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.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Faith
1 What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. 2 God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith.
3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. God accepted Abel's offering to show that he was a righteous man. And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his faith.
5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"suddenly he disappeared because God took him."[a] But before he was taken up, he was approved as pleasing to God. 6 So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.(Hebrews 11:1-6, New Living Translation)
Application
I think that the key verse here is verse 6. “So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith.” We were created for God’s pleasure. This is a foundation for all Christians. What is faith? The Bible says that it is the assurance that what we hope for is really going to happen. That means that we believe that Jesus is coming back. We believe that when we pray for someone they will be healed. The Bible also says that it is the evidence of the things we cannot see. Many people do not believe in God because they cannot see him. This scripture shows us that our faith can be the evidence that God exists. The writer of Hebrews then goes on to talk about some of the people in the Bible who pleased God because they had faith. As a matter-of-fact, this entire chapter in Hebrews is about men and women of faith. To please God we need to walk in faith.
Now What…?
I would like you guys to read the entire 11th chapter of Hebrews. Just take some time and read through it in your own Bible. Ask God to show you how to walk in faith just like those that went before us.
3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. God accepted Abel's offering to show that he was a righteous man. And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his faith.
5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"suddenly he disappeared because God took him."[a] But before he was taken up, he was approved as pleasing to God. 6 So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.(Hebrews 11:1-6, New Living Translation)
Application
I think that the key verse here is verse 6. “So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith.” We were created for God’s pleasure. This is a foundation for all Christians. What is faith? The Bible says that it is the assurance that what we hope for is really going to happen. That means that we believe that Jesus is coming back. We believe that when we pray for someone they will be healed. The Bible also says that it is the evidence of the things we cannot see. Many people do not believe in God because they cannot see him. This scripture shows us that our faith can be the evidence that God exists. The writer of Hebrews then goes on to talk about some of the people in the Bible who pleased God because they had faith. As a matter-of-fact, this entire chapter in Hebrews is about men and women of faith. To please God we need to walk in faith.
Now What…?
I would like you guys to read the entire 11th chapter of Hebrews. Just take some time and read through it in your own Bible. Ask God to show you how to walk in faith just like those that went before us.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Peace
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:4-7, New King James Version)
Application
This scripture is fairly easy to understand. Just take your time reading through it and understand what Paul is saying to the Philippians. He is simply giving them precedents for right living. He is telling them to rejoice in the Lord, be gentle, give thanks when we make requests to the Lord and then he says this. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts.” As we rejoice in the Lord and thank him for what he is doing in our lives, the Bible says that he will give us peace that can even be understood. You could be in one of the most difficult situations of your life and God would give you peace that would seem to go beyond your circumstance. The is the kind of God we serve.
Now What…?
I would encourage you to rejoice in the Lord today. Let him take your burdens and give you that peace which goes beyond all understanding. That way it will guard your hearts and minds so that you can walk in all the ways God is placing before you.
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:4-7, New King James Version)
Application
This scripture is fairly easy to understand. Just take your time reading through it and understand what Paul is saying to the Philippians. He is simply giving them precedents for right living. He is telling them to rejoice in the Lord, be gentle, give thanks when we make requests to the Lord and then he says this. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts.” As we rejoice in the Lord and thank him for what he is doing in our lives, the Bible says that he will give us peace that can even be understood. You could be in one of the most difficult situations of your life and God would give you peace that would seem to go beyond your circumstance. The is the kind of God we serve.
Now What…?
I would encourage you to rejoice in the Lord today. Let him take your burdens and give you that peace which goes beyond all understanding. That way it will guard your hearts and minds so that you can walk in all the ways God is placing before you.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wisdom & Revelation
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.(Ephesians 1:15-23, New International Version)
Application
This is one of my favourite portions of scripture. I remember first discovering this scripture when Steve Osmand talked about it at a youth retreat some years ago. I suddenly realized that it was an awesome thing to have the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation.” I began to pray these verses over my own life and over the lives of all of the youth at the time. I am still pray this over you. I believe that God wants us to know how to live our lives with wisdom and revelation that comes from God and not from ourselves. Verse 23 shows us that we are the body of Jesus and we are also his fullness. That means that we are part of him and he is part of us. We each have a part to contribute to his body. Without eyes you wouldn’t be a whole person. The same is truth with the church (the body of Christ). We each have an important part to play and we need to simply enjoying being the part that we are. Many of us look at other people in the church or even youth and say, “I wish I could do what that person is doing.” Instead we should be asking the Lord for the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation so that we can see what part of the body we are. Then we can function as one body.
Now What…?
I want to encourage you guys to memorize verse 17 of this scripture. As you read this passage again I would encourage you to pray it over yourself and even those around you.
Application
This is one of my favourite portions of scripture. I remember first discovering this scripture when Steve Osmand talked about it at a youth retreat some years ago. I suddenly realized that it was an awesome thing to have the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation.” I began to pray these verses over my own life and over the lives of all of the youth at the time. I am still pray this over you. I believe that God wants us to know how to live our lives with wisdom and revelation that comes from God and not from ourselves. Verse 23 shows us that we are the body of Jesus and we are also his fullness. That means that we are part of him and he is part of us. We each have a part to contribute to his body. Without eyes you wouldn’t be a whole person. The same is truth with the church (the body of Christ). We each have an important part to play and we need to simply enjoying being the part that we are. Many of us look at other people in the church or even youth and say, “I wish I could do what that person is doing.” Instead we should be asking the Lord for the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation so that we can see what part of the body we are. Then we can function as one body.
Now What…?
I want to encourage you guys to memorize verse 17 of this scripture. As you read this passage again I would encourage you to pray it over yourself and even those around you.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Holy Spirit
9However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"—
10but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12, New International Version)
Application
Holy Spirit is a very integral part of our lives. The Spirit is the one who allows us to be in God. The people in the Town of Slave Lake are just like this scripture where it says that they have not seen, nor heard, nor conceived. That means that they do not understand what God has in-store for those of us who love the Lord. God has shown us, by Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that Holy Spirit is our comforter and guide. If you are struggling with knowing God, I would encourage you to speak with Holy Spirit. He is the one who can lead you into all truth.
Now what…?
Take a moment to seek Holy Spirit. Just speak with him in your spirit. The Bible talks about deep calling unto deep. That means the spirit in you calling out to the spirit of God. Read over this scripture again and thank the Lord for revealing Holy Spirit to you.
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"—
10but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12, New International Version)
Application
Holy Spirit is a very integral part of our lives. The Spirit is the one who allows us to be in God. The people in the Town of Slave Lake are just like this scripture where it says that they have not seen, nor heard, nor conceived. That means that they do not understand what God has in-store for those of us who love the Lord. God has shown us, by Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that Holy Spirit is our comforter and guide. If you are struggling with knowing God, I would encourage you to speak with Holy Spirit. He is the one who can lead you into all truth.
Now what…?
Take a moment to seek Holy Spirit. Just speak with him in your spirit. The Bible talks about deep calling unto deep. That means the spirit in you calling out to the spirit of God. Read over this scripture again and thank the Lord for revealing Holy Spirit to you.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Greatest Commandments
34But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they thought up a fresh question of their own to ask him. 35One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?"
37Jesus replied, " `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b] 40All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:34-40, New Living Translation)
Application
As Jesus was on the earth there were many people who didn’t understand why he was there. One of these groups of people were the Pharisees. They were the teachers of the Law of Moses (the first 5 books of the Bible). The only problem was that they believed that Jesus was a heretic (someone who didn’t speak about true religion). They would challenge Jesus as often as they could. This was one of those challenges. They tried to trick him and get him to make a mistake so that they could charge him. Jesus had so many followers and he was against the religion that the Pharisees were advocating. This is one of the greatest scriptures for you to remember. The truth is, all of the Law was summed up in these two commands that Jesus was talking about.
Now what…?
Takes some time and look over the two commands that Jesus told the Pharisees about. Ask God to show you how to love him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Also how to love your neighbour as yourself.
37Jesus replied, " `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b] 40All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:34-40, New Living Translation)
Application
As Jesus was on the earth there were many people who didn’t understand why he was there. One of these groups of people were the Pharisees. They were the teachers of the Law of Moses (the first 5 books of the Bible). The only problem was that they believed that Jesus was a heretic (someone who didn’t speak about true religion). They would challenge Jesus as often as they could. This was one of those challenges. They tried to trick him and get him to make a mistake so that they could charge him. Jesus had so many followers and he was against the religion that the Pharisees were advocating. This is one of the greatest scriptures for you to remember. The truth is, all of the Law was summed up in these two commands that Jesus was talking about.
Now what…?
Takes some time and look over the two commands that Jesus told the Pharisees about. Ask God to show you how to love him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Also how to love your neighbour as yourself.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Cry Out
1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.
3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.
4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:1-5, New International Version)
Application
David wrote this Psalm at the dedication of the temple. David was called a man after God’s own heart. He was considered one of the greatest kings of Israel. He loved God with everything in him. This Psalm is awesome because we see the reason that David was such a man as this. One of Davids greatest attributes was that he knew how to call on God no matter what. I can remember circumstances in my life where I needed to learn to call on God. I have had difference situations in my life where I was lost and confused and didn’t know why things were happening the way that they were. It was then that God showed me his love and his glory. It was not because I was silent, but because I cried out from my very being for God and he responded. I believe that God allows things to happen in our lives so that we will learn to call out on him and grow close to him. May you learn to call out in everything and may the Lord respond with love and truth.
Now what...?
Read over this psalm again and ask the Lord to show himself to you. Thank him for the words that you are speaking. Think about situations where you felt like David felt.
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.
3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave;
you spared me from going down into the pit.
4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:1-5, New International Version)
Application
David wrote this Psalm at the dedication of the temple. David was called a man after God’s own heart. He was considered one of the greatest kings of Israel. He loved God with everything in him. This Psalm is awesome because we see the reason that David was such a man as this. One of Davids greatest attributes was that he knew how to call on God no matter what. I can remember circumstances in my life where I needed to learn to call on God. I have had difference situations in my life where I was lost and confused and didn’t know why things were happening the way that they were. It was then that God showed me his love and his glory. It was not because I was silent, but because I cried out from my very being for God and he responded. I believe that God allows things to happen in our lives so that we will learn to call out on him and grow close to him. May you learn to call out in everything and may the Lord respond with love and truth.
Now what...?
Read over this psalm again and ask the Lord to show himself to you. Thank him for the words that you are speaking. Think about situations where you felt like David felt.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Today's Post
Hey everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that the blog post for today will come a little bit later. Keep your eyes open!
Shane
Just wanted to let you know that the blog post for today will come a little bit later. Keep your eyes open!
Shane
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Narrow Way
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14, New King James Version)
Application
Jesus often spoke with parables. These are stories or analogies that he used to teach his disciples about the Kingdom of God. This is one of those parables. Here Jesus was saying that he was the narrow gate. If anyone wants to find life he needs to enter by Jesus. He was telling them about the world that we have today. Most people today simply want to live their own life. Jesus speaks about a very different view. He says that whoever has a life will loose it and whoever doesn’t have a life will find it when they seek Him. Let’s take the narrow way. Let’s go against the grain.
Now What…?
Read over these this scripture again and if you do not know Jesus ask him to be the Lord of your life so that you can have life in him. If you have Jesus already then thank him for giving you life. Speak with Jesus this week and share your life with him, he will show you many amazing things.
Application
Jesus often spoke with parables. These are stories or analogies that he used to teach his disciples about the Kingdom of God. This is one of those parables. Here Jesus was saying that he was the narrow gate. If anyone wants to find life he needs to enter by Jesus. He was telling them about the world that we have today. Most people today simply want to live their own life. Jesus speaks about a very different view. He says that whoever has a life will loose it and whoever doesn’t have a life will find it when they seek Him. Let’s take the narrow way. Let’s go against the grain.
Now What…?
Read over these this scripture again and if you do not know Jesus ask him to be the Lord of your life so that you can have life in him. If you have Jesus already then thank him for giving you life. Speak with Jesus this week and share your life with him, he will show you many amazing things.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Praise
1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. (Psalm 150, New International Version)
Application
The book of Psalms is a collection of songs or poems that were written by several different authors including King David (the one who killed Goliath). This is the very last Psalm and it is one of my favourites. To understand this scripture you simply need to understand praise. Praise is ascribing worth to God. Thanking him for all of the wonderful things he has done. Praise happens when you go to a hockey game and your team scores a goal. Praise happens when your favourite band walks on the stage at a concert. Praise is well known to us. The Bible teaches us that God is greater than all of these things so he is worthy of even more praise that anything on earth. This Psalm is all about that. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Are you breathing right now? God is worthy of your praise even know.
Now what…?
Take a moment to thank God for being in your life. As you read over this Psalm again, use it as a vehicle for praising the Lord.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. (Psalm 150, New International Version)
Application
The book of Psalms is a collection of songs or poems that were written by several different authors including King David (the one who killed Goliath). This is the very last Psalm and it is one of my favourites. To understand this scripture you simply need to understand praise. Praise is ascribing worth to God. Thanking him for all of the wonderful things he has done. Praise happens when you go to a hockey game and your team scores a goal. Praise happens when your favourite band walks on the stage at a concert. Praise is well known to us. The Bible teaches us that God is greater than all of these things so he is worthy of even more praise that anything on earth. This Psalm is all about that. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Are you breathing right now? God is worthy of your praise even know.
Now what…?
Take a moment to thank God for being in your life. As you read over this Psalm again, use it as a vehicle for praising the Lord.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Call
4 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5 “ Before I formed you (Jeremiah) in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then said I: “ Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” 7 But the LORD said to me: “ Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the LORD. 9 Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: “ Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:4-10, New King James Version)
Application
Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. He watched as his nation walked away from God, perished, and were deported to Babylon. He would cry out to them and tell them what was coming and they would just laugh at him. There was a point where he was put in a little cage out side of the temple because of his prophesies. This scripture is the words God gave to Jeremiah when he was young (probably a teenager). God affirmed him and told said that he would be with him. God wants to do this same thing with you. He wants to set you apart and show you that before you were even formed he had plans for you. If you are willing he will walk with you no matter how old you are. If you will dig into the Word of God he will put his words in your mouth and you will be a messenger for the True and Almighty God. This is a fantastic opportunity. I am sure that when Jeremiah was at his lowest point, he would remember this moment in his life and gain some hope. May you experience the same thing.
Now what…?
Ask the Lord to show you what he is calling you to do with your life. Ask him about his plans for you. Allow him to speak to you in a new way today. Read this scripture over again hear God’s voice speaking to you in the same way as Jeremiah.
Application
Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. He watched as his nation walked away from God, perished, and were deported to Babylon. He would cry out to them and tell them what was coming and they would just laugh at him. There was a point where he was put in a little cage out side of the temple because of his prophesies. This scripture is the words God gave to Jeremiah when he was young (probably a teenager). God affirmed him and told said that he would be with him. God wants to do this same thing with you. He wants to set you apart and show you that before you were even formed he had plans for you. If you are willing he will walk with you no matter how old you are. If you will dig into the Word of God he will put his words in your mouth and you will be a messenger for the True and Almighty God. This is a fantastic opportunity. I am sure that when Jeremiah was at his lowest point, he would remember this moment in his life and gain some hope. May you experience the same thing.
Now what…?
Ask the Lord to show you what he is calling you to do with your life. Ask him about his plans for you. Allow him to speak to you in a new way today. Read this scripture over again hear God’s voice speaking to you in the same way as Jeremiah.
I missed two days!
Hey everyone!
Just wanted to apologize for missing two days on this blog. I was quite busy this weekend working and preparing to speak on Sunday that it completely slipped my mind. I will continue with today however.
Blessings,
Shane
Just wanted to apologize for missing two days on this blog. I was quite busy this weekend working and preparing to speak on Sunday that it completely slipped my mind. I will continue with today however.
Blessings,
Shane
Friday, April 9, 2010
Trust Factor
5Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message)
Application
This scripture has been paramount in my life. There have been many times where I couldn’t figure things out on my own strength and so I would begin to sing this old song based on this scripture. A couple of days ago we talked about God’s ways and thoughts being higher than ours. This is kind of the same thing. We need to trust God even when we don’t know what to do and the Bible says that he will “keep (us) on track.” May you, when you are feeling lost, scared and alone, call out to God and trust Him from the depths of your heart. I know that he will answer and lead you where you need to go. Sometimes the answers we call out for do not look how we want them to, but that is why we need to trust in God. Many people have been hurt in life and often blame God for it. I would encourage you to see those hurts in a different way today. Instead of seeing them as something that God is smiting you with, see it as something God is growing you with. The Bible teaches us that what Satan meant for evil, God turns around for good. Trust God.
Now what…?
Do your best to memorize this scripture today so that when tough times come in your life, you can remember to trust the Lord, no matter how things seem.
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message)
Application
This scripture has been paramount in my life. There have been many times where I couldn’t figure things out on my own strength and so I would begin to sing this old song based on this scripture. A couple of days ago we talked about God’s ways and thoughts being higher than ours. This is kind of the same thing. We need to trust God even when we don’t know what to do and the Bible says that he will “keep (us) on track.” May you, when you are feeling lost, scared and alone, call out to God and trust Him from the depths of your heart. I know that he will answer and lead you where you need to go. Sometimes the answers we call out for do not look how we want them to, but that is why we need to trust in God. Many people have been hurt in life and often blame God for it. I would encourage you to see those hurts in a different way today. Instead of seeing them as something that God is smiting you with, see it as something God is growing you with. The Bible teaches us that what Satan meant for evil, God turns around for good. Trust God.
Now what…?
Do your best to memorize this scripture today so that when tough times come in your life, you can remember to trust the Lord, no matter how things seem.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Example
12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12, New Living Translation)
Application
Young people are often stereotyped. People can see us as irresponsible, immature, and unstable. Timothy was a young pastor serving in the Assyrian (now Turkish) city of Ephesus. This book of the Bible was a letter that Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him in his leadership and faith. Near the end of the letter Paul wrote these well known words about being an example. He was encouraging Timothy by telling him that his youth is not a liability but an asset. If he uses his youth to be an example in his teaching, living, love, faith, and purity then he would be a man of God no matter his age. This is the same for all of you. You may be young, but as you get into the word I would encourage you to be people who teach what is right to your friends, living your life for God, loving others, being faithful and pure. These are the things that will set you apart.
Now what…?
How can you be an example in your teaching, living, love, faith, and purity? Read this scripture over again and ask God to show you how.
Application
Young people are often stereotyped. People can see us as irresponsible, immature, and unstable. Timothy was a young pastor serving in the Assyrian (now Turkish) city of Ephesus. This book of the Bible was a letter that Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him in his leadership and faith. Near the end of the letter Paul wrote these well known words about being an example. He was encouraging Timothy by telling him that his youth is not a liability but an asset. If he uses his youth to be an example in his teaching, living, love, faith, and purity then he would be a man of God no matter his age. This is the same for all of you. You may be young, but as you get into the word I would encourage you to be people who teach what is right to your friends, living your life for God, loving others, being faithful and pure. These are the things that will set you apart.
Now what…?
How can you be an example in your teaching, living, love, faith, and purity? Read this scripture over again and ask God to show you how.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
True Wisdom
9 Because the Teacher was wise, he taught the people everything he knew. He collected proverbs and classified them. 10 Indeed, the Teacher taught the plain truth, and he did so in an interesting way.
11 A wise teacher's words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.
12 But, my child, be warned: There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting!
13 Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, New Living Translation)
Application
This is one of my favourite portions of scripture. Ecclesiastes is a very interesting book because it’s all about things being meaningless. You can do all of these great things, but they are meaningless. You can do all of these things that are not great and they are also meaningless. I never really understood the book until I reached the very end and read the words that you just read. Wisdom is important. It can teach us to walk in the right way for our life, but the writer says that there are so many opinions out there that it is meaningless to search them out. Instead, he tells us that we should fear God and obey his commands. These are the greatest things you can do. Solomon, the man who wrote this scripture, was one of the wisest people who ever lived. There is a place in the bible where it says that there were two women who came to Solomon fighting over a baby. They stood before Solomon and so with wisdom he said, “I cannot determine whose baby this is, so let us cut him in half and give half to each of you.” At these words the real mother of the child was distraught and said to Solomon, “ok give the child to this woman but do not harm him.” Then Solomon knew who the real mother was because she cared more for the baby’s life that herself. With all of this wisdom Solomon deducted that we should fear the Lord and obey his commands above all else. I guess those would be the wisest words ever spoken.
Now what…?
Read over this scripture again and ask the Lord to give you the fear of the Lord and not the fear of man. This means that you care more about what God thinks than what your friends and others around you think. Also ask the Lord to help you to obey his commands with your whole heart.
11 A wise teacher's words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.
12 But, my child, be warned: There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting!
13 Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, New Living Translation)
Application
This is one of my favourite portions of scripture. Ecclesiastes is a very interesting book because it’s all about things being meaningless. You can do all of these great things, but they are meaningless. You can do all of these things that are not great and they are also meaningless. I never really understood the book until I reached the very end and read the words that you just read. Wisdom is important. It can teach us to walk in the right way for our life, but the writer says that there are so many opinions out there that it is meaningless to search them out. Instead, he tells us that we should fear God and obey his commands. These are the greatest things you can do. Solomon, the man who wrote this scripture, was one of the wisest people who ever lived. There is a place in the bible where it says that there were two women who came to Solomon fighting over a baby. They stood before Solomon and so with wisdom he said, “I cannot determine whose baby this is, so let us cut him in half and give half to each of you.” At these words the real mother of the child was distraught and said to Solomon, “ok give the child to this woman but do not harm him.” Then Solomon knew who the real mother was because she cared more for the baby’s life that herself. With all of this wisdom Solomon deducted that we should fear the Lord and obey his commands above all else. I guess those would be the wisest words ever spoken.
Now what…?
Read over this scripture again and ask the Lord to give you the fear of the Lord and not the fear of man. This means that you care more about what God thinks than what your friends and others around you think. Also ask the Lord to help you to obey his commands with your whole heart.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
God's-eye-view
6Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. 7Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9, New Living Translation)
Application
I remember many times in my life where I wanted God to see things from my perspective. I mean, God has everything in his hands: our lives, the world, and the constellations. He should be able to fix things in my life that, in my eyes, are going wrong. God worked on my heart since then an began to show me that He wanted me to see things from his perspective instead. I mean, God has everything in His hands! Sometimes we can be so selfish when it comes to God. We want everything and we want it now, but God wants us to grow and that can take time to produce. This scripture from Isaiah is one of my favourites. God’s thoughts and ways are higher than my own. Now when I get into tough circumstances I seek the Lord and ask Him how He sees it. Instead of a mans-eye-view I tap into a God’s-eye-view. It helps to have perspective, doesn’t it?
Now What…?
As you go through this week, I encourage you to seek the Lord for His perspective. Read over this scripture again and let it get into your spirit. Let us seek His thoughts that cannot even be counted.
8"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9, New Living Translation)
Application
I remember many times in my life where I wanted God to see things from my perspective. I mean, God has everything in his hands: our lives, the world, and the constellations. He should be able to fix things in my life that, in my eyes, are going wrong. God worked on my heart since then an began to show me that He wanted me to see things from his perspective instead. I mean, God has everything in His hands! Sometimes we can be so selfish when it comes to God. We want everything and we want it now, but God wants us to grow and that can take time to produce. This scripture from Isaiah is one of my favourites. God’s thoughts and ways are higher than my own. Now when I get into tough circumstances I seek the Lord and ask Him how He sees it. Instead of a mans-eye-view I tap into a God’s-eye-view. It helps to have perspective, doesn’t it?
Now What…?
As you go through this week, I encourage you to seek the Lord for His perspective. Read over this scripture again and let it get into your spirit. Let us seek His thoughts that cannot even be counted.
Monday, April 5, 2010
God’s Symphony Orchestra
9Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. 10Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
11Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, 12cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. (Romans 12:9-12, the message)
Application
In an orchestra there are several different instruments who play together to accomplish a goal that is far greater than any one instrument on its own. The music can be bright and cause us to feel joy, or sorrowful and cause us to feel sad. One thing that I have often observed when it comes to orchestras is that there are certain positions that are highly desired. The first chair of any instrument is often coveted, but in my experience I know that the highest position in the orchestra is the first violin. They play beautiful flowing melodies and can bring the audience to tears in seconds. The Christian life is like praying in an orchestra. We each have our part to play. Some of us will have a more visible position, whereas others of us will have a more foundational position. I think that what Paul is trying to get at in this scripture is that we need to love each other and realize that together we are accomplishing something that is greater than one person. Let us be friends who love deeply and let us practice playing second fiddle. Second fiddle supports what is happening in first fiddle. Without it the music will not be full and complete. As we work together we can see that the music we are creating is beautiful and completely in tune with all of its parts.
Now What…?
Just take a moment and ask the Lord to show you how to love from the centre of your being. Also, as you are reading over this scripture, pray that he would show you where you fit in the great symphony that He is orchestrating.
11Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, 12cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. (Romans 12:9-12, the message)
Application
In an orchestra there are several different instruments who play together to accomplish a goal that is far greater than any one instrument on its own. The music can be bright and cause us to feel joy, or sorrowful and cause us to feel sad. One thing that I have often observed when it comes to orchestras is that there are certain positions that are highly desired. The first chair of any instrument is often coveted, but in my experience I know that the highest position in the orchestra is the first violin. They play beautiful flowing melodies and can bring the audience to tears in seconds. The Christian life is like praying in an orchestra. We each have our part to play. Some of us will have a more visible position, whereas others of us will have a more foundational position. I think that what Paul is trying to get at in this scripture is that we need to love each other and realize that together we are accomplishing something that is greater than one person. Let us be friends who love deeply and let us practice playing second fiddle. Second fiddle supports what is happening in first fiddle. Without it the music will not be full and complete. As we work together we can see that the music we are creating is beautiful and completely in tune with all of its parts.
Now What…?
Just take a moment and ask the Lord to show you how to love from the centre of your being. Also, as you are reading over this scripture, pray that he would show you where you fit in the great symphony that He is orchestrating.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Christ Is Risen!
14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. (Mark 16:14-20, New King James Version)
Application
Christ is risen! He died on a Friday, but came back to life on Sunday. That is why we meet as a church on Sunday. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Do you remember Aslan from the Chronicles of Narnia? He went to death for his friend Edmund and then came back to life and went on to destroy the White Witch. This is a picture of Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead with life in his hands. This scripture tells of his appearance to his disciples after his resurrection. His disciples didn’t even believe the people who had said that he arose. Jesus told them so many times what would happen, but they just didn’t understand. He then tells them to go into all the world and tell them about what Jesus did. Signs will follow them so that the word would be confirmed. I believe that God wants us to walk in that same authority today. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our religion we forget what God is asking us to do. We must tell the world that Jesus lives!
Now what…?
Because Jesus lives, you and I can have life. That is the message that you can give to those around you. Spend time with God and you will learn how to speak to the people in this world. He will show you how to pray for others and how to love them. Take some time today to sit with God and ask him to show you what he wants to do in your life.
Application
Christ is risen! He died on a Friday, but came back to life on Sunday. That is why we meet as a church on Sunday. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Do you remember Aslan from the Chronicles of Narnia? He went to death for his friend Edmund and then came back to life and went on to destroy the White Witch. This is a picture of Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead with life in his hands. This scripture tells of his appearance to his disciples after his resurrection. His disciples didn’t even believe the people who had said that he arose. Jesus told them so many times what would happen, but they just didn’t understand. He then tells them to go into all the world and tell them about what Jesus did. Signs will follow them so that the word would be confirmed. I believe that God wants us to walk in that same authority today. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our religion we forget what God is asking us to do. We must tell the world that Jesus lives!
Now what…?
Because Jesus lives, you and I can have life. That is the message that you can give to those around you. Spend time with God and you will learn how to speak to the people in this world. He will show you how to pray for others and how to love them. Take some time today to sit with God and ask him to show you what he wants to do in your life.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Goodwill
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved. (Acts 2: 43-47, New Living Translation)
Application
These verses come directly following the birth of the church. The thing that catches my attention here is that the last sentence. As Christians, we believe that there is life in Jesus. I am not talking about getting a life I am talking about life. It is like looking at a tree budding in the spring, a flowing brook surrounded by green or even a baby in their daddy’s arms. I believe the first church knew this life and walked in it. They met together all the time so that they could share this life with each other, not only in terms of money but also their soul (emotions) and spirit (our part that connects with God). They were in awe of the things that God was doing. I believe, as the church today, we need to come back to this place of being with each other and ‘enjoying the goodwill of people.’ The people were encouraged so that they could talk to their friends about Jesus and that is how God was adding new people everyday. May God show us how to be people like that.
Now what…?
Spend sometime with other Christians this week and encourage them with goodwill and love.
Application
These verses come directly following the birth of the church. The thing that catches my attention here is that the last sentence. As Christians, we believe that there is life in Jesus. I am not talking about getting a life I am talking about life. It is like looking at a tree budding in the spring, a flowing brook surrounded by green or even a baby in their daddy’s arms. I believe the first church knew this life and walked in it. They met together all the time so that they could share this life with each other, not only in terms of money but also their soul (emotions) and spirit (our part that connects with God). They were in awe of the things that God was doing. I believe, as the church today, we need to come back to this place of being with each other and ‘enjoying the goodwill of people.’ The people were encouraged so that they could talk to their friends about Jesus and that is how God was adding new people everyday. May God show us how to be people like that.
Now what…?
Spend sometime with other Christians this week and encourage them with goodwill and love.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Are you afraid of the dark?
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. (Isaiah 9: 2-3, New International Version)
application
During the time when this scripture was written, Israel was in a low point. They had walked away from God and many people were walking in darkness. Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus coming to bring light in the world. This light is not a physical light but a spiritual light. Today many people are walking in spiritual darkness. We look all around us and we can have a fear of it. We don’t know what to do about it. Here is where the hope that Isaiah was talking about comes in. Jesus came 2000 years ago and brought light with him. Jesus said this when he was on earth, “you are the light of the world.” (matt. 5.14) He was showing us that we are the ones who are going to shine the light of God on a generation that is in darkness. There will be great rejoicing and joy when we allow the light of God to shine through us. We can’t be afraid of the dark. We need to expel it with light.
now what…?
As you read over this scripture again, ask God to show you how you can be a light in your school, home, or workplace.
application
During the time when this scripture was written, Israel was in a low point. They had walked away from God and many people were walking in darkness. Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus coming to bring light in the world. This light is not a physical light but a spiritual light. Today many people are walking in spiritual darkness. We look all around us and we can have a fear of it. We don’t know what to do about it. Here is where the hope that Isaiah was talking about comes in. Jesus came 2000 years ago and brought light with him. Jesus said this when he was on earth, “you are the light of the world.” (matt. 5.14) He was showing us that we are the ones who are going to shine the light of God on a generation that is in darkness. There will be great rejoicing and joy when we allow the light of God to shine through us. We can’t be afraid of the dark. We need to expel it with light.
now what…?
As you read over this scripture again, ask God to show you how you can be a light in your school, home, or workplace.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Bank the Word
1 You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
2 You're blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
3 That's right--you don't go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
4 You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
5 Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
6 Then I'd never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
7 I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8 I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
don't ever walk off and leave me.
9 How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
10 I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
11 I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won't sin myself bankrupt. (Psalm 119:1-11, the message)
application
I don’t really need to say much about this scripture because it explains itself. In my own life I know that when I am lost, alone or confused it is probably because I haven’t been spending any time with God in his Word. If I don’t read the Word I often will get frustrated with the smallest of things. I want to encourage you all to focus on the Word at least once a day. Meditate on it. Think about it. Let it get into the very fabric of your being. I like how this version talks about us having a bank for the Word of God. Let’s make daily deposits of Bible Currency and our spiritual bank accounts will never be empty. Discouraged? Uncertain? Downcast? Read the word. I will be adding new devos everyday, so make it a habit to come and check them out.
now what…?
Read over this scripture a couple more times slowly and let it get into your spirit.
2 You're blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
3 That's right--you don't go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
4 You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
5 Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
6 Then I'd never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
7 I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8 I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
don't ever walk off and leave me.
9 How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
10 I'm single-minded in pursuit of you;
don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
11 I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won't sin myself bankrupt. (Psalm 119:1-11, the message)
application
I don’t really need to say much about this scripture because it explains itself. In my own life I know that when I am lost, alone or confused it is probably because I haven’t been spending any time with God in his Word. If I don’t read the Word I often will get frustrated with the smallest of things. I want to encourage you all to focus on the Word at least once a day. Meditate on it. Think about it. Let it get into the very fabric of your being. I like how this version talks about us having a bank for the Word of God. Let’s make daily deposits of Bible Currency and our spiritual bank accounts will never be empty. Discouraged? Uncertain? Downcast? Read the word. I will be adding new devos everyday, so make it a habit to come and check them out.
now what…?
Read over this scripture a couple more times slowly and let it get into your spirit.
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