and he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a
stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.
Observation: God will be either the stone that causes you to stumble (Isaiah
28:16: So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a
sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.") or the rock that makes you fall (1 Peter 2:6-8 For in Scripture
it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will
never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the
builders rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes
them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.)
Application: I choose to obey the message - Jesus be my cornerstone. I need
to be in consistent trust for what the Lord is doing. In my everyday efforts, hardships, relationships... life.
I do this to glorify Him and to allow Him to keep me from dismay and to not be put to shame.
Prayer: Lord I know this offer from You is merely a choice I need to make
and a desire to claim. I trust in you and I lean on you today Lord, and all the days to come that I can live steadfast
to Your ways. I pray I would be a reflection of You and be what I need to be to complete Your will. I pray for
your guidance... the guidance only You can provide. I thank you for this in Jesus precious name. Amen.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
His Words on My Lips
Scripture: Colossians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Observation: Being a Christian is not just about a personal relationship with Christ, nor just about
personal edification, but also being as a benefit to another: having wholesome conversations to help build up others around
us and deepen their walks with the Lord (of course we can only overflow when we are full so we must stay in the Word, stay
prayed up, and stay focused on Jesus).
Application: I have been in a period of personal development. It is now time to overflow and
in doing so I must control my tongue and be helpful to the specific needs of those He sends to me.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you would continue to be with me. Help me to rid all the anger; rage;
malice; slander; and profanities from my mouth. May only words from you adorn these lips. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Our True Best
Scripture: Proverbs 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Observation:
It is when we take down our defensive barrier that God can truly mold us - this life isn't about being the best, but being
our true best for Him.
Application: By listening to advice doesn't mean I am inadequate or uneducated - it simply
means I want to grow more into being the person that Jesus would have me to be.
Prayer: Lord I pray I would hear
the advice and know it is from You. Help me to be more like You! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Saturday, May 6, 2006
"Other People - Centered"
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-10:
The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town,
one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing
except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank
from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
"Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own
sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the
poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the
man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no
pity."
Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:
'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master's house to you, and
your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would
have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down
Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now,
therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to
be your own.'
Observation: We should not only look at the glass half full in our lives - appreciating the blessings
in our lives instead of focusing on the unaccomplished desires - but also look at the blessings that may seem simple in anothers'
life. Appreciating the little things and respecting them. In other words don't be self-focused!
Application: It's not about me. I need to take the focus off of my feelings, fears,
and insecurities and refocus it on the needs and blessing of others.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for my self-centered thoughts. I pray that you would take them right now.
I pray that as you take them, you replace them with other people-centered thoughts. I pray that my mind would be made
clean. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Faith and Blessing
Scripture: Matthew 21:22
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Observation: Faith is more than trusting in God and doing what He asks because we trust that it is
for the best - it is also about the blessings in return. I usually hear this the other way around - it is more than
being blessed but blessing God. It is nice to know though that it too is also being blessed. God is so good,
He does not leave believers feeling unappreciated, He adores us and love us and He makes sure He shows it.
Application: I need to remember that during the struggles in my life and hard
tasks the Lord asks of me, even though it seems like things aren't going to look up or the experience is unsatisfying - the
work I put into being like Christ and pleasing God does not go unappreciated nor unnoticed. In the end He always
just wants to bless me and show me how much He cares.
Prayer: Lord thank you for this reminder. You are an amazing God and such a wonderful friend.
You never overlook the small stuff and You always show how proud You are of Your little girl. I feel special in Your
eyes - no one else out there is like me and You created me just for You. Thank You Jesus, Amen.
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
"You Don't Know What You Are Asking"
Scripture: Matthew 20:20-23
Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling
down, asked a favor of him. "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine
may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to
them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will
indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they
have been prepared by my Father."
Observation: In Matthew 25:31-46 it goes into depth about what this woman was asking. God has
prepared these places for the saved and those who have rejected the Lord. He will say to the latter: Depart from me, you who
are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did
not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you
hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, 'I tell
you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' "Then they will go away
to eternal punishment..."
But to the one's on the right He will say: 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your
inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." The kingdom prepared: eternal life.
Application: God has prepared a place for me - I choose for it to be on the right!! Praise You Lord.
I will live for Him in accordance to what He wants me to do.
Prayer: Lord You know my desire to be a good and faithful servant, I pray I would do just that
Lord, focusing on Your ways and not my own. I pray I would be a pleasing sight in Your eyes. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
The Lord's Affairs
Scripture: Matthew 19:10-12
The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and
wife, it is better not to marry." Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been
given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage
because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."
Observation: Consider all the pain and struggles that come in a marriage (in addition to the many wonderful
rewards). For 100% focus on Jesus and the Kingdom of God, it is better for one not to marry. (Matthew 7) In a marriage
a wo/man is concerned with the affairs of their spouse, whereas the unmarried wo/man is concerned with the Lord's affairs.
If one is able to accept this, they should.
Application: I forget sometimes that not all have a man or woman set apart for them - some are
called to live for God and be concerned with His affairs. I need to be more sensitive to this.
Prayer: Lord I know this scripture was revealed to me with a purpose, I pray that in Your time, that
it would all make sense. Thank You for this scripture, may it be in my heart in order to be a blessing for another.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
De - fense!!
Scripture: Psalm 5:11-12 (verse 11c)
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend
them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor
You will surround him as with a shield.
Observation: We can rejoice adn have joy because we have a defender.
Application: As I have claimed deliverance from my sinful struggles, God will defend against them
for me. Placing a shield aroudn me and equipping me to do what's needed to fight against Satan's attempts to bring it
back. I will continue to rebuke him in Jesus' name!
Prayer: Lord I pray You would continue defending me as you have been. Be my shield and
protector. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Monday, October 24, 2005
The Sentence and the Acquittal
Scripture: Job 15:35
They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb fashions deceit.
Observation: The unbelivers will think of trouble or think evil thoughts, and in acting upon it commits
sin. We are all born as sinners and are set up to live decieftfully, and only through the grace of God, who sent Jesus,
can we be turned from it.
Application: We are all born evil, and only through Christ Jesus have the believers been saved
from our sentence to Hell.
Prayer: Lord help me to better witness to those who do not know of Your grace and mercy. Help
me to not judge or condemn, but to love as You do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
To know or Not to know
Scripture: 2 Peter 2:20-22
It would have been better for them not to know the way of righteousness, than to have known it
and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed onto them. (verse 21)
Observation: It is always worse to hide, than it is to be lost. For to hide means they disobey
the truth, whereas the lost do not yet know the truth.
Application: I cannot hide any longer. I am not lost, and I don't lose my way. I choose
to run from the path God has laid out for me. I have disobeyed the truth, because I know the truth.
Prayer: Lord make this a day of change. May You help me to come out of hiding, Lord, God.
I want to know Your righteousness and experience it! Thank You for yet another chance. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
A Devouring Lion
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking
for someone to devour.
Observation: The enemy lurks around, waiting for someone to slip up. I need to be alert and
disciplined.
Application: Good intentions are not enough. I need to be more "in control" of my actions, staying
alert to opportunities that Satan may be waiting around the corner.
Prayer: Lord, Iwillnotbedevoured. I will be self-controlled
and alert. Help me to be organized in order to stay steadfast in righteous works. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, July 25, 2005
The Former Things Have All Passed Away
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18
"Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past."
Observation: Don't hold onto things you cannot change.
Application: Instead of focusing on my failures in the past, focus on changing them into successes,
for the future. I need to stop getting angry at my mistakes and wrong choices that have already been made, instead use
that to accomplish something else, learn from those lessons.
Prayer: Lord, help bring it to my remembrance that I can move on. That it is Your command to
forget and not dwell, not a suggestion. Hallelujah! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Loving All, Means Loving God
Scripture: Isaiah 33:5-6
The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; thefearoftheLORDisthekeytothistreasure.
Observation: Only through the fear of the Lord can any blessings or peace be obtained.
Application: I must get out of this complacency and rever God as He deserves. By loving my family,
friends and my enemies, I in turn love God.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for this revelation. I pray I would stay guided by this.
I pray that I would take that stand and allow You to bless me and give me the peace You promise to those who continue
to walk in the light. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, April 8, 2005
Excellence in Everything
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (verse 7)
But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness
and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Observation: The amount of desire we put into being closer to God needs to also be put into giving,
to express our sincerity, earnestness, desire and willingness to do so. On top of that, what we give not only helps
the church in their time of need but also in our time of need. If we do not give, what right to do we have
to the church?
Application: The amount I give to the church with sincerity will also determine how
much of a "shoulder" I have to lean on in my time of need.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your clever way of humbling oneself. For we cannot receive
without first being generous, even in our own time of need. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, April 7, 2005
No Regrets
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings
death.
Observation: If we sorrow over the sins of our lives, it is not a terrible sorrow, for the Lord
sees the repentance in our hearts and is glad. Mourning over evil is good, mourning for evil brings death.
Application: All the cares of the world, are not mine. My care is in the Lord, Jesus Christ,
our risen Savior. All the sorrow of past sins are sincere and have left me regretless. I no longer have mourning
ofr what is not of God, for my desire is for Him alone.
Prayer: Lord, this is the day You have made. I do rejoice. May the sins of my past
be swept away and celebrated, becasue that I am no longer. Thank You for Your great works and love. In Your precious
name. Amen.
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
Surrogate Parents
Scripture: Ruth 4:16
Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him.
Observation: We are only "surrogate" parents to our children, raising them to carry on the Lord's
name.
Application: Although I bore Katlyn, I am to raise her to be a child of God with his name, so that
she may inherit His Kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, I give You Katlyn daily, and I will continue to do so. I pray that You would
be with me, giving me wisdom as I tell her all about our wonderful Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
"The Hearts Desire"
Scripture: James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in
the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about
it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you
have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven
is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers
who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Observation: Yet another reference to "walking-the-walk." We reap what we sow. We must
desire righteousness and sow in what is good in order to recieve it. What our hearts desire, we will reap the appropriate
treasure, as Matthew 6:21 says: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Application: I have been slowly desiring things of this world, losing focus on Jesus. Not
that my desires were evil, but they've become idols. My children, my husband, finances, and a clean home. I have
begun envying those around me who seem to have it so much easier, who have little to no financial struggle, who put little
to no effort into cleaning their homes, who have the biblical portrait of marriage, who have perfect patience and energy with
their children. I know now I can be that, but my focus must be on Jesus. It is only then when righteousness is
harvested.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that through You all things are possible. Thank You for Your
strength in my times of struggle. This has to be one of the hardest things to admit out loud, Lord. I pray that
you would protect me and care for me and be sensitive with me. I see the pruning You've done in me, I pray that You
would continue to be gracious with me and continue to help me grow. You are such an awesome God. I pray this prayer
in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
"Walk-The-Talk"
Scripture: James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Observation: As important as the spirit and body go together - it is as such with faith and deeds.
One without the other is pointless.
Application: I need to truly and completely "walk-the-walk" to go along with my "talking-the-talk."
I don't want to be lukewarm, standing with one foot in the world.
Prayer: Lord, I repent to You in this moment. I know where I've gone wrong and yet I
have put off what I knowingly need to change. Please forgive me, Lord. Amen.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Ignorance ≠ Non-Existent
Scripture: Isaiah 29:16
You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall
what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"?
Observation: People make God something He isn't. That doesn't change who He is.
Application: So many times people say who they think God is. God is who He is, not what we
want Him to be. I need to remember all the aspects of His character: just; merciful; forgiving; loving; jealous; trusting; a
willing sacrifice; etc. No matter how I try to sugar coat God, He is still Him.
Prayer: Lord, You are magnificent. I love all of who You truly are. I pray that
others would see You as You are and not as what and who they want You to be. I pray I would remember theories and ideas
are not important - but who You are and what I can do for You is. I love you Lord, God. In Your precious name.
Amen.
