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!!!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
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.
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.
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??
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??
Friday, June 7, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
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.
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.
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.
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.
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