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.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
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.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, June 21, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
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!!!
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!!!
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.
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