March 31, 2008

The Light of the World

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 23-24 : PM – Mark 16

The Light of Life
John 8:12

12 "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Prince Claybrook’s dad was his best friend. They swam and played tennis together. He really liked to be with his father. They also hunted together. His father would often be waiting for him, with his overalls and .410-guage shotgun in the car when school was out. Prince knew they were headed for the squirrel woods. Sometimes they would go before daylight. His father would carry a bright flashlight to show the way; and he would say, “Follow my light.” He would shine the light behind him to make sure the boy cold see. Prince didn’t have to know the way himself. All he had to do was follow his father. That’s real security for a boy.

To the Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus’ claim to be the Light of the world was actually a claim to be their Messiah, their savior. And His instructions were just as simple as were Tim’s Dad’s: “Follow me, and I will light the way.” In this dark world, we are secure with Jesus.

How can I ever thank You enough Lord Jesus, for the light of Your loving presence? Help me let that light shine to someone today.

March 30, 2008

Praying with Humility

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 21-22 : PM – Mark 15:40-47

Humbling Oneself
Luke 18:14

14 "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted"

The Bible makes several references to our being humble. Jesus was the ultimate example as ‘he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death” (Phil. 2:8). We are humble through our obedience to Christ. As we become humble before God, He justifies us, putting us in line with His will.

A missionary, living in another culture, learns to be humble before others who know the culture, the ways, and the language. Being a foreigner, he does not have the answers for them, but can help to be a catalyst of change. This cannot come about without humility before others and realizing he cannot do anything without the nationals in the area, their knowledge, and their experience.

Similarly, we humble ourselves before God. We can do nothing without Him.

Help me, exalted Creator, to come before You humbly, not for a reward of being exalted, but because I cannot haughtily enter into Your majestic presence.

March 29, 2008

Praying with Humility

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 19-20 : PM – Mark 15:16-39

Pleading for Mercy
Luke 18:13

13 "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!"

In a traditional Russian Baptist church, people are reminded throughout the entire service they can come forward and pray a prayer of repentance at any time. As one comes forward, the preaching, singing, or poem reciting stops immediately; and the congregation stands. The repenter then cries out to God for mercy in whatever words he or she can say as all the church prays silently for that person coming to Christ. The feeling of unworthiness in coming before a holy and might God is always heard in the repenter’s prayer.

As we come to God in humility, we see God as almighty, all knowing, and all-powerful. When we truly know God in this way, we find ourselves as not measuring up to God, but as sinners through His eyes.

We deserve punishment from God, but He has chosen to show mercy when we are humble before Him.

O God, may Your holiness be ever before me so I am reminded of my sinfulness and my desire for Your mercy.

March 28, 2008

Praying with Humility

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 16-18 : PM – Mark 15:1-15

Not Trusting in Self
Luke 18:9-12

9 "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others"

We often find ourselves putting others in the place of the Pharisees. But in doing so, we become self-righteousness. We do the same as that which we would accuse others of doing. The Bible speaks directly to them, but it is also aimed directly at us.

Anytime we are trusting solely in ourselves, we are not trusting in God. We like to think we are capable of many things. The American culture teaches us to be independent. But as Christians we do not have independence, but rather dependence on God. Without Him we can do nothing, and we are nothing. He gives us our every breath, every crumb, and every drop. When we see Him as the Great Provider, we will not view others with contempt. We will rather be humble before God and others and will desire to help others.

As we trust less in ourselves and more in God, He can bring order and purpose to our lives.

Lord, develop my dependence on You so that I totally rely on You in all circumstances.

March 27, 2008

Praying with Humility

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 13-15 : PM – Mark 14:53-72

Obeying God’s Command
2 Chronicles 7:17-22

17 "As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments"

Most of us remember from our earlier years that things went better for us at home or school when we obeyed the rules. Our sinful nature leads us to test the limits, and we have all done that. We may have tested the limits thinking they just don’t know, or they are keeping something from me, or I am just going to see if I can get away with it. Whatever the reason, we found out sooner or later the rules were there for a purpose – for our own good, to protect us.

God gives rules and commands for us to obey. We need to have guidelines as we are like wayward sheep who do not know any better. God wants our obedience out of a love for Him. If we love Him; we will want to obey Him and know Him better.

Father, grow within me an obedient spirit, flowing out of my deep love for You.

March 26, 2008

Praying with Humility

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 11-12 : PM – Mark 14:32-52

Repenting and Seeking God
2 Chronicles 7:11-16

14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land"

Many Christians in America have adopted 2 Chronicles 7:14 as the answer to their country’s problems – that if we pray, seek God, and turn from evil, then God will heal our lands. However, two words start this sequence: “humble themselves.” This is the most difficult of all these actions to do but is the first and most necessary in order for God to bring about healing.

Once we humble ourselves before God and others, repentance will come naturally; and we will desire to seek God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. Repentance will occur if we get off our pedestals and refuse to think of ourselves as better than others.

Lord, grant me humility before You and others as I live and pray. Give me a repenting spirit.

March 25, 2008

Praying with Humility

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 9-10 : PM – Mark 14:12-31

Worshiping Reverently
2 Chronicles 7:4-10

9 "And on the eighth day they held a sacred assembly, for they observed the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days"

Missionaries serving in Russia soon become accustomed to solemn worship. Both state churches and Baptist churches, for the most part, take worship very seriously. Their desire is to be in the presence of God, which for them is an outpouring of self before a holy God. Sometimes this giving of oneself in worship lends to crying, hand motions, or physical bowing. These manifestations are usually hidden or suppressed in the public culture of the people but occasionally come out in worship.

Various Christians worship the same God in different ways. Worship is an act between an individual and God, as we realize who He is and who we are. The assembly of the worshipers is when all of the individual worshipers become one voice, worshiping God together in reverence and awe.

Is your worship, both private and corporate, showing the reverence to God that He deserves?

Father, teach me to more reverently worship You.

March 24, 2008

Praying with Humility

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 7-8 : PM – Mark 14:1-11

Bowing Before God
2 Chronicles 7:1-3

3 "When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever."

Usually when we think of someone as good, it is because of deeds they have done – how they have helped us or others. Mercy is also shown through acts to others. Goodness and mercy are fruits of the Spirit, given by God as gifts to us. We cannot show goodness and mercy continually because we are only human; but God’s goodness and mercy last forever.

An encounter with God means we see who He is. We no longer think of ourselves, but only Him in His majesty, glory, and goodness. We cannot help but bow before Him and worship Him.
Have you come into God’s presence in such a way that you were compelled to bow before Him because of His greatness, as did the Israelites?

God, help me to see your greatness today and to bow before You in humility.

March 23, 2008

Praying for Protection

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 5-6 : PM – Mark 12:14-37

God’s Presence
Psalm 91:15

15 "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him”

Notice the series of promises in today’s key verse. Because God is faithful, we are assured of these helpful truths:
· Personal prayer is heard and answered by God. Whether we pray for protection, peace, or people, God will respond.
· When trouble comes, God is present. In times of sickness, disappointments, losses, and other situations, He is near.
· God will deliver us from whatever threatens to enslave us. We have His assurance of freedom from all bondage.
· God honors the faithfulness of His children. Those who love Him and seek to be true to Him will be rewarded bountifully.

Which of these promises is most relevant to you at this time?

Thank You, God, that You are always faithful to Your wonderful promises.
Help me to be faithful in claiming them.

March 22, 2008

Praying for Protection

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 3-4 : PM – Mark 12:1-13

God’s Deliverance
Psalm 91:14

14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name”

The psalmist concluded his prayer by expressing several ways God reveals His love. These promises are for the person who trusts God as their Refuge. In today’s verse, the Lord promised deliverance and exaltation. This good news must have brought comfort to the one who trusted in his God. A spiritual fellowship is implied when God said the psalmist knew who He was.

The young army private and his company were pinned down by enemy fire. A prayer for protection and deliverance would have been the appropriate thing to do, but the new Christian did not know how to pray. And then he began to say and sing everything he knew about God. Eventually the desert enemy retreated, and the military spent the night on a safe hill.

If you needed to be delivered from a crisis, how would you express that need to God?

Dear Lord, of mercy and love, thank You for being a God who delivers me from unknown dangers.

March 21, 2008

Praying for Protection

Read the Bible through:
AM – Joshua 1-2 : PM – Mark 12:28-44

Though Dangers Abound
Psalm 91:9-13

11 "He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways”

The Old English cathedral was famous for majestic stained-glass windows depicting angels. My wife and I anticipated the beauty but had not expected the emotional impact of actually seeing the beauty of this artwork. Natural light filtered through the ceiling-high windows giving the impression that the angels were watching over us as we stood looking up into their faces. What a sense of being completely surrounded by these beautiful creatures.

Through years of war and storms these angel windows have stayed as a reminder of our God, who watches over us in times of great stress and fear.

The psalmist continued his prayer for protection. He knew the Lord must be his refuge and his habitation. He also knew God’s will. Protection cannot be guaranteed if the believer is walking in disobedience.

Thank You, Lord, for all the ways You provide for my protection.

March 20, 2008

Praying for Protection

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 33-34 : PM – Mark 12:13-27

Though Dangers Abound
Psalm 91:3-8

5"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday”

Newspapers and 24-7 newscasts inform us of one danger after another. Enemy invasions, crime statistics, disease epidemics, and stock market declines are just a few of the abounding perils presented to the readers and viewers. Fear in daily living is the result of this constant menu of bad news.

What a contrast is found in the prayer for protection by this anonymous psalmist. He had already discovered unlimited access to God’s protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He understood that security is a reality even when dangers abound. Nighttime and daytime often include terror. Sudden and unexpected things can happen to people. The psalmist’s conclusion was do not be afraid. The comfort found in this prayer for protection is that God takes care of those who have made Him their refuge.

Thank You, Lord, that even though dangers abound, You are my daily Protector.

March 19, 2008

Praying for Protection

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 31-32 : PM – Mark 12:1-12

The Lord We Can Trust
Psalm 91:1-2

2 "I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust’

The national motto for the United States is “In God We Trust.” This motto has appeared on our coins since 1864. Congress voted to make the motto official in 1956. Isn’t it interesting that an anonymous psalmist expressed these same words of confidence in the Lord hundreds of years earlier?

The crisis that prompted the psalmist’s prayer for protection is not known, but the person praying must have understood that divine assistance was needed. Perhaps he had experienced God’s help in the midst of other dangers, or he knew by faith the Lord would carry him through the fears of life. The personal testimony of this psalmist is presented in verse 2. He needed a refuge for safety and a fortress for defense. Both needs are met through the Lord.

Do you really believe God is your shelter and protection and that you can rest in His shadow each day? If the answer is yes, then you know how to trust Him.

O God, I pray that I may trade my fears for trust in you.

March 18, 2008

Praying for Protection

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 29-30 : PM – Mark 11.12-33

The God of Power
Psalm 62:8-12

11 "God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God”

Two powerful storms raged on the same night in 1748. One happening involved a storm at sea; the other experience was occurring in the heart of a man named John Newton, the writer of “Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound.” This sea captain was sailing his slave ship to England with a cargo of humans when a powerful storm waterlogged the ship. The second storm was the heart-changing conversion of this sinful man, who discovered the benefits of praying for protection. He came to a saving faith in Christ, and until his death devoted his life to his powerful God.

God also spoke to David. David understood God was the source of power and steadfast love. This communication with God guaranteed the psalmist justice would be done. His enemies would be controlled. Prayer to God would result in protection for David.

Do you find strength in knowing God is strong and loving? How does Mark 9:23 encourage your faith?

Lord, help me not to measure people by their power, but to claim You, only, as the God of all power.

March 17, 2008

Praying for Protection

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 27-28 : PM – Mark 11.1-11

The God of Salvation
Psalm 62:5-7

7 "In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God”

David’s psalm indicates he had weathered the storms of people and even his own troubled soul. David knew his confidence in the God of salvation offered a change in his life – as from winter to spring.

Notice how David’s prayer describes the way God offers protection – salvation, rock, and refuge. These words assured the psalmist he was not at the disposal of people, but protected by a caring God.

Have you considered describing God as David did? Focus on how He is your Salvation, your Rock, and your Refuge.

Father, thank You for being the God of my Salvation.

March 16, 2008

Praying That Focuses on God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 24-26 : PM – Mark 10.32-52

His Redemption
Psalm 130:6-8

7 "O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption”

I had a special job in the family: S&H Green Stamps assistant. My job was to lick and sick stamps until books were complete and keep a count of how many books had been filled. My mother and I had usually selected an item for which we were saving, and I always knew how many more books of stamps were needed. The S&H Green Stamps Redemption Center was an exciting place to go. To my child’s mind, we were getting something absolutely free. The price paid for the groceries that earned those Green Stamps never crossed my mind.

As Christians, our redemption has already been paid by the sacrificial act of Christ at cavalry. Instead of believers depending upon a book waiting to be filled with redemption stamps, we have the privilege of God’s Book, the Bible, already filled with His instructions for our redeemed lives.

Father, thank You for the gift of redemption and for Your Word to guide me as I live a redeemed life.

March 15, 2008

Praying That Focuses on God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 21-23 : PM – Mark 10.17-31

His Forgiveness
Psalm 130:1-5

4 "But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared”

Elizabeth, a makeup director for a nationally-syndicated TV show, had worked 23 year with another makeup artist we’ll call Sally. She watched Sally go from a vibrant, productive makeup artist to a woman struggling with alcoholism, barely able to do her work. Resentment grew as Elizabeth did double the work to cover for Sally. When the show was canceled, Elizabeth found herself out of work. On her knees asking God for help in what to do, the answer she heard seemed to have little to do with finding work. But she did what she heard God say and within a few days received a call for a three-week job, and jobs have been constant since that day. God’s answer? “Ask for forgiveness for the resentment you felt toward Sally all those years. Create in you a clean heart, Elizabeth.”

Jesus Christ provided forgiveness for those who had sinned, even those who persecuted Him, May we have a similar forgiving spirit.

Father, teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me.

March 14, 2008

Praying That Focuses on God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 18-20 : PM – Mark 10.1-16

His Mercy
Daniel 9:11-14

18 "O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies”

What I deserved was a ticket. What I got was a merciful warning. My daughter had called to tell me the laundry room was flooded. As I explained my rush, the officer listened and seemed to sense my distress. I even asked if he could write the ticket in my driveway so I could turn off the main water valve outside my house. Soon I was on my way with only a warning to please slow down. What I deserved was a ticket. What I got was the gift of a merciful police officer.

What if God gave us what we deserved instead of the gift of mercy through His Son, Jesus Christ? What we deserve is the wages of our sin – death. What we get, instead, is the gift of eternal life from a merciful God.

Father, thank You for the gift of mercy that allows me to live in Your presence each day.

March 13, 2008

Praying That Focuses on God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 15-17 : PM – Mark 9:30-50

His Judgement
Daniel 9:11-14

14 "Therefore the LORD has kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon us; for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice”

Being inside a real courtroom was a new experience for him. But a custody hearing for his granddaughter was important enough to have him sitting in the third row, waiting for the judge to appear. Others in the room appeared to be sharing his level of anxiety. They were all there for various reasons, but they had one thing in common – the judge’s ruling. Each person sitting in that courtroom would have their lives affected one way or the other by the verdict pronounced by the judge, a person none of them had ever met.

How blessed we are as God’s children that when God sits in judgment of our lives, we have a personal relationship with Him. We know we can fully trust Him to judge in fairness and for our good.

Father, how blessed I am to know You as my personal Lord and Savior, Help me to remember that blessing when I come to You in prayer.

March 12, 2008

Praying That Focuses on God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 12-14 : PM – Mark 9:14-29

His Righteousness
Daniel 9:5-10

7 "O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day-to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You”

Family time in our house meant sitting around the kitchen table talking as a family. The topic of conversation varied. Was there good news to share, such as a promised shopping trip? Or would the adults gang up on the kids and talk about chores not done? Quite often, the first question out of our daughters’ mouths would be “What did I do this time?”

As God’s children we often need to come to the Father confessing our failures at fulfilling our intentions to live for Him. How blessed we are there is never a need to worry about God’s being anything but righteous and holy as He enables us to do our best. We can always trust His guidance.

Father, Thank You for being righteous and holy and always ready to guide me each day.

March 11, 2008

Praying That Focuses on God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 10-11 : PM – Mark 9:1-13

His Greatness
Daniel 9:1-4

4 “And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments”

Mohammed Ali, former heavyweight champion of the world, was quoted many times as saying, “I am the greatest of all times!” His flagrant claims and seeming cocky attitude encouraged many fans to believe that for at least in the world of boxing, Ali was the greatest.

As Daniel prayed, like many others, he began his prayer by verbally recognizing the great and awesome qualities of God. Words spoken in a prayer are not what prove His greatness. God has kept His word and fulfilled His promises to those who keep His commandments. His track record is flawless! As we pray, we should remember to acknowledge God’s greatness and thank Him for the privilege of being His children.

Father, what an awesome God You are. There is none like You. Yet with all Your power, majesty, and greatness, You still remember me and love me. Thank You.

March 10, 2008

Praying That Focuses on God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 7-9 : PM – Mark 8:27-38

His Kindness to All
Matthew 5:44-48

45 “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”.

Whenever my father would see a motorist in trouble, he would always stop and help change the tire, get the gas, or whatever he could do to help the person resume traveling. Those he helped would often offer to pay for his assistance; but Dad always refused, saying, “You help the next person you see in need.”

Jesus knew God’s kindness was available to everyone, regardless of their social, mental, physical, or spiritual conditions. As we become more like Jesus, we become more like the Father who shows His kindness to all people. We will show kindness without regard for what we might receive in return.

Opportunities for focusing on God’s quality of kindness are all around us each day. Pray that God will open your eyes to see those in need.

Father, use me today to help others experience Your touch of kindness.

March 9, 2008

Praying About God’s Kingdom

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 5-6 : PM – Mark 8:11-26

Magnifying Christ
Philippians 1:20-26

20 “According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death”

Our view of life and God’s view of life often are vastly different. We are ever being drawn toward the temptation to see life in terms of the temporal, material, physical world in which we live. This human view of reality is reinforced every day as we are bombarded by a myriad of messages that emphasize today and overlook eternity.

To be spiritually minded is to have a different view of reality by having the mind of Christ and seeing the reality of eternity. By faith we can set our minds on things above. We can decide to live this life for the life to come. It is a decision we renew each and everyday.

When we see life as God sees it, our attitude will be like Paul’s. We will realize the most important thing in eternity is to magnify Christ. His glory will become our life’s goal.

Lord, glorify Yourself through me.

March 8, 2008

Praying About God’s Kingdom

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 3-4 : PM – Mark 8:1-10

With Rejoicing
Philippians 1:19

19 “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ”

One of the greatest temptations facing Christians today is to believe we can accomplish anything if we simply take the right actions. This sentiment is particularly insidious because it contains some truth. The truth is that right actions are needed. The fallacy with this outlook is that it sometimes places the emphasis upon the mental and physical realms while neglecting the spiritual reality of our actions.

Paul understood that his effectiveness was more dependent upon the power of God’s Spirit than his own ability. He realized the tremendous power of intercessory prayer. He was confident the prayers of others would impact his life. He knew this because he had seen his prayers impact others’ lives.

We are powerless without prayer. Is that belief demonstrated in our corporate prayer life? How many people attended prayer meeting in your church last week? Perhaps we lack power because we lack prayer.

Lord, give me a heart for prayer. Teach me to pray.

March 7, 2008

Praying About God’s Kingdom

Read the Bible through:
AM – Deut. 1-2 : PM – Mark 7:24-37

With Rejoicing
Philippians 1:15-18

18 “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice”

Paul apparently received reports about people who were preaching the gospel with ulterior motives. While some were preaching the gospel in the right spirit, others were preaching with the idea of building a personal following. The response of the natural man would have been to feel threatened, to lash out at those who sought to take away from Paul’s influence within the Philippian church. But Paul’s concern for the kingdom was greater than his concern for his own reputation. Paul responded in the Spirit, not in the flesh. Paul rejoiced that Jesus was being preached, even if he did not get the credit.

Imagine how the kingdom of God would grow if none of us were concerned about getting the credit and if our hearts’ desires were simply to see Jesus magnified. This is what it means to lose our lives for the sake of the gospel. For whose glory are your living, yours or God’s?

Lord, help me to rejoice when Christ is preached.

March 6, 2008

Praying About God’s Kingdom

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 34-36 : PM – Mark 7:1-23

For the Furtherance of the Gospel
Philippians 1:12-14

12 “And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there"

It was at Philippi that Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown in jail for preaching. Instead of complaining, they had used the opportunity to win the jailer and his family to Jesus. Writing from a roman prison cell, Paul saw his whole life, the joy and the suffering, as something god could and would use to expand the kingdom. This total surrender to Jesus liberated Paul from the prison of self-concern. His primary interest was the kingdom of God, not his own comfort. Clearly, Paul was living this life for the life to come.

Do you look for how God can expand His Kingdom through your every experience? Can you sincerely pray, “Thy will be done,” if that means you must suffer for His sake? How you answer depends upon whether you are committed to building your earthly empire or His eternal kingdom.

Lord, help me further Your gospel today.

March 5, 2008

Praying About God’s Kingdom

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 32-33 : PM – Mark 6:33-56

Worship and Witness
Acts 16:11-15

13 “And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there"

I sometimes wonder what our early Christian brothers and sisters would think of how we worship and witness these days. How would they feel about all the fuss over worship style? When Paul entered Philippi, there was no stained glass, no pipe organ, no guitar, and no overhead projector. I doubt he even had an order of worship scroll. He simply went down to the river where certain women had gathered. He prayed, he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, and some were saved. It was simple but powerful.

God does not need our church trappings to expand His kingdom. The early church had no property; they did have a testimony. It is our testimony, how we live and what we say, that displays the power of the gospel to change lives. Let us live His truth with our lives, and let us speak His truth with our lips. This is what it means to worship and to witness.

Lord let my life be a testimony to Your truth.

March 4, 2008

Praying About God’s Kingdom

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 30-31 : PM – Mark 6:14-32

With Obedience
Acts 16:6-10

10 “Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them"

Paul and His companions were eager to preach the gospel. With marked successes behind them, they tried to preach the word in Asia; but the Holy Spirit said no. Then they tried to go into Bithynia, but again the Holy Spirit would not permit it. God had other plans – plans he revealed to Paul in a vision. Once instructed, Paul’s obedience was immediate.

Success in many Christian circles today is measured in terms of activity. But we must not make the mistake of confusing activity with obedience. Activity is something we think we should be doing while obedience is doing what he has told us to do. We must not presume to work on God’s behalf without first getting His instructions. That is where prayer becomes an absolute necessity.

Once we receive God’s direction, we should not delay. Our obedience should be immediate as was Paul’s.

Lord may I be diligent to listen and quick to obey You.

March 3, 2008

Praying About God’s Kingdom

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 27-29 : PM – Mark 6:1-13

As it Grows
Mark 4:30-32

32 “But when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade"

Jesus, in His typical fashion, used physical things to illustrate spiritual truths. He pointed to a mustard seed and compared it to the kingdom of God. It held great potential, and when planted it would grow large. Both are true of the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God grows in two ways. It grows when lost people accept Jesus as Savior. It also grows as Christians continue to surrender their lives over to the lordship of Jesus. Both of these require prayer. We should pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will send workers into the field. We also should pray without ceasing, lest we fall into temptation.

For now the kingdom of God is within all believers (Luke 17:21). There will come a day when Jesus will return in glory to perfect the kingdom. And to this end we should pray “Even so, Lord Jesus, come.”

Lord, Thy Kingdom come to earth, within me and around me, as it is in heaven.

March 2, 2008

Praying that Pleases God

Read the Bible through:
AM – Numbers 25-26 : PM – Mark 5.35-43

Prayer with Faithfulness
Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

4 “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed"

Spoken Words are powerful. With them we shape the lives of our children, reveal our character, and determine the course of our lives. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Jesus said we will give account for every idle word we have spoken. (Matt. 12:36). Idle words are thoughtless and empty.

How often have we sung “I surrender all,” but we really meant “I surrender some?” Or how often have we prayed “whatever You want Lord;” when what we meant was “as long as I agree with it?”

Let us be careful when we pray that we do not promise more than we will carry out. God does not exact promises from us. He does not force us to make commitments. He does, however, expect us to keep the vows we make. To do less is sin and will bring definite consequences (Deut. 23:21).

Lord, may the words of my mouth be acceptable in Your sight.