Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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??

Monday, June 3, 2013

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.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Give back to God! Debbie McGrath

May 17, 2013
All of today's readings were incredible - so many rich verses for everyday living!!

1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1

God really spoke to me thru this Verse:
1 Chronicles 29:14

Everything comes from you and we have give you only what comes from your hand.

Observation:  
David acknowledges that the God of Israel owns everything.
God is sovereign over all. His name is great and glorious.  David and his people gave lavishly to the Lord.

Application:
When I give to the Lord, I only return to the Lord that which He has graciously already given to me.  This is convicting when I think of the times, I selfishly want to control my giving.  Since all things come from God, the wisest thing I can do is give back to God.  I am giving back what He has already given me and my giving should be an investment in the eternal.  When I give, I should be like David's people, give joyfully and graciously.  

Pray:
Forgive me for the times I want to be in control of my resources.  Lord, I pray that I have a heart of generosity, gratitude and joy.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Well done, good and faithful servant! Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading:
2 Samuel 15, 16, Psalm 32, Matthew 25

Verse that spoke to me:
Matthew 25:23

...Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things...

Observation:  God has give us talents and gifts that are to be used for the kingdom of God.

Application:  I do believe Jesus is coming soon!  Because of this, I believe there is an urgency to use our God given talents to get involved in meeting the needs of others simply because He says so!  When we remember who we are - a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus - headed to glory and we belong to HIM!
Our lives are no longer to be lived according to what we want but according to what He says.  We are his faithful servants.

Prayer:  I pray that today, I die to my selfish wants and reach out to others.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

God hears our cries!! Debbie McGrath

God hears our cries!

Scripture: Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles.

Observation:  
David is running and hiding because King Saul is trying to kill him.  Throughout this time, David cries out to God because he knows God hears him. He knows God will provide for his needs. 

Application: When going thru difficult situations it is comforting to know God hears our cries.  Sometimes God brings us to our knees so we will cry out to Him.  Only God can give us what we need when we are in a crisis.  It is so reassuring to know that God never leaves us nor forsakes us - He is always by our side!!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for always be attentive to my cry. 

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

How would you describe God? Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading:
Judges 13-16, 2 Corinthians 2

Judges 13-16 talk about Samson - After watching the Bible Series, I realized Samson was totally chosen by God.  Samson had incredible strength - even though he strayed from God at the end of his life - He came back to God.

When I was reading Judges - this  verse really struck me -
Judges 13:18 - He replied "Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.

Monah - Samson's father, was visited by God himself.  Monah did not realize it was God and asked him - what is your name.  Monah wanted to know his name so he could find him later - if he had questions about raising Samson.  When Monah asked the Angel of the Lord his name - God responded - It is beyond understanding.

This is a perfect name for God - BEYOND UNDERSTANDING!!
 I love it.  If I was to describe God, I would use words like:
Holy
Savior
King of Kings
Faithful
I AM
Never Changes
Living God
Counselor
Mighty.

But If I really had to describe God - I would say beyond my understanding.
When I lay eyes on my Savior for the first time, I know, I will fall on my knees and there will be no words to describe Him.  The reason I can't describe my Lord -He is too wonderful and He is beyond my understanding!


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Has the Lord not gone ahead of you? Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading: March 28, 2013
Judges 4-5, Psalm 39, 41, 1 Corinthians 13

The verse that really spoke to me today was Judges 4:14


S: Then Deborah said to Barak, "Go this is the day the Lord has given Sisera (enemy of Israel)into your hands. Has the Lord not gone ahead of you?".....

Observation:  Deborah was a Jewish woman and the only female Judge of Israel. She served God faithfully and was led by Him.  Because of her tremendous faith she encouraged others to obey God. (What a great mentor to look up to!)  Deborah told Barak, the Lord had already gone
ahead of him and the battle was won!

Application:  I love the part of the verse where it says - Has the Lord not gone ahead of you???  That is so encouraging.  When I step out into new, unfamiliar circumstances I have to believe the Lord has already gone ahead of me.  He will take care of the obstacles in my life. If they are not gone, He will lead me thru them and my faith will grow stronger because of them.  As I write today for the upcoming Women's Retreat - I do believe the Lord has gone before me.  I could look at the obstacles and focus on my weakness but today I chose to believe the Lord has gone before me.  He will give me the perfect words for that day and He will prepare the ladies hearts.  Best part - He will be glorified!!

Prayer: I am so grateful to serve a God who cares so much about me - He goes before me!!!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Paul said: Imitate Me. by Debbie McGrath

Scripture Reading for today:
Joshua 3-6, 1 Corinthians 4

Scripture that spoke to Me:
1 Corinthians 4:16:  Paul - therefore I urge you to imitate me.

Observation:  Paul was the founder of the Corinthian church.  Paul's goal was to teach the Christians how to live for Christ in a corrupt society.Paul told them they should imitate him.  Paul could make this statement because he walked so closely to God.  He spent time in the word and in prayer.  Paul's life was an example to other Christians.

Application: Wow - immediately I ask myself could others follow my life and see Christ in my daily walk? I know I would fall short daily. Many times my thoughts, attitudes, actions, etc.., are not what others would call Christ like. I do know it is possible with the Lord's help to model's Christ way of living.

Prayer:  Allow me to be constantly aware of Your presence in my life.  I need the power of the Holy Spirit to imitate YOU Lord.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

The only necessary thing - spending time in the Word - Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading:  Deuteronomy 30-31, Psalm 40, 1 Corinthians 1

Today was a hard day to spend time in the Word.  I am getting ready to go out of town this weekend and I have so much to do.  My mind is filled with distractions.  

Scripture that spoke to me:  Psalm 40:8
I desire to do your will, O My God your law is within my heart.

Observation:  Because I am a grateful  follower and believer of Jesus Christ, I truly desire to do the will of God.

Application: I know that God has called me to obey and serve Him.  I know that I am called to share His message to others. Unfortunately, I find myself distracted with "other agendas."  I truly desire to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind; but even as I am meditating on His Word this morning, my flesh is being pulled.  I have to remind myself, the most important part of my day is spending time with Jesus.  How can I know God's will for my life, if I don't spend time listening and talking with Him.  The distractions in my life will always be there.  But when I spend time alone with God in His word, He releases a fountain of refreshment from the very core of my being.  I truly know that God's will for my life is too spend un-rushed time with Him.  When I do this, I know He will put His law and love within my heart.

Prayer:  Praying that I talk with you Lord constantly throughout the day - asking for wisdom and guidance.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Is your religion a check off list?? Debbie McGrath

March 12, 2013
Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 19-21, Galatians 3

The book of Galatians can be hard to understand - but the main point Paul was trying to make is that
he wanted the Christian Galatians to understand they did not have to live under Jewish Law in order to be saved.

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Observation: 
When Christ died on the cross, this allowed us as believers to no longer live under the law.  But the Jews tried to convince the Christian Galatians that live under the law was mandatory.  

Application:
It is obvious that many people enjoy legalism.  It is attractive to our worldly nature.  People think it is easier when their "religion" becomes a check off list.
They obey certain laws, observe certain holy holidays, and maybe give money to a charity or a church.  Legalist love to boast about their "religious achievements" - how many acts of service they have done or gifts they have given.  A legalist, chooses not to walk by faith but by sight; one way of doing this, is to compare their self with others.  A legalist lives in bondage.

As a believer who walks by Faith - we can only measure ourself with Christ.
There is no room for pride - a believer is called to be humble and live by grace.  

As a believer we are to take God at His Word and rest on His Grace. 
We are saved by grace through faith.
We must live by grace through faith.
This is a life filled with blessings.

Prayer:
Dear Lord thank you for dying on the cross and purchasing us with your blood so that may live by grace through faith!!!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Help me overcome my unbelief!!

Title: Help me overcome my unbelief!! - Debbie McGrath

March 2, 2013
Today's reading: Numbers 30-31, Mark 9

For the past two months, I thought I would do my journaling on the computer.
  It was easier to do it on the computer, because than I could just
copy and paste it on to this blog.  I have realized by doing this, many times when I would write - I was writing to teach instead of really meditating on the scriptures for my personal growth.
For me, going back thru my journal on the computer was not the same as having it written in my own handwriting on paper. Last night, I went and bought me a new journal and started writing on paper again. I love it.

There are so many good nuggets in the reading today - even in Numbers - God calls us to be faithful.
I love learning thru the Israelites - because over and over I see myself in them.

In Mark 9:23-24 - I could so relate to the father of the demon possessed son.
He asked Jesus if you can will you please heal my son.

Jesus replied - Everything is possible for him who believes.  Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.

A crowd was standing around including the disciples who could not heal this boy.  Jesus teaches all of them - anything is possible when you understand that Christ is our Lord and Savior.

This makes me think - what have I stopped praying for because of my unbelief. I have unsaved family members I have quit praying for. - I have given up! I see them so strong in their beliefs that are not from God, I think there is no hope. If I truly believed God can do anything I would pray without ceasing for my unsaved family members.  Again, if I truly believed God can do anything,  I would ask God to increase my ministry, my faith and my love for him like never before. I would ask God to do things in my life that are beyond my wildest imagination so that I could glorify him.

Ask yourself - where has your unbelief affected your life or ministry?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Is your time with God a ritual or a relationship?? debbie McGrath


Readings for February 15, 2013
Lev. 25, Psalm 25-26; Acts 22


Scripture that spoke to me:
 Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

Observation:  David expressing his desire to God for guidance.

Application:  How do I receive guidance – by sitting at the feet of Jesus daily.  As I read God’s word – I pray that He gives me insights so I can have wisdom in my day-to-day decisions. (He loves to  answer that prayer!).

By spending time in the Word – I truly realize my only hope is in Jesus Christ. And the best part of spending time with God is that I can be transparent and vulnerable.  My time with God is rest for my soul in the busyness of my crazy day. I must realize my time with God is not a ritual it is a relationship. Christ desires to spend quality time with me!! That is amazing!

 Can you imagine saying no to God when He is waiting on us every morning?

Prayer:  Thank you, that in our time together you provide a spiritual feeding that is so satisfying to my soul. Forgive me for the times I rush thru or missed our time together.  Those are usually the days - I am controlled by my emotions and circumstances.






Monday, January 21, 2013

The Time is Near!




Jan. 21, 2013
Exodus 1, 2 - Psalm 88 - Luke 21

As I was reading all these great scriptures with so much hope and promise, it was really hard to narrow it down. Excellent read on Moses mother - what a Godly woman with so much faith. You have to give Miriam credit - she just walked right up to Pharaoh's daughter.  Psalm 88 was a little depressing but through it all - the author knew God was his Salvation.

Please share your journal entry from today - you can do it thru the comments or send it to me so I can post it.  Your insights could be a blessing to someone else today.

Scripture: Luke 21:31
Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Observation: When you read this chapter, it is obvious we have seen these things take place.  Today, we live in a time of war, earthquakes, hurricanes, famines and sickness.  Christians are being persecuted and killed for their faith.  We have two options: live in fear and be terrified of what is to come next or we wait with anticipation for the return of our Lord.

Application: Today, I chose to live like my Lord is coming back tomorrow or even today.  I chose to live for eternity and not for the temporary.  No matter what my circumstances are today – I will sing praises to my Lord because I know where I will spend eternity. I look so forward to being at the banquet table with my Lord and my Christian friends. Even though the world around me looks dark – I chose to look vertical and worship my Savior.

Prayer: 
Thank you Lord for your Word that is full of promises and hope.


Saturday, January 19, 2013

Don't miss the Presence of God.

Divine Mentor:  Today's Reading - Genesis 47, 48; Psalm 10; Luke 19

This morning it is early and there is nothing sweeter than spending time with Jesus.
I don't even think the birds are up yet, but I know my Savior is ready to talk to me.
No matter what time it is - He is available to me!!!

I read a scripture this morning - I have never realized this before.
I know that Jesus wept over the sadness around Lazarus's death
 but this morning I read again where he wept on a different situation.
I love how God speaks to me and He did this morning.

Scripture:  Luke 19:41 - As he (Jesus) approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.

 Jesus is riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.  The people are cheering and praising Him.
They thought of Jesus as a national leader who would restore their nation to its former glory.  They were blind to his real mission.

As the crowd rejoiced the Lord wept. His heart was broken by what He saw everywhere.  As he looked on the city of Jerusalem, He knew she had missed her day.  Had the people been studying the prophecy, they would have known that this was the exact day of His arrival.  What a tragedy!!!

For me, I don't want to miss any moment of Jesus.  I want to be so close to Him that I can see His daily blessings in my life. I strive daily, to be in His Word and listen to His voice.  There is nothing better than hearing from Jesus throughout the day and talking to Him.