Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 40 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Hebrews 7:25
Hebrews 7:25
25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
What a great thought to end this season of prayer with, Jesus intercedes for us. I hope that everyone has been able to gain something from these past 40 days. Our prayers will not go unanswered, we need only to have faith in what we have been praying for and to seek it out. God will provide both the opportunity and the means for us to accomplish our goals.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
40 Days...Day 39
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 39 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Hebrews 5:7-10
Hebrews 5:7-10
7In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
I can not believe we are already on day 39, and here we find Jesus being made perfect through His sufferings. In all the Jesus suffered in His life, He never lost faith or hope, and He never lost contact with God. If you are going through a hard time or a time of suffering right now, don’t loose heart. Keep the prayers flowing up to God and know that He is faithful. God can turn every situation created by demons into good. We may not understand how, but we can trust Him.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 39 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Hebrews 5:7-10
Hebrews 5:7-10
7In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
I can not believe we are already on day 39, and here we find Jesus being made perfect through His sufferings. In all the Jesus suffered in His life, He never lost faith or hope, and He never lost contact with God. If you are going through a hard time or a time of suffering right now, don’t loose heart. Keep the prayers flowing up to God and know that He is faithful. God can turn every situation created by demons into good. We may not understand how, but we can trust Him.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
40 Days...Day 38
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 38 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 17
John 17
1Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.
3"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4"I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5"Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 6"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7"Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
9"I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; 10and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11"I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. 12"While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
13"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.
16"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19"For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24"Father, I desire that (they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25"O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."
Wow, what a prayer from our savior Jesus. Please take the time to read through this passage two or three times today, don’t just hurry through it and miss the power of this passage.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 38 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 17
John 17
1Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.
3"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4"I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5"Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 6"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7"Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
9"I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; 10and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11"I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. 12"While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
13"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.
16"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19"For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24"Father, I desire that (they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25"O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."
Wow, what a prayer from our savior Jesus. Please take the time to read through this passage two or three times today, don’t just hurry through it and miss the power of this passage.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Monday, June 22, 2009
40 Days...Day 37
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 37 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 16:23-28
John 16:23-28
23"In that day you will not question Me about anything Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
25"These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father.
26"In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28"I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father."
Boldness in prayer, it should be something that we do on a regular basis, but do we? If not, then the question should be, why not? Jesus has given us the instructions to be bold and pray “asking the Father in Him name” on many occasions. How well do we trust Jesus, or do we lean on what we have been taught and our traditions?
Step out of the rut and truly believe in God and make a bold request of the Father. It is not testing God it is simple following God’s desire for our lives.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 37 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 16:23-28
John 16:23-28
23"In that day you will not question Me about anything Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
25"These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father.
26"In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28"I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father."
Boldness in prayer, it should be something that we do on a regular basis, but do we? If not, then the question should be, why not? Jesus has given us the instructions to be bold and pray “asking the Father in Him name” on many occasions. How well do we trust Jesus, or do we lean on what we have been taught and our traditions?
Step out of the rut and truly believe in God and make a bold request of the Father. It is not testing God it is simple following God’s desire for our lives.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
40 Days...Day 36
Good Evening Church,
Today is day 36 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:9-17
John 15:9-17
9"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14"You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17"This I command you, that you love one another.
Love one another, that is such a simple thing to do, and yet it is so very hard. The single most important thing we can do to show love is to serve one another. By taking the focus off ourselves we can shift that focus to God where it belongs.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 36 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:9-17
John 15:9-17
9"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14"You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17"This I command you, that you love one another.
Love one another, that is such a simple thing to do, and yet it is so very hard. The single most important thing we can do to show love is to serve one another. By taking the focus off ourselves we can shift that focus to God where it belongs.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
40 Days...Day 35
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 35 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:7-8
John 15:7-8
7"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
Here we have Jesus making us a promise that is just what we are looking for, to be fruitful. Believe this with all your heart and have faith that Jesus will honor His promise.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 35 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:7-8
John 15:7-8
7"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
Here we have Jesus making us a promise that is just what we are looking for, to be fruitful. Believe this with all your heart and have faith that Jesus will honor His promise.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Friday, June 19, 2009
40 Days... Day 34
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 34 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:15-16
John 14:15-16
15"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
A Helper, in the form of God’s Holy Spirit. What an incredible gift, and all we have to do is ask. I hope your prayer daily is that God will continue to increase His Spirit in our congregation, and in your life personally.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 34 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:15-16
John 14:15-16
15"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
A Helper, in the form of God’s Holy Spirit. What an incredible gift, and all we have to do is ask. I hope your prayer daily is that God will continue to increase His Spirit in our congregation, and in your life personally.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
40 Days...Day 33
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 33 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:12-14
John 14:12-14
12"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
13"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
I honestly believe that if we have faith and do all in the name of Jesus, God will provide for us. It does not matter if it is a personal request or a congregational request, it can be done. Trust the words of Jesus in this passage, He if faithful.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 33 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:12-14
John 14:12-14
12"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
13"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
I honestly believe that if we have faith and do all in the name of Jesus, God will provide for us. It does not matter if it is a personal request or a congregational request, it can be done. Trust the words of Jesus in this passage, He if faithful.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
40 Days... Day 32
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 32 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 12:23-28
John 12:23-28
23And Jesus answered them, saying, "he hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
25"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
26"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
27"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
28"Father, glorify Your name " Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
So much in this passage about prayer, humility and service. Three things that I am praying for and I am sure you are too.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 32 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 12:23-28
John 12:23-28
23And Jesus answered them, saying, "he hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
25"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
26"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
27"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
28"Father, glorify Your name " Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
So much in this passage about prayer, humility and service. Three things that I am praying for and I am sure you are too.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
40 Days...Day 31
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 31 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 11:41-42
John 11:41-42
41So they removed the stone Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42"I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me."
It sounds like this prayer is more for our benefit than it was to bring Lazarus back from the dead. This prayer sounds like it is for us to believe. Don’t let Jesus’ prayer be a waste, listen to what the Lord is saying to you today.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 31 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 11:41-42
John 11:41-42
41So they removed the stone Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42"I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me."
It sounds like this prayer is more for our benefit than it was to bring Lazarus back from the dead. This prayer sounds like it is for us to believe. Don’t let Jesus’ prayer be a waste, listen to what the Lord is saying to you today.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Monday, June 15, 2009
40 Days...Day 30
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 30 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:46
Luke 23:46
46And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.
Jesus understood what it meant to have a real relationship with God. Even as He was on the cross, His last breath was a prayer.
My prayer is that each of you are experiencing a growing relationship with God, as we continue this journey.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 30 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:46
Luke 23:46
46And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.
Jesus understood what it meant to have a real relationship with God. Even as He was on the cross, His last breath was a prayer.
My prayer is that each of you are experiencing a growing relationship with God, as we continue this journey.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
40 Days...Day 29
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 29 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:34
Luke 23:34
34But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing " And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
It is very easy to pray for your self, your friends, your family and even people you know that are “in need”. However, it is a different story to pray for enemies, or people that hurt us, or people that we don’t like. Learn from Jesus’ words and really His example to love everyone and to pray for all, even our enemies.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 29 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:34
Luke 23:34
34But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing " And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
It is very easy to pray for your self, your friends, your family and even people you know that are “in need”. However, it is a different story to pray for enemies, or people that hurt us, or people that we don’t like. Learn from Jesus’ words and really His example to love everyone and to pray for all, even our enemies.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
40 Days...Day 28
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 28 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 22:31
Luke 22:31
31"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
We know Satan is seeking to temp us, how great is it to know that Jesus is praying for us. We all know we will fail sometimes, but like Peter we need to be willing to pick ourselves up and move forward.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 28 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 22:31
Luke 22:31
31"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
We know Satan is seeking to temp us, how great is it to know that Jesus is praying for us. We all know we will fail sometimes, but like Peter we need to be willing to pick ourselves up and move forward.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Friday, June 12, 2009
40 Days...Day 27
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 27 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:9-14
Luke 18:9-14
9And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11"The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.'
13"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'
14"I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
This is a great passage. While we should seek others help and advice when we enter a time of prayer, it is critical that we keep our hearts on God. I believe this parable is teaching about your heart and how you view and judge others. Remember that God does not need us, we need God. If that does not keep you humble, I am not sure what will.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 27 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:9-14
Luke 18:9-14
9And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11"The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.'
13"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'
14"I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
This is a great passage. While we should seek others help and advice when we enter a time of prayer, it is critical that we keep our hearts on God. I believe this parable is teaching about your heart and how you view and judge others. Remember that God does not need us, we need God. If that does not keep you humble, I am not sure what will.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
40 Days...Day 26
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 26 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
1Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man.
3"There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' 4"For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'"
6And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?
8"I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Again we see that through persistence; God, who is faithful, will accomplish great things. It may feel like to you that God is not answering your prayers. The reality may be that God is waiting on just the right time. Don’t grow weary, keep the prayers flowing to God and when His timing is perfect your answer will come.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 26 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
1Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man.
3"There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' 4"For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'"
6And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?
8"I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Again we see that through persistence; God, who is faithful, will accomplish great things. It may feel like to you that God is not answering your prayers. The reality may be that God is waiting on just the right time. Don’t grow weary, keep the prayers flowing to God and when His timing is perfect your answer will come.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
40 Days...Day 25
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 25 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:5-13
Luke 11:5-13
5Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; 6for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' 8"I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10"For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
11"Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12"Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?
13"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
Persistence, this is one of the main points of this entire exercise. Are you willing to be persistent? Are you willing to keep asking and keep seeking until you find what you are looking for?
I have heard it said many times that “you do not have, because you do not ask”, this is it, God is telling us to keep asking and keep seeking.
There aren’t any shortcuts in life, it is exactly what we are calling it, a journey. That does not mean that we cant have fun along the way, but our trip does include a big dose of persistence to keep us going in the right direction.
Today is day 25 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:5-13
Luke 11:5-13
5Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; 6for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' 8"I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10"For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
11"Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12"Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?
13"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
Persistence, this is one of the main points of this entire exercise. Are you willing to be persistent? Are you willing to keep asking and keep seeking until you find what you are looking for?
I have heard it said many times that “you do not have, because you do not ask”, this is it, God is telling us to keep asking and keep seeking.
There aren’t any shortcuts in life, it is exactly what we are calling it, a journey. That does not mean that we cant have fun along the way, but our trip does include a big dose of persistence to keep us going in the right direction.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
40 Days...Day 24
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 24 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:1-4
Luke 11:1-4
1It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."
2And He said to them, "When you pray, say:
'Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
3'Give us each day our daily bread.
4'And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.'"
One standing principle of life is that if you want to learn something, make sure the teacher knows the material. Who knows how to pray better than Jesus did? I don’t think anyone would disagree that Jesus is the best teacher for prayer. Since Jesus is the best teacher, maybe we should pay a little more attention to what He is teaching us with this passage. Honor God and praise Him, don’t worry about tomorrow, forgive us our sins, help us to forgive others and keep us on the right path.
What a truly awesome lesson from the Master.
Today is day 24 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:1-4
Luke 11:1-4
1It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."
2And He said to them, "When you pray, say:
'Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
3'Give us each day our daily bread.
4'And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.'"
One standing principle of life is that if you want to learn something, make sure the teacher knows the material. Who knows how to pray better than Jesus did? I don’t think anyone would disagree that Jesus is the best teacher for prayer. Since Jesus is the best teacher, maybe we should pay a little more attention to what He is teaching us with this passage. Honor God and praise Him, don’t worry about tomorrow, forgive us our sins, help us to forgive others and keep us on the right path.
What a truly awesome lesson from the Master.
Monday, June 8, 2009
40 Days...Day 23
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 23 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 9:28-29
Luke 9:28-29
28Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.
This event must have been overwhelming to witness. Jesus started this event by bringing His friends up to the mountain to pray. Sometimes it is good to pray with others, in small groups or families. God wants your relationship with Him to be fun and relaxing. Enjoy your time with God and let Him work in your life.
Today is day 23 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 9:28-29
Luke 9:28-29
28Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.
This event must have been overwhelming to witness. Jesus started this event by bringing His friends up to the mountain to pray. Sometimes it is good to pray with others, in small groups or families. God wants your relationship with Him to be fun and relaxing. Enjoy your time with God and let Him work in your life.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
40 Days...Day 22
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 22 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 6:12-13
Luke 6:12-13
12It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. 13And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:
While I believe with all my heart that Jesus was capable and qualified to make this decision, He spent that night in prayer with God before selecting His apostles. It does not matter what the decision is, shouldn’t we take it to God and seek His advice? We may already know that answer, but isn’t it nice when God answers…
Today is day 22 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 6:12-13
Luke 6:12-13
12It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. 13And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:
While I believe with all my heart that Jesus was capable and qualified to make this decision, He spent that night in prayer with God before selecting His apostles. It does not matter what the decision is, shouldn’t we take it to God and seek His advice? We may already know that answer, but isn’t it nice when God answers…
Saturday, June 6, 2009
40 Days...Day 21
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 21 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 5:15-16, 9:18
15But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
18And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the people say that I am?"
As was His habit, Jesus often slipped away to pray in privacy. Don’t forget that if Jesus needed this alone time with God that we do also. Spend some time alone with God today.
Today is day 21 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 5:15-16, 9:18
15But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
18And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the people say that I am?"
As was His habit, Jesus often slipped away to pray in privacy. Don’t forget that if Jesus needed this alone time with God that we do also. Spend some time alone with God today.
Friday, June 5, 2009
40 Days...Day 20
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 20 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Another milestone in our journey as we reach the halfway point. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 3:21-22
21Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."
This example of Christ is a little different. We have read about Jesus getting away for quite time, about praying when He was under distress and about Him praying when something needed to be accomplished.
Here we see Jesus praying as He is being baptized. It must have been a very happy time for Jesus as He is not very far into His journey. You can almost feel the excitement as you read the passage.
How many times do we neglect our relationship with God when things are going good? Maybe we shouldn’t, Jesus got a very special reward in the form of the Holy Ghost for His faithfulness.
Today is day 20 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Another milestone in our journey as we reach the halfway point. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 3:21-22
21Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."
This example of Christ is a little different. We have read about Jesus getting away for quite time, about praying when He was under distress and about Him praying when something needed to be accomplished.
Here we see Jesus praying as He is being baptized. It must have been a very happy time for Jesus as He is not very far into His journey. You can almost feel the excitement as you read the passage.
How many times do we neglect our relationship with God when things are going good? Maybe we shouldn’t, Jesus got a very special reward in the form of the Holy Ghost for His faithfulness.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
40 Days...Day 19
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 19 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 9:28-29
Mark 9:28-29
28When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, "Why could we not drive it out?" 29And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."
The topic of demons is very prevalent throughout the New Testament. Patrick Mead is doing a series called God at War on Wednesday evening at the Rochester Church of Christ that deals with this topic. The first 3 lessons are posted online at http://rccaudio.christianwitness.us/?page=1, I am really looking forward to the last 3 lesson in the series.
God truly is at war against the Devil and his demons, one of our best weapons in this war is prayer. Remember this warfare as you spend some time with God today.
Today is day 19 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 9:28-29
Mark 9:28-29
28When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, "Why could we not drive it out?" 29And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."
The topic of demons is very prevalent throughout the New Testament. Patrick Mead is doing a series called God at War on Wednesday evening at the Rochester Church of Christ that deals with this topic. The first 3 lessons are posted online at http://rccaudio.christianwitness.us/?page=1, I am really looking forward to the last 3 lesson in the series.
God truly is at war against the Devil and his demons, one of our best weapons in this war is prayer. Remember this warfare as you spend some time with God today.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
40 Days...Day 18
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 18 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
41And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all.
6And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. 7They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well.
God will provide. This is a lesson that I have been learning personally this year and it has really help my relationship with God. When we take the focus of ourselves and put it on others it is really amazing how our personal walk seems to become a little easier. I know this does not mean we will not have any issues or set backs, but it does help us keep the right attitude as we deal with this things.
Today is day 18 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
41And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all.
6And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. 7They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well.
God will provide. This is a lesson that I have been learning personally this year and it has really help my relationship with God. When we take the focus of ourselves and put it on others it is really amazing how our personal walk seems to become a little easier. I know this does not mean we will not have any issues or set backs, but it does help us keep the right attitude as we deal with this things.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
40 Days...Day 17
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 17 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 1:35-39
Mark 1:35-39
35In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 36Simon and his companions searched for Him; 37they found Him, and said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." 38He said to them, "Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for." 39And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.
What a tremendous task it is, but what difference could it make in our life if we would follow this example from Jesus? Start your day in a secluded place and spend some time with God in prayer.
Today is day 17 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 1:35-39
Mark 1:35-39
35In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 36Simon and his companions searched for Him; 37they found Him, and said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." 38He said to them, "Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for." 39And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.
What a tremendous task it is, but what difference could it make in our life if we would follow this example from Jesus? Start your day in a secluded place and spend some time with God in prayer.
Monday, June 1, 2009
40 Days...Day 16
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 16 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew and Mark
Matthew 27:46
46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
Mark 15:34
34At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
This is without any doubt Jesus’ most desperate time. Again Jesus provides us with a great example of faith and love even when He was on the cross.
Today is day 16 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew and Mark
Matthew 27:46
46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
Mark 15:34
34At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
This is without any doubt Jesus’ most desperate time. Again Jesus provides us with a great example of faith and love even when He was on the cross.
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