SEPTEMBER ARCHIVES
September 1st
Daily
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September 2nd
F - Foundation
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Jeremiah 52:13-14 And burned the house of the LORD, and the king’s
house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great men,
burned he with fire: And all the army of the Chaldeans, that were with the
captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about.!
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
The feeling of
security is something everyone loves. A Family feels most loved when they feel
safe and secure. And in America for so many years, so many people have felt that
absolute sense of “I am safe here. We also must remember to learn from history.
Looking into the past we see the nation of Israel who had a Temple built by
Solomon for God, and by God’s own design. One of the most spectacular structures
said to ever have been built. When it was finished God Himself said I would
dwell there among my people. God’s Home you might say. For many years God had
protected the land from destruction. Nothing seemed to be able to get to them.
Their enemies could not defeat them. And all felt safe there. Babylon was a far
away country considering travel methods at that time. Security was not on their
mind, because they had always felt secure. Their forefathers had followed after
God and so God protected them. They felt so safe; they began to forget that it
was God that was providing that security. So they began to enjoy whatever
brought pleasure to themselves personally. They had begun to follow after other
gods. Oh they still with lip service honored God, but He was one among many now.
Because of their disobedience and rebellious life God allowed His people to be
taken slaves, the land to be destroyed, and His very own dwelling place and all
the articles inside to be destroyed and taken. We in America once were a nation
of people under God. We called on and looked to God for direction and guidance.
As you look at America and the way she has gone, how safe should we feel NOW?
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
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September 3rd
Daily
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September 4th
R - Roles and Responsibilities
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make
up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not
destroy it: but I found none.
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
God was looking for
someone that could cause Him to consider not destroying the people and the land
of Israel. He was actively seeking such a one but found none. Before there was
Hezekiah and Josiah, who both tried unsuccessfully to bring the people back to
God. And even though they were not able to draw people back to the Lord, they
were able by their actions and prayers to keep God from destroying them. But at
this time God finds no one. Not one of the prophets, religious leaders or
royalty that care about Him. None. As I read this I see something that all men
should be completely aware of. Do you realize that you have a royal priesthood
in your own home? You men are responsible to stand in the gap for your family as
Moses did for the children of Israel. You are to build a hedge of protection
round about your family. Wives and single mothers, you are not off the hook. You
too should be in daily protective prayer for your children and grand children.
And wives you should be bombarding the throne of grace for your husband. That he
will be the man that stands where God can see Him. Not ashamed to be humble
before and almighty God. A man that is ever giving credit to the Lord for all
that he is and does. That is what God was looking for back then, and we serve a
never changing God. We all have roles and responsibilities in this world. One of
the most important for families is that of a man of God in your home. Stand up
for Jesus and watch Him stand up for you.
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
How do you build a hedge? How do you stand in the gap? By prayer and the study of God’s Word. Stay in contact with God everyday, all day long. Guard your life that nothing would ever interfere with you constant communication with Him. If you see sin arise, quickly confess it and turn the other direction. God is never near sin, He is always the opposite direction. Be a builder in your home and pray a hedge around your family.
Daily
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September 5th
E - Each Other
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Ezekiel 24:16 & 18 Son of man, behold, I take away from thee
the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor
weep, neither shall thy tears run down…..So I spake unto the people in the
morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was
commanded.
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD
INTO PEOPLE:
How many years do you
have with the ones you love? How many weeks? How many days? How many hours,
minutes or seconds? The answers to all these questions are the same. We do
not know. We were created for God’s pleasure and also for His use as He sees
fit. None of us know how or when God is going to have to call us home in
order for His plan for eternity to be fulfilled. Ezekiel was serving God.
Doing exactly as God asked him to do. And yet in the middle of the book by
his name, God tells him that He needs to take his wife’s life so He can make
a point to the children of Israel. None of us know if God was being kind to
her in doing so. Some of you are probably thinking, what? How could this be
God’s grace toward Ezekiel’s wife? It may have been that had she lived, she
may have been taken and tortured. Some of the men that came may have done
terrible things to her had she still been around. Ezekiel may have had to
watch as someone he loved so much was mistreated and maybe suffer a
horrible, lengthy death. Or worse, a long dreadful struggling life. We none
of us know how, when or why God may take us. What we do know is this.
Hebrews 9:27 says “It is appointed unto men once to die….”
That is an appointment set by God that we all will keep should Jesus not
return first. So what are we doing with today? This might be our last day
together. Are we wasting it fighting and arguing? Thinking of ways to get
back at someone for the way they treated us? If you knew this was the last
day for them or for you, what might you do different? We all need to keep on
living our life as if there was a tomorrow. We need to work and study and go
about our daily rituals. But if today was the last day you had to leave an
impression on those around you, what impression are you leaving?
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
God never promises tomorrow. What you have is today. Use it to glorify God, and let those around you know you love them.
Daily
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September 6th
V - Vision
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD
INTO PEOPLE:
Not too long ago I was
with a group of young children, teens and adults from our church. We were at
a Bible Camp secluded in a beautiful wooded area not far from our church.
Suddenly something happened. The next thing I knew children were crying and
screaming. Adults were running for cover. Some began to panic and their
cries caused unsettled feelings in a few others around them. What had just
happened to cause all of this? Did they see a wild animal in the woods that
scared them? No, it was not an animal that frightened them. Did a cabin
collapse or tree fall near them that caused their fear? No that is not what
happened either. So what caused the stir? It was a very dark cloud that
descended very rapidly on the camp and winds that began blowing things
around a bit. It seemed to come from almost nowhere and with little warning.
If we had been in an open area instead of woods we could have seen it coming
over the lake for some time and prepared everyone for what was coming. Had
we been near a radio or TV we might have heard of its approach and been able
to plan accordingly and have things to do inside rather than outside. In
just a short while it had blown over and things were fine again. But for a
while there was a bit of tension in the air. Fear often strikes the heart of
people during dark and stormy times. Especially if they seem to come up
unannounced. Repeatedly in our reading today we see the words “The word of
the Lord came unto me.” With each one there is a prophecy of what was to
come. Many of the prophesies have been completely fulfilled while some have
been partially fulfilled. But not one detail has ever been left out. The
prophesies of the Lord always come true completely as they are given. This
leaves us to know that the rest is still to come. God says it is a cloudy
day for the heathen. Without plans for the future many are just strolling
along as if nothing will ever happen. To them it will seem as if there was
no warning for this cloudy day. But a storm is coming, you can plan on it.
If you’ll look you will see it coming on the horizon.
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Live life today, but plan for eternity. To do so you must live your life in Christ.
Daily
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September 7th
E - Economics
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Ezekiel 34:15 I will feed
my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
In reading the book of Ezekiel, I like probably every other pastor begin to d a self examination when reading chapter thirty four. It is a chilling thought for any of us to think that we may in any way be guilty of any of the things mentioned in it. I know that the book was written to the leaders of Israel. I know that God was talking of bringing them out of the nation of Israel and making them his own. In doing so today He calls them to be part of His church. The Local Assemblies of Believers. I know that after the captivity He was promising to bring some back and care for them in Israel. I understand that much of this will take place during the millennial period when He comes to Shepherd His flock Himself. But even so, knowing those things do not stop me from doing a self examination of the ministry God allows me to take part in as a under-shepherd of His flock. And every time I read this, I find myself short in the balance. I always see areas of the ministry that I am lacking in and can do better in. But the one verse that always sticks out to me is the little two line verse that says “I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. “ When everything is said and done, God takes care of His own. And if you read that verse as I do you put a heightened emphasis on the word “MY”. Will lead MY flock He says. It does us well to understand that we are all, including pastors, a part of His flock. I am His and He is mine. He supplies my every need. He is the perfect Shepherd. The one who knows when we are diseased and strengthens us. The great Physician that can heal us when we are sick and bind up our broken souls. He calls to us as He did to the disciples, follow me and those that know Him hear his voice and return unto Him. And He seeks for me to fellowship with Him. My friend that is more valuable than all the treasure in the world. God counts us a valuable to Him and seeks after us. Of all the things you are a steward of today, the lives Christ loves and has put in your care, are more important than them all.
LETTING THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
I once heard it asked, “How much is the saving of a soul worth? And the answer of course is priceless. The stewardship of that saved soul should be just a valuable.
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September 8th
R - Relationship and Romance
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
Have you ever been
around a couple that hears a song on the radio and they look at each
other and say, “That’s our song.” Did they write it? Did they buy the
rights to it? Is it only their song? Most likely
not. What they mean is that song has a special meaning to them.
It reminds them of a day or a place where they were together when they
heard it. They have made it their song. In churches for years we have
sung a song that is titled “There’s a New Song in My Heart.” But why is
there a new song? Have you somehow all of a sudden gotten a craving for
Psalms and Hymns? Did all your old musical tastes go out the window?
Probably not completely. But there is a new
desire to sing praises to God. Why? Well if you think about it for just
a second you will realize that a song is really a group of words put
together by someone to convey a certain idea or belief. Every song
(that’s worth anything at all) has some message. You might ask about
concertos or sonnets, songs that seem to have no words. But even these
pieces of music seem to convey a mood that that originator intended. Why
is there a new song in your heart? Well that’s simple. Jesus now resides
in your heart in the person of the Holy Spirit. In
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Music can bring back many memories. Hopefully some of you have a song that does that for you. But one new song you need is the one written in your heart. A new composer also writes the new song. God has put together a song that brings joy to your soul. Sing unto the Lord a new song. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Let all that have breath praise His name. There’s a new song in our heart.
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September 9th
F - Foundation
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
Sometimes what we say and what we do are two completely different
things. It’s not that we out and out decided to lie to someone, but we had
no idea of circumstances that were ahead of us. So we make promises that are
broken and leave people discouraged with us. And yes, it happens to everyone
at some time or another. Everyone that is except God. God’s promises are
sure. He knows completely the future that is in store, and so He can make
promises not having to worry about circumstances latter. That is good. But
then again that can be terrifying. If you are standing in Jesus as a born
again Christian, then this is a great thing. You are standing in the most
secure place of all. You have a sure foundation. All God’s promises of a
blessed home in heaven are true. No circumstances can change that. He will
provide for your needs and take care of you if you follow and serve Him. All
the promises toward you as a Christian are true and will all come true. On
the other hand, if you are not saved and standing outside of the will of
God, all the promises for you are just as sure. If God would ask you the
questions in the verse above today, what would your response be? Do you
think you can stand up against an almighty and powerful God and somehow win?
No friend, when God deals with you He will deal with justice. You will be
judged by your sin and found guilty. How can I say this for sure? Because
God’s Word says so for sure. And as this verse says, if the Lord has spoken
it, He will do it.
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Daily
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For Sunday Reading We Suggest You Read Your Pastors Sermon Passages Today |
September 10th
Daily
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September 11th
R - Roles and Responsibilities
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Ezekiel 44:9 Thus saith
the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in
flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the
children of Israel.
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
There is a right and a wrong way to do things. Even if doing it the wrong way seems to get it done that still does not make it right. I use to work on a shipping and receiving dock. I was one of only two men on our shift that at the time could operate and load a slip-sheet forklift. What this machine would do is It would clamp down on the edge of a piece of cardboard that was under the product, slide it off the skid onto a large platform on the front of the machine. We would then drive it into the truck and slide it off on the floor of the truck or on top of another stack of boxes already loaded. We asked the people who placed the orders on the floor to please put two slip sheets under each stack of boxes. One guy though to himself, that is a real waste of slip sheets, I will save the company money and me time by only using two. The problem is, when you only use one, they tear sometimes when coming off the pallet and product is then damaged. At a minimum it took us twice as long to carefully remove each stack to load the truck. Although what the man was doing seemed right to him at the time, he did not understand the entire process. Therefore ending up costing the company money and not saving it. And almost losing his job in the process. Likewise God has a way that is right for us to live together. In the verse above, the Children of Israel had been letting foreigners and stranger do the work around the temple. And even though the work was getting done, it was not getting done the way God had intended. He wanted His temple to be different from all the other religions and false gods. So He said no more. These people are not allowed to do that work any longer. It is very much the same in our Christian lives, our churches and our homes. There is a right way to live, that’s God’s way. And there is a wrong way, that never ends well.
LETTING THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
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September 12th
Daily
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September
13th
V - Vision
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Daniel 2:27-28 & 47
Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the
king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the
soothsayers, show unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth
secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the
latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
……...The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your
God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing
thou couldest reveal this secret.
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
Where can you go to find out about the future? Today there are mystics of every sort around. Psychics are on TV, in Magazines, and on the radio. It seems that mainstream America is starting to take stock in and believe them. Primetime Television shows like Montel Williams have these Psychics in so people can find out about their long past loved ones. Prime Time TV programming now has several shows that highlight dreamers and visionists as the main character in the program. Even the police have been duped into yielding to satanic powers by calling in so called mediums to help solve cases. Well that I guess would only make sense. The devil would be the one to ask about devilish sinful activities now wouldn’t he. Who would know better about crime than the head of sin and disaster? The problem is, as I see it, it wont be long until we are asked to accept this in the church. You’re probably saying, Pastor, there is no way. Really? Several years ago there would have been no way anyone could have said that homosexuality would be in mainstream religion. But it is. Not long ago dancing in the church would have seemed ludicrous. But I see it on Church Programming now all the time. Rock and Roll was considered wicked. But know if you toss the name Jesus in it you can use for Sunday morning services. I may be wrong about it making it into church, but I am sure I am not wrong that it has made it into some Christian homes. Daniel knew and so did the King, no one holds the truth about the future like God does. Casting a vision for your life can be rewarding. It can keep you heading the same way together. Just be sure God is the focus of that vision.
LETTING THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Do you want to know where your life should be headed? Listen to this. Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
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September 14th
Daily
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September 15th
Daily
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September 16th
Daily
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For Sunday Reading We Suggest You Read Your Pastors Sermon Passages Today |
September 17th
Daily
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September 18th
R - Roles and Responsibilities
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
It seems there is a big misconception among people today as to how and
why people get saved. Some people feel their role is to just get them to say
a prayer and that somehow those magic words save them and give them eternal
life. Some think our role as Christians is to scare them out of hell and if
we do then they will get saved. I wonder if today we do not have churches
full of misguided people scared of hell but not converted from sin. Have we
left these people feeling safe with the prayer they said and yet not helped
them to understand they need to give their life over to God. So many people
come to God looking for a stamp of approval on the life they live now. Not
really seeking Salvation from their sin, but security in their sin. Many are
looking for safety from hell but not surrender to the Saviour. As we can see
in the verse today, God has always wanted people to come to Him because they
have given their heart to Him. Not just so He can be the supplier of all
their wants and dreams. People need to love Him for Him and realize He is
not “A Good’s Supplier” but that He is “The Good Supplier.” People need to
humble their heart before a loving God and yield to Him in everything. Then
and only then the Bible says He will direct your paths and supply all your
needs. As Christians our role is to introduce them to God through His Son
Jesus Christ. Their one desire should be Christ and His salvation alone.
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Oh God, forgive us if we have lead someone astray to believe in a prayer or tried to scare him or her into heaven. Help us Lord to show them the Love of Jesus that they may turn to you with a heart for you and not just desires of you. Amen.
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September 19th
E - Each Other
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF
GOD:
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
In church we sing
a chorus that says; “God is so good, God is so good,
God is so good, He’s so good to me.” I
think here in the U.S. we should change the words to; “God is TOO
good, He’s TOO good to me.” If we’re honest that’s really more like
it. God is way TOO good to us. So good in fact, a lot of people in
this country that call themselves Christian, know little of what it
means to be Christ like. God in His gracious goodness supplied for
our forefathers so well according to their committed faith in Him.
Now people living off past grace no longer feel a need to worship or
rely on God. Just as God was good to the children of Israel and they
forgot Him, so it is today. The desire for individual happiness has
caused us to forget that only God brings about true joy. We have
forgotten what it was like to get down on our knees and beg God for
our daily bread. Instead we ask for a six figure salary to take care
of us forever. And then when God does not deliver more than we can
handle we get mad at Him. We start to think things like, if God
controls all things and can do anything, then why doesn’t He do this
one thing for me now? It’s sort of like a little child that goes out
trick-or-treating and brings home an entire bag full of sugar filled
candy. Its 9:00 PM and almost time for bed and the child wants to
eat all the candy. You let them select a few pieces and then make
them put the rest away. Rightfully the candy is the child’s. But is
it a wise parent that lets this child eat it until they can eat no
more? Heavens No! First off all that sugar will never let them go to
sleep (nor the parent.) Next all that candy at once would cause them
to be sick before morning. Then there is the fact that tomorrow when
all the other children still have their candy, this child will have
none and be sad. But does the child think of that? No! All they can
see is the candy and they want it. So the grown up has to do what’s
right. God in like manner has already been too good to us. He
doesn’t have to let us have anything, but He does. But in His
wisdom knows when we have had enough. He’s watching out for us as a
good parent does.
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
If we really want
to help one another, let’s help each other have a good outlook on
God and His grace and goodness toward us. We get treated way TOO
good.
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September 20th
Daily
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September 21st
E - Economics
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Amos 8:4-7 Hear this, O
ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the
sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel
great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? That we may buy the poor for
silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the
wheat? The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never
forget any of their works.
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
Gambling has become one of this nations our greatest past times. It, like so many other things that use to be condemned as sin, is now looked upon by many as just another form of entertainment. States have made it popular by coming out with state run lotteries. Several states have state run and funded casinos. And yet did you know that over 60% of those that gamble regularly are at or below the poverty level? There are very few real high rollers out there. Why? Because they want to keep their money and know gambling is really foolish. For every person that wins there are millions of dollars that have to be lost. And we wonder why there are financial problems in the homes of America today. I know that some of you are saying, if they do not have the money they should not play. But the Christian thing to do is not provide them with a temptation to sin. And gambling is sin. God has never looked kindly on those that have money, taking advantage of those that do not. And that is exactly what you do every time you buy a lottery ticket. Isn’t it sad that part of that money spent on lottery tickets go to commercials warning about the addictiveness of gambling? Some goes to fund counseling for those who have found themselves caught in this trap. If you’re buying those tickets, going on-line wagering, going to casinos or bingo halls, you have a part in taking advantage of the poor and needy. Amos warned Israel about this same practice. He said you “swallow up the needy,” and “make the poor of the land to fail. He said they were “falsifying the balances by deceit” and they “buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes.” God hated this poor treatment of the hurting then, and our God does not change.
LETTING THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
What could God do with the money Christians spend on bingo, lottery and gambling? He feed thousands with just a few loaves and fish. Put that money in God’s hands instead of the worlds. That my friend is the only real sure bet!
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September 22nd
September 22
R - Romance and Relationships
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
Today there are countries that would like to see the US fall. Some for
military reasons and some out of revengeful hate. But I suspect even more
people would like to see her fall because of her past history of standing
for the Bible and for God. In the past few years we have had terrorist
attacks on our nation, and one of the main reasons they give for these
attacks is that we are not believers in their form of religion. Even worse,
there are people in the United States that are citizens of this great
country that do not want us to be governed by the laws so plainly set up in
scripture and by which we have governed our country for decades. The Bible
tells us that a house divided against itself can not stand. With attacks
from within and without we have to wonder ourselves, how much longer can
this go on? Nations gathered against Israel and rejoiced at her fall. But
God was not done with her yet. Now the country and people of Israel are a
proud nation again. Nations will again at Armageddon gather against Israel.
But God promises to defeat them then. This attitude is just what a lost
sinful world does. It looks at today as being forever. But history and
scripture tell us that’s not so. Will the US be here forever? Who knows?
People do not know the perfect will of God for a nation. Only God knows what
is coming tomorrow. Maybe that is why He told us not to take thought of
tomorrow, but just worry about today. God will take care of the world no
matter what. He will also take care of you if you let Him.
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
If there were not going to be a tomorrow, what would you do today? What might you say to that loved one or mate if you knew that tomorrow was not going to come? Why not say it today? If we begin to love one another like there was never going to be a tomorrow, who knows, it might just change the world. It will at least change yours!
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September 23rd
F - Foundation
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
Joel 2:1
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm
in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of
the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
God was telling the children of Israel
years ago to be prepared. Was God’s time clock off? Why in the world would He
have them ready way before Jesus had been born, before Jesus had died on the
cross of Calvary and rose, before He even ascended back into heaven? He was
telling them exactly what He is telling us, watch and be ready to see what I
will do. He wanted them to be ready to leave at a moments notice. To watch for
His hand is always at work. He wanted them to be ready to serve Him at a moments
notice. To continually watch, to see how they might be a willing and joyful
servant. This is how they would want to be found, watching and serving as He
might return at just anytime. And He is telling us the same thing today. Blow
the trumpet, let everyone know. Sound the alarm; the churches need to preach the
gospel. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, share with everyone about
the power and might of God and His judgment to come. For the day of the Lord
cometh, yes friend it will not be long till He returns for His own. Watch and be
ready.
LETTING THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Today might be the day that He comes. Are you really prepared? Have you told everyone you need to tell? His return very well might be today.
Daily
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For Sunday Reading We Suggest You Read Your Pastors Sermon Passages Today |
September 24th
O - Openness
GETTING PEOPLE INTO THE WORD OF GOD:
GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO PEOPLE:
Yak yak yak, chatter chatter, blah, blah, blah. It just seems some
people will never shut up. Talk talk talk all day long. There seems to never
be a moment of silence in their life. They just have to make noise. Sound
like it would drive you crazy? Well let me tell you what would drive you
even crazier. Complete silence. Yup that’s right. It may seem like a
blessing at first, but after a while complete silence from a person is
actually deafening. Couples do it all the time. It’s done by Christians and
non-Christians alike. An argument comes up, one or both get angry and the
silent treatment begins. After a day or so, little notes start popping up in
the house because neither wants to be the one to give up in this silent war.
The, “I want it my way” attitude kicks in. That of course is not love. Love
is giving and kind. The silent treatment is effective in getting your point
across although when carried to extremes it becomes sinful. In today’s verse
Habakkuk was facing the silent treatment of God. He asks a good question.
First he states the obvious. God can not be around sin. It’s like shining a
light into a closet trying to see the darkness. It can’t be done. So
Habakkuk asks; if you can’t look at sin, how is it that you watch all this
and don’t say anything? God, are you just going to let this happen and not
say or do anything? The problem was that God has a different time schedule
than we do. Yes He would punish the people punishing His children. But He
also needed to remain silent for a time to allow them to realize the
consequences’ for their sin. This was probably as hard on God as it was on
Habakkuk. Keeping silent with someone you love is hard to do. And the love
of God only let that silence continue so long and then He spoke in the next
chapter. Silence is a great communicator. But it must also be regulated by
love. Once that silence becomes a weapon and not a tool, it becomes a sin.
Keeping silent to keep from saying something wrong is right. Keeping silent
just to get your way is always wrong.
LETTING
THE WORD AFFECT OUR LIVES:
Silence is not really golden. But with very few words you can make a day go from gloomy to dreamy. You don’t have to say a lot. A simple sincere “I Love You” will do.
Daily
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September 25th
R - Roles and Responsibilities