Date: February 9, 2012 10:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Most Important Prayer
The Most Important Prayer
"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'" (Matthew 14:29-30)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:22-33
Peter had extraordinary faith when he stepped out of the boat. But that faith wavered when he realized walking on water was impossible. Fear came, and he began to sink. He knew he was in danger of drowning. Nothing he could do would rescue him from certain death. Then he prayed the most important prayer anyone could pray: "Lord, save me!" Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
There came a time in my life when I, like Peter, knew I couldn't save myself. Only Jesus could rescue me from eternal death. So I admitted my need for Him and prayed Peter's same prayer. "Lord, save me!" He immediately came into my life. I knew I was safe forever.
If you are reading this and have never called out to Jesus to save you, now is the perfect time. No matter where you are or how the turmoil of this world swirls around you, this is time to admit you cannot save yourself. Put all your faith, hope and confidence in Jesus whose mighty arm reaches out and pulls you to safety.
Insight: We All Are On The Precarious Sea Of Life; The Wisest Thing To Do Is Ask Jesus To Come Into Our Lives And Save Us.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
+DEV+ The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever
Date: February 8, 2012 9:42 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever
The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever
"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (MATTHEW 6:13B, KJV)
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor." (1 CHRONICLES 29:11)
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 29:10-20
Performing a wedding at a nearby location, I was taken off guard when everyone present recited the Lord's Prayer but only a few spoke the words, "Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever," (NKJV) at the end. Members of the other church were silent at that part so that it sounded like half of a duet had stopped singing.
Though this portion of verse 13 is not included in some versions of the Bible, I think it reaffirms the beginning of the Lord's Prayer. Our Father in Heaven, Your name is hallowed. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. It reminds us of who is in charge of the universe. It emphasizes God is ruler of His kingdom. He is all-powerful, and the glory of His presence fills eternity. A fitting end to the Lord's Prayer, it reminds me of King David's prayer recorded in 1 Chronicles 29.
Include this closing phrase of the Lord's Prayer. Let it be a rallying cry for those of us who put our trust solidly in the One to whom all glory and power belong forever.
Insight: His Kingdom Is Forever. When We Open Our Hearts To Jesus, We Become Members Of His Forever Kingdom.
Topic: +DEV+ The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever
The Kingdom, Power and Glory Forever
"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (MATTHEW 6:13B, KJV)
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor." (1 CHRONICLES 29:11)
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 29:10-20
Performing a wedding at a nearby location, I was taken off guard when everyone present recited the Lord's Prayer but only a few spoke the words, "Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever," (NKJV) at the end. Members of the other church were silent at that part so that it sounded like half of a duet had stopped singing.
Though this portion of verse 13 is not included in some versions of the Bible, I think it reaffirms the beginning of the Lord's Prayer. Our Father in Heaven, Your name is hallowed. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. It reminds us of who is in charge of the universe. It emphasizes God is ruler of His kingdom. He is all-powerful, and the glory of His presence fills eternity. A fitting end to the Lord's Prayer, it reminds me of King David's prayer recorded in 1 Chronicles 29.
Include this closing phrase of the Lord's Prayer. Let it be a rallying cry for those of us who put our trust solidly in the One to whom all glory and power belong forever.
Insight: His Kingdom Is Forever. When We Open Our Hearts To Jesus, We Become Members Of His Forever Kingdom.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
+DEV+ Deliver Us from Evil
Date: February 7, 2012 10:31 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Deliver Us from Evil
Deliver Us from Evil
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (MATTHEW 6:13)
Scripture Focus: James 1:2-18
This phrase of the Lord's Prayer raises questions. Does God ever lead us into temptation? Are temptations the same as trials? James explains the distinction between trials and temptations, saying that God does not "tempt anyone; but each one is tempted, when, by his own desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:13b-14). Many trials do present temptation. And temptations certainly are trials. But the two are quite different.
As we pray these words, we accept that God, for His divine purposes, may order our lives in such a way that we face temptation. Satan waits to pounce when those situations arise. Sometimes, in our human weakness, we do not resist. Therefore, we pray that God would so conquer the way of the world that we would escape temptation altogether.
When Satan tried to entice Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus met his words with the Word. Praise God we have the entire Bible to direct us. Praise Him even further that we have a Savior who has rescued us from all of Satan's evil traps.
Insight: Through Christ, We Can Resist Temptations. Where Temptation Is, You Also Will Find The Loving Arms Of Jesus That Will Never Let You Go.
Topic: +DEV+ Deliver Us from Evil
Deliver Us from Evil
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (MATTHEW 6:13)
Scripture Focus: James 1:2-18
This phrase of the Lord's Prayer raises questions. Does God ever lead us into temptation? Are temptations the same as trials? James explains the distinction between trials and temptations, saying that God does not "tempt anyone; but each one is tempted, when, by his own desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:13b-14). Many trials do present temptation. And temptations certainly are trials. But the two are quite different.
As we pray these words, we accept that God, for His divine purposes, may order our lives in such a way that we face temptation. Satan waits to pounce when those situations arise. Sometimes, in our human weakness, we do not resist. Therefore, we pray that God would so conquer the way of the world that we would escape temptation altogether.
When Satan tried to entice Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus met his words with the Word. Praise God we have the entire Bible to direct us. Praise Him even further that we have a Savior who has rescued us from all of Satan's evil traps.
Insight: Through Christ, We Can Resist Temptations. Where Temptation Is, You Also Will Find The Loving Arms Of Jesus That Will Never Let You Go.
Monday, February 6, 2012
+DEV+ Meet Our Needs Today
Date: February 6, 2012 11:57 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Meet Our Needs Today
Meet Our Needs Today
"'Give us today our daily bread.'" (Matthew 6:11) "Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'" (John 6:35)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 16:1-32, John 6:28-38
In our verse today Jesus identifies Himself as I AM, the Becoming One, always the same, yet always becoming to His people (you and me) what they need. In Exodus manna was the bread God rained down each day for His people to eat during their time in the wilderness. The Lord instructed the people to collect only as much as they needed each day. If they collected more and saved it, the next morning it was spoiled and could not be eaten. But on the sixth day they were told to collect twice as much as usual, because the seventh day was the Sabbath, the day of rest. There would be no manna on that day. The morning of the seventh day they ate fresh, maggot-free manna. And so it continued throughout their wandering years.
Manna sustained physical life for the Jews in the barren desert. Jesus came from heaven to provide spiritual life for all who open their hearts to Him. He provides for our physical, emotional and spiritual needs. This miracle happens daily, always in exactly the portions we need.
Insight: As we read the Bible, we receive all the spiritual food and refreshment our hearts, minds and souls need for all our todays.
Topic: +DEV+ Meet Our Needs Today
Meet Our Needs Today
"'Give us today our daily bread.'" (Matthew 6:11) "Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'" (John 6:35)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 16:1-32, John 6:28-38
In our verse today Jesus identifies Himself as I AM, the Becoming One, always the same, yet always becoming to His people (you and me) what they need. In Exodus manna was the bread God rained down each day for His people to eat during their time in the wilderness. The Lord instructed the people to collect only as much as they needed each day. If they collected more and saved it, the next morning it was spoiled and could not be eaten. But on the sixth day they were told to collect twice as much as usual, because the seventh day was the Sabbath, the day of rest. There would be no manna on that day. The morning of the seventh day they ate fresh, maggot-free manna. And so it continued throughout their wandering years.
Manna sustained physical life for the Jews in the barren desert. Jesus came from heaven to provide spiritual life for all who open their hearts to Him. He provides for our physical, emotional and spiritual needs. This miracle happens daily, always in exactly the portions we need.
Insight: As we read the Bible, we receive all the spiritual food and refreshment our hearts, minds and souls need for all our todays.
+DEV+ Your Will Be Done
Date: February 6, 2012 12:17 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Your Will Be Done
Your Will Be Done
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." (Philippians 1:6) "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13
When I pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," I ask the Lord to help me obey as the angels do. When God directs them to do something, they don't question, argue, or refuse. I want to live like that. But sometimes I become cantankerous and build a wall between us. However, I know that He will crash through that wall anytime He wants. In the deepest recesses of my heart, I desire His will for my life.
In the allegory, Hinds Feet on High Places, the heroine walks on a path leading to high places where God will fix her flaws. When the path meanders up the face of a mountain, she panics and calls for her Shepherd. He comes immediately. She tells Him she's changed her mind and doesn't want her imperfection fixed after all. She doesn't want to be on the high places with Him. Gently, He says, "My little maiden, I know your heart better than you do. I know you want to have your flaws healed and to be with me on high places." May God's will to draw you to Himself be done today.
Insight: God knows our hearts better than we do. He knows our greatest desire is to be with him and to have him correct our flaws.
Topic: +DEV+ Your Will Be Done
Your Will Be Done
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." (Philippians 1:6) "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13
When I pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," I ask the Lord to help me obey as the angels do. When God directs them to do something, they don't question, argue, or refuse. I want to live like that. But sometimes I become cantankerous and build a wall between us. However, I know that He will crash through that wall anytime He wants. In the deepest recesses of my heart, I desire His will for my life.
In the allegory, Hinds Feet on High Places, the heroine walks on a path leading to high places where God will fix her flaws. When the path meanders up the face of a mountain, she panics and calls for her Shepherd. He comes immediately. She tells Him she's changed her mind and doesn't want her imperfection fixed after all. She doesn't want to be on the high places with Him. Gently, He says, "My little maiden, I know your heart better than you do. I know you want to have your flaws healed and to be with me on high places." May God's will to draw you to Himself be done today.
Insight: God knows our hearts better than we do. He knows our greatest desire is to be with him and to have him correct our flaws.
Friday, February 3, 2012
+DEV+ Your Kingdom Come
Date: February 3, 2012 1:16 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Your Kingdom Come
Your Kingdom Come
"Pilate summoned Jesus and asked Him, 'Are you king of the Jews?' Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world, my kingdom is from another place'." (JOHN 18:33, 36)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13, John 18:29-38
During His ministry Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15) When Jesus comes again at the close of this age, He will set up His physical, earthly kingdom here. But for now, His kingdom is spiritual, made up of all who repent and believe that Jesus' death on the cross frees them from sin.
Jesus, righteous King of kings and Lord of lords, will rule supreme. He will establish His complete love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23) in the new earth. Kings rule over their subjects. But the Bible says our Righteous King does not consider us subjects but friends and family.
Today, as kingdom people, we are freed from the chains of sin. Jesus helps us overcome our deadly enemy. This doesn't mean that we won't experience difficulties in this life. It does mean that Kingdom people will never experience God's wrath. Jesus already endured that at the cross for us.
Insight: As Kingdom People When We Pray "Your Kingdom Come," We Are Asking Jesus To Rule In Our Hearts And Minds Today.
Topic: +DEV+ Your Kingdom Come
Your Kingdom Come
"Pilate summoned Jesus and asked Him, 'Are you king of the Jews?' Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world, my kingdom is from another place'." (JOHN 18:33, 36)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13, John 18:29-38
During His ministry Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15) When Jesus comes again at the close of this age, He will set up His physical, earthly kingdom here. But for now, His kingdom is spiritual, made up of all who repent and believe that Jesus' death on the cross frees them from sin.
Jesus, righteous King of kings and Lord of lords, will rule supreme. He will establish His complete love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23) in the new earth. Kings rule over their subjects. But the Bible says our Righteous King does not consider us subjects but friends and family.
Today, as kingdom people, we are freed from the chains of sin. Jesus helps us overcome our deadly enemy. This doesn't mean that we won't experience difficulties in this life. It does mean that Kingdom people will never experience God's wrath. Jesus already endured that at the cross for us.
Insight: As Kingdom People When We Pray "Your Kingdom Come," We Are Asking Jesus To Rule In Our Hearts And Minds Today.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
+DEV+ Our Father in Heaven
Date: February 1, 2012 11:29 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Our Father in Heaven
Our Father in Heaven
"For this is what the high and lofty One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.'" (ISAIAH 57:15)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13
We use forms of the word "heaven" to refer to different places. We call the atmosphere encircling our earth the heavens. The vast area of space made up of planets, stars, solar systems, etc. has been called "the heavenlies." But the scope of heaven - where God dwells and where loved ones of ours who've gone on before us are - is outside of our human imagination.
On the earth there are billions of people including you and me. Have you ever felt insignificant in the midst of all of this? Really, we're hardly more than mere microscopic specks. To think that the Father in Heaven would be interested in us!
It's beyond our comprehension to know how the Lord can hear all of us - perhaps millions of prayers offered up at the same time! The Bible tells us that God, the high and lofty One, is also our Loving Father who intimately knows and loves each of us. His Holy Spirit is infused within us so that throughout our lives, He is always present. Our Father reigns in heaven, but He also reigns in our hearts.
Insight: As We Read Our Bibles And Pray, We Learn More About Our Father Who Loves Us, Cares About Us And Is With Us Forever.
Topic: +DEV+ Our Father in Heaven
Our Father in Heaven
"For this is what the high and lofty One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.'" (ISAIAH 57:15)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9-13
We use forms of the word "heaven" to refer to different places. We call the atmosphere encircling our earth the heavens. The vast area of space made up of planets, stars, solar systems, etc. has been called "the heavenlies." But the scope of heaven - where God dwells and where loved ones of ours who've gone on before us are - is outside of our human imagination.
On the earth there are billions of people including you and me. Have you ever felt insignificant in the midst of all of this? Really, we're hardly more than mere microscopic specks. To think that the Father in Heaven would be interested in us!
It's beyond our comprehension to know how the Lord can hear all of us - perhaps millions of prayers offered up at the same time! The Bible tells us that God, the high and lofty One, is also our Loving Father who intimately knows and loves each of us. His Holy Spirit is infused within us so that throughout our lives, He is always present. Our Father reigns in heaven, but He also reigns in our hearts.
Insight: As We Read Our Bibles And Pray, We Learn More About Our Father Who Loves Us, Cares About Us And Is With Us Forever.
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