God Has an Incredible Resume - Divine Mentor Reading Plan - Debbie McGrath

Divine Mentor - March 9 - Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 16

Powerful reading in the chapters of Deuteronomy.

I loved the verse Deut. 11:2
Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the Lord your God:his majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched hand.

Moses was speaking to the Israelites reminding them that they saw and they experienced the love and wrath of God.  He spoke to the generation that should know and remember.  Moses even reminded them thru scripture of the mighty acts of God they had witnessed.  Moses called this generation to remember what God did in their history and to teach their children.

Today, we need to be reminded to look back on our journey and see what great and miraculous acts God has done in our lives.  It is so easy to look back and be more concerned with what we have accomplished professionally and personally.  This is what the world teaches.  This is how many determine if they have been successful.  But God wants us to look at history and see what He has done and what he promises for our future.  We learn far more and are more more benefited, by looking what at what God has done, rather than looking at what we have accomplished.

Lord, I pray that today, I set me my mind on things above and not on earthly things!  Colossians 3:2

Divine Mentor - Privilege to Serve God - Debbie McGrath

Monday - July 1, 2013
Scripture Reading from Divine Mentor:
Isaiah 1-3, Titus 3

Scripture that spoke to me:
Titus 3:14 - Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,
in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

Observation:  
God has called me to devote my life to doing what is good.  My purpose is to bring others into the kingdom and to sent an example of Godly behavior for other believers.

Application:
When I meditate on this verse, it is overwhelming that God has chosen me to be involved in His sacred work. Seriously, God does not need me.  He has a host of angels who could get the job done more efficiently.  God himself with the sound of His voice could get all the work done in an instant.  But God has called me and you to be instruments of His grace.  If He wants a message declared, He calls on human lips.  If He wants a truth written, He inspires  human mind. It is crazy to think that God allows me and you to become part of His victory over Evil.  And in the end, we will all celebrate together and enjoy the riches.

Prayer:
That each morning I wake up, I realize I have an eternal purpose!

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.

How is your Prayer Life? Debbie McGrath

Today's Reading:  May 4, 2013
2 Samuel 8, 9; 1 Chronicles 18, 19; Matthew 21

Loved reading about David and how faithful he was to the Lord.
His people loved the Lord as well because David loved the Lord!

The verse that spoke to me today: Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive, whatever you ask for in my name.

Observation: 
When I read this verse - it is obvious that prayer can change your life!

Application:
As I read this verse, I am immediately convicted that I pray way too little!
Even though I know that prayer is meant to be as simple and natural as breathing. I also know that God sends blessings down from heaven when we pray.  Prayer is not a duty.  Prayer is a simple, ongoing conversation with our heavenly Father that is honest and heartfelt.  If I truly realized the power of prayer - I would be praying without ceasing.  Prayer links our lives with God's exciting purposes and power!!! The best part of prayer - it brings me into a love relationship with God when I do pray.  When I pray, I realize how much I need God.  I must remember, prayer makes impossible things possible.

Prayer:  Lord, forgive me for not devoting my life to prayer - there is nothing more important!!!  Give me the discipline to pray without ceasing!

Bold Prayers!! by Debbie McGrath

Today's reading:  
March 21: Joshua 9-11, 1 Corinthians 6

Joshua is one of my favorite books and I admire the faith of Joshua.
He knew God and he was faithful to God. 
Joshua is truly a mentor for all of us!!

The scripture I chose:( I love this bold prayer!!)
Joshua 10:12... Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:
                     "O sun stand still over Gibeon.
                       O moon, over the valley of Aijan.
Observation:
The Israelites are in battle with the 5 kings of the Amorites and their soldiers.
Joshua and his men with the Lord's help is winning the battle but they need more day light so the Amorites could not hide in the woods when the sun went down.  In front of all the Israelites, Joshua bodily prays out loud for the sun to stand still and God answered his prayer.

Application:
Joshua had so much faith because He knew the Lord!!! He was specific with his prayer request and God was glorified!!  Joshua never doubted his prayer.  god wants us to pray boldly.  Bold prayers honor God and God honors bold prayers.
The bolder our prayers the more glory God receives.  We have to believe that God is for us and if we believe that we will pray big audacious prayers.  We need to pursue God sized dreams ad seize God ordained opportunities.

Prayer:  Lord help me change my prayer life!! Help me to ask for the impossible and believe!!

               

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?

"To live is Christ and to die is gain." The Apostle Paul

Feb. 19 - 2013

Numbers 5, 6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

 Debbie McGrath

Title:  To live is Christ and to die is gain - The Apostle Paul

Scripture that spoke to me: Acts 26:24

At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense,

“You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted…

Observation: 

As Festus was listening to Paul’s testimony, he thought Paul was a nutcase!  Festus would never believe in the resurrection of a dead man.  Festus could not understand why anyone would choose a life that brought less pleasure but more suffering. We all know how Paul felt: - “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Those on the outside thought this was crazy.

Application: 

In the world we live in today, it is acceptable to be crazy over wealth, power, science, pleasure and athletics. But to be fervent about spiritual things is madness.  How I desire to live like Paul!!  His eyes were fixed on the eternal and not the temporary.  Paul and I have the same beliefs - but I have not carried my faith to its logical end like Paul.  I desire, to have a spiritual resemblance of Paul.  I am here for the purpose of reaching others, so that they will open their eyes and turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.  That is my high calling and privilege. 

Prayer:

Lord, help me not to worry about what people think – I would love for someone to say I am crazy about Jesus.  Remind me daily of who I am and who I am in Christ.  Give me the courage to speak the truth of the gospel to those who need to hear it so desperately. 

We can't afford not to "examine the Scriptures every day."

February 10, 2013 – Debbie McGrath

Today’s Reading:  Lev. 13-14, Acts 17

As I continue to read thru the book of Acts, it is obvious that Paul put everything he had into living and dying for Christ. He was willing to suffer for Christ and for others because he loved them. Paul was alive for Christ!!

Scripture that spoke to me: Acts 17:11

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Observation: 

In the verse above it states the Bereans (located in Thesalonica) couldn’t wait to be in the Word and receive God’s message!!  They were in the Word daily!! The Word of God had come alive to them and they rushed to taste it and it satisfied their souls. Later in 1 Thessalonians – Paul writes about the Bereans saying your faith in God has become known everywhere. (this is exciting!)

Application:

Do we have an eagerness to be in the Scripture daily and listen to the voice of God??  Is our faith in God known everywhere??  We cannot afford not to “examine the scriptures everyday.

All of us should be constantly reading, digging, cross-referencing, comparing – rushing with eagerness to feed on the Word of the Lord!  Our Christian life can be most stimulating if we continually immerse ourselves in Scripture. (This is my heart and passion – to encourage others to saturate their mind daily in the Word of God!!)

Prayer:

Grant us a continuing hunger for spiritual truth!  Give us a hunger for the Word of God like never before.

Spend Time with Jesus - by: Debbie McGrath

Dear Friends, 

I encourage you to spend time in the Word of God today. 

See what He has to say to you!

Just like Peter and John, when you spend time with Jesus 

your life will be transformed

 and others will notice!

January 28, 2013 (Divine Mentor Reading for Today)

Exodus 21, 23; Psalm 12, Acts 4

Scripture that made an impression on my heart.

Acts 4:13 – When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Observation:

The rulers, elders, and teachers of the law who made up the Jewish Council – the same council that had condemned Jesus to death – were questioning Peter and John.  You would think Peter and John would be intimated – but they weren’t. When their enemies confronted them, they responded with amazing confidence, daring aggressiveness and no compromise!  How could they do this – because they had been with Jesus.  They were indwelt with the Holy Spirit and with Christ.  Because of this, they were not concerned about themselves – Christ was the focus of their lives.

Application:

To be filled with the Spirit, I must engage in constant prayer so that the Spirit of Christ will consistently flow thru me.

Second, I must remain in the Word of God.  I must be constantly learning, constantly being taught so that Christ is projected throughout my life. 

Third, spending time with God’s people. I had lunch yesterday with some girlfriends from church.  There is nothing better than being with like-minded people  - as we laughed and fellowshipped together – I could see the light of Christ flow from them and I was encouraged!!

Prayer:  Lord fill me with your Spirit again and again.  Help me to be disciplined to spend time in your word, to make time to be with other believers and spend time in prayer.  May the people I interact with today and tomorrow not be able to miss the fact that I have been with Jesus.  Keep me humble and dependent upon the Holy Spirit – so that I may bring you glory and honor.

"Getting Back to Worship" by: Amanda Watts

“Getting Back to Worship”

By:  Amanda Watts

January 24, 2013

Scripture Reading for the Day:  Exodus 9-11, Luke 24

Scripture: Luke 24:52

Scripture: “After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”

Observation: 

After the disciples had seen the resurrected Christ, they worshiped and were filled with joy.

Application:

There is a song that has sort of been on repeat in my car over the last month that has helped me to change my perspective on true worship and coming to my Savior with a pure heart.  The artist name is Jimmy Needham and the song is called “Clear the Stage.” The song speaks to clearing everything off the “stage” of your life so that you can see and hear the Lord clearly without any distractions.  This may include getting rid of friendships, getting off certain social media sites, turning off cell phones or whatever else may be in your life that can be pulling you away from time with the Lord. Hear me when I say that I am single and cannot relate to what it’s like to be married or have children, so I now that there are things that He has blessed you with sweet girl and I’m thankful for those things in your life.  If you’re at a place where you can’t think of anything that may be a big distraction I encourage you to go to the Lord and ASK.  But back to worshiping, there is a part of the song that defines what an idol might be that might hinder your worship…

“Anything I put before my God is an idol….

and anything I want with all my heart is an idol….

and anything I can’t stop thinking of, is an idol…

and anything that I give all my love is an idol…

because I can sing all I want to and still get it wrong. 

Oh, worship is more than a song.”

When I heard this for the first time it rocked me to my core. I had thought, an idol is something tangible or something I can touch and hold but this opened my mind to consider that an idol can be anything that I give more weight than is deserved. 

I wonder what the disciple’s worship looked like in that room after they had been with the risen Lord??? I bet it doesn’t look like anything that we see in church today.  I serve with CP youth on Sunday mornings before going to Debbie’s bible study. One series Josh did was on what it looks like to live a life for Christ.  He had a guest speaker come in and define for the students what worship can look lie when it pleases God.  

He described 7 types of worship seen in scripture.

1.    Towday: Sacrifice of praise: offering sacrifice. Thankfulness and agreement:

2.    Yada: demonstration of submission by the raising of hands: Gods in control: whatever is and is to come - I am Yours

3.    Bara: to bow and be completely overwhelmed by His majesty:

showing honor in submission, adoration and reverence

4.    Shabach: to shout or lift up your voice: a joyful noise, walls of Jericho

5.    Zamar: to play an instrument before the Lord

6.    Halell: to boast in the wonders of the Lord in excitement of dance

7.    Tehilah: shouting, dancing, clapping: spontaneous praise for Gods glory

Prayer:

 Lord, I ask that You would clear the stage, take away all distractions until it’s only You that I see.  I ask for revelation of what I have piled high in my life to dull the sweet sound of your voice.  Speak loud and sweet in this next week and draw me closer to YOU! Let me not be ashamed to worship you in a way that pleases You and makes my soul rejo