did it take Samuel so long to recognize the Lord?
3. Did what God tell Samuel come to pass? (1 Samuel 3:13-14, 1 Samuel 4: 10-18)
Application
1. How does Samuel's openness to hear from God compare with yours? I
2. When are you most tempted to hide God's word from others?
3. What is the greatest obstacle that prevents you from hearing God's voice?
Samuel's Vision of the fall of Eli's House
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)
Study
1. What were Eli and Samuel doing when God called Samuel?
Sleeping. What's the point of a question with just a one word answer?
2. How many times did God call Samuel before he could recognize His voice? Why did it take Samuel so long to recognize the Lord?
3. Did what God tell Samuel come to pass? (1 Samuel 3:13-14, 1 Samuel 4: 10-18)
Application
1. How does Samuel's openness to hear from God compare with yours? I
2. When are you most tempted to hide God's word from others?
3. What is the greatest obstacle that prevents you from hearing God's voice?
DAVID - Week 1 - 1 Samuel 2
1 Samuel 2
Hannah's Prayer; Eli's Sons; Samuel's Childhood
[T]he LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.’ 1 Samuel 2:30b (ESV)
Study
1. How did Hannah express her gratitude to God for her child?
2. What evil deeds did the son's of Eli get up too?
3. What was the result of Hannah's faithfulness to God? (1 Samuel 2:20)
4. What was the consequence of Eli's disobedient and rebellious children? (1 Samuel 2:27-36, 1 Samuel 4:5-22)
Application
1. In what practical ways can we express our gratitude to God?
2. Is it possible for someone to attend Church regularly and not know the Lord?
3. How can we prevent our children, and indeed ourselves, from getting corrupt?
4. How can we as Christian develop physically and spiritually today?
Hannah's Prayer; Eli's Sons; Samuel's Childhood
[T]he LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.’ 1 Samuel 2:30b (ESV)
Study
1. How did Hannah express her gratitude to God for her child?
2. What evil deeds did the son's of Eli get up too?
3. What was the result of Hannah's faithfulness to God? (1 Samuel 2:20)
4. What was the consequence of Eli's disobedient and rebellious children? (1 Samuel 2:27-36, 1 Samuel 4:5-22)
Application
1. In what practical ways can we express our gratitude to God?
2. Is it possible for someone to attend Church regularly and not know the Lord?
3. How can we prevent our children, and indeed ourselves, from getting corrupt?
4. How can we as Christian develop physically and spiritually today?
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 1 - 1 Samuel 1-3
1
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, (G)he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.[a] 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb.
These verses touch me of the love her husband had for her. Yet even those that are dearly loved may still have a thorn in their side or a burden to carry.
8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? (H)Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Yet again the love of this man for his wife.
16 Do not regard your servant as (P)a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”
Praise be to God that he hears our prayers, yes even ones full of anxiety and vexation. Lord hear mine of my life. For I know that I receive a double portion from you Lord. You are more than enough for me. Yet I pray for the comforts of this life be upon me like a kind blanket. Letting me drink in your goodness in what and who you have placed around me that I may share in your love with them.
23 (Y)Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; (Z)only, may the Lord establish his word.”
Such kindness and support this man has for his wife. One of great respect for what she sees to be right. Lord I pray that all husbands would find such a love and respect for their wives as this Elkanah.
2
2 And Hannah prayed and said,
(AF)“My heart exults in the Lord;
(AG)my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because (AH)I rejoice in your salvation.
(I could have copied the whole prayer. What beautiful words. Lord I prayed it along with Hannah this day. Lord let me remember this prayer and where it is found that I may pray it again. For the prayers fo a righteous women are powerful and mighty in your sight.)
11 Then Elkanah went home (AY)to Ramah. (AZ)And the boy[e] was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.
(The boy ministered to him. Lord what an amazing thing that a boy could bring hope to this man.)
17 Thus the sin of the young men was very great (BD)in the sight of the Lord, (BE)for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt.
22 Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who (BL)were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
26 Now the boy Samuel (BN)continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.
35 (CB)And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. (CC)And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before (CD)my anointed forever.
3
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)