1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2, New International Version)
Application
Have you ever run in a race? Was it easy? I have found that running can be a difficult thing. Especially over long distances. I remember running cross-country when I was in grade 7. I wasn’t that fast, but I was determined to finish the race. This is the same with our Christian walk. The writer of Hebrews is telling us that the Christian life is like running in a race. The cloud of witnesses that he is talking about is all of the people of faith that have gone before us (Read Hebrews chapter 11). They are cheering you on, telling you that you can make it. Since they are cheering us on, we should throw aside everything that hinders us. Have you ever seen professional runners on TV. They are always wearing skimpy clothing because it is light and gives very little resistance. This is the same with us. We need to throw off the old clothing that is not helping us grow in God. We also need to get rid of the sin that so easily entangles us. We need to run with perseverance and we just need to focus our eyes on Jesus who made it to the end. He is the one that we can look to. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Now what…?
Take a moment to read over this scripture again. Ask God to show you have to throw of the things that have hindered you. Ask him to show you Jesus so that you can focus on him and not fall but continue to run toward him.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Please God
For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4, New Living Translation)
Application
Something that I have struggled with in my life is pleasing people. I know that this is a very good thing to have in your life. You should care about pleasing others. As a matter of fact, being a lady or gentleman is about being pleasing to others. That is not what I am talking about here. I am talking about pleasing man over pleasing God. My purpose in life is to please God. When he tells me to do something I need to be available to do it. It doesn’t matter if it will make be look funny before other people. I need to please God before I please people. That is why I struggled with pleasing people over pleasing God. I have always wanted others to see me as someone who has everything together. I want people to think I am perfect. It took God a long time to work on my heart and show me that this was a wrong attitude. What really matters is that I please God no matter what and that is greater than being perfect before people.
Now what…?
If you have struggled with pleasing people more that you please God I would encourage you to ask God how you can please him today. If that means looking funny in-front of your friends, just do it because we are to please God first.
Application
Something that I have struggled with in my life is pleasing people. I know that this is a very good thing to have in your life. You should care about pleasing others. As a matter of fact, being a lady or gentleman is about being pleasing to others. That is not what I am talking about here. I am talking about pleasing man over pleasing God. My purpose in life is to please God. When he tells me to do something I need to be available to do it. It doesn’t matter if it will make be look funny before other people. I need to please God before I please people. That is why I struggled with pleasing people over pleasing God. I have always wanted others to see me as someone who has everything together. I want people to think I am perfect. It took God a long time to work on my heart and show me that this was a wrong attitude. What really matters is that I please God no matter what and that is greater than being perfect before people.
Now what…?
If you have struggled with pleasing people more that you please God I would encourage you to ask God how you can please him today. If that means looking funny in-front of your friends, just do it because we are to please God first.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Not Guilty
20 For no one can ever be made right in God's sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God's law, the clearer it becomes that we aren't obeying it. 21 But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight--not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. 22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
23 For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. (Romans 3:20-24, New Living Translation)
Application
The Law that Paul is talking about here is the Law that God gave to Israel in the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy). This was the Law that included the Ten Commandments and several other commandments. What Paul is saying is that if we try to know the Law we will realize that we are not obeying it. This is one of the foundations of our Christian faith. Paul says that God gave us a different way to God. That was through Jesus who took away our sins. All have sinned and we cannot live up to God. The things that is awesome is that he “declares us not guilty!” Because Jesus died on the cross we can come to Jesus even though we cannot live up to God’s standard. This puts praise in my heart. Jesus cared about us so much that he would give his life for us. That is true friendship.
Now what…?
If you have never received Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin, I would encourage you to come to him today. If you have received Jesus, I would encourage you to thank God for his love for you. He is the one who gives life and life to the full.
23 For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. (Romans 3:20-24, New Living Translation)
Application
The Law that Paul is talking about here is the Law that God gave to Israel in the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy). This was the Law that included the Ten Commandments and several other commandments. What Paul is saying is that if we try to know the Law we will realize that we are not obeying it. This is one of the foundations of our Christian faith. Paul says that God gave us a different way to God. That was through Jesus who took away our sins. All have sinned and we cannot live up to God. The things that is awesome is that he “declares us not guilty!” Because Jesus died on the cross we can come to Jesus even though we cannot live up to God’s standard. This puts praise in my heart. Jesus cared about us so much that he would give his life for us. That is true friendship.
Now what…?
If you have never received Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin, I would encourage you to come to him today. If you have received Jesus, I would encourage you to thank God for his love for you. He is the one who gives life and life to the full.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Prayer
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:13-18, New International Version)
Application
Prayer is another important thing that I believe we should study. This scripture is all about the power of prayer. It is very straightforward. If you are sick call upon the elders of the church (people like your pastor or youth leaders) and have them pray for you. If you have sinned, confess your sins to someone you have a close relationship with and that way you will be healed from that sin. In everything, learn to pray. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. When he prayed, it stopped raining for 3 ½ years. That is the kind of prayers that we can offer when we simply walk with God.
Now What…?
If you have a friend who is sick or has something wrong in their body, I would encourage you to pray for them. Also, if you have something that you have done that you know that has hurt God (sin) then I would encourage you to tell one of your closest friends about it and ask them to keep you accountable so that you do not go back to that sin again. Put the Word of God into practice.
17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:13-18, New International Version)
Application
Prayer is another important thing that I believe we should study. This scripture is all about the power of prayer. It is very straightforward. If you are sick call upon the elders of the church (people like your pastor or youth leaders) and have them pray for you. If you have sinned, confess your sins to someone you have a close relationship with and that way you will be healed from that sin. In everything, learn to pray. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. When he prayed, it stopped raining for 3 ½ years. That is the kind of prayers that we can offer when we simply walk with God.
Now What…?
If you have a friend who is sick or has something wrong in their body, I would encourage you to pray for them. Also, if you have something that you have done that you know that has hurt God (sin) then I would encourage you to tell one of your closest friends about it and ask them to keep you accountable so that you do not go back to that sin again. Put the Word of God into practice.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Power, Love and a Sound Mind
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7, King James Version)
Application
This one verse has so much in it that I didn’t want to put any other verses with it. God does not give us a spirit of fear. Have you ever been afraid of anything? What about God’s enemies or even God Himself? Whenever you come into circumstances that you are uncertain of, remember this scripture. The Bible says that perfect love cast out all fear (1 Timothy 4:18). If you are ever afraid or troubled ask God to pour out his love on you. You can also remember that God has given you POWER and a SOUND MIND. With these things you can destroy the spirit of fear in your life and even offer comfort to others who are walking in fear.
Now What…?
Thank God for the POWER, LOVE and SOUND MIND that he has given you. Memorize this scripture and get it into your heart. Whenever fear tries to show it self, speak out the Word and counteract it.
Application
This one verse has so much in it that I didn’t want to put any other verses with it. God does not give us a spirit of fear. Have you ever been afraid of anything? What about God’s enemies or even God Himself? Whenever you come into circumstances that you are uncertain of, remember this scripture. The Bible says that perfect love cast out all fear (1 Timothy 4:18). If you are ever afraid or troubled ask God to pour out his love on you. You can also remember that God has given you POWER and a SOUND MIND. With these things you can destroy the spirit of fear in your life and even offer comfort to others who are walking in fear.
Now What…?
Thank God for the POWER, LOVE and SOUND MIND that he has given you. Memorize this scripture and get it into your heart. Whenever fear tries to show it self, speak out the Word and counteract it.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Hope
1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God. (Psalm 42:1-5, New International Version)
Application
I know that every one of you have had hard days in your life. I have had my share of those days as well. One of these days I decided that I would search the Word and find out what God was saying to me. I stumbled upon this scripture and began to cry out to God. I could understand how the writer was feeling. He was distraught and sorrowful. He felt like things were not working out. The thing that caught my attention was in verse 5. I read it out loud and felt my spirit change. I decided that it was time I put my hope in God. I began to praise him in the midst of my troubles and God began to show me that he is bigger than my problems and hurts. Our God is a great big God!
Now What…?
Wherever you are in your walk with God, I would encourage you to not allow your soul to be downcast. As you read over this scripture, use it as your tool to call on God. Praise him and he will show you that he is truly bigger than your circumstances.
so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God. (Psalm 42:1-5, New International Version)
Application
I know that every one of you have had hard days in your life. I have had my share of those days as well. One of these days I decided that I would search the Word and find out what God was saying to me. I stumbled upon this scripture and began to cry out to God. I could understand how the writer was feeling. He was distraught and sorrowful. He felt like things were not working out. The thing that caught my attention was in verse 5. I read it out loud and felt my spirit change. I decided that it was time I put my hope in God. I began to praise him in the midst of my troubles and God began to show me that he is bigger than my problems and hurts. Our God is a great big God!
Now What…?
Wherever you are in your walk with God, I would encourage you to not allow your soul to be downcast. As you read over this scripture, use it as your tool to call on God. Praise him and he will show you that he is truly bigger than your circumstances.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Love
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.(1 Corinthians 13:1-7,13; New Living Translation)
Application
Have you ever been to a wedding where the officiator (Pastor) quoted this scripture? I am sure that it is the most quoted wedding scripture out there. Paul is telling the Corinthians (the people of Corinth) that love is very important. He even goes so far as to say that without love you have nothing. You can do all of these great things for God, but without love you are something very loud and piercing (like a clanging cymbal). Directly after this, he gives us a bit of a definition of love. I am guessing that most of us have troubles living up to every one of these statements about love. The truth is the only we can walk in this love is to be in God all day. The Bible says that God is Love. With him we are able and without him we are lost.
Now What…?
Just spend some time with God right now. Ask him to show you love and give you the ability to show love to others.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.(1 Corinthians 13:1-7,13; New Living Translation)
Application
Have you ever been to a wedding where the officiator (Pastor) quoted this scripture? I am sure that it is the most quoted wedding scripture out there. Paul is telling the Corinthians (the people of Corinth) that love is very important. He even goes so far as to say that without love you have nothing. You can do all of these great things for God, but without love you are something very loud and piercing (like a clanging cymbal). Directly after this, he gives us a bit of a definition of love. I am guessing that most of us have troubles living up to every one of these statements about love. The truth is the only we can walk in this love is to be in God all day. The Bible says that God is Love. With him we are able and without him we are lost.
Now What…?
Just spend some time with God right now. Ask him to show you love and give you the ability to show love to others.
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