3.29.11

Hebrews 11:32-34

³²And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, ³³who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

Dear friend,

This morning I was circling back in Hebrews to revisit a few verses that I've recently read. Of course once I started reading I couldn't put my Bible down and was led to Hebrews 11.

The verses today are such amazing reminders of God's power and sovereignty! As we daily battle the enemy and our own weaknesses, it's helpful to be reminded of how God can use the least of us. He takes all the baggage and so-called shortcomings we may have, even the lies the enemy may tell us and we choose to believe, and turns it around to glorify his name.

It was so comforting to read this and to be assured that God can use me despite my fears, anxieties, weaknesses and past. He did it for each of the individuals named in the verses and promises to do it for you and me too! When we walk by faith, we walk with an unseen force and power like none other that will send our enemies running!

If you have a chance today, visit Hebrews 11. You're sure to be encouraged.

In Christ,

Robert

3.28.11

Proverbs 30:8-9

⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;

give me neither poverty nor riches,

but give me only my daily bread.

⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you

and say, 'Who is the LORD?'

Or I may become poor and steal,

and so dishonor the name of my God.

Dear friend,

I recently saw a short YouTube video by Francis Chan on these verses: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2oi6y292kE&feature=autofb.

He dares viewers to pray this prayer out of Proverbs 30.

Neither poverty nor riches but only my daily bread...

I must admit that I struggle with that prayer. I think it is wise to have savings but I must remember that I'm also not supposed to follow the pattern of this world. We're not to build up for ourselves treasure on earth but treasure in heaven. We're to give and give generously. Let us stop and analyze our hearts for a moment and have intimate moments with our Father concerning these verses today. What would you have me give, Lord? Is it money or time or utilizing the gifts that you have given me? Father, show me what that looks like today as I desire to keep in step with the Spirit and trust in You as my Provider.

In Christ,

Mike

3.25.11

Psalm 111
1 Praise the Lord!

I will thank the Lord with all my heart
as I meet with his godly people.
2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.
3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails.
4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
How gracious and merciful is our Lord!
5 He gives food to those who fear him;
he always remembers his covenant.
6 He has shown his great power to his people
by giving them the lands of other nations.
7 All he does is just and good,
and all his commandments are trustworthy.
8 They are forever true,
to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
9 He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!


Dear friend,

Today I want to share this Psalm with you. It summarizes, if that's even possible, the greatness of our God, the qualities He possesses and His unfailing love for us! Take time to read through it and jot down the attributes, provisions and truths of God that you find. Look back on your week, month and year thus far, and reflect on how God can be seen at work in your life.

Praise the Lord! Praise Him forever!

Praying you have a blessed day!

In Christ,
-Robert

3.24.11

1 John 3:18
"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."


Dear friend,

Our tongues tend to get us in trouble at times, don't they? In the third chapter of James it mentions that the tongue can be like the small spark that starts a forest ablaze. No man can tame it. Let us pray to God for the power of the Holy Spirit to continually enable us to speak with a tongue that brings healing and is a tree of life and not a deceitful tongue that crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).

One way to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19) is to practice true love in action. As it is said, "actions speak louder than words" so let our love speak louder in action. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in the presence of our God (verse 19).

In the name of the only true love in action, Jesus Christ,
Mike

3.23.11

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.


Dear friend,

We need to watch out for dangers, for traps, for ensnarements of the devil. The enemy's attacks are sly and sneaky. He plays on our emotions and insecurities and casts doubt upon us. Knowing they will come, we need to be ready for them and not be afraid of them. It's guaranteed that the enemy will attack, but we have the assurance of victory in our Lord Jesus Christ; this is the standing firm in our faith! And we need to be courageous, to stand strong in the presence of the enemy. We're all warriors in a spiritual battle around us, but we have the King of all Kings leading the charge; the ferocious Lion of Judah ready snuff the life out of the enemy's lies when we call on His name! Ephesians 6:10 tells us, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."
The Greek word andrizesthe, meaning 'quit you like men', is used in this verse and it appears nowhere else in the New Testament. In essence this means "to render one manly or brave; to show oneself a man; that is, not to be a coward, or timid, or alarmed at enemies, but to be bold and brave. We have a similar phrase in common use: "Be a man," or "Show yourself a man;" that is, be not mean, or be not cowardly." (1)

Psalm 31:24 tells us to "Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD." We know the enemy's destiny, but until that time we need to be on our guard; stand firm in the faith (your relationship with Jesus Christ); be men (and women) of courage; be strong.

Today, claim the victory that is yours in Christ!

-Robert

1. http://biblecommenter.com/1_corinthians/16-13.htm

3.22.11

Acts 28:31

Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.


Dear friend,

The verse today sums up Paul's ministry quite nicely; boldly and without hindrance. Even in chains and in prison, Paul suffered for the Gospel and shared boldly and without hindrance.

I wish I could say that for myself. I've had the opportunity to share my faith many times around the world and here at home. But I don't know that I could say that I always did it boldly and without hindrance. Something always gets in the way and it's usually myself.

If I really believe in God, Jesus and his death on the cross for my sins and my eternal salvation, and the Bible, then why wouldn't I want to boldly and without hindrance share that with everyone I know? I should be shouting it from the mountain tops!

Often we feel we aren't prepared or the timing just isn't right. But are we ever fully prepared for anything in life and is there ever a right time? We're never guaranteed there's going to be a tomorrow. All we have is the here and now, so why not boldly and without hindrance share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ in the time that we have?

Take the opportunity to share with a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger. Don't assume anyone really knows who Jesus is and the love sacrifice he made for us on the cross! We all know many people that go to church that do not truly have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And remember, it's not about winning an argument or being persuasive, it's about sharing God's love. We're not here to judge or convict others of their sin, that's God's job. Boldly and without hindrance share GOD'S LOVE! Love breaks down walls and opens hearts!

If there's someone you would like us to pray for, that God would work on their heart to be receptive to the Gospel, or that you would like to share with, use the prayer link below to let us know.

Have a blessed Monday.

In Christ,
Robert

3.21.11

Acts 28:31

Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.


Dear friend,

The verse today sums up Paul's ministry quite nicely; boldly and without hindrance. Even in chains and in prison, Paul suffered for the Gospel and shared boldly and without hindrance.

I wish I could say that for myself. I've had the opportunity to share my faith many times around the world and here at home. But I don't know that I could say that I always did it boldly and without hindrance. Something always gets in the way and it's usually myself.

If I really believe in God, Jesus and his death on the cross for my sins and my eternal salvation, and the Bible, then why wouldn't I want to boldly and without hindrance share that with everyone I know? I should be shouting it from the mountain tops!

Often we feel we aren't prepared or the timing just isn't right. But are we ever fully prepared for anything in life and is there ever a right time? We're never guaranteed there's going to be a tomorrow. All we have is the here and now, so why not boldly and without hindrance share the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ in the time that we have?

Take the opportunity to share with a family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger. Don't assume anyone really knows who Jesus is and the love sacrifice he made for us on the cross! We all know many people that go to church that do not truly have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And remember, it's not about winning an argument or being persuasive, it's about sharing God's love. We're not here to judge or convict others of their sin, that's God's job. Boldly and without hindrance share GOD'S LOVE! Love breaks down walls and opens hearts!

If there's someone you would like us to pray for, that God would work on their heart to be receptive to the Gospel, or that you would like to share with, use the prayer link below to let us know.

Have a blessed Monday.

In Christ,
Robert