Scripture
2 Chronicles 29:11 “My dear Levites, do not neglect your duties any longer! The Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and make offerings to him.”
Observation
God desires for me to be faithful and not neglect my duties. My duties are:
1) To stand in his presence
2) To minister to him
3) To lead the people in worship
4) To make offerings to him
Application
I cannot lead the people into worship until I get before God. I cannot lead the people where I have not been. My first responsibility is to stand in his presence and minister to God. Then I can lead the people into worship and giving offerings.
Prayer
Father I love you. I stand before you today. I desire your presence. I ask for a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit. Enable me tomorrow to lead the people in worship and to make offerings to you. I love you and praise you.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
July 30 devotional
Scripture
Romans 13:10 “Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.”
Observation
The only thing I have to do to be pleasing to God is love. I am to love God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I am to love other Christians, my neighbor, and my enemies. Love is the law. Love is what God wants from me.
Application
I need to grow in love. I need a fresh baptism of love. I need God to remove my pride. I crucify my flesh. I need less of me and more of Him. I need God to produce the fruit of love in me.
Prayer
Father, make me a more loving man. Remove pride, selfishness, and greed from me. I humble my self before you. Reduce me to love.
Romans 13:10 “Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.”
Observation
The only thing I have to do to be pleasing to God is love. I am to love God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I am to love other Christians, my neighbor, and my enemies. Love is the law. Love is what God wants from me.
Application
I need to grow in love. I need a fresh baptism of love. I need God to remove my pride. I crucify my flesh. I need less of me and more of Him. I need God to produce the fruit of love in me.
Prayer
Father, make me a more loving man. Remove pride, selfishness, and greed from me. I humble my self before you. Reduce me to love.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
July 27 devotional
Scripture
2Chronicles 19:6 “and he gave them these instructions: “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord.”
Observation
1) God wants me to think. God wants me to use the mind he gave me. Faith is not ignoring my intellect. Faith is using my mind under the control of the Holy Spirit. I have the mind of Christ.
2) My motive in ministry is always to please God. I cannot compromise God’s standards in order to please people.
Application
1) I should spend time thinking, planning, and dreaming under the influence of the Holy Spirit. I need to think things through carefully.
2) I must stand for what is right and what is pleasing to God no matter what the circumstances. Faith is trusting that if I do the right thing, God will produce the right results.
Prayer
Father, I ask that you give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Give me dreams and visions. I ask that you put steel in my backbone. Give me the faith to do what is right and pleasing to you no matter what. Give me faith and courage to always obey you.
2Chronicles 19:6 “and he gave them these instructions: “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord.”
Observation
1) God wants me to think. God wants me to use the mind he gave me. Faith is not ignoring my intellect. Faith is using my mind under the control of the Holy Spirit. I have the mind of Christ.
2) My motive in ministry is always to please God. I cannot compromise God’s standards in order to please people.
Application
1) I should spend time thinking, planning, and dreaming under the influence of the Holy Spirit. I need to think things through carefully.
2) I must stand for what is right and what is pleasing to God no matter what the circumstances. Faith is trusting that if I do the right thing, God will produce the right results.
Prayer
Father, I ask that you give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Give me dreams and visions. I ask that you put steel in my backbone. Give me the faith to do what is right and pleasing to you no matter what. Give me faith and courage to always obey you.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 20 devotional
Scripture
Proverbs 19:20 “Get all the advice you can, and be wise the rest of your life.”
Observation
I can and need to grow in wisdom. One of the ways I can develop wisdom in my life is to seek out wise counselors to advice me. I need men who I can ask questions. I need men who have walked the path before me, men of experience.
Application
I have to seek out advice. I take the initiative. Mentors do not just happen out of the blue. They have to be discovered and developed. The responsibility is mine.
Prayer
Father, enable me to discover and develop wise counselors in my life. Bring people into my life that can help me grow in wisdom and make wise choices. Give me the courage to do the “ask”. Enable me to be consistent in my search for wisdom.
Proverbs 19:20 “Get all the advice you can, and be wise the rest of your life.”
Observation
I can and need to grow in wisdom. One of the ways I can develop wisdom in my life is to seek out wise counselors to advice me. I need men who I can ask questions. I need men who have walked the path before me, men of experience.
Application
I have to seek out advice. I take the initiative. Mentors do not just happen out of the blue. They have to be discovered and developed. The responsibility is mine.
Prayer
Father, enable me to discover and develop wise counselors in my life. Bring people into my life that can help me grow in wisdom and make wise choices. Give me the courage to do the “ask”. Enable me to be consistent in my search for wisdom.
Monday, July 19, 2010
July 19 devotional
Scripture
1 Chronicles 28:9 “And Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the lord sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.
Observation
This is David’s last instructions to his son Solomon who will succeed him as king.
1) Get to know God
2) Worship him will all your heart and a willing mind
3) Serve him with all your heart and a willing mind.
4) God sees every heart.
5) God knows every plan and thought
6) Seek him, and you will find him
The key to Solomon’s success as king was his relationship with God. It was not his leadership skills or knowledge. It was not his ability in human relations. It was his relationship with God. If Solomon sought God, God would make him successful. If Solomon was faithful to God, God would make him successful.
Application
The key to my success in life is my relationship with God. Everything is found there. My relationship with God is the key to being a good husband, father, friend, and pastor. I need to seek him more. The promise is that I will find God and if I find God I receive everything that comes with him. His power is found in him. His healing is found in him. His provision in found in him. When I find God, I discover everything I need in life.
Prayer
I seek you today. I acknowledge my need of you. I desire to find you. Everything else can wait. Nothing else is important in comparison. You are my everything. I need you and I desire you
1 Chronicles 28:9 “And Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the lord sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.
Observation
This is David’s last instructions to his son Solomon who will succeed him as king.
1) Get to know God
2) Worship him will all your heart and a willing mind
3) Serve him with all your heart and a willing mind.
4) God sees every heart.
5) God knows every plan and thought
6) Seek him, and you will find him
The key to Solomon’s success as king was his relationship with God. It was not his leadership skills or knowledge. It was not his ability in human relations. It was his relationship with God. If Solomon sought God, God would make him successful. If Solomon was faithful to God, God would make him successful.
Application
The key to my success in life is my relationship with God. Everything is found there. My relationship with God is the key to being a good husband, father, friend, and pastor. I need to seek him more. The promise is that I will find God and if I find God I receive everything that comes with him. His power is found in him. His healing is found in him. His provision in found in him. When I find God, I discover everything I need in life.
Prayer
I seek you today. I acknowledge my need of you. I desire to find you. Everything else can wait. Nothing else is important in comparison. You are my everything. I need you and I desire you
Sunday, July 18, 2010
July 18 devotional
Scripture
Romans 4:20-21 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised.”
Observation
This is a record of Abraham’s faith:
1) He never wavered in believing God’s promise
2) His faith grew stronger over time.
3) He was absolutely convinced that God was able to keep his promise
Time did not weaken his faith. His faith grew. He did not doubt God. He was more convinced that it would happen. This is an example to me. This is the kind of faith that God responds to. In fact, if I have this type of faith, it brings glory and honor to God.
Application
Faith is a fruit and faith is a gift. It is a fruit of the Spirit. Faith is something the Holy Spirit produces in me. Faith is a gift of the Spirit. It is something the Holy Spirit gives to me. I can not work up faith. I cannot manipulate my emotions into believing more. It flows out of my relationship with God. It is completely a work of the Holy Spirit. It comes from my time with Him and in His word.
Prayer
I ask that you produce the fruit of faith in me. Give me mountain moving faith. I desire that the gift of faith be in operation in my life, family, and church. May we bring glory and honor to God through the quality of our faith.
Romans 4:20-21 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised.”
Observation
This is a record of Abraham’s faith:
1) He never wavered in believing God’s promise
2) His faith grew stronger over time.
3) He was absolutely convinced that God was able to keep his promise
Time did not weaken his faith. His faith grew. He did not doubt God. He was more convinced that it would happen. This is an example to me. This is the kind of faith that God responds to. In fact, if I have this type of faith, it brings glory and honor to God.
Application
Faith is a fruit and faith is a gift. It is a fruit of the Spirit. Faith is something the Holy Spirit produces in me. Faith is a gift of the Spirit. It is something the Holy Spirit gives to me. I can not work up faith. I cannot manipulate my emotions into believing more. It flows out of my relationship with God. It is completely a work of the Holy Spirit. It comes from my time with Him and in His word.
Prayer
I ask that you produce the fruit of faith in me. Give me mountain moving faith. I desire that the gift of faith be in operation in my life, family, and church. May we bring glory and honor to God through the quality of our faith.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
July 17 devotional
Scripture
1 Chronicles 26:6-7 “Obed-edom’s son Shemaiah had sons with great ability who earned positions of great authority in the clan. Their names were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad. Their relatives, Elihu and Semakiah, were also very capable men.”
Observation
The men who were given “great authority” were proven men. They had experienced. They were capable. They did not give responsibility to someone who had not shown they were able to perform the job. They had “great ability”. They had the talent, knowledge, and skills to do the task. David looked for men with ability that had proven themselves to be capable.
Application
One of the most important responsibilities I have as a pastor is to choose leaders. I appoint people to lead ministries. I need to follow David’s pattern. I look for people who have proven themselves. I look for leaders who have the ability to serve in the ministry that have shown they are capable.
Prayer
Father, I ask for workers to be sent into your harvest field. The harvest is ripe. People are ready to commit themselves to Christ. We need laborers. Send the right people to First A/G to help harvest the fields.
1 Chronicles 26:6-7 “Obed-edom’s son Shemaiah had sons with great ability who earned positions of great authority in the clan. Their names were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad. Their relatives, Elihu and Semakiah, were also very capable men.”
Observation
The men who were given “great authority” were proven men. They had experienced. They were capable. They did not give responsibility to someone who had not shown they were able to perform the job. They had “great ability”. They had the talent, knowledge, and skills to do the task. David looked for men with ability that had proven themselves to be capable.
Application
One of the most important responsibilities I have as a pastor is to choose leaders. I appoint people to lead ministries. I need to follow David’s pattern. I look for people who have proven themselves. I look for leaders who have the ability to serve in the ministry that have shown they are capable.
Prayer
Father, I ask for workers to be sent into your harvest field. The harvest is ripe. People are ready to commit themselves to Christ. We need laborers. Send the right people to First A/G to help harvest the fields.
Friday, July 16, 2010
July 16 devotional
Scripture
1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now seek the Lord your God with all your heart. Build the sanctuary of the Lord God so that you can bring the Ark of the Lord’s covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor the Lord’s name.”
Observation
David gave his son Solomon two instructions.
1) Seek God with all your heart.
2) Build the sanctuary
The result would be Solomon could bring the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. The Ark of the Covenant represents the presence of God. If Solomon sought God with all his heart and built the sanctuary he and all the nation of Israel would experience the presence of God in their midst.
Application
As pastor of First A/G I should follow the same instructions. Personally I seek God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I become a worshipper of God. Secondly I build the sanctuary. I lead the church to become worshippers. The result is we will experience God’s presence. The presence of God will dwell in our midst.
Prayer
Father, I seek you today. I desire to be pleasing to you. Make me a worshipper. Enable me to lead First A/G to be worshippers. We desire the presence of God in our lives, families, church, community, and world.
1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now seek the Lord your God with all your heart. Build the sanctuary of the Lord God so that you can bring the Ark of the Lord’s covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor the Lord’s name.”
Observation
David gave his son Solomon two instructions.
1) Seek God with all your heart.
2) Build the sanctuary
The result would be Solomon could bring the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. The Ark of the Covenant represents the presence of God. If Solomon sought God with all his heart and built the sanctuary he and all the nation of Israel would experience the presence of God in their midst.
Application
As pastor of First A/G I should follow the same instructions. Personally I seek God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I become a worshipper of God. Secondly I build the sanctuary. I lead the church to become worshippers. The result is we will experience God’s presence. The presence of God will dwell in our midst.
Prayer
Father, I seek you today. I desire to be pleasing to you. Make me a worshipper. Enable me to lead First A/G to be worshippers. We desire the presence of God in our lives, families, church, community, and world.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 14 devotional
Scripture
Proverbs 18:8 “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”
Observation
1) I have the ability to acquire wisdom.
2) It is in my best interest to grow in wisdom.
3) Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will enable me to be successful in life.
Application
I need to stay on my personal growth plan. Who I will be in 5 years will be determined by how much I grow. I commit to growing in wisdom and understanding.
PrayerFather, I ask that you give me the gift of the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and discernment.
Proverbs 18:8 “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”
Observation
1) I have the ability to acquire wisdom.
2) It is in my best interest to grow in wisdom.
3) Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will enable me to be successful in life.
Application
I need to stay on my personal growth plan. Who I will be in 5 years will be determined by how much I grow. I commit to growing in wisdom and understanding.
PrayerFather, I ask that you give me the gift of the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and discernment.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July 13 devotional
July 13, 2010
Scripture
Psalm 10:1 “O Lord why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?”
Observation
Sometimes God seems far away. My emotions can believe a lie. They deny the truth that God loves me and is always with me. I feel like God has abandoned me and I am all alone. Fear can set in and it can determine my actions. These are lies from the devil.
Application
The only way to overcome a lie is to replace it with the truth. I must read and meditate on the Bible. It is the word of God. It is truth. It is my moral compass. By choosing to believe God’s word, I can overcome the lies of the enemy. The truth is God will never leave me nor forsake me. He loves me. He is always there. God’s silence does not indicate his absence.
Prayer
Father, build my faith. Faith is a fruit of your spirit. Produce faith in me that I may believe and stand upon your word.
Scripture
Psalm 10:1 “O Lord why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?”
Observation
Sometimes God seems far away. My emotions can believe a lie. They deny the truth that God loves me and is always with me. I feel like God has abandoned me and I am all alone. Fear can set in and it can determine my actions. These are lies from the devil.
Application
The only way to overcome a lie is to replace it with the truth. I must read and meditate on the Bible. It is the word of God. It is truth. It is my moral compass. By choosing to believe God’s word, I can overcome the lies of the enemy. The truth is God will never leave me nor forsake me. He loves me. He is always there. God’s silence does not indicate his absence.
Prayer
Father, build my faith. Faith is a fruit of your spirit. Produce faith in me that I may believe and stand upon your word.
Monday, July 12, 2010
July 12 devotional
Scripture
Romans 1:5 “Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.”
Observation
1) The goal of preaching is to bring glory to God. It is not to receive personal glory, fame, or wealth. And even though we want people to be ministered to and needs met, the primary focus is to honor God in the preaching of His Word.
2) God receives glory when people place their faith in Jesus and obey Jesus. Obedience is a result of salvation. People believe and obey. Salvation is more than saying a token prayer. It is repentance. It is a faith that leads to obedience.
Application
My motive in preaching and ministry has to be to bring glory and honor to God. It is a sin to preach for personal glory, wealth, or fame. I must keep my heart pure or I will lose the anointing.
I can never compromise God’s word. Obedience is a part of salvation. I must proclaim that people are to believe and obey.
Prayer
Father, purify me. Search my heart and motives and remove any offensive way within me. I desire for my preaching to bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus. I desire that Jesus be lifted up. I ask that lives will be changed. That people will place their faith in Jesus and obey his commands.
Romans 1:5 “Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.”
Observation
1) The goal of preaching is to bring glory to God. It is not to receive personal glory, fame, or wealth. And even though we want people to be ministered to and needs met, the primary focus is to honor God in the preaching of His Word.
2) God receives glory when people place their faith in Jesus and obey Jesus. Obedience is a result of salvation. People believe and obey. Salvation is more than saying a token prayer. It is repentance. It is a faith that leads to obedience.
Application
My motive in preaching and ministry has to be to bring glory and honor to God. It is a sin to preach for personal glory, wealth, or fame. I must keep my heart pure or I will lose the anointing.
I can never compromise God’s word. Obedience is a part of salvation. I must proclaim that people are to believe and obey.
Prayer
Father, purify me. Search my heart and motives and remove any offensive way within me. I desire for my preaching to bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus. I desire that Jesus be lifted up. I ask that lives will be changed. That people will place their faith in Jesus and obey his commands.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
July 11 devotional
Scripture
Proverbs 19:3 “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.”
Observation
How many times have I seen people do this? They make a mess of their lives and then blame God. How many times have I done this? I get myself into trouble and then get mad at God when he doesn’t get me out of it.
Application
1) Take personal responsibility for my actions. Do not blame God or others for my mistakes.
2) Bless God in every circumstance. Keep a grateful heart. Give thanks always. Be a worshipper in good times and bad.
Prayer
I bless you this morning. I give thanks for who you are and for what you have done. You are good and do good.
Proverbs 19:3 “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.”
Observation
How many times have I seen people do this? They make a mess of their lives and then blame God. How many times have I done this? I get myself into trouble and then get mad at God when he doesn’t get me out of it.
Application
1) Take personal responsibility for my actions. Do not blame God or others for my mistakes.
2) Bless God in every circumstance. Keep a grateful heart. Give thanks always. Be a worshipper in good times and bad.
Prayer
I bless you this morning. I give thanks for who you are and for what you have done. You are good and do good.
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