“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:11)

January 18, 2012

This is real praise, an awareness of what the Lord has done, is doing and will do, and then, praising Him for it. When is the last time you wrote a love and praise letter like this to God?

“And his name will be the hope of all the world” (Matthew 12:21)

January 17, 2012

Matthew quotes Isaiah to show how Christ the King has fulfilled the prophecies in the OT. The Name of Jesus has indeed become the hope of the world. Will you call on His Name today? Will you pray in His Name believing?

“But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me'” (Genesis 32:26)

January 16, 2012

Jacob spends a dark night of the soul wrestling with God. God changes his name from Jacob (pulling my leg/deceiver) to Israel (wrestled with God). Jacob walks with a limp the rest of his life, but he has a new identity from God. Have you ever experienced a dark night of the soul, wrestling with God?

Everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:33)

January 15, 2012

Surely Peter recalled these words from Jesus after denying Him three times. Yet Jesus didn’t leave Peter in this broken condition. He restored Peter saying, “Do you love me?” Isn’t that what this is about? If you really love Jesus, then you’ll stand up and tell others.

“Don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time” (Matthew 10:19)

January 14, 2012

What Jesus told His disciples about fear of witnessing. Our part is to go and to share. It is the Holy Spirit that abides within us who will speak through us, if we are obedient to go. No fear.

“So Isaac called for Jacob, blessed him, and said, ‘You must not marry any of these Canaanite women'” (Genesis 28:1)

January 13, 2012

There is a spiritual principle here for singles. Don’t be unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14). This includes dating. Why tempt your heart? Put a person’s spiritual condition at the top of your “What I’m looking for in a mate” list!

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce” (Proverbs 3:9)

January 12, 2012

Not what’s leftover at the end of the month. Not what’s nearly used up or tattered. Give the first part. Give the best part.

“Why do the wicked get away with despising God?” (Psalm 10:13)

January 11, 2012

The Psalmist questions the prosperity of the wicked. Why? Why does God let them get away with such injustice and unbelief? Why do the wicked prosper? This is a prayer for God’s justice. Finally, the Psalmist expresses his confidence in God to handle it. Are you upset about something unfair today? Pray it out.

“And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 8:11)

January 10, 2012

Who will be at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb? Here Jesus confirms three names on the list. Invitations are going out worldwide. Have you sent your RSVP?

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock” (Matthew 7:24)

January 9, 2012

What kind of foundation are you building your life on? Jesus promises that building on Him won’t mean there won’t be any storms, but it will mean that your house will still be standing when the storms pass. Build your life on the Solid Rock!