Divine Mentor- Who is Our God?

Today: Amos 4-6; Psalm 86,87; Titus 1
Scripture: Psalm 87:15  "But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

Observation: Compassion(mercy), grace, patience, love, and faithfulness---this is our great God. We are called to be godly, which is to be like God. Since we cannot even comprehend how compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, and faithful He truly is, God sent Jesus to show us how the attributes of God manifest themselves in the flesh. This is why we must study His word.

Application: How will I be different today, having read this scripture? Will I be compassionate? Remember how Jesus reacted when Peter denied him. Gracious? He fed 5000+ people (who should have planned ahead and brought their own food!). Patient? His disciples pushed the "annoying" children away, but He welcomed them. Loving? He gave His life for us, regardless of the physical and emotional cost. Faithful? He took God, His Father, at his word and was obedient...in the desert, in the garden, even on the cross. How can I do less?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I have none of these attributes on my own- even my love for others is self-serving. I lack mercy, grace, and faithfulness. I am selfish but pretend to be otherwise for my own gain. I need You to change my heart, moment by moment. I want to be like Jesus.

Divine Mentor - Faithful servant

Scripture:Psalms 86 A Prayer of David

Turn to me and have mercy on me;

 show your strength in behalf of your servant;
 save me, because I serve you
 just as my mother did.


Observation:
David is praying to God;as well as praising all the good he has already done for him.

No matter what is going on in our lives, we tend to find that what ever we are subconsciously thinking about will be applicable in your bible readings.  Today I am focusing on the word "Mother" since I am struggling with decisions that I am making as a mother.  Many of you know that I have a son that is currently incarcerated and is awaiting court to learn how much time he will spend in prison.  In Feb of this year I filled a restraining order against him and we have not seen or spoke to each other since.  This process has been easier for me since he is incarcerated but for him; I can only imagine that he feels abandoned and angry.

I wonder if he calls out to God like David did in this verse.  While my children have been exposed to God neither of them have made a decision to turn their lives and wills over to God.  In the past when my son was jail; this is not his first time, he would tell me often that he while in jail he found God.  While he made this statement I also realized that he never brought him (God)  home with him. I really tried to live my life as an example to my children.  Sure I have made many mistakes but I have acknowledged them, asked God to heal them and have refrained from making the same mistakes again.  While I think my children have learned a lot from me I still wonder if they look at me as a faithful servant of God.

Application:  
I desperately want to be a faithful servant of God and while I do many things in Gods name, the one thing I feel I fall short on is doing my daily quiet time with God.  Debbie McGrath has shared with me so many stories of how God has spoken to her through her daily reading.  I am envious of her quiet time with God.  The only one stopping me from my quiet time with God is "me".

Prayer:
Father I desire to be your faithful servant.  I want to be the example to my children and I am grateful to you that still continue to pursue their young hearts.  You are a faithful father that never gives up on his children, just as I will never give up on my children.  Thank you for loving us even when we don't deserve it. Please help me to bring balance into my life and I look forward to meeting with you again tomorrow for our special time together. Oceans of Love from your faithful servant.

Divine Mentor - Anticipate Victory but Prepare for Battle - Debbie McGrath

Today's reading from Divine Mentor:  
2 Kings 13, 14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3

Scripture that God showed me today:

S:  2 Timothy 3: 1-4

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God..

Observation:  (Paul is writing this to Timothy - At this time, Paul is sitting in a dungeon and Nero is torturing and killing Christians)

When I read this scripture, it can be discouraging.  I always try to be positive - because I do know the end of the story but I do realize there is a battle to fight.  Everyday as I watch the news, it is obvious that Satan is working very hard and doing well!  The above verse, I believe, describes our world today.
We live in a world where people live in the desires of the moment.  People have a sense of entitlement like I have never seen before.  It is also evident, that our world seeks the comfort and promotion of self over God.

Application:  As a Christian, how do I react to this??

I have to stay in the Word of God -saturate my mind daily in the truth. 
(Romans 12:1)

Pray without ceasing. I pray for those who do not know the truth.  I also pray that God will equip me to always stand up for the Kingdom of God.
(2 Thessalonians 5:17)

Teach my child: Yesterday my daughter(23 years) and I discussed the the Supreme Court Ruling on DOMA.  We talked about how this ruling was so against the Will of God. Because she has been raised with the scriptures, she totally agreed.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, I pray that all the days of my life - I will walk in your ways and teach the truth!

Saved On Purpose For Purpose

Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Today's Reading: Joel 1-3; II Timothy 1

Scripture: II Tim. 1:9 " who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began"

Observation:  Before time even began, God had a plan for each of us. His calling is personal and purposeful.  There was a specific time in my life when God called ME to repentance, and I accepted His free gift of salvation. This was not an accident- God did this on purpose for me; however, not only was I called ON purpose, but God also called me FOR a purpose. Paul is very specific about his own purpose: preacher, apostle, teacher of the Gentiles (v.11). Do I know mine?

Application: How will I be different today having read this Scripture? I have a renewed sense of purpose this morning. I am in a time of waiting for what God has next for me in my life; however, I am reminded that God has a purpose for EVERY day of my life. I want today to matter for God.

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for today. I ask You to lead me wherever You want me to walk and to give me an increased awareness of people and their need for You in their lives. Amen.

Rely on God - Debbie McGrath

Today's reading using the Divine Mentor Plan -
2 Kings 6,7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Tim. 3

As I was trying to spend time in the Word today, I realized how Satan prods to clutter our lives with a frenzy of distractions.  I wander how much time I waste looking at Facebook, Pinterest and emails.  I know in my heart - too much time.  Thankfully God has given us a spirit of discipline - 2 Timothy 1:7.

My favorite part of the scripture today came from 2 Chronicles 20.

Jehosphaphat is the king of Judah and as soon as he realizes multiple armies are coming after him - He turns to the Lord.  He tells all of Judah to fast and seek the Lord. I love this - neither did Jehosphaphat or the people complain about the problem, they immediately turned to the Lord and sought His face.
Jehosphaphat had a huge army but did not rely on his own strength - He knew he needed the Lord.  This demonstrates the humility of Jehosphaphat.

After seeking the Lord, God answers them and says - the battle is not yours.  God lets them know he is going to take care of everything.  The people did not doubt this answer, they had faith and believed.  They praised God for the victory before the battle ever started.

I have to ask myself - do I truly trust the Lord to go before me and work everything out?

Do I rely on God or do I do things in my own strength to help Him out?

Jehosphaphat is an example to all of us - seek, believe and praise God before He even answers our prayers.

The One Necessary Thing - Debbie McGrath

THE ONE NECESSARY THING!

How many times have you rushed out of the house thinking-
I can't spend time with God today - I haven't the time.
I have learned over the last few years the more responsibilities I have in my
life, the more I need to keep my center on Christ.

Making a choice to sit at the feet of Jesus requires decisive planning,
purposeful scheduling and willful determination.

At the end of the day, I ask myself - did I give God the best part or the leftovers and scraps of my time??

My mother has also taught me -people do what they want to do.
Everyday we choose where we will invest our time.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33:
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all the things will be given to you as well.

I have learned we are as intimate with God as we choose to be.
The only limitations of God's presence in our lives are the limits we ourselves set.  

Spend time in the Word today - listening and talking with your Savior.
When you spend time with Jesus, you will not get what you expect.
You will receive so much more!!!

Volunteering to Serve - Debbie McGrath

Volunteering to Serve

Today's Divine Mentor Reading:
1 Kings 20, 21
2 Chronicles 17
Colossians 3

I love reading the Bible and this morning God showed me something I have never seen before. While I was studying God's Word - verse 2 Chronicles 17:16
really spoke to me:

Scripture:  Amasiah son of Zicri who volunteered himself for the service of the Lord with 200,000.

During this time, Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah and his heart was devoted to the Lord. He knew his people did not know the scriptures well - so he sent out officials, Levites and priests to teach the Bible to everyone!!  This could be the start of the first Sunday School Program!

As a result, the people become single-minded, they put God first in their lives and they obeyed God's commands.  The heart of the people turned to God. 
It took a lot of volunteers to turn this kingdom around.

Amasiah volunteered himself to serve the Lord.  This is the only time he is mentioned in scripture and it does not say exactly what he did.  

Because he volunteered it means--

No one had to press him into service
No one had to seek him out for service
No one had to look after him once he had begun to serve
No one had to lead him.

What an example to all of us!! Our churches are successful because of all the volunteers. Maybe God is pulling on your heart today to volunteer at your church.  I do know from personal experience, if you do volunteer, God will bless you beyond anything you can imagine.  Be obedient to the call today and volunteer at your church.  The whole purpose of serving at the church is to help others become single minded and help them to turn their hearts to God.

Paul a man of joy! Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading from the Divine Mentor Plan:
Solomon  5-8
Philippians 1

I love the book of Philippians - the word joy is used numerous times.
Paul planted the church in Philippians around 51 AD.
Ten years later, Paul is in prison and chained to a guard.
Instead of pouting in prison about how he has been treated and how 
mean the guards are to him - 
Paul chose to write a love letter to his friends in Philippi.

It is obvious no matter his circumstances Paul chooses joy.
All of us decide in our mind our attitude.
It is a choice.
Paul's message to me - We are to be joyful like and in Jesus.  
No matter what our circumstances our.
Joy is not just a smile on the surface 
but peace in the heart as a result
 of a mind continually focused on Jesus.

Paul chose to use his prison time to pray and not to pout.
When we pray, we are single minded - our focus is on Christ.
It is hard to complain and pray at the same time.

Paul rejoices as he prays, knowing Christ will answer his prayers.
Paul has learned that joy comes not as the result of external conditions
 but from internal confident that God is in control.  

So I ask myself a question -  Today, do I choose to pout or pray about my circumstances??

The Power of God - Ephesians 3:20 - by Debbie McGrath

June 7, 2013 
Today's Reading:
Eccl. 4-6,
Psalm 18
Ephesians 3

This verse that I have read many times but it really spoke to me today!!

S: Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.

Observation:  
Paul celebrates the power of God.  This verse is powerful!!!!
This verse tells me that God can do more than we ask.  God gives us His Spirit so we know what to ask for.  Because God is omnipotent, He can do more than we think, imagine or conceive in our minds.

Application:
I serve a big God and my prayers should be HUGE!!! I should expect more, ask for more, and I should be encouraged by what God has already done in my life.
When I look back on my life - God has already done way more than I ever dreamed!  Even though God has already done so much for me, I can still ask for more.  Having this knowledge - strengthens my faith!  

Prayer:  Today, I will pray bold prayers!!!
Today, I will ask God to do mighty things in my life!
Today, I will praise God for what He is going to do in my life!

I Am A Work of Art

Thursday, June 6, 2013
Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2

Scripture: Eph. 2:10 " For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we would walk in them."

Observation: The word "workmanship" comes from the Greek word "poiema" which means a work of art. We get our word "poem" from this Greek word. Here is what Paul tells us:
1) We are a created work of art in the likeness of Christ Jesus
2) God created us to do good works
3) God preplanned everything we are to do in this life for Him
4) We are to follow this plan

Application: I am a work of art and part of God's plan. This gives me both perfect peace and a great sense of urgency. There is more planned for my life than I am experiencing at the moment, and I don't want to miss out on what God has preplanned for me.  I am now more convicted than ever to spend more time with Him in Scriptures and prayer and more time investing in the lives of others!

Prayer: Dear Father, I don't often see myself as a "work of art." Thank you for that reminder today, and for reminding me that I am not here by accident but am part of Your divine plan to call others to You. Give me opportunities today to do good work for You.

My Foolish Heart

Today's Reading: Proverbs 28-29; Psalm 60; Romans 16
Scripture: Proverbs 28:26 "He who trusts his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered."

Observation: Have you ever been told to "Follow your heart?" My granddaughter, recently a high school grad, is being told by many to "follow your dream." Decades ago, Frank Sinatra proudly declared to my generation that "I did it my way." According to God's word, there is a problem here! The prophet Jeremiah tells us that our heart is deceitful and desperately wicked and that no one can know it, even we ourselves (Jer.17:9).

Application (how will I be different today because of what I have just read?):
I will not trust my heart- I will trust God with my heart (Prov.3:5). I will study His word and talk with Him in prayer so that, moment by moment, my heart becomes His heart. I do not want to be a fool---I want to walk wisely.

Prayer: Lord, take my heart and make it Yours. I surrender it completely.

God's Word is for our instruction!! Debbie McGrath

Today's reading:  
Proverbs 25-27, Romans 15

The readings today in Proverbs were awesome. So much wisdom to gain from in these verses.

The scripture that spoke to me today:

Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the scriptures.

Observation:
Paul tells us the Old Testament was written for our learning and to give us hope, patience and comfort in our lives.

Application:
First, I love reading from the Old Testament!!!  When I read from the OT I gain wisdom from all the stories.  I love the fact that the Bible records it all, the good parts as well as the bad.  When I sit down to read, I am able to learn from Abraham, Lot, Moses, Miriam, Aaron, David, Esther, Jonah and the list goes on. The words of God give me wisdom beyond my years.  There is no other book that can give me encouragement and hope like the Word of God.  

Prayer:  Thank you Lord, for the privilege of reading your Word in freedom.
Give me a hunger for Your Word like never before.