Saturday, March 9, 2013
What if? Not a question in God's vocabulary! Debbie McGrath
March 9, 2013
Today's Reading: Deut. 10-12, Mark 16
All the reading was so good today - at first I had a hard time picking that one verse.
I prayed and asked God to make His Word come alive so I could learn what He wanted to teach me today. God brought the following verse to my mind and I appreciate these ladies so much more after I really mediated on this scripture.
What If?
Mark 16:1
Scripture:
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome brought spices so that they might go anoint Jesus body.
Observation:
These ladies loved Jesus so much, they didn't care that others hated Him and just crucified Him. They wanted to show their respect and serve Christ. Their love for Jesus was so evident. But they faced two large obstacles. One was the Roman Soldiers and the other was the large stone in front of the grave.
Application:
I love the faith of these two women. They did not say what if? So many times we miss the blessing in ministry because we say what if? We focus on the what if? We look around us and see the large obstacles and say this want work-so we don't even try. The heart of these ladies was focused on Jesus - what a lesson for us right there. They were going to serve Him no matter what obstacles were in front of them. Because of their obedience and faith - they were so blessed - they were the first to see the Risen Jesus!!!! What if they would have stayed home because their focus was on the rock or the Roman Soldiers or what would people would think of them anointing His body? What do we miss out on because our focus is on the obstacles instead of Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord - help us to put our focus on you and not be distracted by the obstacles in our life!!!
Friday, March 8, 2013
God is...by Debbie McGrath
March 8, 2013
Today's Scripture Reading:
Deut. 7-9, Mark 15
One of the reasons I mediate on scripture daily, I love learning about God. The Bible is the only book that contains the mind of God and reveals the true path to salvation. Thru scripture, I learn about his characteristics and I see how much he cares and loves me. My time in the word is refreshing and sometimes overwhelming. It amazes me that God wants to spend time with me. He always teaches me and gives me hope in our time together.
Today in Deuteronomy 7-9 God is described in so many ways - it was awesome.
God reminded me again why He is Lord!
This is what God showed me in Deut. 7-9:
God is God
He is faithful
A promise keeper
He blesses me
Performs miraculous signs and wonders.
Great and Awesome
My daily bread
Provider
Disciplines
He goes ahead of us
Great power
When I mediate on these traits of God - I am grateful that I am the daughter of the King of Kings!!
Today's Scripture Reading:
Deut. 7-9, Mark 15
One of the reasons I mediate on scripture daily, I love learning about God. The Bible is the only book that contains the mind of God and reveals the true path to salvation. Thru scripture, I learn about his characteristics and I see how much he cares and loves me. My time in the word is refreshing and sometimes overwhelming. It amazes me that God wants to spend time with me. He always teaches me and gives me hope in our time together.
Today in Deuteronomy 7-9 God is described in so many ways - it was awesome.
God reminded me again why He is Lord!
This is what God showed me in Deut. 7-9:
God is God
He is faithful
A promise keeper
He blesses me
Performs miraculous signs and wonders.
Great and Awesome
My daily bread
Provider
Disciplines
He goes ahead of us
Great power
When I mediate on these traits of God - I am grateful that I am the daughter of the King of Kings!!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
My Promised Land - Deena Serafin
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalm 36; Mark 13
Scripture:
Deut. 4:7, 9: " For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us....?" " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart.... And teach them to your children and your grandchildren."
Observation:
Moses was not going into the Promised Land with his people, so he gave these important words to them: 1)Be aware of your special calling by God; 2) remember and keep God's commandments;
3) teach these to your children and grandchildren.
Application:
When I was nine, the Holy Spirit used a counselor at summer camp to lead me to salvation- God's "Promised Land." Many times since that day I have 1) forgotten the incredible grace of God who chose me; 2) known what to do but have gone my own way; 3) failed to be a living testimony and share my story with my family. Just as the Israelite nation, I have suffered consequences for my disobedience and missed out on blessings due to my unfaithfulness. I know that, just as God kept his covenant promise to Abraham, He will be faithful to keep me as His forever.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you that my salvation is by grace and not anything I need to earn. Thank you for the assurance that, even in my unfaithfulness, you are eternally faithful.
Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalm 36; Mark 13
Scripture:
Deut. 4:7, 9: " For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us....?" " Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart.... And teach them to your children and your grandchildren."
Observation:
Moses was not going into the Promised Land with his people, so he gave these important words to them: 1)Be aware of your special calling by God; 2) remember and keep God's commandments;
3) teach these to your children and grandchildren.
Application:
When I was nine, the Holy Spirit used a counselor at summer camp to lead me to salvation- God's "Promised Land." Many times since that day I have 1) forgotten the incredible grace of God who chose me; 2) known what to do but have gone my own way; 3) failed to be a living testimony and share my story with my family. Just as the Israelite nation, I have suffered consequences for my disobedience and missed out on blessings due to my unfaithfulness. I know that, just as God kept his covenant promise to Abraham, He will be faithful to keep me as His forever.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you that my salvation is by grace and not anything I need to earn. Thank you for the assurance that, even in my unfaithfulness, you are eternally faithful.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Do not be Discouraged! Debbie McGrath
Today's Reading(March 5) - Deuteronomy 1-2, Mark 12
Scripture that spoke to me:
Deuteronomy 1:21- Do not be discouraged.
Observation: Moses was referring to all the Israelites because they were discouraged about entering the Promise Land. They were discouraged because they looked thru their earthly eyes at all the obstacles in the Promise Land. They forgot that God had promised this land to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and to them.
Application: It is so easy to get discouraged and then to wallow in it. People and circumstances will always disappoint us. I just had a situation this past weekend, I was discouraged. I let myself become consumed with the thoughts of disappointment - which is never good. But thru these scriptures this morning - Gd is showing me that a mature Christian woman does not give up because of discouragement. Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13 - forget what lies behind and strain toward what is ahead. I am encouraged by these words - to press on toward the goal because my hope is in Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for wanting to quit what you have called me to do because I was discouraged. Today, I pray that my mind and heart is focused on your greatness and your call for my life.
Scripture that spoke to me:
Deuteronomy 1:21- Do not be discouraged.
Observation: Moses was referring to all the Israelites because they were discouraged about entering the Promise Land. They were discouraged because they looked thru their earthly eyes at all the obstacles in the Promise Land. They forgot that God had promised this land to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and to them.
Application: It is so easy to get discouraged and then to wallow in it. People and circumstances will always disappoint us. I just had a situation this past weekend, I was discouraged. I let myself become consumed with the thoughts of disappointment - which is never good. But thru these scriptures this morning - Gd is showing me that a mature Christian woman does not give up because of discouragement. Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13 - forget what lies behind and strain toward what is ahead. I am encouraged by these words - to press on toward the goal because my hope is in Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for wanting to quit what you have called me to do because I was discouraged. Today, I pray that my mind and heart is focused on your greatness and your call for my life.
Monday March 4, 2013
Scripture: Mark 11:13 fig tree & 11:22 faith
By: Barbara Hutchinson
This reference to the fig tree is very important as to our speaking the very WORDS of JESUS & expecting (having faith in the promise that GOD cannot lie, a promise broken becomes a lie)
so we believe they will come to pass as we speak them.
This is the example that we are to place a demand upon
by speaking them outloud just as JESUS did & expecting the same results
to what ever lie has just been presented to us
from satan's temptation for us to speak idle words of the world of
griping, complaining, murmuring by talking words of unbelief,
thereby cursing ourselves.
Satan cannot curse us himself, he can only tempt us to curse ourselves by the words we speak.
As we read behind the lines at JESUS' intent to have the HOLY SPIRIT to inspire this example for us to follow:
As JESUS & HIS disciples were walking to Jerusalem,
they were hungry and from a distance the fig tree with green leaves that signaled (spoke so to say)
there was fruit to provide sustenance to set feed their hunger.
When they arrived there was no figs (fruit) so it actually lied.
JESUS answered, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever." and HIS disciples heard it.
And apparantly the tree listened also & had no defense.
Verse 20: on their way back by the next day the fig tree had DIED
shriveled up from the root,
from the inside out falling to the ground to be trampled under foot.
This same promise is also recorded in Ps 91:13
Thou shalt tread upon the lion & adder: the young lion & the dragon (satan the liar, thief, robber who come only to kill, rob & destroy) shalt thou (we) trample under our feet.
We have victory, the same power over satan (the hypocrite of hypocrites)
thru our tongue which has the power of life or death
which is our weapon against evil...not our fists,
like Paul says, we do not beat the air with our fists.
The battle of the curse of this earth, this world has already been defeated & won
& nailed to that cross, the battle rages over us in the heavenlies
& we play a big part in that battle with the power of our tongues
and speaking to that curse in righteous godly words of truth & life
filled with faith, trust & belief,
which is our 3 braided umbilical cord, our lifelines attached to JESUS.
Verse 22: JESUS answering Peter saith unto them, HAVE FAITH IN GOD.
Verse 23: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain (another inanament thing) Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea: and shall NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART, (key) but shall BELIEVE that those things which he SAITH shall come to pass: he shall have whatsoever he SAITH.
Not what he physically fights with his fists for, just simply says.
But their is a caveat in verse 26 we must forgive ALL WRONGS DONE TO US
as JESUS has forgiven all of our wrongs we have done to HIM.
We are to be meek & humble just as our MIGHTY SAVIOR is, who is not weak.
HE chose to be meek & humble.
We must choose this also in full concious awareness in boldness & determination.
PRAYER:
Our ALMIGHTY GOD, our DADDY you stand behind your WORD,
EVERY PROMISE SPOKEN IN FAITH.
YOU HAVE GIVEN EACH OF US A MEASURE OF YOUR FAITH, WHICH IS YOUR INTEGRITY, YOU KEEP YOUR WORD TO THE LAST JOT,
LAST TITTLE NO MATTER WHAT WE DO WITH IT,
RECEIVE IT OR REJECT IT,
IT STANDS FOR ETERNITY, IMMUTABLE, NEVER CHANGING, STEADFAST, CONSISTENT, TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE, STABLE,
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!
Being your children known by YOUR NAME Christians,
doers of YOU the word, not just hearers not just talkers, no longer hypocrites,
we are to keep our word when we give it to YOU, give it to each other,
give it to ourselves just as faithfully.
Then we function in YOUR INTEGRITY.
So contrary to the world, we stick out like sore thumbs in the eye of satan, thats why he hates us so viciously, because we have a future in YOUR PRESENCE FOR ETERNITY and he does not.
We are family & he is not.
GLORY HALLELUJAH, PRAISE YOU LORD IN JESUS NAME AMEN!!!!
By: Barbara Hutchinson
This reference to the fig tree is very important as to our speaking the very WORDS of JESUS & expecting (having faith in the promise that GOD cannot lie, a promise broken becomes a lie)
so we believe they will come to pass as we speak them.
This is the example that we are to place a demand upon
by speaking them outloud just as JESUS did & expecting the same results
to what ever lie has just been presented to us
from satan's temptation for us to speak idle words of the world of
griping, complaining, murmuring by talking words of unbelief,
thereby cursing ourselves.
Satan cannot curse us himself, he can only tempt us to curse ourselves by the words we speak.
As we read behind the lines at JESUS' intent to have the HOLY SPIRIT to inspire this example for us to follow:
As JESUS & HIS disciples were walking to Jerusalem,
they were hungry and from a distance the fig tree with green leaves that signaled (spoke so to say)
there was fruit to provide sustenance to set feed their hunger.
When they arrived there was no figs (fruit) so it actually lied.
JESUS answered, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever." and HIS disciples heard it.
And apparantly the tree listened also & had no defense.
Verse 20: on their way back by the next day the fig tree had DIED
shriveled up from the root,
from the inside out falling to the ground to be trampled under foot.
This same promise is also recorded in Ps 91:13
Thou shalt tread upon the lion & adder: the young lion & the dragon (satan the liar, thief, robber who come only to kill, rob & destroy) shalt thou (we) trample under our feet.
We have victory, the same power over satan (the hypocrite of hypocrites)
thru our tongue which has the power of life or death
which is our weapon against evil...not our fists,
like Paul says, we do not beat the air with our fists.
The battle of the curse of this earth, this world has already been defeated & won
& nailed to that cross, the battle rages over us in the heavenlies
& we play a big part in that battle with the power of our tongues
and speaking to that curse in righteous godly words of truth & life
filled with faith, trust & belief,
which is our 3 braided umbilical cord, our lifelines attached to JESUS.
Verse 22: JESUS answering Peter saith unto them, HAVE FAITH IN GOD.
Verse 23: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain (another inanament thing) Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea: and shall NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART, (key) but shall BELIEVE that those things which he SAITH shall come to pass: he shall have whatsoever he SAITH.
Not what he physically fights with his fists for, just simply says.
But their is a caveat in verse 26 we must forgive ALL WRONGS DONE TO US
as JESUS has forgiven all of our wrongs we have done to HIM.
We are to be meek & humble just as our MIGHTY SAVIOR is, who is not weak.
HE chose to be meek & humble.
We must choose this also in full concious awareness in boldness & determination.
PRAYER:
Our ALMIGHTY GOD, our DADDY you stand behind your WORD,
EVERY PROMISE SPOKEN IN FAITH.
YOU HAVE GIVEN EACH OF US A MEASURE OF YOUR FAITH, WHICH IS YOUR INTEGRITY, YOU KEEP YOUR WORD TO THE LAST JOT,
LAST TITTLE NO MATTER WHAT WE DO WITH IT,
RECEIVE IT OR REJECT IT,
IT STANDS FOR ETERNITY, IMMUTABLE, NEVER CHANGING, STEADFAST, CONSISTENT, TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE, STABLE,
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!
Being your children known by YOUR NAME Christians,
doers of YOU the word, not just hearers not just talkers, no longer hypocrites,
we are to keep our word when we give it to YOU, give it to each other,
give it to ourselves just as faithfully.
Then we function in YOUR INTEGRITY.
So contrary to the world, we stick out like sore thumbs in the eye of satan, thats why he hates us so viciously, because we have a future in YOUR PRESENCE FOR ETERNITY and he does not.
We are family & he is not.
GLORY HALLELUJAH, PRAISE YOU LORD IN JESUS NAME AMEN!!!!
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?
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?
Friday, March 1, 2013
Is Jesus Your Secret Friend?
Friday, March 1
Today's Reading: Numbers 28-29; Mark 8
Scripture:
Mark 8:30 "Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him."
Observation:
My study Bible calls this the "Messianic Secret". Jesus had come for a specific purpose and had 3 short years in which to accomplish it: to choose and disciple 12 men and to give His life as a sacrifice for the sin of anyone who would believe in Him, including me. He performed miraculous healings as people came to Him (because He loved them); however, He could not allow the huge crowds or the hatred of the Pharisees to get in the way of God's perfect plan. He wanted to downplay these miracles.
Application:
The problem today is that so often I act as though this verse were written to me! I go days, weeks, even months telling no one about Jesus---as if it were a secret! Why is it that within minutes of meeting a total stranger I find myself talking about my grandchildren by name, but I never mention the name of Jesus? Why? Without a doubt, the more time I spend with Him daily, reading His words to me, speaking and listening to Him, the more I am compelled to tell others who He is and what He is doing in my life.
Prayer:
Jesus, please forgive me for neglecting to talk about You in every situation. People need to hear Your name. I need to speak Your name. Jesus. Not one day should ever go by that I do not publicly speak Your name. I cannot keep You as my secret Lord.
Today's Reading: Numbers 28-29; Mark 8
Scripture:
Mark 8:30 "Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him."
Observation:
My study Bible calls this the "Messianic Secret". Jesus had come for a specific purpose and had 3 short years in which to accomplish it: to choose and disciple 12 men and to give His life as a sacrifice for the sin of anyone who would believe in Him, including me. He performed miraculous healings as people came to Him (because He loved them); however, He could not allow the huge crowds or the hatred of the Pharisees to get in the way of God's perfect plan. He wanted to downplay these miracles.
Application:
The problem today is that so often I act as though this verse were written to me! I go days, weeks, even months telling no one about Jesus---as if it were a secret! Why is it that within minutes of meeting a total stranger I find myself talking about my grandchildren by name, but I never mention the name of Jesus? Why? Without a doubt, the more time I spend with Him daily, reading His words to me, speaking and listening to Him, the more I am compelled to tell others who He is and what He is doing in my life.
Prayer:
Jesus, please forgive me for neglecting to talk about You in every situation. People need to hear Your name. I need to speak Your name. Jesus. Not one day should ever go by that I do not publicly speak Your name. I cannot keep You as my secret Lord.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)