Scripture: Luke 13:31-14:14
12He said also to the man who had invited him,
Prayer: God teach my heart to cry out for those in need.
Thursday, January 31
I don't know what to call this one
Name: Josh
Scripture: Luke 13:31-14:14
12He said also to the man who had invited him,"When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
OAP: I'm not really sure how to respond to this it just kind of stuck out to me. Ive never invited anyone but friends, family and neighbors to dinners, events or anything of that sort. I hope that doesn't mean that ive already received all my rewards here on earth.
Prayer: God teach my heart to cry out for those in need.
Scripture: Luke 13:31-14:14
12He said also to the man who had invited him,
Prayer: God teach my heart to cry out for those in need.
Why God loves deponent verbs
Name: Chad
Scripture: Luke 13:10-30
"But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath,"
"'We ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets'. But he will say ' I tell you, I do not know where you come from'"
OAP: "We ate and drank in your presence" Communion? "You taught in our streets" Listing to preaching? Both of these actions have the ability to be extremely passive, ritualistic, taken without any thought. In my social justice class we were discussing, through Amos, the worthlessness of church without radical discipleship. "Your feasts are disgusting to me, I will have nothing to do with them; I will take no delight in your holy meetings" (Amos 5:21). My thought process isn't completely ironed out yet, and I will clear up each step eventually, but for now here are my conclusions (with no written evidence or logic flow). Festivals, rituals, sabbath were created for the benefit of those to enhance their experience with God, and protect it from falling into a passive state, not to create a God experience. The result of the festivals are the exact opposite of intended, rather than being a reminder of specific attributes of God, they become God itself. When used as God, passively, they are worthless, or even damaging.
Give me clarity.
Scripture: Luke 13:10-30
"But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath,"
"'We ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets'. But he will say ' I tell you, I do not know where you come from'"
OAP: "We ate and drank in your presence" Communion? "You taught in our streets" Listing to preaching? Both of these actions have the ability to be extremely passive, ritualistic, taken without any thought. In my social justice class we were discussing, through Amos, the worthlessness of church without radical discipleship. "Your feasts are disgusting to me, I will have nothing to do with them; I will take no delight in your holy meetings" (Amos 5:21). My thought process isn't completely ironed out yet, and I will clear up each step eventually, but for now here are my conclusions (with no written evidence or logic flow). Festivals, rituals, sabbath were created for the benefit of those to enhance their experience with God, and protect it from falling into a passive state, not to create a God experience. The result of the festivals are the exact opposite of intended, rather than being a reminder of specific attributes of God, they become God itself. When used as God, passively, they are worthless, or even damaging.
Give me clarity.
Wednesday, January 30
He is my purpose
Name: Andrew
Scripture: Exodus 9
versus 14-17
14If you don't, I will send more plagues on you and your officials and your people. Then you will know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth. 16But I have spared you for a purpose- to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth. 17But you still lord it over my people and refuse to let them go.
OAP:I noticed that God is attacking Pharaoh, in a good way. I noticed that God is showing Pharaoh that God has the power to stop the whole world and crush it between his fingers. Pharaoh is lucky that God is a God of love. The word Purpose stuck out to me because it shows us that even though Pharaoh is slowly Israel form worshiping God, altogether it is for the glory of God and it falls into His plan. God knows he will still end up winning in the end, but he wants his fame and power to be throughout Egypt.
I am stubborn when it comes to listening to what God is saying. I sometimes only want to listen to myself and don't want to know what God is trying to say to me. God could crush my whole life and make me stay in the grasp of Satan, but since He is a God of love He saves us. God dosen't always tell us what he is trying to say to us, we have to work out our salvation and listen to GOd in the Word of God so that we can find our true purpose. Listen to God! God will show us the true light, and will make our hearts unhardened and pure. He will use us for his plan and will use us to spread the fame and power of God throughout the world.
Dear God I pray that the battle for myheart will be won by you and that you will unharden my heart and make it pure. God you are so great, I am so thankful that you came to save the day. I pray that you would give me the strenth to carry my burden to the peak of my journey to your light so that in the end my burden will fall off of my shoulders and I will recieve your true light. I pray that my Heart will stay pure and that I will be able to carry your name, fame and power with me so that I can spread it throughout the world.
Amen!
Scripture: Exodus 9
versus 14-17
14If you don't, I will send more plagues on you and your officials and your people. Then you will know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15By now I could have lifted my hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the face of the earth. 16But I have spared you for a purpose- to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth. 17But you still lord it over my people and refuse to let them go.
OAP:I noticed that God is attacking Pharaoh, in a good way. I noticed that God is showing Pharaoh that God has the power to stop the whole world and crush it between his fingers. Pharaoh is lucky that God is a God of love. The word Purpose stuck out to me because it shows us that even though Pharaoh is slowly Israel form worshiping God, altogether it is for the glory of God and it falls into His plan. God knows he will still end up winning in the end, but he wants his fame and power to be throughout Egypt.
I am stubborn when it comes to listening to what God is saying. I sometimes only want to listen to myself and don't want to know what God is trying to say to me. God could crush my whole life and make me stay in the grasp of Satan, but since He is a God of love He saves us. God dosen't always tell us what he is trying to say to us, we have to work out our salvation and listen to GOd in the Word of God so that we can find our true purpose. Listen to God! God will show us the true light, and will make our hearts unhardened and pure. He will use us for his plan and will use us to spread the fame and power of God throughout the world.
Dear God I pray that the battle for myheart will be won by you and that you will unharden my heart and make it pure. God you are so great, I am so thankful that you came to save the day. I pray that you would give me the strenth to carry my burden to the peak of my journey to your light so that in the end my burden will fall off of my shoulders and I will recieve your true light. I pray that my Heart will stay pure and that I will be able to carry your name, fame and power with me so that I can spread it throughout the world.
Amen!
Knock, knock!
Name:Josh
Scripture: Luke 13:10-30
He said to them, 24"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' 26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' 27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' 28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.
OAP: The thought of being rejected by God scares the crap out of me. I sometimes doubt myself and feel unworthy of His kingdom, even though i know im a son of God. It's pretty depressing to read these verses and be reminded that a lot of people are going to be turned away from heaven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me, a sinner. Teach me to walk along the narrow path and recognize your voice, that you might recognize mine when I come to your door.
Scripture: Luke 13:10-30
He said to them, 24"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' 26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' 27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!' 28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.
OAP: The thought of being rejected by God scares the crap out of me. I sometimes doubt myself and feel unworthy of His kingdom, even though i know im a son of God. It's pretty depressing to read these verses and be reminded that a lot of people are going to be turned away from heaven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me, a sinner. Teach me to walk along the narrow path and recognize your voice, that you might recognize mine when I come to your door.
Tuesday, January 29
Why this verse encourages...or maybe I'm lazy
Name:Chad
Scripture: Lk 12:49 - 13:9
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
OAP: Besides the obvious points of this verse I find myself looking at verse 53, not for the radical nature of it, but rather the pairings. Father Son, Mother Daughter, (In-Law) Generational gaps, the in-laws imply marriage yet no husband against wife. Although some would point out that this is a small technical omission of no significance I would like to think that Jesus knew what he was saying. Maybe I don' t want to deal with the radical Jesus tonight, maybe I am tired, maybe I don't want to repeat the same ideas again and again in soap; I think that it is important that Jesus comes and divides generations but possibly preserves marriage.
God, I'm tired. I want to sleep. I know I have more work to do after this. Don't let my distractions take away from this time with you. I really think that I believe that I read the verse and you didn't speak conviction upon me as you have other nights, that you wanted me to see marriage in this verse. If not then I give you permission to make me toss and turn and revisit this tonight. I also pray for consolation that I don't need a breakthrough every night, that I can see something not of huge significance and it is OK.
Scripture: Lk 12:49 - 13:9
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
OAP: Besides the obvious points of this verse I find myself looking at verse 53, not for the radical nature of it, but rather the pairings. Father Son, Mother Daughter, (In-Law) Generational gaps, the in-laws imply marriage yet no husband against wife. Although some would point out that this is a small technical omission of no significance I would like to think that Jesus knew what he was saying. Maybe I don' t want to deal with the radical Jesus tonight, maybe I am tired, maybe I don't want to repeat the same ideas again and again in soap; I think that it is important that Jesus comes and divides generations but possibly preserves marriage.
God, I'm tired. I want to sleep. I know I have more work to do after this. Don't let my distractions take away from this time with you. I really think that I believe that I read the verse and you didn't speak conviction upon me as you have other nights, that you wanted me to see marriage in this verse. If not then I give you permission to make me toss and turn and revisit this tonight. I also pray for consolation that I don't need a breakthrough every night, that I can see something not of huge significance and it is OK.
Family Feud
Name: Josh
Scripture: Luke 12:49-13:9
Verses 49-53
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
OAP: It's funny that most of the time we see Jesus as having come to Earth to unify people and bring peace and comfort. In reality he came to confront and challenge, and to point out the wrongs and evils we dwell in. I think of the fire he talks about casting on Earth as a refining and purifying flame, used to get the "junk out of our trunk," (thanks Charlton) to call us out in the areas we mess up in and refocus our hearts. He goes on to say that his purpose was to bring division and set friends and family against each other, to address issues in a new way. This reminds me of what Chad mentioned a few days ago, that if Jesus was to have come in this day and age, we would think him crazy, a radical lunatic. Honestly, if someone came to me saying that he wanted to set me against my family, disunify and divide our world and cause commotion, i would blow him off without doubt. The disciples, to be able to trust Jesus like they did, even after his death...they must have been crazy people, man.
Prayer: done in my head again
Scripture: Luke 12:49-13:9
Verses 49-53
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
OAP: It's funny that most of the time we see Jesus as having come to Earth to unify people and bring peace and comfort. In reality he came to confront and challenge, and to point out the wrongs and evils we dwell in. I think of the fire he talks about casting on Earth as a refining and purifying flame, used to get the "junk out of our trunk," (thanks Charlton) to call us out in the areas we mess up in and refocus our hearts. He goes on to say that his purpose was to bring division and set friends and family against each other, to address issues in a new way. This reminds me of what Chad mentioned a few days ago, that if Jesus was to have come in this day and age, we would think him crazy, a radical lunatic. Honestly, if someone came to me saying that he wanted to set me against my family, disunify and divide our world and cause commotion, i would blow him off without doubt. The disciples, to be able to trust Jesus like they did, even after his death...they must have been crazy people, man.
Prayer: done in my head again
Monday, January 28
Silly Hippie, Trix are for Kids!
Name: Chad
Scripture: Luke 12: 22 - 48
"Sell your possessions and give to the needy."
"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
OAP: Those are the two passages that stuck out at me, especially when combined together.
These are complete thoughts, not to be contextualized. Sell your possessions Period. Do not wait Period. (DRD, but for effect) I often forget just how radical Jesus is. This is very closely connected to my soap from 2 days ago, the last one was a bit of a tangent as a much needed confession. I say I follow Jesus, I talk about the "big message" and when I come to very specific commandments, ones that don't allow me any latitude its just "aww silly Jesus, do the love people thing again, I can work with that" Luke chapter 9 really fills in the second verse, "Yet another said, 'I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.' Jesus said to him, ' No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God'".
I rationalize, very simply the reason I don't sell my possessions is because I don't believe that they are mine to sell, they are my parents entrusted to me to use, with my small government point of view I don't believe people should be forced into giving, if I were to give away all that is entrusted to me, my parents would simply replace it. Therefore I would be placing the burden upon them with nothing changing for me, only a cycle of new stuff. It goes a tad more in depth but that is the base argument. I say, I will do it when the burden fall upon me, sometime in the future. "Ok God, I'll follow you, just give me a minute to be here with all my stuff before I give it up" The call is radical, my action is not.
God, if you were to send a man to tell me today to sell all of my possessions and give it to the needy, first I would dismiss the Hippie, and then reason that I have no possessions that are truly mine, I say that all I have is my time and my ability and I give that to you Lord, they are yours and I have no right to them. Take me to an uncomfortable place, convict me here, as I sit now I am only convicted by the words on the page but my mind is content with my actions. Break my reasoning Lord, or give me your reasoning, your will, your love for the poor, the reason that you spoke these commandments.
Scripture: Luke 12: 22 - 48
"Sell your possessions and give to the needy."
"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
OAP: Those are the two passages that stuck out at me, especially when combined together.
These are complete thoughts, not to be contextualized. Sell your possessions Period. Do not wait Period. (DRD, but for effect) I often forget just how radical Jesus is. This is very closely connected to my soap from 2 days ago, the last one was a bit of a tangent as a much needed confession. I say I follow Jesus, I talk about the "big message" and when I come to very specific commandments, ones that don't allow me any latitude its just "aww silly Jesus, do the love people thing again, I can work with that" Luke chapter 9 really fills in the second verse, "Yet another said, 'I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.' Jesus said to him, ' No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God'".
I rationalize, very simply the reason I don't sell my possessions is because I don't believe that they are mine to sell, they are my parents entrusted to me to use, with my small government point of view I don't believe people should be forced into giving, if I were to give away all that is entrusted to me, my parents would simply replace it. Therefore I would be placing the burden upon them with nothing changing for me, only a cycle of new stuff. It goes a tad more in depth but that is the base argument. I say, I will do it when the burden fall upon me, sometime in the future. "Ok God, I'll follow you, just give me a minute to be here with all my stuff before I give it up" The call is radical, my action is not.
God, if you were to send a man to tell me today to sell all of my possessions and give it to the needy, first I would dismiss the Hippie, and then reason that I have no possessions that are truly mine, I say that all I have is my time and my ability and I give that to you Lord, they are yours and I have no right to them. Take me to an uncomfortable place, convict me here, as I sit now I am only convicted by the words on the page but my mind is content with my actions. Break my reasoning Lord, or give me your reasoning, your will, your love for the poor, the reason that you spoke these commandments.
A Case of the Mondays...
Name: Josh
Scripture: Luke 12:22-28
27"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28"But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!
OAP: I love just looking at nature and the beauty of the earth God created. Flowers, clouds, mountains, beaches, trees, the moon and stars-there's always so much raw, unaltered beauty in all of it. Usually the prettiest places are those left untouched, unchanged as God made them. So if God will provide for me naturally as he does with these simple things, why do i try to alter my appearance or fret about what i look like? The end of verse 28 hit me pretty hard, as i admit to being a "man of little faith" in this issue. My eyes are closed to the blessings God provides and I seek my own ends, turning away and denying the perfection he sees in me.
Prayer: *Did it in my head*
Scripture: Luke 12:22-28
27"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28"But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!
OAP: I love just looking at nature and the beauty of the earth God created. Flowers, clouds, mountains, beaches, trees, the moon and stars-there's always so much raw, unaltered beauty in all of it. Usually the prettiest places are those left untouched, unchanged as God made them. So if God will provide for me naturally as he does with these simple things, why do i try to alter my appearance or fret about what i look like? The end of verse 28 hit me pretty hard, as i admit to being a "man of little faith" in this issue. My eyes are closed to the blessings God provides and I seek my own ends, turning away and denying the perfection he sees in me.
Prayer: *Did it in my head*
Sunday, January 27
Pimp slaped by the Bible
Name:Chad
Scripture: Job 11
OAP:
The original title of this blog was "I don't want to do this, Josh is making me" but after reading Job 11 (Edit: I thought I was reading Psalm 11.... but no)the new title is much more appropriate. "should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right? Should your babble silence men and when you mock, shall no one shame you? ". Jack and I have this thing, because we go to Bellarmine we can just make stuff up and people believe us. It sounds stupid, but you have no idea how hilarious it was once we realized that it was true. On the rare occasion that someone call us on it I fancy myself apt at enough verbal wordplay to get out of the situation. I can dance with my words and talk myself out of, or into, just about any situation. I also tend to think that I am a fairly "good Christian". I can turn it on autopilot and serve, worship, pray, lead, hold theological conversations, even experience life changing ideas, with minimal effort. In short, this is my confession that I think very highly of myself. I put myself before the Lord and say " My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God's eyes", well thats a tad exaggerated, but I think very much along those lines. But anyway, I think I am wise and I think I am good. I do this in a way that is very easy to hide by knowing, in my "wisdom" that I am depraved and fallen and that it is God whom saves me and guides me, but the core is still there.
Verse 5 is the pimp slap by the way. 1-4 describes me and then 5-12 tears me down. 13 on is hopeful and redemptive, actually it is almost impossible to the point where there is no way I can archive it, so once again I must lay myself out before God, bare, surrounded in my weeds that I will not hide from him (Or apparently anyone with an internet connection).
Lord, I long to one day lift my face before you with no blemish. You give me that opportunity everyday and I throw it away in my prideful arrogance. Thank you for convicting me at a time of such consolation and unity in the church. I think I was going to get too full of my humanity.
Scripture: Job 11
OAP:
The original title of this blog was "I don't want to do this, Josh is making me" but after reading Job 11 (Edit: I thought I was reading Psalm 11.... but no)the new title is much more appropriate. "should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right? Should your babble silence men and when you mock, shall no one shame you? ". Jack and I have this thing, because we go to Bellarmine we can just make stuff up and people believe us. It sounds stupid, but you have no idea how hilarious it was once we realized that it was true. On the rare occasion that someone call us on it I fancy myself apt at enough verbal wordplay to get out of the situation. I can dance with my words and talk myself out of, or into, just about any situation. I also tend to think that I am a fairly "good Christian". I can turn it on autopilot and serve, worship, pray, lead, hold theological conversations, even experience life changing ideas, with minimal effort. In short, this is my confession that I think very highly of myself. I put myself before the Lord and say " My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God's eyes", well thats a tad exaggerated, but I think very much along those lines. But anyway, I think I am wise and I think I am good. I do this in a way that is very easy to hide by knowing, in my "wisdom" that I am depraved and fallen and that it is God whom saves me and guides me, but the core is still there.
Verse 5 is the pimp slap by the way. 1-4 describes me and then 5-12 tears me down. 13 on is hopeful and redemptive, actually it is almost impossible to the point where there is no way I can archive it, so once again I must lay myself out before God, bare, surrounded in my weeds that I will not hide from him (Or apparently anyone with an internet connection).
Lord, I long to one day lift my face before you with no blemish. You give me that opportunity everyday and I throw it away in my prideful arrogance. Thank you for convicting me at a time of such consolation and unity in the church. I think I was going to get too full of my humanity.
Just Some Thoughts Before Bed
Name: Josh
Scripture: Luke 12:1-21
Verses 11-12
11"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
OAP: I don't know if anyone else ever does this, but sometimes in my mind i'll go over conversations or act out situations with people before i talk to them. It's pretty weird i know, but i just like think of what i would say in different circumstances depending on how i feel towards them at the time. The funny thing is, whenever i do this i almost never say to the person what i thought i would beforehand, so i end up worrying over nothing and wasting bunches of time. I want to learn to trust God to send his Holy Spirit on me during confrontation and conversation to give me wisdom in my thoughts and speech.
My prayer: Jesus I spend far too much time worrying, it consumes my life. Teach me to pray instead-for peace of mind and confidence in your omnipresent spirit, that I might be but a vessel of your will in my thoughts, words, and actions. In all i do God, more of You, less of me.
Scripture: Luke 12:1-21
Verses 11-12
11"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
OAP: I don't know if anyone else ever does this, but sometimes in my mind i'll go over conversations or act out situations with people before i talk to them. It's pretty weird i know, but i just like think of what i would say in different circumstances depending on how i feel towards them at the time. The funny thing is, whenever i do this i almost never say to the person what i thought i would beforehand, so i end up worrying over nothing and wasting bunches of time. I want to learn to trust God to send his Holy Spirit on me during confrontation and conversation to give me wisdom in my thoughts and speech.
My prayer: Jesus I spend far too much time worrying, it consumes my life. Teach me to pray instead-for peace of mind and confidence in your omnipresent spirit, that I might be but a vessel of your will in my thoughts, words, and actions. In all i do God, more of You, less of me.
Soggy Oreos And Pizzapockets
Name: Josh
Scripture: Psalm 90
Psalm 90: 1+2
A prayer of Moses the man of God. 1Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
OAP: For some reason reading this tonight made me think of all the millions of people who have lived before me and praised and worshiped and rejoiced with the same God that I do now. Obviously Christians have been around for centuries, but it just seems amazing that those people years ago had intimate conversations with the same Lord, that he even knew every day of their life, and mine, and everyone else's way before we even existed. Also, something that I take for granted often is the fact that after this fleeting, bitter life is over, we spend an eternity in the inexplicable pleasure that God grants us in heaven. An eternity. I can't grasp that, it's something with no end. Ever. It's easy to just pass it off and say that God is unaffected by time, that we will be praising Him forever and ever, but to actually try and comprehend an eternity...it gives me the chills. And yes, I realize almost none of this came from the reading, hahaha it just really struck me for some reason.
Prayer: Teach me to pray Lord. You are unchanging, never ending, permanent; You are so many words that get thrown around so easily and are often under analyzed, yet mean so much. The span of my life is but a second to You, and yet You died for me, I can't understand it. Thank you for being a mysterious and powerful God, something that entices me and causes me to fear you. Thank you for today.
Scripture: Psalm 90
Psalm 90: 1+2
A prayer of Moses the man of God. 1Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
OAP: For some reason reading this tonight made me think of all the millions of people who have lived before me and praised and worshiped and rejoiced with the same God that I do now. Obviously Christians have been around for centuries, but it just seems amazing that those people years ago had intimate conversations with the same Lord, that he even knew every day of their life, and mine, and everyone else's way before we even existed. Also, something that I take for granted often is the fact that after this fleeting, bitter life is over, we spend an eternity in the inexplicable pleasure that God grants us in heaven. An eternity. I can't grasp that, it's something with no end. Ever. It's easy to just pass it off and say that God is unaffected by time, that we will be praising Him forever and ever, but to actually try and comprehend an eternity...it gives me the chills. And yes, I realize almost none of this came from the reading, hahaha it just really struck me for some reason.
Prayer: Teach me to pray Lord. You are unchanging, never ending, permanent; You are so many words that get thrown around so easily and are often under analyzed, yet mean so much. The span of my life is but a second to You, and yet You died for me, I can't understand it. Thank you for being a mysterious and powerful God, something that entices me and causes me to fear you. Thank you for today.
Yay Etymology!
Name: Chad
Scripture: Psalm 90
"Establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"
OAP: To Establish: Prepare, Fix, Direct.
My works are not something that I give to you. They are the works that you have allowed me to produce as a tool for your glory. Yet I want it to be more than that. I don't know how I feel about predestination Lord, it worries me, but I have no doubt that I want you to establish my life. Prepare it Lord, make it concrete in your will, direct it firmly and I will do my best to stay out of the way.
Scripture: Psalm 90
"Establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"
OAP: To Establish: Prepare, Fix, Direct.
My works are not something that I give to you. They are the works that you have allowed me to produce as a tool for your glory. Yet I want it to be more than that. I don't know how I feel about predestination Lord, it worries me, but I have no doubt that I want you to establish my life. Prepare it Lord, make it concrete in your will, direct it firmly and I will do my best to stay out of the way.
Saturday, January 26
The Prayer of Worship
Name:Scott
Scripture: Psalm 103
OAP: Yes, let us praise the Lord! What a great Psalm. It covers basically all that God does for us. "He forgives my sins . . . redeems me from death . . . fills my life with good things . . . slow to get angry . . . does not deal harshly with us as we deserve . . ." The Psalmist then goes on to call the angels to praise God with him! And verse 22 calls me, with the angels, to praise everything He has created. And I should!
Scripture: Psalm 103
"22 Praise the Lord, everything He has created,
everything in all His kingdom.
Let all that I am praise the Lord."
OAP: Yes, let us praise the Lord! What a great Psalm. It covers basically all that God does for us. "He forgives my sins . . . redeems me from death . . . fills my life with good things . . . slow to get angry . . . does not deal harshly with us as we deserve . . ." The Psalmist then goes on to call the angels to praise God with him! And verse 22 calls me, with the angels, to praise everything He has created. And I should!
Everything that I see is His creation. The mexican guy who just walked into Starbucks; the wind; the clouds; musical notes; a bouquet of flowers; even the color yellow! But what does it mean for me to be in constant praise?
Jesus, thank you for relaxing days. I am so thankful to be enjoying life, enjoying the world that you have created for me! It is a mystery to me why you did all this for me, and why you love me so much, despite my depravity. Teach me how to constantly be praising you. Teach me what it looks like to worship you with all that you have made me. I am yours. I have the right to nothing. My talents and abilities are your talents and abilities, and I am reminded that you can use them whenever and however you want, whether I want you to or not. Thank you for life! For overcast clouds on a warm, gray day! I love you.
Friday, January 25
God's power unifies Us!
Name: Andrew Burriss
Scripture: Luke 11: 17 & 20
17 He knew their thoughts, so he said, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 20 But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you.
OAP:Jesus is saying to Us that we need to be wise about what we build our life on. If we try to accomplish good things using Satan's power because that power will always be divided up and never be able to concur any good in this world. When we use God's power to concur the worlds sin then the power is never divided. The power of GOD always works in unity though our lives. We are so grateful as Christians to have GOD and know that His power will never divide no matter what the circumstances are. With GOD we are able to face any sin that Satan tries to tear us away from GOD.
This short passage really touches me and applies to me. When Jesus says 17 "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed". He is saying to me "Andrew no matter how much temptation you face, always stay close in the Word of GOD and never accept that sinful power will ever come close to God's power. GOD takes our world which is divided by sin and through Jesus Christ, He is able to mend together our Kingdom and make it "Wholly" This thought is very important and exciting to my life because I am know that as a Christian I have ultimate hope that GOD will use me to help with His ultimate plan of saving more and more sinners from the chains of Satan.
My prayer is not just for me but for the sake of all the members in our connection group. I pray that we as Christians will not fall short for the glory of GOD. GOD you are such an awesome GOD. As Christians we need help building our lives on You and we need Your power to guide us through decisions that will ultimately help you with your ultimate plan. Help us to realize that all we need is you more and more in more things that we can even think about right now.
GOD is Great!!! Amen!!
Scripture: Luke 11: 17 & 20
17 He knew their thoughts, so he said, "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 20 But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you.
OAP:Jesus is saying to Us that we need to be wise about what we build our life on. If we try to accomplish good things using Satan's power because that power will always be divided up and never be able to concur any good in this world. When we use God's power to concur the worlds sin then the power is never divided. The power of GOD always works in unity though our lives. We are so grateful as Christians to have GOD and know that His power will never divide no matter what the circumstances are. With GOD we are able to face any sin that Satan tries to tear us away from GOD.
This short passage really touches me and applies to me. When Jesus says 17 "Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed". He is saying to me "Andrew no matter how much temptation you face, always stay close in the Word of GOD and never accept that sinful power will ever come close to God's power. GOD takes our world which is divided by sin and through Jesus Christ, He is able to mend together our Kingdom and make it "Wholly" This thought is very important and exciting to my life because I am know that as a Christian I have ultimate hope that GOD will use me to help with His ultimate plan of saving more and more sinners from the chains of Satan.
My prayer is not just for me but for the sake of all the members in our connection group. I pray that we as Christians will not fall short for the glory of GOD. GOD you are such an awesome GOD. As Christians we need help building our lives on You and we need Your power to guide us through decisions that will ultimately help you with your ultimate plan. Help us to realize that all we need is you more and more in more things that we can even think about right now.
GOD is Great!!! Amen!!
Not to knock David Crowder....But
Name: Chad
Scripture: Lk 11: 14-32
Luke 11: 29 When the crowds were increasing he began to say, " this generation is an evil generation. it seeks for a sign, but no sign, will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The queen of the south will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
OAP: This statement is repeated in Matthew 12, I am not sure if I am piecing it together properly but it stood out as extremely important. Each generation or even each individual is given what is needed to them at each place in their life, nostalgia causes us to look back on how God worked (in, through, with, ect.) us and assume that is the way that it is best, that is how God will work in us tomorrow, or in you today. We take what we can simply define as good in one situation and fit it in as good in others that it may not have been meant for. We condemn the other. This is how you worship, you sing David Crowder and then every few weeks we will do alternative worship, you worship in a way I can recognize. This is how you pray, Our Father, Jesus laid it out for us, how can you think that it isn't the right way to pray? You hear God by reading your bible and knowing his voice. Rock and Roll is corrupting our youth, Rap is corrupting our youth. Remember the good ol' days when America was a God fearing nation? Jesus would have been an Enlightened Libertarian, Jesus would have loved democracy. I don't think that if Jesus was walking around today many of us would follow him, thats not saying we don't follow Jesus, its just that I doubt we would recognize him, or he would fit the Jesus mold we have.
God, don't let me stare too deeply at the signs of the past, teach me to value history and the precedent set before me but not to the point of blindness. Lord I fear that if you were to come again today I would condemn you, I would not recognize you. Teach me, in any way necessary, intimacy with your core so that I may find you in embodiments that I have never seen before. Teach me not only your tone, your voice, your words but your will.
Scripture: Lk 11: 14-32
Luke 11: 29 When the crowds were increasing he began to say, " this generation is an evil generation. it seeks for a sign, but no sign, will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The queen of the south will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
OAP: This statement is repeated in Matthew 12, I am not sure if I am piecing it together properly but it stood out as extremely important. Each generation or even each individual is given what is needed to them at each place in their life, nostalgia causes us to look back on how God worked (in, through, with, ect.) us and assume that is the way that it is best, that is how God will work in us tomorrow, or in you today. We take what we can simply define as good in one situation and fit it in as good in others that it may not have been meant for. We condemn the other. This is how you worship, you sing David Crowder and then every few weeks we will do alternative worship, you worship in a way I can recognize. This is how you pray, Our Father, Jesus laid it out for us, how can you think that it isn't the right way to pray? You hear God by reading your bible and knowing his voice. Rock and Roll is corrupting our youth, Rap is corrupting our youth. Remember the good ol' days when America was a God fearing nation? Jesus would have been an Enlightened Libertarian, Jesus would have loved democracy. I don't think that if Jesus was walking around today many of us would follow him, thats not saying we don't follow Jesus, its just that I doubt we would recognize him, or he would fit the Jesus mold we have.
God, don't let me stare too deeply at the signs of the past, teach me to value history and the precedent set before me but not to the point of blindness. Lord I fear that if you were to come again today I would condemn you, I would not recognize you. Teach me, in any way necessary, intimacy with your core so that I may find you in embodiments that I have never seen before. Teach me not only your tone, your voice, your words but your will.
I Am a Serf. Who is My King?
Name: Josh
Scripture: Luke 11:14-32
"16Others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them,"Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. "
OAP: I've heard this passage many times before, but it hit me today as I read verse 17 as a warning applying not only to physical realms or spiritual kingdoms, but as applying to people and lifestyles. No divided household can stand, and that includes our personal kingdom, ourselves, and the kings we serve in our daily lives. I am reminded of when Jesus says: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Luke 16:13
Since anyone serving multiple kings or masters is "laid to waste," it should be imperative for us to seek and serve God, and only God, in our daily lives. This isn't true for myself as I often serve my own ambitions and desires and seek out the easy way to do things instead of the right way. I long to honestly be able to say I only serve one King and dance in the realm of only one Kingdom.
Scripture: Luke 11:14-32
"16Others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. 17But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them,
OAP: I've heard this passage many times before, but it hit me today as I read verse 17 as a warning applying not only to physical realms or spiritual kingdoms, but as applying to people and lifestyles. No divided household can stand, and that includes our personal kingdom, ourselves, and the kings we serve in our daily lives. I am reminded of when Jesus says: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Luke 16:13
Since anyone serving multiple kings or masters is "laid to waste," it should be imperative for us to seek and serve God, and only God, in our daily lives. This isn't true for myself as I often serve my own ambitions and desires and seek out the easy way to do things instead of the right way. I long to honestly be able to say I only serve one King and dance in the realm of only one Kingdom.
The Pattern of Prayer
Name: Scott
Scripture: Matthew 6:7-8
Scripture: Matthew 6:7-8
"7When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8Don't be like them, for our Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!"
OAP:
OAP:
Prayer is clearly defined in this passage, as something that is between God and myself, and that it should not be flaunted. Verses seven and eight talk about how flowery speeches and drawn out soliloquy's don't need to be a part of prayer, which reminds me of Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, 7.
"1As you enter the house of God, keep our ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. 2Don't make rash promises, and don't be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. . . . 7Talk is cheap, like daydream and other useless activities. Fear God instead."
Solomon is warning about bothering God with things that will waste His time, and empty words that are only for show.
Prayer is something that is hard for me. I feel like often times, I don't know how to pray. I feel like I'm doing it wrong, like I can't quite get ahold of the technique. one of the reasons for this is that, when I do take time to pray (and that is seldom), I am so caught up with the rest of my life that I cannot focus on my time with God. I've been realizing more and more through the dryness of my prayer times that God is inviting me to something deeper, and that He is willing to go through my junk with me. This is one of the pieces of junk that He has pulled out to show me. My life is so hurried and filled with confusion, it is becoming unhealthy.
Teacher, teach me how to pray. Jesus, I'm sorry for backing away from you when my prayer times are dry. Help me to learn the full extent of what prayer can do, and help me to have expectations that you will show up and answer them. Thank you for tearing down the curtain to the Most Holy Place so that I might have constant communion with your Father. I'm sorry that I don't take advantage of that as often as I should.
Thursday, January 24
God's fire burns through any good sinners give!!
Name: Andrew Burriss
Scripture: Luke 11:9-11:13 9"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you asked for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And Everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11You fathers- if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy spirit to those who ask him".
OAP: I just love the book of Luke because it has so many teachings of Jesus. Jesus's teachings are great to read and observe. I noticed that Jesus is trying to teach us not to look at the good the sinners give. Every Sinner always gives you the gift you thinkthat you are getting, but in reality, they don't. There is no comparison to what God can give to us. There is only one flaw to this idea of sinners never giving anything good. If sinners become Christians and if they Trust God with there heart, soul and mind, then they will be able to give a Christ- reflection based gift.
There is strong application that I can share from just a short passage. As a Christian I backslide at lot and listen to the world. I am not protected by temptation as well as I should be. This Online soap is great because it gives me a chance to share what God is doing in my life. The very last part of the section "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy spirit to those who ask him". This part really sticks out, because it shows me how much I need to rely on God and His word in order to see through the gifts that I am receiving.
Dear GOD, you are so wonderful to Us. I pray that you will show me what not to receive and what to receive from this world. I pray that you would build up a strong spiritual shield of the word of GOD, so that I will be protected by the evil dwellings of Our world. I also pray for my friends around me.. Please help them to find the true path to the true light. I pray that we as Christan's will trust more in God and that we will be able to see what gifts are given to us.
AMEN!!
Scripture: Luke 11:9-11:13 9"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you asked for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And Everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11You fathers- if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy spirit to those who ask him".
OAP: I just love the book of Luke because it has so many teachings of Jesus. Jesus's teachings are great to read and observe. I noticed that Jesus is trying to teach us not to look at the good the sinners give. Every Sinner always gives you the gift you thinkthat you are getting, but in reality, they don't. There is no comparison to what God can give to us. There is only one flaw to this idea of sinners never giving anything good. If sinners become Christians and if they Trust God with there heart, soul and mind, then they will be able to give a Christ- reflection based gift.
There is strong application that I can share from just a short passage. As a Christian I backslide at lot and listen to the world. I am not protected by temptation as well as I should be. This Online soap is great because it gives me a chance to share what God is doing in my life. The very last part of the section "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy spirit to those who ask him". This part really sticks out, because it shows me how much I need to rely on God and His word in order to see through the gifts that I am receiving.
Dear GOD, you are so wonderful to Us. I pray that you will show me what not to receive and what to receive from this world. I pray that you would build up a strong spiritual shield of the word of GOD, so that I will be protected by the evil dwellings of Our world. I also pray for my friends around me.. Please help them to find the true path to the true light. I pray that we as Christan's will trust more in God and that we will be able to see what gifts are given to us.
AMEN!!
Because of the Shepherd
Name: Josh
Scripture: Genesis 48-49
Genesis 49: 22-25
22 Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. 23 With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility.24 But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, 25 because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb.OAP: As Israel is blessing all his children, he repeatedly states that Joseph in particular has been successful throughout life and overcome the harm of various assailants (including his own brothers as they abandoned him). Jacob emphasizes that this is only due to the blessings God has bestowed upon Joseph, and the strength and protection provided by the hand of the Holy Spirit. Joseph sets an example through his dependency upon the Lord for guidance.
I have a hard time looking to God for answers to little mundane things or to ask for counsel in everyday decisions, and seem to only come to Him if there's something I can't handle on my own. Shouldn't God be the first person we turn to? Why do I constantly try to act independently and of my own will when I know God is so much bigger than me and I am not adequate?
My prayer: Lord teach me to surrender every detail of my life to Your will as Joseph did. Let my thoughts not dwell on my own strength and capability to tackle what is thrown at me, but rather on your blessings and faithfulness to see me through oppression. I ask for the ability to remember that every decision I make should be brought before you, God, that I can not go it alone. Focus my eyes to see that the fruit of my efforts only exists because of Your unfailing grace and provision.
Scripture: Genesis 48-49
Genesis 49: 22-25
22 Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. 23 With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility.24 But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, 25 because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb.OAP: As Israel is blessing all his children, he repeatedly states that Joseph in particular has been successful throughout life and overcome the harm of various assailants (including his own brothers as they abandoned him). Jacob emphasizes that this is only due to the blessings God has bestowed upon Joseph, and the strength and protection provided by the hand of the Holy Spirit. Joseph sets an example through his dependency upon the Lord for guidance.
I have a hard time looking to God for answers to little mundane things or to ask for counsel in everyday decisions, and seem to only come to Him if there's something I can't handle on my own. Shouldn't God be the first person we turn to? Why do I constantly try to act independently and of my own will when I know God is so much bigger than me and I am not adequate?
My prayer: Lord teach me to surrender every detail of my life to Your will as Joseph did. Let my thoughts not dwell on my own strength and capability to tackle what is thrown at me, but rather on your blessings and faithfulness to see me through oppression. I ask for the ability to remember that every decision I make should be brought before you, God, that I can not go it alone. Focus my eyes to see that the fruit of my efforts only exists because of Your unfailing grace and provision.
I, being evil
Name: Chad
Scripture: Luke 10:38-11:13
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread[f] from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
OAP: All of these well known passages are vastly different yet they seem to revolve in the area that is the reason for which this blog exists.
Martha: Sit at the feet of God and listen, it is not all about service. Stop.
Our Father: This is how you talk to me, pray in this way.
Knock: The Lord your God will not deny you when you ask, the word will not come back void "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened"
In times of desolation it seems as if we're knocking at midnight and our friend not only is turning us away, but pretending not even to be home. Although I have known the joys of desolation and growth I look back with nostalgia on the times of consolation, early in conversion.
This is my prayer: Lord, I know that you will receive me as I knock and provide me what I need. Fortify me to continue to ask for growth, I pray that You lead me in my prayers to ask for what I truly need and not the consolation that I want to hold me over. Moreover I give you permission to ignore my prayers that are not derived directly from your will. Don't console me with your felt presence if it does not advance your kingdom. Refine me according to your will.
Scripture: Luke 10:38-11:13
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread[f] from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
OAP: All of these well known passages are vastly different yet they seem to revolve in the area that is the reason for which this blog exists.
Martha: Sit at the feet of God and listen, it is not all about service. Stop.
Our Father: This is how you talk to me, pray in this way.
Knock: The Lord your God will not deny you when you ask, the word will not come back void "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened"
In times of desolation it seems as if we're knocking at midnight and our friend not only is turning us away, but pretending not even to be home. Although I have known the joys of desolation and growth I look back with nostalgia on the times of consolation, early in conversion.
This is my prayer: Lord, I know that you will receive me as I knock and provide me what I need. Fortify me to continue to ask for growth, I pray that You lead me in my prayers to ask for what I truly need and not the consolation that I want to hold me over. Moreover I give you permission to ignore my prayers that are not derived directly from your will. Don't console me with your felt presence if it does not advance your kingdom. Refine me according to your will.
Wednesday, January 23
Jesus Discs and Holy Water
Name: Scott
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3
OAP*:
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3
"1Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3They are like trees planted along
the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do."
OAP*:
I really like the idea that those who meditate on the law of the Lord are "like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season." The person who delights in Gods word and tries to apply it to their life will reap the benefits and be changed, as a result of letting God mess around inside them.
This is another passage that stresses the importance of taking time away to be with God and read His word. (I have been reading passages that are planned around the subject of Meditation, but weird how I am reading them right when I need them, huh?) The more I open myself to God, the more He will be able to mold me and speak to me.
*Prayer done in my head.
And I said I would never blog...
Name: Chad
Scripture: Lk 10:17-37
This is big for me, I have the authority of Jesus. Nothing in this world holds authority or power over me, I am no longer a slave to sin. The capability to defeat temptation is at my lips and yet I often refuse to use it, simply because I would rather play in my sins. As this is my first soap in a while I read for context, Lk 9:62 No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. In lust I put it off, "God I am a sinful man who will work for your will, but first..." I disregard the power entrusted to me to fully defeat temptation, which I know I have the ability to do from experience (not my ability given by grace, yes yes I know but nonetheless an ability at my disposal)
This is my prayer: God, give me the strength to call upon you and ask for the supernatural interceding that you faithfully provide to me. I have been backsliding for many months and have become complacent in it, relishing my sin and holding on to it. Sin has lost its power, it is only the small battles after D-day that remain and I will rejoice in the victory and give the skirmishes to you aswell. Let not my battles influence the storming of the gate. Continue to work in the ways that I still am in awe of and I give you permission to push me out of the way.
Scripture: Lk 10:17-37
17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
OAP:This is big for me, I have the authority of Jesus. Nothing in this world holds authority or power over me, I am no longer a slave to sin. The capability to defeat temptation is at my lips and yet I often refuse to use it, simply because I would rather play in my sins. As this is my first soap in a while I read for context, Lk 9:62 No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. In lust I put it off, "God I am a sinful man who will work for your will, but first..." I disregard the power entrusted to me to fully defeat temptation, which I know I have the ability to do from experience (not my ability given by grace, yes yes I know but nonetheless an ability at my disposal)
This is my prayer: God, give me the strength to call upon you and ask for the supernatural interceding that you faithfully provide to me. I have been backsliding for many months and have become complacent in it, relishing my sin and holding on to it. Sin has lost its power, it is only the small battles after D-day that remain and I will rejoice in the victory and give the skirmishes to you aswell. Let not my battles influence the storming of the gate. Continue to work in the ways that I still am in awe of and I give you permission to push me out of the way.
My Very First Blog
Name: Josh
Scripture: Luke 10:25-28
Scripture: Luke 10:25-28
“25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Prayer – Lord, I pray for strength of body and mind to be constantly studious in your Word. Grant me the will to make this a new habit in place of my current flesh. Also, God, give me the patience I need to love others in my life as you first loved us. Thank you for giving me access to such a rich and living source of knowledge in the Bible and for the comfort of a group of friends close enough to work through this together. So be it.
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