1 Corinthians 13:1-13

This month we are starting a new series based on God’s Character. We are looking at passages that deal with God’s character in order to better understand His call for Godliness in our own lives. This week we will look at 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. As you read this passage take out the word love and replace it with “God”. Today I want us to look specifically at verse 4. Think about this God is patient. Wow how awesome. Could you imagine if God wasn’t patient? We would be in some serious trouble. So many times I mess up and fall prey to sin and yet God still uses me. So many times I reject God’s best and yet He still blesses me. Why? If God wasn’t patient with me, I would have been done a long time ago. However, “God is patient”, He wants what’s best for me. He longs to use me and bless me and in spite of my short comings, He does.

Father, thank you for being patient with me. Thank you that you don’t give me what I deserve. Thank you that you use me and bless me in spite of what I do. You are great and greatly to be praised.

John 14:1-7

Read John 14:1-7

Today as we wrap up our look at passages dealing with cross. We are going to look at a passage that immediately follows Jesus telling His disciples what will happen to Him. They are troubled, because Jesus has told them that He is going to die. In this short passage Jesus gives to us a promise, just as He gave it to the disciples. That promise is Heaven. That one day we can be with Jesus in Heaven. That if we simply put our faith in trust in Him that He has prepared a place for us. Wow what an incredible promise that we can hold onto and know that God cares not only for this life but for the one to come. That one day we will see Jesus face to face. That one day we will experience His presence with no distractions. That one day we will never have to deal with sin and its effects on us. Wow what a day that will be. One question, do know Him?

Father thank you for the promise of Heaven. Thank you for sending your son to make that promise a reality. Today may live as though you are returning at any moment.

Luke 18:31-34

As we continue to look at passages dealing with the cross. We look now to the New Testament. In this passage Jesus foretells of His death and resurrection. He is telling His disciples. I want you to look at verse 34. At first when I read this I was like, “WHAT? They don’t get it, how can that be?” The reality is though that these guys like many unbelievers just don’t get it. This really encouraged me when it comes to witnessing. Think about this here are twelve guys who have spent tons of time with Jesus and they don’t understand what He is talking about, sound familiar. Maybe you have been sharing Christ with a friend or relative and they just don’t get it. Take heart neither did the disciples. It wasn’t till they actually experienced it, that they finally got it. Even Thomas did not get it till He actually saw proof that Jesus was alive. Remember that witnessing is a process that happens over time. Some will get it sooner than others. But in the end its God’s desire that every man gets it. So do not lose heart in sharing Christ. Your friends or family may not get it right away, but neither did those who were closest to Jesus. In the end they got it and did incredible things for God.

Father today help me to rest in you. Help me to not lose sight of the great work you did in my life in drawing me to you. Help my friends and family to understand who you and what you did for me. Help them to except the truth and turn their lives over to you.

Psalm 22

This passage is another in our week long series on prophecies dealing with the cross and Jesus. The New Testament contains 15 messianic quotations (Christ said it) from this psalm. Some in the early church called it the “fifth gospel”. As you read it David is writing about himself, but obviously with his knowledge or not he is writing about Jesus Christ. Have you ever felt like David in verse one? God where are you, God why have you left me alone. Jesus did. This verse is a verse that Jesus quoted right from the cross. But, Jesus had a right to say it. Because God did turn His back on His son. Because Jesus became sin for us, God could not look on Him for He is Holy. We however have no right to say it, because God will never turn His back on you and me. First of all He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. Second when we except Christ as our savior God looks down on us and sees the blood of His son covering us, thus making us perfect in His sight. If it hadn’t been for Christ becoming sin and bearing the weight of sin on His shoulders, God would never be able to look at us and call us His children. Later on if you notice in verse 21, David says “You have answered me”. Often the reason we feel God has left us, is because we have left Him. David then in the next 10 verses spends time praising God for His promises and His presence. Today maybe we need to spend time praising God for the work He has done in our lives.

Father thank you for the cross. Thank you that you never turn your back on us. Thank you that you are always there and that if I am willing I can experience your presence all throughout the day. Give us strength today and help us to look to you each moment.

Isaiah 53 Part 1

With Easter being this week, I want to focus on passages that deal with the cross and its significance in our lives. Today as you read Isaiah 53 please note that this is an Old Testament prophecy of Christ written some 500 years before Christ ever was born. Today I want us to focus on verse 6. As I read this I reminded of how great a price Christ paid and how undeserving I am. We all have sinned (gone astray); we all do our own thing and deny Christ as Lord. Yet instead of putting the punishment on us that we deserve. God the father chose to place it upon His son. You and I deserve death and eternal separation from God because of our sin. You and I deserve to be the one that hung on that cross. But you and I could have never done it. Christ is the only one who never sinned, the only one who could pay the debt of sin. So God the father laid our sin on His son. Thanks be to God for His mercy and grace. Thanks be to God that He made a way through Jesus to have a relationship with Him. Thanks be to God that Jesus was willing to lay down His life for us. The least we can do is lay down our life for Him. How many times do I allow excuses to keep me from serving Him? Imagine if Jesus said I don’t feel like dying for them. Imagine if Jesus said I don’t have time, to many other things to do.

Father, thank you for the cross. Thank you for you son. Forgive me for so many times allowing excuses to keep me from serving you. Today give me the determination to serve you faithfully. Remind me of the price your son paid to set me free.

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Part 4

Today we conclude our story of King J. In verses 24-30 we find what happens to the armies that are coming to attack. The Bible says all were dead not one escaped. Then the people began to take their plunder from the armies. This was what happened after and army defeated another they would take their gold, and weapons and horses, whatever was left over. The Bible says that there was so much it took three days to remove it all. After that the people rejoiced and spent time praising and thanking God. Wow what an incredible story of a man who relied on God, God spoke, King J listened and obeyed and God blessed them far beyond what they ever expected. God will do the same for you. But the catch is that we listen and obey God. As we do God pours out His blessing upon us. Today are experiencing God’s blessing or not?

Father I want follow after you. I admit that at times it is difficult. The pull of this world upon me is great. The pull of my own human weaknesses is greater. I praise you because you are greater than both. Give me the strength to obey and the determination to follow no matter the outcome.

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Part 3

As we continue is the story of King J. We have seen that King J set his eyes on the Lord. We know that has he did God gave to him very clear direction. And now in verses 18-23 we see the people reaction to God call. They left for the battle as they are heading to war they are singing praises to God and praying and seeking the face of God. What I find interesting is look at what God does in verse 22-23. The Bible says God set up ambushes for the armies that were coming to attack Judah. God causes the other armies to battle each other. Wow how awesome is that. God gave a command with promise and God delivered. All of this took place while the people were heading to war. All of this took place as the people were singing praises to God. All of this took place as the people were obedient in doing what God called them to do and God delivered. Why is it vital that we set our eyes on the Lord? Why is it important that we obey His call? Because God wants to deliver in your life and mine!!! Today have you set your eyes on the Lord? Are you obeying His call on your life?

Father today I want to see you. I want to obey you. But I must admit I get distracted, I get weary. Give me strength today and the determination to do whatever you call me to do today. Help my attitude to be one that honors you.

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Part 2

Yesterday we met a king who loved God and desired to follow after Him. Today I want us to look at verses 13-17. This is God’s response to the people and King J. This response is so wild. God tells them not to be afraid because this battle is not theirs but God’s. In verse 17 God tells them you will not have to fight this battle. Wow can you imagine. Put yourself in King J’s shoes. A huge army is coming to destroy you. You are in charge of all the people and you seek God’s advice and He tells you don’t worry you wont fight this battle. Man my first thought is yeah right, whatever!!!!! How in the world is that going to happen? Have you ever felt this way? Faced with something that looks so huge you have no idea what is going to happen. Then all of sudden you have a sense of peace because you remember God is in control. That is why seeking after God is vital to a life of victory in Christ. If we try to go it alone we will fail. If King J decided that God was crazy and went out to fight. I have not doubt they would have been destroyed. But instead King J follows God and the rest is history. Today set your eyes upon God because He will not fail you.

Father today give me a spirit of peace. Help to rest in you knowing that you are in control and that everything will work out. Teach me to follow after you and to obey your commands.

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Part 1

Man it is so awesome to read about Godly men from the Old Testament. King Jehoshaphat was one such man. He is the king of Judah and one of a few kings who actually sought the face of God. I want to focus on verses 1-12. Specifically two parts. First in verse 3 the Bible reads that King J (for short) “set himself to seek the Lord”. Wow that hits me right between the eyes. King J set himself to seek the Lord. He made it a priority to seek after God. He knew apart from God he was nothing. Just look at his prayer in the next few verses. I don’t know about you but as I think about my week, I see very few time where I have set myself to seek after God. I often let busyness or family or even just laziness take priority over my time with God. King J was a busy man and yet he set himself to seek the Lord. Then in verse 12 it reads, “Our eyes are upon you.” Question where are your eyes (not physical but the eyes of your spiritual heart) set upon?

Father I realize today that so often I put the things of this world before you. I must admit that to often my eyes are upon everything else in this life. Thank you for getting my attention today. Thank you for caring enough about me that you speak directly to my heart. Today may I fix my eyes on you? May I realize throughout this day how much I need you.

Act 9:16, 23-25, and 29/ Acts 16:19-25/ Acts 20:22-23/ Acts 21:12, 27-33 Part 4

Today we end our look at the life of Paul and how he handled the persecution he received for Christ. Yesterday we read that Paul was being lead to go the Jerusalem. Read all of chapter 21. Paul is now heading there but stops off at a friend’s house. There a prophet tells the people that Paul will be bound and terrible things will happen. The people do not want Paul to go. Look at Paul’s response to them in verse 13. Wow just amazing his love for Christ and devotion to living for Him. As you read on through the chapter you see the story unfold. Look at verses 27-36. As people find out that Paul is in Jerusalem a riot breaks out. The Bible says that whole city was in a uproar. They drag Paul out and start to kill him. But a Roman commander and his guards stopped them. They ordered Paul bound and the commander asked the crowd what Paul had done. The riot begins again the soldiers rush him to their garrison. As you continue to read you see that Paul attitude toward persecution never changes. He has one goal in mind and that is to live for Christ (Phil 1:20-21). Today what is your attitude toward persecution?

Father I admit at times I do not want to face persecution. Actually the thought of enduring such treatment as Paul terrifies me. However, I know that you give strength to the weak. I want to be able to stand for you no matter the cost. I want to be able to say like Paul, “for to me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Give me strength to stand today.

Act 9:16, 23-25, and 29/ Acts 16:19-25/ Acts 20:22-23/ Acts 21:12, 27-33 Part 3

Today as we continue to look at Paul’s life as he faced terrible persecution for the cause of Christ, I want us to look at Acts 20:22-23. Wow talk about really having to trust God. Paul is heading directly into the very area where hatred for him is most intense. But rather fall prey to His fears, his intense love for God drives him to do the uncertain. Look at verse 23, “in every city, the Holy Spirit warns him of prison and hardship.” Yet, Paul continues on for the sake of Christ. I don’t know about you, but I feel like a real horse patute. I wonder how many times I have turned away because of fear of the unknown. How small my trust in God must be. Yet at the same time I am challenged to deepen my trust to step out into the unknown and allow God to guide and direct me no matter what may come my way. Stepping out of my comfort zone is not easy. However stepping out of my comfort zone is a must in order to follow hard after God. Is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone?

Father today as I follow you give me the strength to step out of my comfort zone when you call me to. I know I cant stay where I am at and follow you. Help me to overcome fear with love and to trust in you that you will meet my every need.

Acts 9:16, 23-25,29/ Acts 16:19-25/ Acts 20:22-23/ Acts 21:12,27-33 Part 1

Wow what a great biography of a great man of God. One cannot help but read about Paul and be encouraged to stand for Christ no matter what may come. Today I want to focus on Acts 9:16, 23-25, 29. As you look at this passage you may want to just read all of chapter 9. As you read it you will become aware quickly that this is the story of Saul who was persecuting Christians. Who then meets Jesus and is quickly changed to Paul who suffers intense persecution for Christ sake. Look at verse 16 and notice Jesus is speaking to Anaias telling him that Paul will suffer for the name of Christ. Then just a few verses later in 23-25 he is suffering all ready. Because the Jews who he once served, are out to kill him because of his stand for Christ. I find this amazing. Here is Saul who has just been heading down a road to persecute Christians, he meets Jesus and now he is being persecuted for Christ. What I find most incredible is that this is immediate. It isn’t like Paul has been saved for 20 years and then decides to stand for Christ. No Paul has been saved several days (vs. 19) and at once he starts preaching and standing for Christ (vs. 20). Wow makes me look at myself in disgust. Because I was saved as a boy and yet never lived for him till I was in college where it was easy because I went to a Christian school. How about you?

Father I must admit I am ashamed of my lack of commitment to you. Give me strength today to stand for you. Give me strength today to proclaim you in life. May others see in me your son and may I be willing to stand for you no matter what may come my way.

Hebrews 12:1-13 Part 4

Today we finish up looking at this passage. Today we are going to look at verses 7-13. The author goes into great detail God’s discipline. Keep in mind as you read it that God has His best in mind. Verse 8 is interesting because what the author is communicating is that if you do not face trials or discipline from God then you are really not His child. God loves His children and He has made it clear that if He loves you, He will discipline you. Why? Because of what verse 11 says, “It will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace”. In Short God wants to develop our character, our faith, our love and ultimately use us to impact the lives of others. God has a plan for your life, and part that plan will include trials and discipline. As you face these times always keep in mind, “God has your best in mind”.

Father I must admit that while I am going through these times they hurt. Help me to realize that with no pain comes any gain. I want to grow; I want to see you at work in my life. Thank you for loving me enough to not let me stay where I am.

Hebrews 12:1-13 Part 3

Hebrews 12:1-13

Today as we continue in chapter 12. I want us to look at verses 4-6. The author wants us to understand why we face trials and persecution of various kinds. God uses them to educate and discipline us. Both of which are evidences of His love for you and me. Be careful that we understand that God’s discipline is always for our best. No matter what discipline you have received from parents or others, God discipline has our best in mind. God’s discipline is the purest and truest of all discipline we may receive. Sometimes this idea is hard to swallow because discipline and love don’t seem to go together. But love is at the very heart of God’s discipline. But let us not get caught up also in that trials and persecution come only because God is disciplining us. He also wants to teach us. He is not satisfied with us staying where we are spiritually. He wants to move us forward, to help us grow, to deepen our love for Him. The trick in all of this is to determine which it is. The answer I believe is found in understanding that God wants His best for us. No matter if its discipline or education, God always has His best in mind for us. Today are you facing a difficult road? Where is your focus? On the difficulty or God?

Father today as I face trials help me to fix my eyes on you. Help me to understand that you have your best in mind for me. I need your strength; I need your wisdom as I face rough waters. Thank you for loving me enough to teach and discipline me.

Hebrews 12:1-13

Hebrews 12:1-13

Today I want to focus on the end of verse one through three. Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel spiritually? Have you felt like man living for Christ is tough? (I just don’t think I can do it!!!) You are not alone. The author here makes it clear that running the race takes perseverance (attitude of not quitting). What is implied is that the Christian walk is difficult, full of twists and turns and unexpected roadblocks. So where do we turn when the road ahead looks rough? I just love the Word of God, because God doesn’t just leave it with the walk is tough and you got to just persevere. No he tells us the key to it all: Fix your eyes on Christ. What does that mean? It means we need to look at Jesus example and follow His character. Jesus the author of our life. Wow is that awesome or what, Jesus wants to write our story. He also is the perfector of our faith. He makes our faith complete because without Him we have no need of faith. Jesus went to the cross with joy. (Ok wait a minute everything else I can buy, but being nailed to a cross with joy????? Come on you must be kidding.) Don’t get me wrong the Bible is not saying He enjoyed it or thought wow this pain is great. Joy does not mean happiness or if everything going my way then man things must be great. No joy is that mind set that no what happens I know God is in control and what is happening is for a reason. It’s an ability to trust God no matter what realizing God has your best in mind (even if it doesn’t feel like it). Then check out verse three, because the author answers why all those do: So that you will not grow weary and lose heart (quit). Do you feel like quitting? Where is your focus?

Father Today may I find joy in you. So many times I have grown tired and wanted to give up. Thank you that at each moment that is real you remind me of your son. Help me to fix my eyes on Christ today and allow you to be my strength.

Hebrews 12:1-13

PJ’s Thoughts Hebrews 12:1-13

Wow what an incredible passage of scripture. Every time I read this passage I get encouraged, frustrated, sad, happy, the whole gamut of emotions. This week as we read this passage lets put ourselves into this passage and allow God to speak to us through the writer. I want us to focus on verses one and two. Here the writer is sharing two effects of sin in our life. First he shares that sin is like a huge weight that keeps us down. Second he shares that sin is like someone or something that is choking the life out of ya. However he doesn’t leave us with just that, but he shares what to do with that sin. GET RID OF IT!!!! He shares throw it off. Literally throw it away, get it out of your life put in God’s dumpster. Sins ultimate goal is to render you useless for the kingdom of God. It destroys your life and it will make you miserable. Question do you have sin that is weighing you down or choking the life out of you? Why not throw it away, GET RID OF IT????????

Father you know my struggles. You know my weaknesses. I admit that there are times I allow sin to weigh me down and choke the life out of me. Today would you take the weight and cut the chord of sin that is choking my spiritual life. Would you fill me with your spirit and give me strength to deal with sin as it comes up. Thank you for loving me enough to send your son to die for me so that I might live. Help me to live free from sins burden as you intend for me to live.