AM Devotion/Prayer
Song - "Still have Joy" -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfJ2LZQbvs4&list=PL0BF5C9BB068E7DF7&index=13
Job 42:1-10
Read: Job 42:1-17; Psalm 86:1-17;
Job 42:1-17Amplified Bible (AMP)
42 Then Job said to the Lord,
2 I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.
3 [You said to me] Who is this that darkens and obscures counsel [by words] without knowledge? Therefore [I now see] I have [rashly] uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 [I had virtually said to You what You have said to me:] Hear, I beseech You, and I will speak; I will demand of You, and You declare to me.
5 I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, but now my [spiritual] eye sees You.
6 Therefore I loathe [my words] and abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.
7 After the Lord had spoken the previous words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job has.
8 Now therefore take seven bullocks and seven rams and go to My servant Job and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept [his prayer] that I deal not with you after your folly, in that you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job has.
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the Lord commanded them; and the Lord accepted [Job’s prayer].
10 And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, when he prayed for his friends; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
11 Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; and they sympathized with him and comforted him over all the [distressing] calamities that the Lord had brought upon him. Every man also gave him a piece of money, and every man an earring of gold.
12 And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.
13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.
14 And he called the name of the first Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch.
15 And in all the land there were no women so fair as the daughters of Job, and their father gave them inheritance among their brothers.
16 After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, even to four generations.
17 So Job died, an old man and full of days.
Psalm 8:1-9Amplified Bible (AMP)
Psalm 8
To the Chief Musician; set to a Philistine lute, or [possibly] to a particular Hittite tune. A Psalm of David.
1 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory on [or above] the heavens.
2 Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants You have established strength because of Your foes, that You might silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?
5 Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Saturday, October 19, 2014 - Sunday School Review - God Gives Hope
AM Devotion /Prayer
God Gives Hope
Job 24:1, 9-12, 19-25; Psalm 55:16
Application: My prayer is that no matter what hard times I will face; to not give up Hope in Christ, To know That God is working everything out for my good. To not worry about anything but Pray about everything and even though I may not understand some of the challenges that I face, to Trust God. TRust God that He knows what He is doing, That God is soverign and God has not forsaken me.
1. Job's friends said he was suffering because he was being punished by God for his sins.
2. Job knew he had no sinned against God.
3. Job said there were many wicked people who never suffered or were punished by God in this life.
4. Job talked to his friends about the people who were so cruel to the poor.
5. Some snatched babies from families till loans were repaid.
6. They would not let their cooks eat the food they prepared and served; nor would they let the vineyard workers drink the juice they pressed from the grapes.
7. Those wicked people went unpunished.
8. Many lived their lives and died quiety. Their mothers would forget them after they died, but they did not suffer while there were alive and doing so much evil to so many people.
9. Job knew God was watching the wicked and would give them their final punishment.
10.. Though we may not see the wicked punished, we must always trust God and call upon Him. The Lord will save us!
Job 24:1The Message (MSG)
An Illusion of Security
24 1-12 “But if Judgment Day isn’t hidden from the Almighty,
why are we kept in the dark?
There are people out there getting by with murder—
stealing and lying and cheating.
They rip off the poor
and exploit the unfortunate,
Push the helpless into the ditch,
bully the weak so that they fear for their lives.
The poor, like stray dogs and cats,
scavenge for food in back alleys.
They sort through the garbage of the rich,
eke out survival on handouts.
Homeless, they shiver through cold nights on the street;
they’ve no place to lay their heads.
Exposed to the weather, wet and frozen,
they huddle in makeshift shelters.
Nursing mothers have their babies snatched from them;
the infants of the poor are kidnapped and sold.
They go about patched and threadbare;
even the hard workers go hungry.
No matter how backbreaking their labor,
they can never make ends meet.
People are dying right and left, groaning in torment.
The wretched cry out for help
and God does nothing, acts like nothing’s wrong!
Job 24:9-12The Message (MSG)
An Illusion of Security
24 1-12 “But if Judgment Day isn’t hidden from the Almighty,
why are we kept in the dark?
There are people out there getting by with murder—
stealing and lying and cheating.
They rip off the poor
and exploit the unfortunate,
Push the helpless into the ditch,
bully the weak so that they fear for their lives.
The poor, like stray dogs and cats,
scavenge for food in back alleys.
They sort through the garbage of the rich,
eke out survival on handouts.
Homeless, they shiver through cold nights on the street;
they’ve no place to lay their heads.
Exposed to the weather, wet and frozen,
they huddle in makeshift shelters.
Nursing mothers have their babies snatched from them;
the infants of the poor are kidnapped and sold.
They go about patched and threadbare;
even the hard workers go hungry.
No matter how backbreaking their labor,
they can never make ends meet.
People are dying right and left, groaning in torment.
The wretched cry out for help
and God does nothing, acts like nothing’s wrong!
Job 24:19-25The Message (MSG)
18-25 “They are scraps of wood floating on the water—
useless, cursed junk, good for nothing.
As surely as snow melts under the hot, summer sun,
sinners disappear in the grave.
The womb has forgotten them, worms have relished them—
nothing that is evil lasts.
Unscrupulous,
they prey on those less fortunate.
However much they strut and flex their muscles,
there’s nothing to them. They’re hollow.
They may have an illusion of security,
but God has his eye on them.
They may get their brief successes,
but then it’s over, nothing to show for it.
Like yesterday’s newspaper,
they’re used to wrap up the garbage.
You’re free to try to prove me a liar,
but you won’t be able to do it.”
Psalm 55:16The Message (MSG)
16-19 I call to God;
God will help me.
At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh
deep sighs—he hears, he rescues.
My life is well and whole, secure
in the middle of danger
Even while thousands
are lined up against me.
God hears it all, and from his judge’s bench
puts them in their place.
But, set in their ways, they won’t change;
they pay him no mind.
God Gives Hope
Job 24:1, 9-12, 19-25; Psalm 55:16
Application: My prayer is that no matter what hard times I will face; to not give up Hope in Christ, To know That God is working everything out for my good. To not worry about anything but Pray about everything and even though I may not understand some of the challenges that I face, to Trust God. TRust God that He knows what He is doing, That God is soverign and God has not forsaken me.
1. Job's friends said he was suffering because he was being punished by God for his sins.
2. Job knew he had no sinned against God.
3. Job said there were many wicked people who never suffered or were punished by God in this life.
4. Job talked to his friends about the people who were so cruel to the poor.
5. Some snatched babies from families till loans were repaid.
6. They would not let their cooks eat the food they prepared and served; nor would they let the vineyard workers drink the juice they pressed from the grapes.
7. Those wicked people went unpunished.
8. Many lived their lives and died quiety. Their mothers would forget them after they died, but they did not suffer while there were alive and doing so much evil to so many people.
9. Job knew God was watching the wicked and would give them their final punishment.
10.. Though we may not see the wicked punished, we must always trust God and call upon Him. The Lord will save us!
Job 24:1The Message (MSG)
An Illusion of Security
24 1-12 “But if Judgment Day isn’t hidden from the Almighty,
why are we kept in the dark?
There are people out there getting by with murder—
stealing and lying and cheating.
They rip off the poor
and exploit the unfortunate,
Push the helpless into the ditch,
bully the weak so that they fear for their lives.
The poor, like stray dogs and cats,
scavenge for food in back alleys.
They sort through the garbage of the rich,
eke out survival on handouts.
Homeless, they shiver through cold nights on the street;
they’ve no place to lay their heads.
Exposed to the weather, wet and frozen,
they huddle in makeshift shelters.
Nursing mothers have their babies snatched from them;
the infants of the poor are kidnapped and sold.
They go about patched and threadbare;
even the hard workers go hungry.
No matter how backbreaking their labor,
they can never make ends meet.
People are dying right and left, groaning in torment.
The wretched cry out for help
and God does nothing, acts like nothing’s wrong!
Job 24:9-12The Message (MSG)
An Illusion of Security
24 1-12 “But if Judgment Day isn’t hidden from the Almighty,
why are we kept in the dark?
There are people out there getting by with murder—
stealing and lying and cheating.
They rip off the poor
and exploit the unfortunate,
Push the helpless into the ditch,
bully the weak so that they fear for their lives.
The poor, like stray dogs and cats,
scavenge for food in back alleys.
They sort through the garbage of the rich,
eke out survival on handouts.
Homeless, they shiver through cold nights on the street;
they’ve no place to lay their heads.
Exposed to the weather, wet and frozen,
they huddle in makeshift shelters.
Nursing mothers have their babies snatched from them;
the infants of the poor are kidnapped and sold.
They go about patched and threadbare;
even the hard workers go hungry.
No matter how backbreaking their labor,
they can never make ends meet.
People are dying right and left, groaning in torment.
The wretched cry out for help
and God does nothing, acts like nothing’s wrong!
Job 24:19-25The Message (MSG)
18-25 “They are scraps of wood floating on the water—
useless, cursed junk, good for nothing.
As surely as snow melts under the hot, summer sun,
sinners disappear in the grave.
The womb has forgotten them, worms have relished them—
nothing that is evil lasts.
Unscrupulous,
they prey on those less fortunate.
However much they strut and flex their muscles,
there’s nothing to them. They’re hollow.
They may have an illusion of security,
but God has his eye on them.
They may get their brief successes,
but then it’s over, nothing to show for it.
Like yesterday’s newspaper,
they’re used to wrap up the garbage.
You’re free to try to prove me a liar,
but you won’t be able to do it.”
Psalm 55:16The Message (MSG)
16-19 I call to God;
God will help me.
At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh
deep sighs—he hears, he rescues.
My life is well and whole, secure
in the middle of danger
Even while thousands
are lined up against me.
God hears it all, and from his judge’s bench
puts them in their place.
But, set in their ways, they won’t change;
they pay him no mind.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014 - Daily Devotion - Psalm 25
AM Devotion /Prayer
Psalm 25 New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 25[a]
Of David.
1 In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, Lord,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, Lord,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.[b]
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.[b]
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, Lord,[c] is in you.
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, Lord,[c] is in you.
22 Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
from all their troubles!
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014 - Revelation Ch 19 (C.W.G.I.B.S}
AM Devotion/Prayer
Revelation Ch 19:2
Revelation Ch 19:2
Revelation 19:2Amplified Bible (AMP)
2 Because His judgments (His condemnation and punishment, His sentences of doom) are true and sound and just and upright. He has judged (convicted, pronounced sentence, and doomed) the great and notorious harlot (idolatress) who corrupted and demoralizedand poisoned the earth with her lewdness and adultery (idolatry). And He has avenged (visited on her the penalty for) the blood of His servants at her hand.
******
I wanted to read another Version (NIV)
******
I wanted to read another Version (NIV)
Revelation 19:2New International Version (NIV)
2 for true and just are his judgments.He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
1. Because Who judgements? Lord, God the Omnipotent
2. Why is he judging? Because they are evil What did they do? They corrupt the earth with her fornication Who is 'they'? Babylon
3. Who is the 'her' in this scripture? Babylon
2. Why is he judging? Because they are evil What did they do? They corrupt the earth with her fornication Who is 'they'? Babylon
3. Who is the 'her' in this scripture? Babylon
Ref.
Revelation 15:3; 16:7; 6:10; 18:20;Deut. 32:43
Revelation 15:3Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 And they sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, Mighty and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God the Omnipotent! Righteous (just) and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the ages (King of the [a]nations)!
Revelation 16:7Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 And [from] the altar I heard [the] cry, Yes, Lord God the Omnipotent, Your judgments (sentences, decisions) are true and just and righteous!
Revelation 6:10Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 They cried in a loud voice, O [Sovereign] Lord, holy and true, how long now before You will sit in judgment and avenge our blood upon those who dwell on the earth?
Revelation 18:20Amplified Bible (AMP)
20 Rejoice (celebrate) over her, O heaven! O saints (people of God) and apostles and prophets, because God has executed vengeance for you upon her!
Deuteronomy 32:43Amplified Bible (AMP)
43 Rejoice [with] His people, O you nations, for He avenges the blood of His servants, and vengeance He inflicts on His foes and clears guilt from the land of His people.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Monday, October 13, 2014 - Hope Complains
AM Devotion/Prayer
Exercise: Total Body (resistance)
Job 24:1, 9-12, 19-25; Psalm 55:16
Job: Sins of the Wicked 24:1-12
Job 24:1
24:1 Why [seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty] does He not set seasons for judgment? Why do those who know Him see not His days [for punishment of the wicked]?
REF. Acts 1:7
Job 24:9-12Amplified Bible (AMP)
9 [The violent men whose wickedness seems unnoticed] pluck the fatherless infants from the breast [to sell or make them slaves], and take [the clothing on] the poor for a pledge,
10 So that the needy go about naked for lack of clothing, and though hungry, they must carry [but not eat from] the sheaves.
11 Among the olive rows [of the wicked, the poor] make oil; they tread [the fresh juice of the grape from] the presses, but suffer thirst.
12 From out of the populous city men groan, and the very life of the wounded cries for help; yet God [seemingly] regards not the wrong done them.
Note: My bible didn' t have any reference scriptures for Job 24:9-12, however, here is the commentary
Commentary:
24:10-11 The poor toiled under oppressive conditions. Contrary to human decency (Matt. 25:34-40), they were denied food and drink. They were not permitted portions of the produce they were hired harvest (Deut. 24:4; 1 Tim. 5:18). Grain, wine, and olive oil were basic staples (Jer. 31:12)
Job 24:19-25
Job 24:19-25Amplified Bible (AMP)
19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters; so does Sheol (the place of the dead) those who have sinned.
20 The womb shall forget him, the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered, and unrighteousness shall be broken like a tree [which cannot be healed].
Ref. Prov. 10:7
Proverbs 10:7 (AMP)
7 The memory of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked shall rot.
21 [The evil man] preys upon the barren, childless woman and does no good to the widow.
22 Yet [God] prolongs the life of the [wicked] mighty by His power; they rise up when they had despaired of life.
23 God gives them security, and they rest on it; and His eyes are upon their ways.
Ref. Ps. 11:4 Prov. 15:3
Psalm 11:4Amplified Bible (AMP)
4 The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men.
Proverbs 15:3
Proverbs 15:3Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
24 They are exalted for a little while, and then are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all others are and are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.
25 And if this is not so, who will prove me a liar and make my speech worthless?
Psalm 55:16
Psalm 55:16Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord will save me.
Exercise: Total Body (resistance)
Job 24:1, 9-12, 19-25; Psalm 55:16
Job: Sins of the Wicked 24:1-12
Job 24:1
24:1 Why [seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty] does He not set seasons for judgment? Why do those who know Him see not His days [for punishment of the wicked]?
REF. Acts 1:7
Acts 1:7Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know [a]what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed [b]years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power
Job 24:9-12Amplified Bible (AMP)
9 [The violent men whose wickedness seems unnoticed] pluck the fatherless infants from the breast [to sell or make them slaves], and take [the clothing on] the poor for a pledge,
10 So that the needy go about naked for lack of clothing, and though hungry, they must carry [but not eat from] the sheaves.
11 Among the olive rows [of the wicked, the poor] make oil; they tread [the fresh juice of the grape from] the presses, but suffer thirst.
12 From out of the populous city men groan, and the very life of the wounded cries for help; yet God [seemingly] regards not the wrong done them.
Note: My bible didn' t have any reference scriptures for Job 24:9-12, however, here is the commentary
Commentary:
24:10-11 The poor toiled under oppressive conditions. Contrary to human decency (Matt. 25:34-40), they were denied food and drink. They were not permitted portions of the produce they were hired harvest (Deut. 24:4; 1 Tim. 5:18). Grain, wine, and olive oil were basic staples (Jer. 31:12)
Job 24:19-25
Job 24:19-25Amplified Bible (AMP)
19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters; so does Sheol (the place of the dead) those who have sinned.
20 The womb shall forget him, the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered, and unrighteousness shall be broken like a tree [which cannot be healed].
Ref. Prov. 10:7
Proverbs 10:7 (AMP)
7 The memory of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked shall rot.
21 [The evil man] preys upon the barren, childless woman and does no good to the widow.
22 Yet [God] prolongs the life of the [wicked] mighty by His power; they rise up when they had despaired of life.
23 God gives them security, and they rest on it; and His eyes are upon their ways.
Ref. Ps. 11:4 Prov. 15:3
Psalm 11:4Amplified Bible (AMP)
4 The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men.
Proverbs 15:3
Proverbs 15:3Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
24 They are exalted for a little while, and then are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all others are and are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.
25 And if this is not so, who will prove me a liar and make my speech worthless?
Psalm 55:16
Psalm 55:16Amplified Bible (AMP)
16 As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord will save me.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Thursday, October 9 2014 - Showing Love
AM Devotion
Prayer
Prayer
 |
OCTOBER 8, 2014
|
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
A few years ago, my family took a road trip to Baltimore to visit my grandparents.
We never visit the city without making a trip to the Inner Harbor. It's something my parents did with me and I have great memories of it, so it's something I love to do with my kids.
This area is a very popular tourist attraction. It's also an area where lots of local folks from many different walks of life hang out.
On this particular day, we were walking along the main thoroughfare. I stopped for a bit to glance in the window at one of the stores. I turned my eye every few seconds or so to make sure my son was still chasing birds along the sidewalk in an attempt to scare them away.
After just a few moments, I turned to check and noticed that he was no longer chasing the birds. Rather, he was standing next to a park bench, seemingly just looking at the birds — or so I thought.
As I walked a little closer to him, I realized that he was talking ... to the homeless man lying on the park bench.
For a moment, my heart skipped a beat. My son was talking to a stranger. And based on the way this stranger was reclining on the bench, I wasn't sure if he was well.
I heard my son say, "Hi! Are you okay, sir?
"Do you need some water? Are you hungry?"
And then my heart lurched forward outside my body when I heard my son say, "Can I pray for you?"
I watched from a short distance.
The man mumbled something unintelligible to me and then my son walked away.
I stood convicted.
When was the last time I had taken the time to notice someone, right in front of me, and ask what needs they had that I could meet?
When was the last time I had offered the most basic human needs, water and food, to someone who wasn't a part of my church, neighborhood or social sphere of connection?
When was the last time I had offered a stranger my prayers?
Just because.
Our key verse today makes it clear we are to show hospitality to people — even the ones we don't know.
It's so easy to get caught up in our jobs, churches, community affairs and being nice to people we know or those who are easy to be nice to that we forget the most basic kindness — showing hospitality to a stranger.
The world is full of hurting people. People you and I can touch with a kind word, a warm smile, a hot meal or a gentle touch.
The world is full of people who would be eternally grateful if someone just stopped and prayed for them.
When was the last time you offered a stranger a smile, a prayer, a cool drink or a helping hand?
I'm sad to say I hadn't even noticed that man laying on the bench ... and even if I had, I can't say I would have stopped to inquire how I might show him a bit of hospitality, grace or understanding.
I can't say I would have stopped to pray for him.
I can't say I would have stopped to show him love.
My son helped me remember that the most simple, basic actions can sometimes mean the most.
He helped me remember that showing love to others doesn't need to be complex.
He helped me remember I should not let fear, busyness or lack of understanding stop me from giving the most important gift of all to another ...
Love.
And isn't that the point? That the world would know we are Christians by our love?
Father God, forgive me for how I sometimes forget to love others, especially strangers, in simple ways that honor You. Help me recognize opportunities to share the love You have given me with someone else who needs to feel Your love. Allow me to be Your hands and Your feet. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Did you enjoy today's devotion? Click here to subscribe.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 John 4:21, "And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." (ESV)
1 John 4:21, "And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." (ESV)
Matthew 25:40, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" (NIV)
Visit Chrystal's blog today for more encouragement in showing love to others.
Want to help us create a Proverbs 31 Ministries MOBILE app? We'd love to get YOUR input! And, to thank you for your feedback, when you complete our short mobile app survey, you can ENTER for a CHANCE to WIN a Proverbs 31 Ministries book-bundle from our online store!CLICK HERE take our quick survey.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Has God given you the opportunity to show His love to a stranger? What happened? We'd love to hear your story. Share your experience in the comments.
Has God given you the opportunity to show His love to a stranger? What happened? We'd love to hear your story. Share your experience in the comments.
Why do you think so many of us struggle with reaching out to people we don't know? What practical ideas do you have for being more intentional about showing love to others — especially those that we would consider "strangers"?
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014 - Review Bible Class
Yesterday our teacher reviewed Chapter 19 of Revelation
My goal is to study a little bit more in dept and use references scriptures..
Inductive Bible Study
Who, What, When, Why, Where, How
God's Judgements Are True
Revelation 19:1 AMP
19 After this I heard what sounded like a mighty shout of a great crowd in heaven, exclaiming, Hallelujah (praise the Lord)! Salvation and glory (splendor and majesty) and power (dominion and authority) [belong] to our God!
Note; After reading this, my first set of questions:
Who is talking:
Why are they shouting?
Who is shouting?
Reference scriptures: REv 19:1
Rev. 11:15; Rev. 4:11; Rev. 7:10, 12; Rev. 12:10
Revelation 11:15Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 The seventh angel then blew [his] trumpet, and there were mighty voices in heaven, shouting, The dominion (kingdom, sovereignty, rule) of the world has now come into the possession and become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (the Messiah), and He shall reign forever and ever (for the eternities of the eternities)!
Revelation 4:11Amplified Bible (AMP)
11 Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and dominion, for You created all things; by Your will they were [brought into being] and were created.
Revelation 7:10Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 In loud voice they cried, saying, [Our] salvation is due to our God, Who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb [to Them we owe our deliverance]!
12 Amen! (So be it!) they cried. Blessing and glory and majesty and splendor and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might [be ascribed] to our God to the ages and ages (forever and ever, throughout the eternities of the eternities)! Amen! (So be it!)
Revelation 12:10Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come—the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out!
Note: Commentary in my bible
19:1-4 The "great multitude" singing the "Hallelujah Chorus (vv. 1,3,4,6) was taken to heaven in 7:9 and are identified as the heaven dwellers by comparing 7:15 and 13:5. They now praise God for (1) their salvation and (2) His righteous judgements upon Babylon, the great where (17:1), thus avenginghe blood of His servants, the martyrs (see note at 6:9-11). On the 24 elders, see noter a 4:3,4 on the four living beasts, see note at 4:6-7
Back to my questions:
Also, I read the front of the chapter to see what this chapter is about
The REVELATION of Saint John the Divine
The resurrected, glorified Son of Man (Jesus Christ) revealed Himself to the apostle John, who had been imprisoned "in the isle that is called Patmos" (1:9). Christ's twofold purpose was (1) to "unveil" a spiritual diagnosis for seven of the churches in Asia Minor with which John was familar (chaps. 2-3) and (2) to reveal to John a series of visions setting forth events and factors related to the end times (chaps. 4-22)
Who is talking: John
Why are they shouting? They was praising God for Salvation and God's righteous judgements on Babylon
Who is shouting? The "great multitude"
My goal is to study a little bit more in dept and use references scriptures..
Inductive Bible Study
Who, What, When, Why, Where, How
God's Judgements Are True
Revelation 19:1 AMP
19 After this I heard what sounded like a mighty shout of a great crowd in heaven, exclaiming, Hallelujah (praise the Lord)! Salvation and glory (splendor and majesty) and power (dominion and authority) [belong] to our God!
Note; After reading this, my first set of questions:
Who is talking:
Why are they shouting?
Who is shouting?
Reference scriptures: REv 19:1
Rev. 11:15; Rev. 4:11; Rev. 7:10, 12; Rev. 12:10
Revelation 11:15Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 The seventh angel then blew [his] trumpet, and there were mighty voices in heaven, shouting, The dominion (kingdom, sovereignty, rule) of the world has now come into the possession and become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (the Messiah), and He shall reign forever and ever (for the eternities of the eternities)!
Revelation 4:11Amplified Bible (AMP)
11 Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and dominion, for You created all things; by Your will they were [brought into being] and were created.
Revelation 7:10Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 In loud voice they cried, saying, [Our] salvation is due to our God, Who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb [to Them we owe our deliverance]!
12 Amen! (So be it!) they cried. Blessing and glory and majesty and splendor and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might [be ascribed] to our God to the ages and ages (forever and ever, throughout the eternities of the eternities)! Amen! (So be it!)
Revelation 12:10Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come—the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out!
Note: Commentary in my bible
19:1-4 The "great multitude" singing the "Hallelujah Chorus (vv. 1,3,4,6) was taken to heaven in 7:9 and are identified as the heaven dwellers by comparing 7:15 and 13:5. They now praise God for (1) their salvation and (2) His righteous judgements upon Babylon, the great where (17:1), thus avenginghe blood of His servants, the martyrs (see note at 6:9-11). On the 24 elders, see noter a 4:3,4 on the four living beasts, see note at 4:6-7
Back to my questions:
Also, I read the front of the chapter to see what this chapter is about
The REVELATION of Saint John the Divine
The resurrected, glorified Son of Man (Jesus Christ) revealed Himself to the apostle John, who had been imprisoned "in the isle that is called Patmos" (1:9). Christ's twofold purpose was (1) to "unveil" a spiritual diagnosis for seven of the churches in Asia Minor with which John was familar (chaps. 2-3) and (2) to reveal to John a series of visions setting forth events and factors related to the end times (chaps. 4-22)
Who is talking: John
Why are they shouting? They was praising God for Salvation and God's righteous judgements on Babylon
Who is shouting? The "great multitude"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)