2nd Timothy 1-4

In 2nd Timothy 1 we are reminded of the gift God has given us. 6"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline...12b Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."(NIV)
We are to treasure the gift God has brought to us through the word and ministry of His people. It is so easy to forget that during trials and hardships. Satan will do everything in his power to convince us otherwise. Staying true to God will strengthen your faith and testimony.

In chapter 2 we are instructed to stay strong in two things: 1; Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and 2; Endure hardship together as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, competing by the rules (doing things God's way) and we will be rewarded. We are not to quarrel or pursue evil desires of our youth, but to "pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Chapter 3 defines godlessness in the last days. 2"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." They are the ones who persecute the church, even though they may claim to be part of us. Our knowledge of scripture will give us wisdom. 16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

In chapter 4 we are given instruction on Preaching the word in and out of season. Many will not accept this and will reject sound doctrine (Godly truth). They will only accept what they want to hear. It is easier to do what we want than what God wants and that also takes us out of a position of power and puts God there. There is a crown of righteousness for those who persevere to the end. Be true to God and He will show you mighty things as He does them through you.

Titus

Titus chapter 1 begins telling us what position that God has placed Paul. He was placed to minister to the people of God and reveal the knowledge of truth that leads to godliness - 2 "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior." (NIV)

Titus was left in Crete to straighten out what was unfinished. His job was to appoint Elders in every town. Church leaders must have a life that will be Christlike. He is entrusted with God's work and must hold firmly to the message as it has been taught. He must be able to apply sound doctrine to encourage and refute as necessary. Here are some other qualities; 7b "he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined." (NIV) These are things God wants to add to each of us so that He can truly use us to spread the word and be good stewards of that gift. Paul didn't give names of those who would be appointed, rather He knew Titus would recognize them by the work they had allowed God to do in their life.

In chapter 2 we encounter what the believers are to be taught - sound doctrine. Older men; to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Older women; to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (NIV) Then He tells us to be subject to our bosses or masters so the word of God will be attractive to them.

In chapter 3 we encounter the truths about being subject to rulers, authorities and being obedient, ready to do whatever is good. We are to slander no one and to live peaceable lives. We are not to be enslaved by all kinds of passions, but to live in freedom in Christ. 3b "We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone... 14Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)

We are to understand what we have been delivered from and not run back to them. He has great things to do in the lives of His people. We have seen today how God used Paul and Titus. How does He want to use you? As we apply His truths God will do more that we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (NIV)

1st Timothy

In 1st Timothy 1 we see what Christ meant in Revelation chapter 1 when He said they had lost their first love. They had taken their minds off of what Christ was leading them to do and were concentrating on things that were dear to them, not Him. They were caught up in "meaningless arguments that promote controversies rather than God's work which is by faith." The law is made to define and reveal sin, not to live by or to minister by. We are to walk by faith in communion with God and not get caught up in the rules and regulations that so easily entangle us. By grace God has saves us and delivered us from the law that could not save. When we walk by the law we look good compared to others. When we walk by grace we take our eyes off each other and the law and fix our eyes on Christ and what He has in mind to have us become, do and think. When that happens the law no longer is relevant as we seek to do His will. The law is no longer the standard - Christ is and what He wants is relevant. We are to hold on to what we learned in the beginning and He will show us in a daily basis what we need to keep from shipwrecking our faith.

In chapter 2 we see the urgency of intercessory prayer - 1 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time." Paul directs us to lift up "holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing."

In chapter 3 we see Paul giving instructions to church leaders. We are to lead lives that would have others see god working in and through us. WE are to be tested to be sure there is nothing ungodly in our lives. This will not only gain the respect of our families. but others as well. We must also manage our children and household well. 14 "I am writing you these instructions so that 15 ... you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

In chapter 4 we encounter the truth that there will be false teachers. Their consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. We are to seek God for what is acceptable in His sight. A thorough knowledge of His word is needed to sort through the rhetoric.
9 "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." Then we were shown not to neglect our gift that was given to us when we were saved.

In chapter 5 we are instructed to treat older men as our father, older women as our mother, and younger ones as our brothers and sisters. We are to give proper recognition to the widows in need. We are to make a list of widows and put the older ones on it and encourage the younger ones to work and not become idle. Paul counsels the younger ones to marry and have children, manage their homes and not to be used as a vessel to spread slander. 16 "If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need."(NIV) The families should help first and then the church. We are to rule without favoritism and God (who knows what He is doing) places us here to work together. He will bring glory to Himself will use us to bring others to a close encounter with our Lord as we do the things He instructs.

Romans 14-16

Romans 13 ends by asking us to behave decently as in the day and to stay away from sexual immorality and debauchery, dissension or jealousy. 14"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." In Psalms 32:10 the Lord tells us; "Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him."

Then we start chapter 14 by being asked to "accept Him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters." We are not talking about immorality, but God's ordained freedom in Christ not to be bound to the law or the old covenant that restricted such matters. 3"The man who eats everything must not look down on one who does...22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin."(NIV) We are to make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification (building up of the body of believers).

In chapter 15 we are told to bear with the failings of the weak and please our neighbor for his good to encourage and build him up. Paul then asks for a spirit of unity 6"so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy,"(NIV) One of the best ways we can glorify God and be a witness to others is to have love for each other and unity with each other as the people of God.

2 Corinthians 10-13

In chapter 10 we see speaking boldly and showing divine power to demolish strongholds. 5"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."(NIV)
Our thoughts will manifest themselves in our actions. When they are surrendered to the authority of Christ, the strongholds are bound. 15b"Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, 16so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. 17But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[c] 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."(NIV)
God gives the vision for His work to be accomplished. It is His work, He shows us His vision for accomplishing and He accomplishes it through the work of the Holy Spirit.

In chapter 11 & 12 we see Paul talking about false Apostles. The father of lies will send his messengers in with deception that will undermine God's work. His plan is to seek, kill and destroy everything that is of spiritual value. He will pull you away from God and His people if we believe his ways and walk in them. Proverbs 21:16 tells us "A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead." These are people who do not know the Lord. God views the spiritually dead as those who are truly dead. The believers who die physically never really die, they make the spiritual transition into the presence of God. God appoints Hid people to different positions in the kingdom and those are the people who truly belong there as we carry out His will (assignment). During those assignments God reveals things that we need to share with His people and with that comes the power to carry out the task.

In chapter 13 we are to test ourselves. 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?..11Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints send their greetings.

2 Cor 5-9

Chapter 5 deals with how we view life differently as a Christian. We are instructed to set our eyes on the eternal, not the temporal (what we can see and touch). What we face here is temporary. What we face spiritually is forever. This earthly life was given to us in order to gain a heavenly dwelling place by having a life - giving relationship with the giver life. Rather than to develop ourselves spiritually, we have a tendency to go back and concentrate on this physical body we live in and our present battles in life. As others see us win the spiritual battles they get a glimmer of faith and hope through a surrendered life that fears God. Then Christ will take care of our earthly battles. We are sometimes so worried about our physical body that we forget the spiritual. Satan's plan is to take our eyes off the eternal (God) and concentrate physical (ourselves). 5:9"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (NIV)

We are to live not for ourselves but for Him who gave His life for us. We have a message of reconciliation to share with the world. This is our message: 5:20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

In chapter 6 we see how being yoked with unbelievers can cause us to do the things discussed earlier because they do not walk by the spirit but by sight. We are to be set apart from the world in a way that will draw the world to Him. As we live a consecrated life Christ draws all men to Him through us. That's how the Holy Spirit works through us.

Chapter 7 deals with Paul's joy in the Corinthians responding to God by examining themselves and having Godly repentance after getting Paul's last letter. 7:10"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." (NIV) We should examine our thoughts, actions, and attitudes periodically and through humility take what is revealed to the throne of grace and God lovingly forgives and completely restores us.

Then in chapters 8&9 Paul talks about the giving. Some gave out of their poverty, some out of their abundance. Paul had been telling others about the Corinthian church and was excited about their progress. He wanted them to put some aside every week so when they came to collect for the churches they would have shown diligence in their giving.
9:6"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

2nd Corinthians 1-4

In 2ND Corinthians 1 Paul greets them and starts with God's comfort and compassion. God allows us to experience similar trials and sufferings so that we may be of comfort and encouragement to those experiencing trials. These hardships happen that we may rely on totally God for everything who has power over life and death. When we set our hope on Him the outcome will be more than we could do - it's God's power at work. We are to lift each other up in prayers - that's the help that will provide God's help in their trials. It may not make sense to us, but God wants to meet their needs and will speak to us and them as we pray.

In chapters 2and 3 we see the intent of discipline is restoration. We are to forgive and restore those who have fallen away from the walk God has shown them. We are to forgive and comfort so they will not be overwhelmed with excessive sorrow. With obedience even through church discipline comes forgiveness. That's a vital part of the new covenant. As God disciplines us and forgives us, we are to forgive in the spirit of the new covenant to keep Satan from having any victories in anything. When we turn to Christ the veil is taken away and we are given understanding. We are being transformed into His image. This is a continuous process as we remain in Him.

Here are some verses of encouragement in chapter 4. 4:8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body... 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV) So let's keep our eyes on the prize and not get overwhelmed in the heat of the battle or ministry Christ has placed you in.

1 Corinthians 15-16

In chapter 15 we see Paul urging us to not forget what we were taught in the beginning. Those core values or doctrines we hold close to our heart will deep root us and establish us in the faith when false teachings are presented. In this case those were spreading rumors that there is no resurrection from the dead. That makes those who refuse God rest easier, no resurrection - no judgment, no judgment - no consequences for our choices and actions. If there is no after life, there will be no sentence and no eternity. When we open ourselves to false teachings then we are open to all different ideas and philosophies. These may contain truth, but are not the original genuine faith that gives life. When we enter the scripture and the author speaks from the truth that gives true understanding, we can then distinguish the genuine from the counterfeit. That's the job of the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth. We then apply truth and pray for the Holy Spirit to show us the way. For example: If we are going to be raised, we must first die. That is a natural part of life that only comes a that point in life. That is when the mortal puts on immortality. That is God's plan for us to overcome death. 16:55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (NIV) Always pray for the Lord to guide you in all truth.

1 Corinthians 9-11

In chapter 9 Paul tells us He could have asked for support for His preaching as other apostles, but He chose to work and not be an extra financial burden to the Corinthians. He wanted them to understand that the prize was not material gain, but we should run in such a way that would get the prize that will last forever. He wants us to follow His example of loving God's people and building relationships in order to win people of all backgrounds and nationalities to Christ.

In chapter 10 we are instructed not to abuse our new freedom in Christ. We are not to be caught up in the same trap that caused Israel much grief. While we are not under the law we, are to use their examples as a warning and learn not to repeat their mistakes that causes our Lord to grieve. I believe it hurts God when we do these things and He will not tolerate us going down that road that leads to pain and destruction. He knows the consequences of our thoughts and activities and as a loving father He intervenes before we destroy ourselves. The job of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of these things.

In chapter 11 we are shown propriety in worship. There is an order to everything and the Lord has created certain things to be subject to each other and dependent on each other, but everything is subject to our Lord to whom we must all give an account for our thoughts and actions. The Lord created this order for us to submit to the place He has ordained we should serve. In Him there is order. This is offensive to some as we have a tendency to want to be in charge of our own destiny. Understanding that God's plan is always best gives me comfort. Trusting Him with our life makes it possible to put everything under His authority and in His order.

Acts 18:19-19:41

Today we see Paul traveling to Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila. They were tent makers. He left them there to encourage and strengthen the Ephesians, and went to different churches throughout the region strengthening the disciples. This was not to establish new work, but to strengthen the churches. God used Paul and others for this. He raised up Apollos and equipped Him for this and gave him the ability to represent Him publicly. His knowledge of the scriptures was one way in which God was able to use him tremendously to strengthen, teach and encourage. 18:28For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (NIV)

We see some believers in Ephesus not knowing there is a Holy Spirit. They were only familiar with John's baptism of repentance. We see them being baptized again in the name of Jesus and they received the Holy Spirit. They showed signs of the power of God in their lives in tongues and prophecy. Then we see God doing extraordinary miracles through Paul. Paul had an assignment but I believe the difference was Paul's understanding of the power of God in His life. We all have access to the same Lord with the same strength, wisdom and power. I believe the more we access the father, the more access He has to us. We cannot leave unchanged when we spend time in the word and with the author of the word. The more we do, the more the power of God will be evident in our life. 2ND Thessalonians tells us we will develop love for the truth. If we expect to make a difference in the assignment we have, we must display evidence of the power of God in our life that will cause others to desire His truth in a way that is life changing. This will stop an unbelieving world in their tracks. They have no power over the power of God in your life.

Acts 17-18:18

We start chapter 17 today seeing Paul in the middle of the mission God had given him and stayed three weeks in Thessalonica teaching about Christ. We see some Jews accepting Christ and some creating dissension. When He was driven out, He went to Berea where the scriptures tell us that they were of more noble character and searched the scriptures for the truth and received the scriptures with eagerness. We see Silas and Timothy stayed first at Thessalonica and then stayed in Berea after the Thessalonians stirred up trouble in Berea. After Paul left they stayed behind to teach the ways of the Lord. Discipleship was more than just a buzz word, they lived it and left teachers and preachers in every city. The scriptures tell us they later appointed elders and began the early churches with their own leadership.

Then in Athens we see Paul teaching in the marketplace. There were false Gods throughout the city and He was greatly troubled. They ended up taking Him to the Areopagus where He brilliantly used the Altar of the unknown God to tell them about Jesus. He knew some of their own poets had said "We are His offspring." Some sneered, needed to hear more and some believed. Paul never came back to Athens to tell them more.

In chapter 18 we see Paul in Corinth. When Timothy and Silas came from Macedonia, Paul stopped making tents with Aquila and Priscilla and devoted Himself to preaching the word to the Jews there. When they got abusive and opposed Him He shook His clothes and said "Your blood be on your own heads, I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles!" But God spoke to Him in a vision and persuaded Him to stay. He stayed there a year and a half teaching them the word of God. God knew the Corinthian church needed Him there as they became established. Paul showed true servant hood as He stayed and went about the father's business. When things look like they are getting out of hand, it may be the Lord at work. If we do not see it through, we may never be used as God intended and will not experience the blessing He has intended as He carries us through the difficult situation. If you are facing a situation that is bigger than us, let God carry you through and the faith God builds in you through depending on Him in this, will bring you through the next one and the next one. Just like Paul, Silas and Timothy, we are on a journey with the Lord. As we let Him lead, we will end up at the right destination and will gain a wealth of wisdom, perseverance and blessings along the way.

James 1-5

James 1 starts with having a solid relationship that does not waver. Trials develop us and was doing so in this early church. Perseverance develops maturity and completeness spiritually. 1:12"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." He says we should be doers of the word. When we encounter the Lord through scriptures, we should spend some time before him and that truth. Then when we get up we can experience the fruit of the truth through experiencing God through His message.
Foe example God tells us in 1:26 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. When we spend some time with that truth and start doing this it will change our relationship with God and those He is bringing into our life."

One thing we encounter today in James 3 is Godly wisdom. Here is what my friend Pastor Stan Jordan wrote about it yesterday in his blog: Friday, November 21, 2008
"Finding God's Wisdom in Any Situation"

"Often, people ask me how they can know God's will or how they can find God's wisdom for a particular situation. I can't tell them God's will for them, and they can only get God's wisdom from Him, but I can point them in the right direction. James 3:13-18is a passage I use to help people like this.

There are certain things that show us when things are done according to the wisdom of this world. Those things are envy, self-seeking, and confusion. It leads to sensuality and even the demonic. However, sometimes it is just very subtle selfishness. God never operates that way.
On the contrary, God's wisdom is seen by these types of things: purity, peaceableness, gentleness, being willing to yield, mercy, good fruits, no partiality, and no hypocrisy. I believe that is a clear contrast, don't you?
Therefore, when you are seeking God's wisdom, step back and look at these lists, and see how they apply to your situation. I believe that will make it clear to you how to act in God's wisdom. However, I do want you to pray for God to direct your steps and your words in all you do and how you do it."
Posted by Stan Jordan

Acts 9-10

In acts 9 we see Saul's conversion. That's what it should take place in all our lives as God starts to work. The conversion just begins when we accept Christ. It's a process the living God puts into place and continues to adjust, tweak and make repairs and improvements that we are not capable of by human methods and techniques. It seems there are many formulas out there for success, but as we see with Saul only one thing could stop him in his tracks and change his heart sending him in a complete different area of service. He had all the right stuff. He was driven, dedicated and trained for the job. It just happened to be the wrong one. Can God take what was intended for evil and use it for good? What does it take on our behalf for that to take place? We must be stopped, turned around and redirected by our Lord. The scene went like this 9:4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
It was a direct command that He was given. He could have argued with Him, but He didn't. He could have said that a loving God certainly would not make me blind and denied God's way of working here, or He could have denied that the whole thing happened the way it did (because the others could not see the light from heaven). When God chooses a method of delivery many times we have the idea that we have a choice on how and where it should be sent. Ananias had the same choice to make as did Peter in chapter 10. We must understand the part prayer played in all of these events. God answered all of the men as He chose as they prayed. We see each of them getting up from that prayer and what they were about to do changed in a radical way to encounter the Lord as He is working. We are in a serious spiritual dilemma when our prayer life has no effect on what we do next. You can see who our Lord chose to include to involve in the father's business. Is He the same God today? Do his promises still hold true. How we believe God will have a tremendous effect on what He will include us in and how He chooses to involve us in what He is doing. That's where these men found inner peace and joy. They put their life on hold and followed Him. That's where the scriptures say we will find life. In Matthew 10:39 our Lord said: "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." The rewards always outweigh the cost. Obedience is not a choice it is the most crucial aspect of our worship. Pray and get up with a willing heart expecting the good things the Lord will do.

Acts 7-8

Today we see three examples of what Christ can do in our lives if we will let Him. He wants to use us in a tremendous way when we are open to His ways. Two of the people He used were the first deacons. In order to be used in this capacity their lives had to show a character that was full of power and wisdom. This is the direct sign of a work done in our lives by the Lord. One of the people we see today, Simon the Sorcerer, also a believer, tried to buy these qualities. He was astonished by the miracles Philip did and followed Him everywhere. When He saw the Samaritans receive power from the Lord at the laying on of hands, He tried to buy it. This was Peter's response:
8:20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."(NIV) This was Simon's response: 24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."(NIV) Our response to the answer to our prayers are so important. We don't always ask with the right motives, or understand how to respond to the answer we get. Many of us at times are in danger of God's wrath because of the motives of our heart. The Sanhedrin's' response to Steven's message was to put Him to death. These men were both deacons and Peter was an apostle. All were messengers from the Lord. Many times we pray for a word from God and then don't approve of His method of delivery. He says we will be His messengers. God chooses the messengers and many times today we think we should be able to make the determination if it is from the Lord. The job of the Holy Spirit to make that determination as He did to Simon the Sorcerer. He will reveal that when we let Him. Does God have the authority to choose the messenger? Does He have the authority to choose the message? Does He have our permission to deliver it as He chooses? Does He have our permission to use the ministry that He chooses to involve us in? Our current situation may be radically affected by our response to what the Lord intends to accomplish in our lives. Try to pray, listen, and then look for next thing the Lord does. Many times we will pray and get up and proceed with our lives without either looking back, forward or look around us to see where and how He intends to answer. Many times we are guilty of asking and waiting for the answer we are looking for, and we reject the messenger or method God chooses to respond to us. We are huge saints as prayer warriors and in the practical ministry He desires to accomplish through our prayer life we respond as we are atheists. His word tells us He will always answer. That is one of His dimensions - He is faithful and will always be as faithful to answer our prayers as He did the early church. Let's enter our day expecting an answer and respond to that open to the idea that God is really in charge. One of the hardest things we may ever do is to get out of His way and let Him be God in all areas. His blessings, wisdom and power (His will for all of us) is waiting on the other side of our obedient response to Him.

Acts 3-6

Peter and John were going up to the temple at three in the afternoon. It shows that they went to the temple daily and taught and prayed with the people of God. They refer to them as brothers even though the Jewish leaders had crucified their Lord. They did not blame them as they understood that was part of God's plan. God really does know what He is doing, even when are not aware. He is still at work today. We see the crippled beggar healed and jumping with joy and praising God. We see God using this act to actually show his power in a few ways. He healed the lame, then He gave Peter and John words to answer the charges against them, delivered them from jail and established their faith as they they saw the room shaken 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV) The religious leaders did not really know what to do with them.

Then we see the believers being of one heart and one mind, sharing all that the Lord had provided. We see there were no needy persons among them. Then we see where they named Joseph Barnabas which means the son of encouragement.

God worked in many ways in the early church. Then we experience Ananias and Sapphira trying to fool God and get recognition for giving their property to the Lord. He will always convict us of our sin. He sat an example as they plotted to deceive the New Church. We then see the apostles arrested and God released them and the Holy Spirit told them to teach in the the temple courts. I love this passage from chapter 5:29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

The church had grown tremendously and we see the early organization in the form of deacons. The Grecian Jews were complaining because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. They instituted the office of deacon. It is an office of service. Then we see the first deacon suffer persecution for His faith. We then see the Jews producing false witnesses to substantiate their actions against what God was doing through Stephen. Acts 6:15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. When God uses us, His spirit shines on all who are there.

Luke 24; John 20 & 21

They discovered Jesus' body was gone and thought they had taken Him. The angels told them and they did not understand. Understanding what Christ is doing among us requires our eyes to be opened by the Lord. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus allowed their minds to be opened to spiritual things, they began to understand. It doesn't matter if we just spent the last Three years with our Lord, we must be open to what He is doing to see Him at work.

Yesterday Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest shared shared this with us:
"We should be so one with God that we don’t need to ask continually for guidance. Sanctification means that we are made the children of God. A child’s life is normally obedient, until he chooses disobedience. But as soon as he chooses to disobey, an inherent inner conflict is produced. On the spiritual level, inner conflict is the warning of the Spirit of God. When He warns us in this way, we must stop at once and be renewed in the spirit of our mind to discern God’s will (see Romans 12:2 ). If we are born again by the Spirit of God, our devotion to Him is hindered, or even stopped, by continually asking Him to guide us here and there. ". . . the Lord led me . . ." and on looking back we see the presence of an amazing design. If we are born of God we will see His guiding hand and give Him the credit."

Don't worry about what you did yesterday or what you are going to do tomorrow.
Make a concerted effort to see where God is working today and join Him in that. There is where you will see the Lord working.

Luke 23; John 18-19

Today we see the arrest, trial and crucifixion of our Lord. The search for truth is one that we are all responsible for. Pilate understood the dilemma and sent Jesus to Herod. Pilate asked in John 18:38"What is truth?" That search for truth is so key as we each have to determine who we say Jesus is. This is one area where we cannot pass the buck. This will also determine the way we are to follow Him. Many people create a God that meets their expectations and their idea of ministry and that is who and how they serve. They have created a God and a daily walk that is not of the Lord, and therefore is a false Gos and belief. The Jews had the Pharisees (who kept the law strictly in their own minds), and the Sadducees who did not believe in angels or the resurrection from the dead. They had a tremendous knowledge of God without really knowing Him. At some point we must go through the same process to determine who Jesus really is and then how to join Him in His plan. The search for truth is key to obedience. God rewards our obedience tremendously as a loving father would. He makes it possible to do His will as we understand truth. God wants us to join Him where He is, not where we are. We are to bring our understanding of Him to His understanding of truth, not bring Him down to our understanding. The result is peace in the midst of whatever circumstances are surrounding us as we see Jesus example as He gave His life following His father's plan. This plan is not always comfortable, it is the will of the father. What adjustment do we need to make in order to say "not my will, but thine?" That is the only thing that will allow us to do things that are way to big for us, are way out of our comfort zone or things that we disagree with. We must pray and ask God for understanding of how He is working. There are those calling out to Him who He will place in the hands of good stewards. That place will be given to those willing to answer the call on His terms, not ours. Then we will all give thanks to the father and truly worship Him as we see our Lord at work among us. Here is an example from Oswald Chambers in today's My Utmost for His Highest devotional readings.

"We must break out of our own little world of experience into abandoned devotion to Him. Think who the New Testament says Jesus Christ is, and then think of the despicable meagerness of the miserable faith we exhibit by saying, "I haven’t had this experience or that experience"! Think what faith in Jesus Christ claims and provides— He can present us faultless before the throne of God, inexpressibly pure, absolutely righteous, and profoundly justified. Stand in absolute adoring faith "in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God— and righteousness and sanctification and redemption . . ." ( 1 Corinthians 1:30 ). How dare we talk of making a sacrifice for the Son of God! We are saved from hell and total destruction, and then we talk about making sacrifices!

We must continually focus and firmly place our faith in Jesus Christ— not a "prayer meeting" Jesus Christ, or a "book" Jesus Christ, but the New Testament Jesus Christ, who is God Incarnate, and who ought to strike us dead at His feet. Our faith must be in the One from whom our salvation springs. Jesus Christ wants our absolute, unrestrained devotion to Himself. We can never experience Jesus Christ, or selfishly bind Him in the confines of our own hearts. Our faith must be built on strong determined confidence in Him."

Matthew 27: & Mark 15

Today we see our Lord going as a a lamb to be slain. He did not complain or feel sorry for Himself. He gave no defense for His charges nor spoke bad about anyone. He did mention in other passages that No one took His life, but He gave it willingly. We see his true servant hood by His actions. He loved people who were hard to love, gave of himself to people who were ungrateful, and died for a church that did not recognize Him and despised His kingdom. He did all of this with grace and dignity. He even asked His father to forgive their ignorance as they had Him flogged, mocked Him, spat on Him and put Him to death. The way He served His father and carried out the assignment truly did what He said would happen; "When I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."

As we look into our personal assignment we observe a few things. Where has God placed me? What is the assignment He has given me, am I carrying it out with true servant hood and where am I in the process?
Am I serving in every assignment in a way that will draw others to our Lord? Or am I serving Him in a way that would would be self serving... so others can see my suffering and certainly hear my case that justifies the way I serve, and the ministries I am willing to be involved in? True servant hood shoots holes in all of my excuses. The Lord has a way of bringing me around to His way of thinking when I compare these things to what He did on the cross for me, and how he carried out the assignment.

What have you been thinking about lately? Has the Lord been bringing a certain thing to your mind more than anything else? Most likely that is where He wants you to be involved with His people. That may seem like the most challenging assignment He will ever give you. It will take total dependence on the father to do such a thing. That may be the hill called Cavalry God is leading you into. Many times God leads us into the valley because the experience in the valley builds something He is doing in our lives. That's where we experience Him, his power with its sustaining grace. This is evident in Paul's life when our Lord told Ananias (Acts 9) 15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." We see Ananias did not want the assignment nor did Paul, but many times God has other plans. So when we say I know the Lord could not possibly want me to be in this situation, think of our Lord and Ananias (the leader of the church in Damascus) and the Lord paring Him with Saul (the one seeking to kill Him). Suffering is a reality with service and we must trust God to let Him lead us and serve when, where and how He says to serve.

Matthew 24

Today we experience Jesus leaving the temple in Jerusalem dealing with the future. It's something we all think about at times. He starts out talking about the destruction of Jerusalem and moves into the end of time. He tells us not to be deceived with wars and rumors of wars. These things must take place but the end is still ahead. Nation will rise against nation kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes, the sea in turmoil (roaring seas and strange tides; Luke 21:25). These are the beginning of birth pains.

We are to be deep rooted in the word of God and establishes in our relationship with Him so we will not be easily deceived by those false prophets claiming to have the answers. There will be those who betray the faith. Matthew 24:10 "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

This may not happen in our generation. Our job is to have a relationship with the father that will be life changing to those the Lord places in our path. This will help establish the faith of those entrusted to us. All of this was passed down to us, we are be good stewards and leave a legacy of faith. How are we doing? It's our individual relationship that will be either life changing or business as usual to future generations. This will take sound doctrine. We are to apply ourselves to the word of God in a way that produces discernment and wisdom. There are those today who make an art of discrediting our Lord and treating the scriptures and prophecies with scoffing and contempt. Applying ourselves to the word will bring down strong holds against those who would keep those seeking truth in spiritual bondage. I encourage you to take the challenge and experience God daily. That personal experience and witness of what He does in our life will encourage future generations. We are to leave a generation behind that will be ready when the Lord appears. Be encouragers and teachers of what God is doing in your life and share the good news. Christ said "freely you have been given, freely give ... you will do even greater things than me." Let God will surprise you at the way He will choose to use you.

Matthew 22; Mark 12

Today we see the Lord speaking in parables. He spoke to teach and to confound the religious leaders who despised Him. He was actively working in the midst of the people where God had placed Him. He starts with the wedding banquet for the king's son. The invited guests disrespected the invitation and the king opened the invitation to the common people. We see where one showed up without showing honor to the king by not wearing wedding clothes. This shows us to bring honor to God by respecting what He has done in our lives by doing things His way and not enjoy the benefits of His gift while no adjustments on our part are made.

They made plans to trap our Lord by saying;
22:17Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
18But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
21"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (NIV)
Every Hebrew boy clearly understood that were made in God's image and should give their life to Him.
Jesus answered many questions such as marriage in the resurrection asked by the Sadducees who do not believe in the resurrection. Jesus says they will be like the angels in heaven. I believe we will not be concerned with such stuff. We will be completely devoted to fellowship and service for God and the place in heaven He assigns us. The Lord has plans for us during that time.
He then taught on the greatest commandment. Since the Father and Son are one, loving God includes loving the Son. Love God, love people. This command to be obeyed. When we do we can then see the Lord at work. In Mark 12:42 Jesus asked "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" (NIV) We must all answer that question. Getting that question right and applying His teachings according to the gift given us is the most important thing we will ever do.

Matthew 20-21

We begin today with Jesus teaching about the nature of the father. He will lovingly reward us fairly and most likely we will get the same reward regardless of when we accepted Him. It may have been early in life or late. God is just and give all who trust in His son the life He has promised.

We're experiencing the lat week of Jesus' life. He is preparing the twelve for that and the mother of James and John asked for seats of honor in the Kingdom. He said whoever wants to be first must be last (must serve or be their servant. "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus then healed two blind men and they followed Him.

In chapter 20 Jesus made His triumphal entry Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God[d] for the Son of David!Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” and the entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.

He proceeded to clear the temple told the parable of the dishonest farmers who did not pay the landlord the rent (a share of the crop from the vineyard). He told them Vs. 43 "I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. 44 Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.” (NLT)

We are to be good stewards of what God has entrusted us with, His kingdom. How are we doing? As we pray for guidance God is faithful show us His will. We should pray for the Lord of the harvest to send workers into the field and be open to what He does next.

Matthew 19; Mark 10

Jesus begins both chapters answering questions on divorce. This was never God's purpose for marriage. Moses allowed it because God's people had hard hearts. God views it as breaking the holy covenant we have established with each other, but most importantly with Him. When we flippantly do this and remarry, He views this as adultery. Many countries established have legal divorce laws. These are necessary because of our disregard for the gift God has given us in each other. In many cases one person may not want one and the other person insists that is the only solution. When we do this for the purpose of remarrying, God views this the same as adultery. Whatever has happened, He will forgive when we repent and will re-establish your life and put it in the proper order. We are never to use that as an excuse to give up on our marriage. He does make a provision for divorce when there is marital unfaithfulness, but His perfect plan is repentance, forgiveness and restoration. We then see the Lord commenting on renouncing marriage for the Kingdom and other reasons. He wants us to follow Him in what He wants in our life and to encounter Him as our mate. Some may be able to do this long term or for a season. That time is precious and the Lord will be able to use us in ways we will only understand as we seek His will and rely on Him to fill our life with Him. He will bring us into the lives of His children and use us in ways we otherwise could not experience. Whether we marry or remain single, He will guide us in all of these areas when we trust Him to make our life what He wants.

Then we see Jesus welcoming and praying for the little children He said "for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these... I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." we should encourage our children (and our adults) to go to Him often and get comfortable in doing that.

Then we see how the things of this world can keep us from following Christ or even knowing Him. Then He tells us that we will be rewarded for whatever we give up to follow Him (100 times in the age to come). God is just and will reward us as a loving father in every area.

Luke 10-11; John 10;22-42

We Start today in Luke 10 where we see Jesus sending out seventy two ahead of Him to the place where He was about to go. He said "Go I am sending you as sheep among wolves." Last night I heard Pastor Mitch teach that it is not about God's will in our lives, it's about adjusting our lives to do God's will. He will put us in uncomfortable circumstances in order to experience Him. He will not adjust the assignment so He can experience what we're comfortable with. In 11:28He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Many times we miss the blessing waiting for God to adjust to what we understand rather than being open to what He understands. In church plant training we were taught to serve the master. The seventy two returned with joy and in verse 21 He said "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." Doing God's will brings pleasure to the Father, the Son and to us through the Holy Spirit.

In chapter 11 He taught us to pray and instructs us to: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened...13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"(NIV) The Holy Spirit brings unity and Satan brings division. In verse 17 Jesus told us "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall...23"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters." Christ is very clear about doing the will of the father. In 11:28He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

In vs. 33 we see the eyes being the lamp to the body. We are to be deliberate about making sure the light within us is not darkness. There are so may of God's people in darkness today because we fail to be discerning in what we view and what we hear. If we do not apply God's word (rightly divide the word of truth we can be deceived by Satan into complacency and be content our version of God's will. We will be doing our idea of ministry. That's Satan's goal for all of us. God placed us here to minister as He wills. He gave six woe to the church leaders who were doing ministry their way.

John 10:27; My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

Today we will go prayer driving. We will meet at the church at 10:00. We ill be seeking lost sheep (John 10). We did this Thursday and were blessed and filled with joy as the Lord worked. We experienced His sheep recognizing those He sent out. Please join us in what the Lord is doing. We covet your prayers and presence as we go. Please feel free to join us in what God is doing.

John 9:1-10:21

We start chapter 9 seeing Jesus on mission as a servant of His father. He said: As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (NIV) He taught us that God allowed the man's sickness so that the work of God might be displayed in His life. This happened in my life. I was born with three spleens. The doctors worked for six years with no clue as to what was going on. I was able to see God answer prayer and like He moved Abraham through prayer, He moved us to a complete different part of the country in order to have the needed surgery. Without it I would not have survived past the teen years. When that happens it bolsters our faith as it did the blind man. The Lord tells us to to whom much is given, much is required. The Lord blesses so we can have that close loving relationship with Him and that the work of God may be displayed in our life (vs 3). He wants us to share that life He gave us with others.

Spiritual blindness is why Jesus came - He has seen the consequences of judgment. 37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." 40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" 41Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."

Yesterday we saw Jesus work in a mighty way as we prayer drove through neighborhoods and prayed with those the Lord brought into our path. I would encourage you to join us on Saturday at 10:00 for another time of spiritual enrichment. It is very encouraging to see the Lord at work among us. Please pray and ask the Lord what He would have you do.

In chapter 10 we see Jesus as our Shepherd. He describes Himself as the gate for the sheep. We must enter through the gate to be a sheep as well as an under shepherd. Christ is that gate. Any one who enters by any other means is not a sheep. The sheep will follow the voice of the shepherd. "The shepherd must be willing to lay down his life for his sheep" (NIV) Part of being the good shepherd comes with love for the flock that does not have life as a limit. Christ demonstrated that for us. The true shepherd willingly lays down his life for his sheep. That's how we can tell the real from the imitation: when the consequences of the assignment comes willingly with costing the the ultimate price. Jesus said in 9:4 "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world... 10:9b I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Now that we can see, let's spread the good news.

John 7-8

John 7 starts out with Jesus' brothers wanting Him to have a public ministry and telling Him how to do things. Jesus knew the religious leaders were plotting to take His life so He purposely stayed out of Judea. The key here is even His brothers did not believe in Him (vs. 5). He did go then, but He went later under the father's direction and slipped in. He started teaching in the temple and the crowds gathered. They also had a hard time giving themselves to the Lord as the religious leaders were teaching against Him.

The whole week they pressed our Lord on every issue. He knew what the father was leading Him to do. Still He promised rivers of living water to those who receive Him. Realizing who He is and where He is working among us is the most challenging thing we will ever do. It is also crucial for us to get it right and do things God's way. This only comes from spending time with the master. Our lives should have the marks of change made by the master's hand.

Jesus told them in 8:20 "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.

21Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come."

22This made the Jews ask, "Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, 'Where I go, you cannot come'?"

23But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins."

He went on to say 8:36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed... 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father." Pray that the Lord will give us all discernment to rightly divide His word and do His will.

Matthew 18

We begin today with the disciples asking who is greatest in the kingdom. His answer was one that challenges us even 2000 years later. The one who is humble and becomes least is greatest. Here is another saying that does not make sense nor conforms with the world's view of greatness. We must become like children and then be careful that our actions whether intentional or unintentional do not cause one of these little children to sin. Christ is also referring to those older ones in years who young in the faith. We see their angels in heaven looking out for them. He says we should rid ourselves of anything that causes us to sin. When we enter eternity, He will make us whole when we get rid of whatever is causing us to sin.

Then He teaches on forgiveness. He stretches us to forgive each other. The parable of the unmerciful servant tells us that if our father has forgiven us and we do not forgive each other then He will be intentional on disciplining each of us unless we forgive each other in our heart. He knows our heart and we cannot argue with that. Yesterday in Mark 9:49 Jesus said "For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Being at peace with one another is a command , not a suggestion. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can have peace with the father if we don't intentionally seek peace with each other. He summed it up when He said He would leave the ninety nine to go after the one lost sheep. That one may have wandered and done things repulsive to us. That brings us to the crossroads of deciding whether we will follow Him by looking around and see what God is doing around us and joining Him in that.
He is doing great things among us with the children on Wednesday nights. I encourage each of us to join Him in His ministry there. As some minister to the children, discipleship to the teen and adults is still in the forefront in what God has called us to do here. In Matthew 9 our Lord had compassion on the crowds; 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Please pray and ask the Lord of the harvest to bring workers into the field.

Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9-1-17

We start out today seeing John the Baptist being killed because of an ungodly relationship that He stood up against, and was honest to Herod the tetrarch about. Herod recognized John as a man of God and respected (feared) him, although he had him imprisoned for John stand against him. Herod's wife was upset that John had called their relationship unlawful (he had married his brother's wife) and she used her daughter to trick him into doing anything she asked. Manipulation is a tool of Satan and we will always falls outside of God's best for us when we use it to seek revenge or get our own way. John had already understood his mission was accomplished when he told his disciples that he must become less and Jesus must become more. You do not see Jesus morn over this as He understood that spiritually John was back with the father. Physical death never concerned Jesus, but spiritual death was why He came.

We see Jesus healing many people they had so much faith that they just asked to touch His garment and were healed. He was not able to do that in His hometown because of their understanding of Him being the carpenter's son. We see Jesus do miracle in many other places as He walks on the water, feeds the five thousand, sending out the 12 with the authority to heal and cast out demons. Jesus had compassion and met the needs of the five thousand. They became hungry as they followed Him. Follow Him and the master will meet all of your needs.

Matthew 9-10

In Matthew 9 when Jesus saw their faith He said "take heart your sins are forgiven." This offended the teachers of the law and He knew their thoughts. He knows the attitude and intentions of our hearts and what He is able to do through us because of that. Many times we limit what God can and will do through our lives by our lack of trust in Him. "Get up, take your mat and go home." 7And the man got up and went home. 8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men. (NIV) Are men praising God over what you are allowing God to accomplish in your life?

We then see God calling Matthew Jesus said "Follow me." Many times the message will be simple and the response is so important. If Matthew had hesitated it would have changed his whole destiny. He didn't hesitate and it did change his destiny and God used him mightily - a sinner! He could have chosen any religious leader. What has He been telling you to do? Follow Him and your whole life will change. 29"According to your faith will it be done to you" 30and their sight was restored.(NIV) What is God wanting to add to your life? We are to pray for workers - 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

In Matthew 10 we see the Lord giving the 12 the authority to do the work before them. With the assignment comes the equipping. He told them "freely you have received, freely give." We are to share our Lord with others. We fear that. Jesus said "28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell...42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."(NIV)

We see people led to follow Jesus to be an active pat of supporting His ministry. God raised them up to follow in that way. They were there to help with anything that was needed. They had much love for Him because they had been delivered from much.

Jesus told the parable of scattering seed and did not explain it to the large crowd. He later explained it to His disciples. The Lord only reveals these things to us when we ask. He tells us if we are not listening then we will forget what we know now. He does not force us to listen, but graciously and generously imparts wisdom and knowledge to those who seek Him. 8b "This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!...15 "And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest." (NLT) We see the true family of Jesus is the ones who hear and obey God's word.

Jesus is sleeping in the storm (peace through faith). His tremendous power came from His faith. Faith helped Him through His entire assignment. He was able to heal from sickness, demons, and death; spiritual and physical. The peoples faith made a huge difference in their healing. We also see Jesus saying Jairus' daughter was only sleeping, not dead. He understood physical death is not near as permanent as spiritual death. He not only understands what life is, He has the power over life and death.

Matthew 12:22-50; Luke 11

In Matthew 12 Jesus heals a man of a demon and the Pharisees tried to say He must be doing it by Beelzebub prince of demons. Jesus said a city or household divided against itself will not stand, that a good tree bears good fruit and that out of the mouth comes the overflow of the heart. He said by their words they would be acquitted or condemned. He also said who does not gather with me scatters. If we are not actually working with the body of Christ He considers to be us scattering. We are either following His will and plan or our own. That takes us away from what He would have us do. He went further and said whoever does the will of my father is my brother, sister and mother.

In Luke 11 He teaches us to pray. He teaches us to ask, seek and knock. We are to pray expecting God to answer. We are to repent (vs 32) so that judgment will not come and that our eyes are important. They are the lamps to bring light into our body. He then gives warnings to the Pharisees because their life was empty spiritually even though they had a knowledge of God but were filled with greed, wickedness, sought the praise of men. They caused others to stumble under the burden of rules and law and would not lift a finger to help them. Instead of repenting, they opposed him and besieged Him with questions. How will we respond to our Lord? Our response to His teaching is key and will make all the difference in our walk with Him.

Matthew 8-13; Luke 7

In Matthew 8 we see Jesus interacting with large crowds that were drawn to Him. The man with leprosy came humbly kneeling and asking. Jesus granted his request as well as the Centurion's of whom He said had not found such great faith because he believed if Jesus commanded it, his servant would be healed. His servant was healed at that very hour. Luke 7 is Luke's account of the Centurion and both accounts we see Jesus was astonished and amazed at his faith. Then in Nain Jesus touched a widow's son and raised Him from the dead at His funereal. The news about Him spread and when John the Baptist's messengers inquired about it, God confirmed it with signs and miracles. His father has given Him power to complete the assignment. We then see Jesus being doubted by the religious leaders. The people acknowledged that God's way was best and that bothered them. Jesus said "wisdom is proved right by all of her children." Then we see Jesus anointed by a sinful woman. She washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair and would not stop kissing His feet. He said she loved much because she had been forgiven much. Only God can forgive us unconditionally. Jesus said "your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Matthew 5-7

In Matthew 5-7:29 we see the beatitudes. This is the sermon on the mount in which Jesus gives God's perspective on what reality is in spiritual life (who is going to be blessed, what effect we can have as salt and light, fulfillment of the law and ethical teachings from God's perspective. Many times our views on a spiritual walk differ from our Lords. Our views on murder, adultery, divorce, relationships, justice and love differ from God's heart in these matters. We have the decision to bring God's standards down to ours, or bring our thinking and behavior in line with His. Loving our enemies for example is not something we would think of in our walk apart from God. Our challenge is to bring our life in line with His.

In chapter 6 our motives in giving to the needy are addressed. They should be intended to be seen by God - not man. Prayer and fasting are the same way. As God works on us we begin to see the value in storing up treasures in heaven and not earth. Then He addresses putting our trust in Him and not worrying. "Our father knows our needs and will meet them. He has good gifts in store for us that will shape us into the person that He knows is really behind the image we try to display.

More later...

Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6

In Matthew 12 we see the Lord healing and doing the work of the Lord on the Sabbath. This was against their customs and they used some points of the law to try to stop Him. Jesus knew that the entire law was given to show honor to God and He understood what the Sabbath was really all about - bringing people to honor God and to do the will of the father (to do good). He is the Lord of the Sabbath and everything. He worked as much as He could behind the scenes, but more and more people were drawn unto Him.

In Mark 3 we see the jealousy of the religious leaders while Jesus was working among them. They did not understand or accept His Lordship and sought to make Him look crazy and demonic. We see Him healing many and appointing apostles to be with Him that He might send them out to preach and have authority to drive out demons. The religious leaders increased the pressure to the point of getting Jesus' family concerned. Jesus understood that His brothers and sisters were spiritual (vs 31) and that was eternal.

In Luke 6 He instructs us not to judge but to recognize a tree by its fruit. A good tree bears good fruit, and to be those who are deep rooted - the same as having a firm foundation. The result is that we hear His words and put them into practice (be disciples).

John 2-4

John 2 shows us the beginning of Jesus power before his ministry began. He grants His mother's request turning water into wine foe the wedding banquet. "He revealed His glory and His disciples put their faith in Him." Seeing the lord at work among us has that effect on us. We cannot deny it. He then showed His love for the father by clearing the temple. He told them something that they would remember later "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The things we here the Lord tell us may be for later use. Jesus did put His trust in men as He knew what was in a man.

In chapter 3 we see Jesus explaining to Nicodemus that he must be born again. Nicodemus was a member and leader in the church. Vs6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.(NIV) Whoever comes into the light shows that our accomplishments are through God.

John knew he came to prepare the way for Christ. He was delighted to assume that role. He knew He must become less and Christ greater.

We then see Jesus going through Samaria speaking to the woman at the well. He told her everything abut herself and told her that - "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (NIV) Jesus understood the fields were ripe to harvest and went through Samaria to accomplish that end. we see the official pleading for His son's life and believing Him when Jesus said "Go your son will live." What measures has Jesus gone to reach us, and do we believe Him when He tells us to just trust Him?

Matthew 3 - Mark 1 - Luke 3

Here in all three accounts we John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord. He spoke boldly and called for repentance. He understood his role and did not feel worthy to baptize our Lord. God wants us to be ready to encounter Him and sends those to prepare us. We see how God was pleased at the obedience of His son and proclaimed that audibly from heaven and sent His spirit in the form of a dove. Jesus was ready for the assignment and God gave that assignment to the only one able to carry it out. The people were counting on the fact that they were Abraham's children to save them but John told them that every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down. We are to have a life of contentment and servant hood that is evident in all our actions. God has a plan to minister through you to His children that are calling out to Him. Are you ready for the assignment?

John's ministry was to bring God's people to repentance to get things out of their lives that would keep them from their Lord. What things in our life would keep us from knowing, following and bringing others to Christ? Are we counting on being a church member, maybe our church attendance as a child, or a Godly heritage? John was talking to the church and called them a brood of vipers. That was their spiritual condition. God sees our hearts and knows if His Son truly lives in us. In Him is life and that life is the light of men and women (John 1). Experience that abundant life by asking the Lord to come in and dwell with you.

Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52

In Matthew the wise men came to Jerusalem from the east asking about the one born King of the Jews. Here we get to see Satan working in king Herod. He tries to trick them in to finding Christ so he can kill Him. We talk about discernment and understand that it is key to a successful spiritual life, but it is revealed to wise men in a dream. God has used dreams several times in the birth of Christ. The dream or vision paints a vivid picture of what God wants. It will always line up with His word and we get confirmation this way and through prayer. They were wise enough to understand this and went home another way. Herod responded in anger and killed all of the boys under the age of two. This did not surprise God as it was prophesied that it would happen (Jer. 31:15). In a dream the angel told Mary and Joseph to take Jesus to Egypt which was also prophesied (Hosea 11:1) and in another dream called them home two years later. God placed them in the district of Galilee in the town of Nazareth and fulfilled the prophecy He shall be called a Nazarene.

In Luke 2:39 we get to see the story of Jesus at the age of 12 being about His Father's business. His parents looked for him for three days. I would have been upset too. They did not understand his answer. Sometimes we have to look for the answer. Then He went to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. 51b "But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (NIV)

Matthew 1 & Luke 2:1-38

Matthew was a tax collector before He knew the Lord. Now He is charged with writing an account of the life of our Lord. He starts out with the genealogy of Jesus and shows the order of our Lord 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 form him to the exile, and 14 from the exile to Christ.

We then see the birth of Jesus and described the Holy Spirits role in His birth. The Angel stopped him from separating from Mary and confirmed the truth of Her testimony. All of this was revealed in a dream. That makes dreams even more significant than we may have thought.

In Luke 2 we see the details of Jesus birth from Doctor Luke. God adds those from all walks of life to the body of Christ to complete us. We see our Lord was placed in a feed trough to show He came into humbly this world. A heavenly host of angels praised His name and confirmed His Lordship. They went to Christ and spread the good news of Christ.

Then we see the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that He would see the Lord before he died and Anna understood Her role as a widow and consecrated her life to God through fating and praying daily. The Lord God arranged for them to be there and spread the good news to the worship leaders there. When tragedy strikes, consecrate your life to our Lord and see what great and mighty things He will do.

Luke 1 & John 1:1-14

We see Luke feeling led to draw an accurate account of all He knew to be true so that we may be certain of what we have been taught. He starts with Zechariah the priest and gives the account of the Angel Gabriel revealing God's plan to him. He was told that his son would be born with the spirit and power of Elisha. His doubting God's plan caused him to be silent until his son John the Baptist was born.

The angel Gabriel also visited Mary and told Her all things that would take place in her life. Jesus the son of God would be born to her while she was still a virgin and that and Elizabeth was going to have a child. Mary asked how can this be, that was to get the details of how this was to take place she wanted him to know she was a virgin and had no intention of that changing. The answer was nothing is impossible with God.

We see great joy of the mothers and the birth of John. Zechariah could speak again after confirming that his name was John. His father understood what God had done and rejoiced. We see individuals blessed because of their dedication and hearts for the Lord. How will we let Him use us?


In John 1 we see a different account. Not an historical view, but a spiritual account of God's work among us. He fills in the gaps for us. and shows us the aspects of God from the one who knew Jesus best. He was the disciple Jesus Loved.
The word became flesh and dwelt among us...we have seen His glory the glory of the only one who came from the father. More later.

Malachi

The word Malachi means my messenger. The Lord spoke clearly through him to show the spiritual condition of His people. Their worship through their offerings were not acceptable. He uses the example of Jacob and Esau. Jacob's offering was given in the right spirit and his offering was a reflection of His honor to God. They were giving the blemished, blind and crippled sheep. There was no sacrifice involved in that and it showed they loved themselves more than God.

In chapter 2 we see how seriously God takes the way we carry out His assignment. We are to lead others in the way of the Lord and not compromise His ways to please those around us. We will end up calling evil good and not understand the blessings of rightly dividing truth. We will end up with something short of genuine in our spiritual life and we and ultimately our church will not reflect God's image and we will end up worshiping a God that does not exist. Keeping the assignment pure will affect everything in our life.

In chapter 3 we see this is His way preparing God's people for the coming of the Lord. He will send one to prepare the way (John the Baptist). The Lord will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. They did not listen and could not accept Jesus' teaching because it was different than theirs. Here is what He says about the ones who listen:
Verse 17 "They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

In chapter 4 we see the consequences of sin for the arrogant and evildoer. We also see the joy of those who revere His name. He promises to prepare them for that day by sending Elijah who was called John the Baptist in the New Testament. He says the day of the Lord will be great and dreadful - Dreadful to those walking in disobedience and great to those walking in His ways. Let's be among those who can rejoice in His presence.

Ezra 7-10

In Ezra chapter 7 we see Ezra taking on the assignment to lead the people in teaching the word of God and rebuilding the temple. We see God's hand on him because of his devotion to the scriptures. He was carrying the letter from king Artexerxes of Persia along with all the King had sent to assist Him in building the temple. God had opened the floodgates of blessing for His assignment. The King who ordered the work to stop was now their biggest supporter. The king understood the consequences of standing in the way of God's assignment.

In chapter 8 we see God working in their hearts to get them ready for what He was doing. They assembled, fasted and prayed for safety and assigned tasks for their mission.

In chapter 9 we see God convicting their hearts for intermarrying with those who worship other Gods, idols and practice paganism. That is why it is so important to be one spiritually when we marry so that we can keep God's ways clear and pure. He knows well the consequences of compromising spiritually.

In chapter 10 we see them being obedient in this. Ezra wanted them going into their assignment worshiping only the Lord God and no others. sometimes we have to do difficult things to keep our worship pure. God always honors our obedience in these things. The blessings will be worth the sacrifice.

Esther 6-10

The book of Esther shows how God protects His people and turns the table on those who would do them harm. In chapter 5 we saw Haman's Hate for the people of God because Mordecai would not bow to Him. He went home complaining about Mordecai to His family and friends. His wife advised him to build a Gallows to hang him on. This is why it is so important to lead our families in the way of the Lord and surround ourselves with Godly people. They have discernment and will advise us in the ways of God. He created us to have that passion. When used as He intends it is that passion that God uses to pursue a relationship with Lord and be concerned over injustice against the people of God (our family & neighbors).

God then turns things around on Haman. God disturbed King Xerxes' sleep and He discovers Mordecai is the one who uncovered the plot to kill him. He asks Haman what He should do to honor a man and He has to walk Mordecai through the streets singing his praises thinking the King was going to be honoring Him. Haman was shocked and appalled when the king named Mordecai. when Haman returned home grieving about these things to his wife and advisers, the King's men showed up to take him to the banquet that would uncover His plot and lead to his demise. He was hanged on the gallows intended for Mordecai.

We see many of these things taking place because of the passion Mordecai passion the Lord and His neighbors. Esther had a choice to preserve her life and not risk bothering the king, or take the risk and plea on behalf her people. God placed Her in that position for such a time as this. The people of God are rescued and Haman is hanged on the gallows He had built to hang Mordecai. God has placed us here for a time such as this. Ask and He will show what mighty things He can do.

Daniel 10-12

In Daniel chapter 10 we see Daniel receiving a vision from the Lord. Note the vision takes place after much prayer and fasting. Verse 12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." We see the Lord fighting battles that we do not see. These are spiritual battles that change the outcome of events in the world and our lives. He knows the outcome and who will be the victor. If the future was carved in stone - there would be no need for God to intervene. This chapter throws that theology out the window, and establishes the foundation that God knew us before the foundation of the world, and He is intervening on our behalf to have the outcome He knows is best. He knows the future because He created it (and the past and the present - all things) and is fighting for the outcome He knows we need. When we truly seek Him he comes into our life to reveal truth and understanding.

In chapter 11 we see the details of how God will deliver His people. We see where those who respond wickedly to the covenant will be corrupted with flattery. Some leaders will stumble so they can be refined, and those who remain strong accomplish great things.

In chapter 12 we see prophecy about end times. We see Daniel asking because He did not fully understand. He was not answered and was told He would be blessed and the wise would eventually understand. That makes me feel better. He was then told to get some rest and wait on the Lord. I encourage you to seek God and His plan and see what He reveals to you.

Daniel 7-9

In chapter 7 we see Daniel writing down what God is showing Him. We all need to do more of that. He shares His vision for things that have happened are happening and things to come. We see the lion with clipped wings and the heart of a man. This is a Babylonian winged lion and clipping it's wings is a sign of being taken from it's place of power. The human heart represents King Nebuchadnezzar's human condition. Next God shows the future to Daniel. The bear is the Medo-Persian Empire who succeeded the Babylonians. They did much damage during their conquests (devoured much flesh). The leopard represents the Greek empire (Alexander the Great. After His death the Empire was divided into four parts (four heads). The fourth beast is the Roman Empire which would eventually be the strongest of them all. Ten horns represents to them the strength of the Empire. All of these things meant something to those raised in that time - Like an eagle means something to us today. God made it detailed enough for them to understand: like the small horn would remove others and represent a dominant, intelligent (eyes showed them knowledge)they could recognize by his language. More later.

God then reveals Himself as all powerful and majestic with fire (the ability to judge). The wheels could be the the endless activity of God. We the saints ministering to Him and those waiting for His judgment. We see God allowing kingdoms and rulers to raise up for a while and how they would not last. Then we see Jesus coming in the clouds and establishing His Kingdom, one that will never pass away or be destroyed. More later.

Ezekiel 44-45

In chapter 44 we see the Lord talking about keeping His temple holy and sacred. We see how the Lord says we should not have an uncircumcised heart in His presence (temple). We see Ezekiel bowing down when He sees the presence of the Lord in His temple. The foreigners had desecrated His temple because they were not in awe of of and had brought idols and unclean hearts in God's presence. Only God can cleanse and change our hearts. We are not capable of it. As we deal with God's truth and follow His ways His presence (Jesus through the person of the Holy Spirit) now fills our lives (God's temple), and where we are standing becomes holy ground because of His presence in you. I encourage you to keep God's temple holy through the washing of the word and walk in His truths and where wherever you are standing will be holy ground.

Ezekiel 40-41

In Ezekiel 40 & 41 we get a glimpse of how Christ establishes His church. God is continuing the process of bringing His people back to Him. They are in the 25th year of exile when we see the vision the Lord gave for His temple. We see Him giving the specific details to the one He wants to build it. He gave information on the inner courts and the priests that were to serve there, and measurements of the different courts, rooms' right down to the door hinges. This didn't have as much to do with Ezekiel as it did god using Him as His vessel to build His temple.

Christ establishes each church as He sees fit. He takes a time to prepare His people for what He is doing, then He gives them specific tasks. Let's draw near the Lord during this time in order to see clearly what He is doing, then be willing to join Him in what He is establishing. Jesus said "On this rock (the understanding that He is Christ, the son of the living God) I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it."

Ezekiel 38-39

In Ezekiel 38 & 39 we God giving His people a clear sign of the time they will be delivered from captivity. He gives information on invading countries and the leader of the countries. It appears that the attack is horrible, but instead we see God delivering their enemies into their hands. He will then send an earthquake as a sign to them. These signs will be key to His people to see when God will deliver them from captivity. They will then celebrate the victory over their captors. Can we interpret the times in which we live? Will we be ready to see Him responding to His people and bringing healing to them and their families? I would encourage you to study His word to be able to see Him as He works among your family and friends. He must bring them to the point that they can recognize that He is God and respond on His terms. Sometimes that is a long painful process depending on what it takes to penetrate each heart. As we stay in God's word and prayer we will be able to interpret the signs of Him reaching the ones you have been praying for. Be patient, keep praying and as watch the answers.

Ezekiel 32-34

In chapter 32 we see The Lord speaking through Ezekiel about God's judgment on Egypt. They are so rebellious that they had to be struck down to acknowledge God's power and authority in their lives. Fifteen days later the Lord reveals the same fate for their allies.

In chapter 33 the Lord tells them to appoint a watchman to warn of the impending battle the Lord will bring They will be warned by Him blowing a trumpet. Then He tells Ezekiel He has been appointed to be the watchmen over His people. Tell them that their sin is God's people are trusting in the wrong thing. They are trusting in their righteousness. What does the The Lord say our righteousness? Compared to the Lord's righteousness, our acts of righteousness are as filthy rags. He says unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. We are to put our trust in Him, not our good acts of righteousness.

In chapter 34 we see the responsibility God requires of His under shepherds. He wants us to care for the injured, weak and brokenhearted. We are to take good care of those whom God has entrusted us with. There will be a time of reward and accountability for these assignments. Then He tells us He will bring justice to His people and make a covenant of peace with them. He promises blessing, peace, provision and protection. What more could we ask for?

Ezekiel 28-30

In chapter 28 we see the King of Tyre setting himself up in the place of God. He had them worship him. His success in trade had gone to his head. He had become too smart for His own good. God created him and established Him, yet He did not acknowledge that. God will bring him to his knees and humble him. God promises to deliver Israel after He has brought down all of her enemies.

Then in chapter 29 God tells how He will bring judgment on Egypt. One thing He mentioned is how they took credit for creating the Nile. That is a good way to say we know more than God. Taking credit for something He has done will always create a problem between us and the Lord. He will use King Nebuchadnezzar to bring about their fall. He gave Him Egypt as a reward of all his army did for the Lord.

Then in chapter 30 the Lord describes how He will bring His judgment on Egypt. He uses whom He knows will be obedient to Him for His assignments. This assignment could still be avoided if the people of Egypt would turn to the Lord. He will demonstrate His power and show us who is God if we remain stubborn and obstinate to His word and His ways.