the great descent

The Prison House of Praise

2011-08-30T04:21:00.001-07:00

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25).Observation: In the prison house of their pain and suffering Paul and Silas gained the victory through praise and worship:Terrible is the struggle that takes place between the forces of good and of evil in

The Pause and the Pursuit

2011-05-19T07:06:00.001-07:00

As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Heb. 11:8); as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other

One Thing is Needed

2011-05-16T06:22:00.001-07:00

Outside of the Jewish nation there were men who foretold the appearance of a divine instructor. These men were seeking for truth, and to them the Spirit of Inspiration was imparted. One after another, like stars in the darkened heavens, such teachers had arisen. Their words of prophecy had kindled hope in the hearts of thousands of the Gentile world. For hundreds of years the Scriptures had been

Unsealing Daniel's Mysteries

2011-03-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

I will be conducting a prophecy seminar in Monte Vista Colorado starting on April 1 at 7:00 p.m. It will continue on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays thru April 16th. Please pray for God to bless those who attend. Pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and many to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. And if you're in the San Luis Valley, please feel free to

"Love Wins" so Choose Life!

2011-03-23T08:12:00.001-07:00

Jezebel utterly refused to recognize the drought as a judgment from Jehovah. Unyielding in her determination to defy the God of heaven, she, with nearly the whole of Israel, united in denouncing Elijah as the cause of all their misery. Had he not borne testimony against their forms of worship? If only he could be put out of the way, she argued, the anger of their gods would be appeased, and their

The Success of Surrender

2011-03-14T07:41:00.001-07:00

David had learned by his own experience how hard is the path of him who departs from God. He had felt the condemnation of the broken law, and had reaped the fruits of transgression; and his whole soul was moved with solicitude that the leaders of Israel should be true to God, and that Solomon should obey God's law, shunning the sins that had weakened his father's authority, embittered his life,

I Bear in My Bosom

2011-03-01T13:12:00.001-08:00

"Where are Your former loving-kindnesses, O Lord, Which You swore to David in Your faithfulness? Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants; How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples, With which Your enemies have reproached, O LORD, With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed. Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen." (Psalms 89:49-52 NAS95S)

Generations

2011-02-15T06:08:00.001-08:00

"And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the strangers who were living among them." (Joshua 8:34–35 NKJV) Observation: Patriarchs and Prophets gives

Devoted to Destruction

2011-02-14T06:45:00.001-08:00

Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. (Joshua 7:12). Valentines Day 2011. This day is when the world celebrates love and devotion. Question is, to whom or what are we devoted? In this

A Book of Tickets

2011-02-13T06:59:00.001-08:00

The influence of this miracle, both upon the hebrews and upon their enemies, was of great importance. It was an assurance to Israel of God's continued presence and protection—an evidence that he would work for them through Joshua as he had wrought through Moses. Such an assurance was needed to strengthen their hearts as they entered upon the conquest of the land—the stupendous task that had

More than Enough

2011-02-12T06:07:00.001-08:00

Moses was a type of Christ. He himself had declared to Israel, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken." Deuteronomy 18:15. God saw fit to discipline Moses in the school of affliction and poverty before he could be prepared to lead the hosts of Israel to the earthly Canaan. The Israel of God, journeying

I Need Jesus

2011-02-07T07:09:00.001-08:00

If we are conscious of our needs, we should not devote all our powers to mourning over them. While we realize our helpless condition without Christ, we are not to yield to discouragement, but rely upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Look and live. Jesus has pledged his word; he will save all who come unto him. Though millions who need to be healed will reject his offered mercy, not

Give Me a Heart Like Yours

2011-01-23T07:14:00.001-08:00

God had declared concerning Pharaoh, "I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go." Exodus 4:21. There was no exercise of supernatural power to harden the heart of the king. God gave to Pharaoh the most striking evidence of divine power, but the monarch stubbornly refused to heed the light. Every display of infinite power rejected by him, rendered him the more determined in his

Hear Us from Heaven

2011-01-03T06:11:00.001-08:00

Adam could neither deny nor excuse his sin; but instead of manifesting penitence, he endeavored to cast the blame upon his wife, and thus upon God Himself: "The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." He who, from love to Eve, had deliberately chosen to forfeit the approval of God, his home in Paradise, and an eternal life of joy, could now, after his fall,

My Disability Disappears

2010-12-02T07:59:00.001-08:00

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find." (Romans 7:18 NKJV) If you've ever seen the story of Team Hoyt, the Father and Son pair who run marathon's and triathlons... If you've ever seen Dad Dick pulling, pushing, carrying, and lifting his quadriplegic Son Rick, than you have witnessed the

I Choose Life

2010-11-30T06:19:00.001-08:00

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by (the) faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference... Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith

Thanksgiving Roses

2010-11-26T06:41:00.001-08:00

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss. Troubles had

Glory in Spendor... Glory in Shame... Glory to Your Name

2010-11-24T07:56:00.001-08:00

"Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah."" (Matthew 17:4 NAS95) Observation: While Peter was offering to make three tents, the Father engulfed them in his presence. As the impetuous one was still speaking, God's grace became the tent of Moses, Elijah, Jesus and His disciples.

Surrounded by Victory

2010-11-23T06:56:00.001-08:00

NAU Titus 3:3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration

From where does my help come from?

2010-11-01T04:19:00.000-07:00

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:1-4 ESV) Observation: It is easy to look to the hills. The stand so bold and so prominent in our view. The hills can inspire, but they

Raised by Grace

2010-10-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

""Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He

The Honor of "No!"

2010-10-04T06:28:00.001-07:00

"When the king's decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small."" (Esther 1:20 NKJV)Honor is not a virtue to be demanded. Those who demand honor receive contempt. And those who require respect receive resentment. Honor is earned through compassion, faithfulness, and goodness. Honor is born out of

Make My Life Your Prayer

2010-08-17T06:37:00.001-07:00

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, "JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews'; but that He said, 'I am

So They Would Not Be Defiled

2010-08-16T06:24:00.001-07:00

"Then they *led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover." (John 18:28 NAS95)Observation: What was it like to eat the passover after rejecting the Christ? Was it a meal of contempt? A supper of pride? What was it? How could their be any peace in it? What is

How is it that you ask me for a drink?

2010-08-05T06:49:00.001-07:00

"Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)" (John 4:9 NAS95)Observation: I suppose the equivalent of this statement might be..."How is it that you, being a Christian, ask me for a drink since I am a Morman?" or..."How is it that you, being a Christian, ask me for a

Why Would You Rob Them of the Blessing?

2010-04-09T11:24:00.001-07:00

On March 7th 2010, I woke early Sunday morning to prepare from my departure from Colorado Springs en route to Asheville, NC for the North American Division Prayer Conference at the Billy Graham Training Center @ the Cove. That morning I offered up a simple prayer to God: "Lord put me beside the people on the plane you would have me to sit next to." On the first leg of my trip, after sleeping

It's One thing to Kiss, It's another to Cling

2010-04-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

"Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her." (Ruth 1:14 NAS95S) Observation: With a kiss, Orpah extended a common courtesy as she bid farewell to her mother-in-law. With clinging, Ruth extended an uncommon commitment to her mother-in-law; refusing to leave the one who had shown her a God worth dying for. Kissing and clinging, courtesy and courageous commitment. Orpah was

What is Your Name?

2010-04-02T06:35:00.001-07:00

"Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, "What is your name, so that when your words come to pass, we may honor you?" But the angel of the LORD said to him, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?"" (Judges 13:17–18 NAS95) Observation: With the Angel of the Lord, it was a momentous thing to ask "What is your name?" For this was no ordinary angel that met Manoah and his wife with the

The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior

2010-03-29T06:13:00.001-07:00

"The LORD is with you, O valiant warrior." (Judges 6:12 NAS95)Observation: God's presence defines us. Gideon wasn't a warrior of valor because of His family: "my family is the least in Manasseh" (Judges 6:15 NAS95). He wasn't a man of might because of his stature: "I am the youngest in my father's house." (Judges 6:15 NAS95)Gideon was the runt of his family. And yet, God choose him because

Spring Up O Well

2010-03-27T04:04:00.001-07:00

"Then it came about when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. Then she alighted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Give me a blessing, since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water." So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs." (Judges 1:14–15 NAS95)Observation: Caleb's

Make Us a Crumby!

2010-02-19T09:43:00.001-08:00

NAU Matthew 15:27 But she said, "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus said to her, "O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed at once. Observation: Who would think to call casting out a demon "crumbs from the masters table?" One with great faith! One who understands the

Sprinkle My Heart

2010-02-16T04:35:00.001-08:00

NAU 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of

Got Bread?

2010-02-16T04:25:00.001-08:00

NAU John 6:15 So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.Observation: I've always read the miracle of feeding the five thousand and thought to myself, no big gig. I don't know why. It just doesn't seem as miraculous as raising the dead or giving sight to the blind. But the reality is that

Angst & Awe

2010-02-04T03:52:00.001-08:00

Reading thru my journal from a year ago, and I came a cross the following:I just watched Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell. At the end He said: "The reality of the Kingdom of God is right here.... The Kingdom isn't there, it's here."To which I say, Mr. Bell, what about your principle of yeah... Both and... You see God created a good world that has gone bad. Good people who have grown old...

The Knowledge of Good and Evil

2010-01-02T03:06:00.000-08:00

"Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" (Genesis 3:22 NAS95)Through their sin, Adam and Eve came to know good and evil by experience. In contrast, God knew good and evil through his infinite wisdom. In other words, while man knew sin by

My Way Out

2010-01-01T07:56:00.001-08:00

"He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:23 NAS95S)Observation: Christ is the head over all things "to the church" or "for the good of the church." But who is the church? Church is from the Greek word Ekklesia, which means congregation or assembly. This word

Seeing the Wind

2009-11-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

"But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"" (Matthew 14:30 NAS95)Observation: How do you see the wind? Mmm... One can see the spray that the wind kicks up. One can see the choppy waves. And one can feel its force... but, how does one see the wind. One doesn't.Jesus said this about the wind:"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the

The Night God Came to Dinner

2009-11-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

During wartime, two groups of enemy soldiers arrived at the same house. Then a miracle happened.BY: Adapted from a story by Rod Ohira Fritz Vincken owns a bakery just outside of downtown Honolulu. He dispenses warmth and a smile along with hot buns and fresh bread to his loyal customers. Fritz has lived in the Hawaiian islands for many years now, and when he first arrived he was enchanted by the

Stretch Out You Hand

2009-11-21T05:58:00.001-08:00

"And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." (Matthew 8:2–3 NAS95)Observation: Five beautiful words! "Jesus stretched out His hand." Glory! He is the one who heals with outstretched hand. He is the

No More Stuff!

2009-11-20T14:23:00.001-08:00

This week our family got an email update from our friends Mike and Sara Hawthorne who are serving at The Mission at Natuvu Creek, a medical mission station in the islands of Fiji. (for more info go to: www.missionatnatuvucreek.com) The Hawthornes have been at Natavu Creek since September.In January of this year, they came to Alamosa and shared how God was leading them to sell their 35 Acre Ranch

Constant Contact

2009-11-03T07:00:00.001-08:00

""You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." (Mark 13:13 NAS95)Yesterday I was on the phone with my friend Steve and he shared this incredible quote from Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing with me:Live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold you firmly by a hand that will never let go. Know and believe the love that God has to

His Dwelling Place

2009-10-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

""But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and

From Strength to Strength

2009-10-12T03:39:00.001-07:00

"Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10 NAS95)Observation: The feast of tabernacles is a feast intended to remind God's people of a time when we lived in tents. Of a time when we were led by the visible presence of God through the wilderness. Of a time when He provided for our every need. Of a time when we lived, not by bread alone, but by every word that

My Beloved

2009-09-15T04:02:00.001-07:00

"Then He said to them, "How is it that they say the Christ is David's son? "For David himself says in the book of Psalms, 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."' "Therefore David calls Him 'Lord,' and how is He his son?"" (Luke 20:41-44 NAS95S)David's name means beloved. So, "How is it that they say the Christ is David's son?" Is

Neither Fear Them...

2009-08-28T04:40:00.001-07:00

""And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house." (Ezekiel 2:6 NAS95S)Observation: The prophet is told not to fear the listener. This is a message repeatedly given to God's servants. It was given to Moses at the burning

Trampling Destiny

2009-08-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

by Karen Fettig I was at the county fair the other evening watching the grandsons take in the rides at the carnival. Every time we would walk by the game booths the peddlers would call out to us: Come play! You can win! You win every time! I thought yes: "spend 5 bucks and win a 25 cent stuff animal!" Sometimes I would graciously say: "no thanks!" or I would focus my attention in another

The Divine Wounding

2009-08-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

"Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh. Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob's thigh in the sinew of the hip." (Genesis 32:31-32 NAS95S)Observation: Why did the Lord touch Jacob's thigh? Why not his hand or his shoulder? What is

The Land of My Sojourn

2009-08-18T03:20:00.001-07:00

"'You shall not build a house, and you shall not sow seed and you shall not plant a vineyard or own one; but in tents you shall dwell all your days, that you may live many days in the land where you sojourn.'" (Jeremiah 35:7 NAS95S)Observation: These are the words of the Rechabites to the prophet Jeremiah when he invited them to "drink wine." Contained here is a powerful message. We will not

Hide Us

2009-08-07T05:51:00.001-07:00

""Therefore wait for Me," declares the LORD, "For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal. "For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, That all of them may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to

Guard this Home

2009-08-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

Guard this Home Lord JesusGuard this Home.Let it's little hands take hold of YoursAnd it's little feet in Your footsteps followO, may the words spoken herebe of heaven and be of home, Of the joys of sweet communionWith Father, Spirit, Son.Guard this Home Lord Jesus Guard this HomeMay all that's done among usBring glory to your nameMay Your will always beIn work, pleasure, or playGuard this Home

Waiting for the Waters to Stir

2009-08-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

"Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made

Shelter

2009-07-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

Plain and simple. This song speaks to me. I pray it speaks to you as well... I pray you find shelter under the shadow of the Almighty.

Afterthought

2009-07-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

Do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."" (James 4:5-6 NAS95S)Observation: God is jealous for my heart. His longing is to indwell me. To fill me. To consume me. The question is, do I desire His Spirit

The JOB

2009-07-15T12:33:00.001-07:00

This short film is a humorous illustration of the following parable from Matthew 20:1-16:1-2 "God's kingdom is like an estate manager who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. They agreed on a wage of a dollar a day, and went to work. 3-5"Later, about nine o'clock, the manager saw some other men hanging around the town square unemployed. He told them to go to work in his

Justified by His Knowledge

2009-07-03T13:18:00.001-07:00

By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. " (Isaiah 53:11 NAS95S).Observation: Christ's sacrifice gives credibility to His intercessory prayers in our behalf. The word declares that "By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify many." This wasn't simply a head knowledge, it was a heart knowledge. This wasn't a

Thy Will Be Done

2009-07-03T06:21:00.001-07:00

"My Father, You have all of eternity in which to work Thy will, but I have only today to walk with You. Please draw me near in a close walk in which Thy will is done in me."From the Desk of Pastor John Graham

The Perfect Bridegroom

2009-07-02T11:45:00.001-07:00

by Karen Fettig This is June the "Wedding Month!" When we talk about weddings most people get excited. (Except maybe some father-in- law's to be.) There is something special about weddings. The hustle and bustle of preparation and then the big day and we either get to walk down the isle ourselves or watch someone we care about walk that heart pounding walk. All in all it is a tradition that

Between the Porch and Altar

2009-06-27T06:04:00.001-07:00

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2Timothy 3:12 NAS95S)Observation: There is a purity that comes through adversity; a holiness that is forged in the furness of affliction. Yesterday I was reading from the Spirit of Prophecy and challenged by these words:Some of the servants of God, even ministers, are so easily discouraged, self is so quickly hurt, that

A Gastric Prayer

2009-06-26T06:18:00.001-07:00

"Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish," (Jonah 2:1 NAS95S)Observation: How is it, that from such a stubborn and sinful man, comes a prayer which so powerfully portrays the coming and ultimate mission of the Christ? "I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. "For You had cast me into

Mandates for God's Man

2009-06-26T05:00:00.001-07:00

"You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier's aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no

Word Wranglers

2009-06-24T05:39:00.001-07:00

"If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind

Only Believe

2009-06-18T05:14:00.001-07:00

"While He was still speaking, someone *came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, "Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore." But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, "Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well." Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened." (Luke 8:49-50, 56 NAS95S)Observation: There

More Than Words

2009-06-04T05:17:00.001-07:00

"Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting." (Romans 16:17-18 NAS95S)Observation: When I was in academy there was a college

Enlarge My Heart, Jesus

2009-05-29T05:32:00.001-07:00

Proverbs 4:6-9 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you." Observation: Of

In the School of Christ

2009-05-28T07:01:00.001-07:00

by Ellen WhiteO that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea. Isa. 48:18.We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn from Him meekness and lowliness. Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained for heaven. This training means a knowledge of Christ. It means emancipation from ideas, habits, and

Lord, Spend Me

2009-05-26T04:49:00.001-07:00

The following devotional entry was written by Kent Hansen. It is from a weekly email he sends out called A Word of Grace for Your Monday. If you would like to receive Kent's email there a instructions at the bottom of this post on how to get it. Blessings,Jim A Word of Grace for Your Monday, May 11th, 2009In the after dinner conversation at Zacchaeus' house discussed in last week's message,

Back Stage Passes

2009-05-25T06:12:00.001-07:00

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2 NIV)Observation: Back stage passes. That is what we have through the death of Christ and the justification that He has wrought in our lives:

Some Mighty Things a'Comin

2009-05-21T05:53:00.001-07:00

NAU Isaiah 26:8 Indeed, while following the way of Your judgments, O LORD, We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire of our souls. 9 At night my soul longs for You, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; For when the earth experiences Your judgments The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.Observation: At the heart of the Advent Hope is the

Proceed with Caution

2009-05-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

Hebrews 11:7 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Observation: In reverence Noah prepared an Ark. What does this mean? In respect? In humble awe? With somber foreboding? Is reverent preparation

For the Long Haul

2009-05-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

"For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." (2Thessalonians 3:11-13 NAS95S) Observation: It is possible to appear busy, but really be quite worthless.

Rest 4 Diligence

2009-05-12T03:56:00.001-07:00

NAU Hebrews 4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. 9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Joshua

Bold Humility

2009-05-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Jude 1:1-2 To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. Observation: Even with the Holy Spirit's calling, the Father's Love, and the keeping of Christ, we still need an ever increasing supply of mercy, peace, and love in our lives. Yesterday's blessing is insufficient for today's need.Application: My

Nothing is Beyond You

2009-05-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

"This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION, 'BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU, GENTLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY, EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.'"" (Matthew 21:4-5 NAS95S)Observation: Our burden bearer road into Jerusalem upon a beast of burden. The one who knew no sin, came riding an a colt who'd known no burden. And just as

Give Us Clean Hands

2009-05-02T06:10:00.001-07:00

"They made a calf in Horeb And worshiped a molten image. Thus they exchanged their glory For the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God their Savior, Who had done great things in Egypt, Wonders in the land of Ham And awesome things by the Red Sea." (Psalms 106:19-22 NAS95S)Observation: Whenever we worship anything but Almighty God, we sell ourselves short. He is our glory. He is our

Herodical Leadership

2009-04-27T05:26:00.001-07:00

"Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests." (Matthew 14:5, 9 NAS95S)Observation: Leading by popular opinion is both grievous and capricious; both fickle and sorrowful. In Herod's case, he wouldn't put John to death

By Force or By Faith?

2009-04-22T06:10:00.001-07:00

NAU 2 Kings 11:3 So he was hidden with her in the house of the LORD six years, while Athaliah was reigning over the land.Observation: Our agenda is not always God's. Athaliah thought that if she killed all her potential enemies she could reign forever. But the reign of cowardly rulers is always cut short by the sovreign reign of the ruler of the universe. They may dictate for a season, but

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2009-04-18T05:37:00.001-07:00

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all." (Psalms 34:4, 18-19 NAS95S)Observation: I was getting ready to journal on this passage, and for some reason I took a detour to Connie Talbot singing the

You Cannot Loose My Love

2009-04-16T06:55:00.001-07:00

"Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?" Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on." (1Samuel 18:8-9 NAS95S)Observation: Saul's trust was in His appearance, while David's trust was in His God. Saul was concerned about how he

They Have Not Rejected You

2009-04-10T06:41:00.001-07:00

"And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and

Geri's Story

2009-04-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

May I Pray For You?by Geri Morrison“You can pray for me,” she said. “Anything specific?” I asked. Her brow knit as she contemplated how much to tell a stranger. “Could you just pray for me in general?” “Of course,” I replied. “Would you like for me to pray now or during my private prayer time?” “Can you do both?” “Sure,” I said, and I did.I wear a 2 ¼ inch button that invites “MAY I PRAY

Appeal... in all purity!

2009-03-23T07:12:00.001-07:00

"Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity." (1Timothy 5:1-2 NAS95S)Observation: Dealing with people is an issue of purity. And how we do it is just as important as what we do. The attitude of our actions is critical. As Paul says: "Appeal.... in all

His Gems

2009-03-17T04:59:00.001-07:00

""Remember the days of old, Consider the years of all generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you, Your elders, and they will tell you. "When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, When He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples According to the number of the sons of Israel. "For the LORD'S portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His

Jesus Lead Me On

2009-03-16T06:23:00.001-07:00

"Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."" (Deuteronomy

Humble Me

2009-03-12T05:36:00.001-07:00

""Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and

Heaven is Open

2009-02-26T03:03:00.001-08:00

"Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."" (Mark 1:10-11 NAS95S)How blessed the assurance: This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. It has become one of my favorite passages because it reminds me that my life is "hid with

It's Only By Your Blood

2009-01-17T06:13:00.001-08:00

"But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You." (Psalms 5:7 NAS95S)We enter the Lord's house by grace; not by works, not by wisdom, not by wealth, but solely by grace alone. Paul Baloche's song Offering captures the essence of this passage...Offeringby Paul BalocheThe sun cannot compare to The glory of Your love

Sonrise

2009-01-13T07:10:00.001-08:00

"Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh." (Genesis 32:31 NAS95S)Observation: With the new light of dawn came a new limp and a new name. The deceiver had become the overcomer; for his strength had given way to brokenness, and his brokenness was the sign of blessing. The blessing of a name. A new name! Not the name of his mother. Not the

With No Regrets

2008-11-27T05:30:00.001-08:00

"For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the

Other Sheep

2008-10-22T06:49:00.001-07:00

"And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her

Words

2008-07-24T05:50:00.001-07:00

Closely connected with Christ's warning in regard to the sin against the Holy Spirit is a warning against idle and evil words. The words are an indication of that which is in the heart. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." But the words are more than an indication of character; they have power to react on the character. Men are influenced by their own words. Often under a

The Food of Rest

2008-07-09T21:27:00.001-07:00

Then the Lord God said, "Behold the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" -- therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which He was taken... Genesis 3:22Observation: Bread is the food of toil. Fruit is the food of rest. Our

Silence: The Key to Meaning and Mystery

2008-06-09T04:03:00.001-07:00

"There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is

The Power of Remembering

2008-04-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

"The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the LORD. Before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness And the peoples with equity."(Psalms 98:2, 6, 9 NAS95S)"In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; In the night my

Spread Your Covering

2008-04-07T05:22:00.001-07:00

""May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge."" (Ruth 2:12 NAS95S)"He said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative."" (Ruth 3:9 NAS95S)Observation: Ruth sought the shelter of the Lord before she sought the shelter of a man

Like a Dread Champion

2008-03-26T06:16:00.001-07:00

""And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the LORD your God is He who has been fighting for you. "One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you. "Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of

Am I Desperate Enough?

2008-03-17T07:34:00.001-07:00

""For the LORD will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their strength is gone, And there is none remaining, bond or free. "And He will say, 'Where are their gods, The rock in which they sought refuge? 'Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, And drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you, Let them be your hiding place! 'See

Respect the Past

2008-03-03T03:10:00.001-08:00

"Then they came near to him and said, "We will build here sheepfolds for our livestock and cities for our little ones; but we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land." (Numbers 32:16-17 NAS95S)Observation: The sons and Gad and Reuben were not

He'll Finish What He Started

2008-02-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

"I urge you now to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For last night there stood by me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God

Lead Us to the Well

2008-01-21T06:20:00.001-08:00

“So they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and what is more, he even drew the water for us and watered the flock.”” (Exodus 2:19 NAS95S) Observation: This one verse contains a powerful picture of Moses' purpose and destiny. He was to be both a deliverer and servant to God's people; A protector and provider. He was a prince and a pauper, a leader and a follower.

Faith: When God Say No... When God Doesn't Say

2008-01-17T05:49:00.001-08:00

"And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you...So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."(Luke 17:6, Romans 10:17 NAS95S)Observation: Faith is the fruit of humble obedience. Faith is unassuming. It doesn't look for reward; It looks to it's Lord and Master