Hope you had a good weekend. Mine had an unexpected turn of events, but was blessed by the Lord the entire time! You can click here to read about it.
Now let's get back to the Word - for it is good & timely!
The third time in Scriptures Christ goes away to pray is found in Luke 6:1-16.
1. Go ahead and read that passage. Jot down a synopsis in your notes (aka the short version).
Christ had just healed a man and was about to name the apostles. Again, He goes to the Father. He does not call a group meeting and ask for input. He goes to the giver of all wisdom. I am asking myself now - how often do I go to God after I have done some part of His will? How often do I go to Him before I start to name people? Do I go before Him when I have finished something He wanted me to do? Do I go to Him BEFORE I make a decision about people? Christ did, why don't I?
I am sure you could ask yourself some of the same questions.
Christ took timeouts in His day and His life to be alone with God. Christ was alone with God when things were bad. Christ was alone with God when things were good. Christ was alone with God when important decisions needed to be made.
See by drawing away with God, we put the focus back on Him. If things are good, it is to His glory. If things are going badly, they can be turned to His glory. We will be unable to see that for ourselves unless we get alone with Him and talk one on one.
I challenge you today (and everyday) to make time to be alone with Christ Jesus. No structure, no time limit, no agenda.
Just you and Him.
One on one.
Have a blessed week!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
ALONE WITH THE FATHER DAY 2
I hope you had yourself a good long time out yesterday. If not, try again today! Today we are going to look at the second time Christ takes a retreat.
1. Please read either Mark 14:32-42 or Matthew 26:36-46.
Summarize what is about to happen in your notes.
Christ has just finished the Last Supper with His disciples. He and Peter had gone through the whole denial bit. Jesus knew what was coming. He most definitely noticed when Judas left the table (John 13:30). He knew the end was near and things were going to get tough.
Did He stay in the company of His friends?
No.
He went to be alone with God.
I can think of a couple of times in my life when I have made that choice to physically isolate myself. To just be alone before the Father with literally no one else around. Before we had our oldest son, I miscarried a pregnancy. I remember telling my husband when I left the doctor's office I wanted to go to the church. I sat in the sanctuary all by myself. No one else around and just cried. I wanted to be alone with my Dad. Now, even with people around, I can be alone with the Father. This alone is different. This alone is gut wrenching, where you lay it all out. You don't care what people think or say, because no one is around to think or say.
When was a time you had an alone time like that?
Are you in need of one now?
Do you need to have yourself a good cry - a gut wrenching, cleansing cry?
Those tears are cleansing. Don't keep them bottled up.
Maybe you don't need to cry. Maybe you just need to withdraw from all the "good" you are doing and sit before the Good.
Perhaps you need to withdraw because you know the road ahead is going to be tough. Maybe you don't know the road at all, and that is the tough part.
Try to find time today to sit alone, not only before but with, the Lord Jesus. Sit with Him, fellowship with Him, talk with Him. He is waiting for you. He is longing to be with you. He will meet you where you are.
Have a blessed day.
1. Please read either Mark 14:32-42 or Matthew 26:36-46.
Summarize what is about to happen in your notes.
Christ has just finished the Last Supper with His disciples. He and Peter had gone through the whole denial bit. Jesus knew what was coming. He most definitely noticed when Judas left the table (John 13:30). He knew the end was near and things were going to get tough.
Did He stay in the company of His friends?
No.
He went to be alone with God.
I can think of a couple of times in my life when I have made that choice to physically isolate myself. To just be alone before the Father with literally no one else around. Before we had our oldest son, I miscarried a pregnancy. I remember telling my husband when I left the doctor's office I wanted to go to the church. I sat in the sanctuary all by myself. No one else around and just cried. I wanted to be alone with my Dad. Now, even with people around, I can be alone with the Father. This alone is different. This alone is gut wrenching, where you lay it all out. You don't care what people think or say, because no one is around to think or say.
When was a time you had an alone time like that?
Are you in need of one now?
Do you need to have yourself a good cry - a gut wrenching, cleansing cry?
Those tears are cleansing. Don't keep them bottled up.
Maybe you don't need to cry. Maybe you just need to withdraw from all the "good" you are doing and sit before the Good.
Perhaps you need to withdraw because you know the road ahead is going to be tough. Maybe you don't know the road at all, and that is the tough part.
Try to find time today to sit alone, not only before but with, the Lord Jesus. Sit with Him, fellowship with Him, talk with Him. He is waiting for you. He is longing to be with you. He will meet you where you are.
Have a blessed day.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
ALONE WITH THE FATHER
Hope you have had a good week so far. Sorry for the delay. We have had a few changes around here and that has caused some computer down time.
Let's dive in.
1. Look up John 1:1-2 and read it.
Imagine a time when you had to be separated from someone you loved very much. How hard was it not to talk to that person face to face? How hard was it to not be able to hug them or touch them or hold their hand?
Our Christ did the very same thing. He had been with God from the beginning. Him and His dad. Together. Inseparable. Then the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus walked away from His home to dwell among us. I know He longed to be reunited with His Father. I am sure Jesus dialogued with God all day. However, like us, times to talk to God one on one were precious to Him.
In the gospels, I found three different times when Christ went off alone to pray. The first is buried in Matthew chapter 14 verses 23-26 and retold in Mark chapter 6 verses 30-52.
2. Choose either passage and read it. Write down a summary of it in your notes.
Christ had just performed a miracle and was about to do another. His prayer was kinda like a time out. How many times have you and I wished for a time out? I tend, and probably we tend, to go from one project to another, one meeting to the next, etc. How often do we stop to regroup? How often do we stop to get our bearings straight and our heads on right?
Christ made the decision right then to separate Himself from the multitude and His disciples to be with God. He removed Himself from the busy attention craving world to get before the throne one on one.
3. What do you need a time out from? When was the last time you took a time out with God?
Look at you answers and then put yourself in time out. Seek the silence of a time out that will allow the sweet voice of the Spirit to speak to you.
If you can, let us know what He says.
Let's dive in.
1. Look up John 1:1-2 and read it.
Imagine a time when you had to be separated from someone you loved very much. How hard was it not to talk to that person face to face? How hard was it to not be able to hug them or touch them or hold their hand?
Our Christ did the very same thing. He had been with God from the beginning. Him and His dad. Together. Inseparable. Then the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus walked away from His home to dwell among us. I know He longed to be reunited with His Father. I am sure Jesus dialogued with God all day. However, like us, times to talk to God one on one were precious to Him.
In the gospels, I found three different times when Christ went off alone to pray. The first is buried in Matthew chapter 14 verses 23-26 and retold in Mark chapter 6 verses 30-52.
2. Choose either passage and read it. Write down a summary of it in your notes.
Christ had just performed a miracle and was about to do another. His prayer was kinda like a time out. How many times have you and I wished for a time out? I tend, and probably we tend, to go from one project to another, one meeting to the next, etc. How often do we stop to regroup? How often do we stop to get our bearings straight and our heads on right?
Christ made the decision right then to separate Himself from the multitude and His disciples to be with God. He removed Himself from the busy attention craving world to get before the throne one on one.
3. What do you need a time out from? When was the last time you took a time out with God?
Look at you answers and then put yourself in time out. Seek the silence of a time out that will allow the sweet voice of the Spirit to speak to you.
If you can, let us know what He says.
Friday, August 21, 2009
TEACHING AND TRAINING
Good Friday afternoon! Hope you all have had a good week! (Don't you get a kick out of how I talk to you as if there are hundreds. Seeing things as though they were!)
Grab your Bibles and let's get to lookin!
1. Look up the following three verses and read them. What is the topic of all three?
Matthew 4:19
Mark1:17
Luke 5:10
I am going to use the scripture from Mark for our study purposes. The main reason for this is because it says "become". I think if we look through the gospels, we can safely say that few of the disciples, if any of them, immediately became fishers of men.They were trained and taught. Every day, every opportunity, every parable was intended to teach them and us about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, the Last Supper, all intended to teach and train us in the ways of God. One of the Holy Spirit's many jobs is to teach us (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:13).
In week 2 we talked about training the children we have influence over. We also go through training. I think we can try to follow God and miss the training. My children can follow me but that does mean they are trained to do what I do when they are on their own. Training takes time and effort. Training is painful at times.
2. Look up Hebrews 12:11. Restate it in your own words.
Remember the other day when we were talking about the fruit? Fruit vines require training to grow in a manner that maximizes the yield. We raised watermelons every summer when I was a kid. We planted the seeds in rows. However, the plants tried to grow in a big circle, encompassing the whole area. We had to go back and place the watermelon vines within the row. Those vines had to be trained as to where to go. If they were out of the row, they would be damaged when my dad plowed around them or when we tried to harvest them.
We need to be trained as to the narrow way to walk (Matt. 7:13-14). When the ground around us gets stirred up a little we don't want to get torn up. When the harvest comes, we want to have yielded the most fruit we could have for the Kingdom.
So how do we do that?
3. List some ideas on your paper as to how we can be trained.
Christ trained Himself in the ways of the Father. He trained the twelve to know His methods and how to utilize them to draw others. From your list today, pick a couple of things you are going to do to up your training. Circle them and write out beside them your plan to implement them.
Have a great weekend and a great time in the Lord!
Grab your Bibles and let's get to lookin!
1. Look up the following three verses and read them. What is the topic of all three?
Matthew 4:19
Mark1:17
Luke 5:10
I am going to use the scripture from Mark for our study purposes. The main reason for this is because it says "become". I think if we look through the gospels, we can safely say that few of the disciples, if any of them, immediately became fishers of men.They were trained and taught. Every day, every opportunity, every parable was intended to teach them and us about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, the Last Supper, all intended to teach and train us in the ways of God. One of the Holy Spirit's many jobs is to teach us (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:13).
In week 2 we talked about training the children we have influence over. We also go through training. I think we can try to follow God and miss the training. My children can follow me but that does mean they are trained to do what I do when they are on their own. Training takes time and effort. Training is painful at times.
2. Look up Hebrews 12:11. Restate it in your own words.
Remember the other day when we were talking about the fruit? Fruit vines require training to grow in a manner that maximizes the yield. We raised watermelons every summer when I was a kid. We planted the seeds in rows. However, the plants tried to grow in a big circle, encompassing the whole area. We had to go back and place the watermelon vines within the row. Those vines had to be trained as to where to go. If they were out of the row, they would be damaged when my dad plowed around them or when we tried to harvest them.
We need to be trained as to the narrow way to walk (Matt. 7:13-14). When the ground around us gets stirred up a little we don't want to get torn up. When the harvest comes, we want to have yielded the most fruit we could have for the Kingdom.
So how do we do that?
3. List some ideas on your paper as to how we can be trained.
Christ trained Himself in the ways of the Father. He trained the twelve to know His methods and how to utilize them to draw others. From your list today, pick a couple of things you are going to do to up your training. Circle them and write out beside them your plan to implement them.
Have a great weekend and a great time in the Lord!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
DAY IN AND DAY OUT - Part 2
I hope you let who you are in Christ Jesus sink deep down into your soul. It is a battle to remember who we are in Him, but a battle well worth fighting.
Here we go for part 2.
1. Look up Hebrews 12:1. Summarize it on your paper.
Running with endurance. The term endurance implies a long race, not a sprint. A lifetime of choices, not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but every day and to the best of our ability.
I will tell you right now my ability won't get me very far. The Holy Spirit is here to help us (Ephesians 3:15). Am I drawing from that well to fill me up? Am I tending the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness. generosity, and self-control?
2. Look up Galatians 6:9. What are some things that are making you weary? What fruit are you most in need of harvesting today?
After you have answered those two questions, write out a short prayer asking the Lord to help you in those areas. At the end of the day write down ANY victories, big or small, He has provided today! Have a great one!
Here we go for part 2.
1. Look up Hebrews 12:1. Summarize it on your paper.
Running with endurance. The term endurance implies a long race, not a sprint. A lifetime of choices, not just on Sunday or Wednesday, but every day and to the best of our ability.
I will tell you right now my ability won't get me very far. The Holy Spirit is here to help us (Ephesians 3:15). Am I drawing from that well to fill me up? Am I tending the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness. generosity, and self-control?
2. Look up Galatians 6:9. What are some things that are making you weary? What fruit are you most in need of harvesting today?
After you have answered those two questions, write out a short prayer asking the Lord to help you in those areas. At the end of the day write down ANY victories, big or small, He has provided today! Have a great one!
Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV)
"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
THE HEIR
Day In and Day Out
* Okay before we even start, let me tell you upfront that this week is more for me than for anyone else. Knowing what is about and where I am right now and what I saw today on Life Today, I know He is about to deal with me and get me back on track.
So if at any point in time you feel it is too hard for you then know that is was probably meant just as much for me.
No condemnation .....Just conviction to get it straightened back out:o)
Okay here we go!
This week we are going to look at the life of Christ. What did He choose to do? How did He choose to live?
1. Look up Luke 2:51-52. What do these verses say about Jesus while He was growing up?
The Bible does not tell us a lot about the childhood of Jesus, very little to be truthful. These verses, however, give us a small glimpse. He submitted to His earthly parents. He must have respected authority - I don't know many disrespectful people who "increase in favor with God and men".
What I would like to present to you is that while Christ was growing up - He did what He was supposed to do-day in and day out. Christ obviously knew who He was. Verse 50 of the same chapter finds Him as a 12 year old, in the temple, both listening and asking questions. When Mary and Joseph found Him. He made the statement that He was "about His Father's business". At any point in time He could have called down the heavens to do His bidding, yet He chose to continue the path laid out for Him.
The question is two fold:
First, are we confident in who we are in Christ? Do we know who we are in the family of God?
Second, are we doing what we need to do both day in and day out?
We are going to address the first one today. I am going to give you some scriptures to look up. I want you to jot them down and meditate (think about them) today as you go through the day. As you go to bed tonight, pray them as a prayer.
Romans 8: 16-17
Romans 8:37-39
Enjoy your day thinking over these and solidifying in your heart who You are in Christ Jesus!
* Okay before we even start, let me tell you upfront that this week is more for me than for anyone else. Knowing what is about and where I am right now and what I saw today on Life Today, I know He is about to deal with me and get me back on track.
So if at any point in time you feel it is too hard for you then know that is was probably meant just as much for me.
No condemnation .....Just conviction to get it straightened back out:o)
Okay here we go!
This week we are going to look at the life of Christ. What did He choose to do? How did He choose to live?
1. Look up Luke 2:51-52. What do these verses say about Jesus while He was growing up?
The Bible does not tell us a lot about the childhood of Jesus, very little to be truthful. These verses, however, give us a small glimpse. He submitted to His earthly parents. He must have respected authority - I don't know many disrespectful people who "increase in favor with God and men".
What I would like to present to you is that while Christ was growing up - He did what He was supposed to do-day in and day out. Christ obviously knew who He was. Verse 50 of the same chapter finds Him as a 12 year old, in the temple, both listening and asking questions. When Mary and Joseph found Him. He made the statement that He was "about His Father's business". At any point in time He could have called down the heavens to do His bidding, yet He chose to continue the path laid out for Him.
The question is two fold:
First, are we confident in who we are in Christ? Do we know who we are in the family of God?
Second, are we doing what we need to do both day in and day out?
We are going to address the first one today. I am going to give you some scriptures to look up. I want you to jot them down and meditate (think about them) today as you go through the day. As you go to bed tonight, pray them as a prayer.
Romans 8: 16-17
Romans 8:37-39
Enjoy your day thinking over these and solidifying in your heart who You are in Christ Jesus!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
THE SINFUL WOMAN WRAP UP
Just a few points for you to meditate on today.
1. Look up the definition of restore.
2. With that definition in mind please look up Job 33:26. Knowing the definition of restore, what does this verse mean to you?
3. I am going to help you on this one.
Soul - soul, self, person, mind, personality, inner desires & feelings.
(That covers a lot of territory!)
4. Look up Psalm 23:3. Knowing both the definition for restore and soul, how does the verse apply to your life today?
5. What one thing did you take from this week, if anything? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
He is in the business of restoration. Let Him do His job:o)
1. Look up the definition of restore.
2. With that definition in mind please look up Job 33:26. Knowing the definition of restore, what does this verse mean to you?
3. I am going to help you on this one.
Soul - soul, self, person, mind, personality, inner desires & feelings.
(That covers a lot of territory!)
4. Look up Psalm 23:3. Knowing both the definition for restore and soul, how does the verse apply to your life today?
5. What one thing did you take from this week, if anything? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
He is in the business of restoration. Let Him do His job:o)
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