“I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Abib near the Kebar River. I sat among them for seven days—overwhelmed” (Ezekiel 1:14-15)

November 1, 2011

Sometimes God teaches us something we don’t want to hear, something overwhelming. He is looking for one who will obey Him even in this.

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2)

October 31, 2011

David knew how to encourage himself in the Lord. Here he invites his own soul to number the blessings of serving the Lord. Focusing on the benefits rather than the worries of the day results in a heart of thanksgiving. It helps us experience the joy of the Lord. Let’s start counting now …

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

October 30, 2011

Jesus is the final and supreme revelation. All Scripture points to and is fulfilled in Him. He is the Incarnate Word of God. He is the complete communication of God’s love for us. Listen to Him.

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (Philemon 6)

October 29, 2011

Growing to maturity and faith sharing are connected. Too many Christians sit and soak. They think their learning equals maturity. It doesn’t. It only puffs up. Start making disciples and watch your faith grow in maturity.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5)

October 28, 2011

Are you striving and falling short of your own spiritual expectations? Remember that it was because of God’s love and mercy that we are saved. Have you learned to rest in this truth? Stop your self-effort and learn to lean.

“So that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10)

October 27, 2011

Work for those who employ us in such a way that it makes them want to know about Jesus. Remember, we are servants of Christ, so everything we do, we do for Him. The excellence of your work should be a platform for preaching the gospel.

“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9)

October 26, 2011

Important qualification for pastors/elders. Like a relay race runner they must “hold firmly” the baton of the Word as it was passed to them. Their task is to pass it on without dropping it. How firm is your faith grip?

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song” (Psalm 95:1-2)

October 25, 2011

Don’t go to worship, bring your worship with you. Too many of us arrive at services dry and grumbling, then we rate the worship of others, hoping their worship will ignite ours. Instead, “Come” worshiping!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16)

October 24, 2011

Theopneustos – God-breathed. The Bible is a spiritual book and it is spiritually discerned. It is not only for knowledge but for practice. It is useful. Christ uses the Word to wash us and to conform us to His image, preparing us for our wedding day.

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2)

October 23, 2011

Spiritual multiplication strategy. I teach you and you teach three and they teach three and we reach the world with the gospel. Two questions: Are you on the road for Jesus? And who are you taking with you?