Give!
"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
Show mercy to others (vs. 27-36) and share materially with others (vs. 36-37). God blesses those who do!
Prayer: "Lord, show me who needs "mercy" or material help today. Use me to supply that need. In Jesus' Name. Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thank You, God, For Jesus!
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Jesus)." (Colossians 3:17)
Believers must always remember to thank God for what He has done for them. Colossians 1:12-14 list several reasons to thank God.
1. God has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints.
2. God has rescued us from Satan's kingdom and has transferred us into the Kingdom of God.
3. God has redeemed us and forgiven our sins.
What reasons to thank God! Remember: It is only possible "through Jesus". Jesus - What A Lovely Name! Oh, What A Savior!
Prayer: "Heavenly Father, I thank you for Jesus!"
Blessings!
Rex
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Generous Giving Of The Macedonian Churches
Even though very poor, the Macedonian believers gave of themselves and their resources to do God's work. The believers in Judea needed help and churches were collecting funds to send to them. Paul wrote concerning the Macedonians: "They gave not only what they could afford, but far more; and I can testify that they did it because they wanted to, and not because of nagging on my part. They begged us to take the money so they could share in the joy of helping the Christians in Jerusalem."
(II Cor. 8:3-4 TLB)
What a challenge to Corinth and what a challenge to us! Think that you can't afford to give? Take a close look at this example from God's Word.
May you experience the joy of giving!
Blessings!
Rex
Even though very poor, the Macedonian believers gave of themselves and their resources to do God's work. The believers in Judea needed help and churches were collecting funds to send to them. Paul wrote concerning the Macedonians: "They gave not only what they could afford, but far more; and I can testify that they did it because they wanted to, and not because of nagging on my part. They begged us to take the money so they could share in the joy of helping the Christians in Jerusalem."
(II Cor. 8:3-4 TLB)
What a challenge to Corinth and what a challenge to us! Think that you can't afford to give? Take a close look at this example from God's Word.
May you experience the joy of giving!
Blessings!
Rex
Friday, August 22, 2008
Let Go And Follow Jesus! (Part 2)
"After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. Follow me, Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:27-28)
Levie left his sin (see 1:77), left his income and position and followed Jesus.
Believer, what is holding you back from fully surrendering to the Lord? Let go and follow Him!
Prayer: "Lord, I surrender all!"
Blessings!
Rex
"After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. Follow me, Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:27-28)
Levie left his sin (see 1:77), left his income and position and followed Jesus.
Believer, what is holding you back from fully surrendering to the Lord? Let go and follow Him!
Prayer: "Lord, I surrender all!"
Blessings!
Rex
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Let Go And Follow Jesus! (Part 1)
"So they (Peter, Andrew, James and John) pulled their boats on shore, left everything and followed him (Jesus)." Luke 5:11
These would be disciples left everything (their businesses, boats, family and co-workers). They now would follow Jesus and "fish for men".
Believer, what is hindering you from "letting go" and following the will of Jesus? Let go and follow Him today!
Prayer: "Lord, I surrender all."
Blessings!
Rex
"So they (Peter, Andrew, James and John) pulled their boats on shore, left everything and followed him (Jesus)." Luke 5:11
These would be disciples left everything (their businesses, boats, family and co-workers). They now would follow Jesus and "fish for men".
Believer, what is hindering you from "letting go" and following the will of Jesus? Let go and follow Him today!
Prayer: "Lord, I surrender all."
Blessings!
Rex
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Pick The Harvest!
Jesus reminded his disciples that a harvest of souls was right in front of them (see John 4:30, 35). They had the seeds of the Gospel planted in them by the Samaritan woman (vs. 29, 39) and they were ready to be harvested (vs. 35). John 4:38 reads, "I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
The same kind of harvest awaits you and I today! Look For It! Pick It!
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for giving me a job in Your fields. Open my eyes to see the harvest. I will gather it for you. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
Jesus reminded his disciples that a harvest of souls was right in front of them (see John 4:30, 35). They had the seeds of the Gospel planted in them by the Samaritan woman (vs. 29, 39) and they were ready to be harvested (vs. 35). John 4:38 reads, "I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
The same kind of harvest awaits you and I today! Look For It! Pick It!
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for giving me a job in Your fields. Open my eyes to see the harvest. I will gather it for you. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Trusting God To Care For Our Children
In my hometown, today is the first day of school for our children. I am sure that many parents are struggling with placing their children in the care of others. Time doesn't stand still for anyone and our children seem to grow up before our eyes! (For example, my youngest child started high school today! WOW!)
Placing our children in pre-school, elementary, middle or high school or even college can bring about many emotions. Parents, we must trust our children's care to the Lord. Psalm 22:6 reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Do you need to stop and claim that promise today?
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for my children. Help me to train them in your ways and then trust you to care for them. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
In my hometown, today is the first day of school for our children. I am sure that many parents are struggling with placing their children in the care of others. Time doesn't stand still for anyone and our children seem to grow up before our eyes! (For example, my youngest child started high school today! WOW!)
Placing our children in pre-school, elementary, middle or high school or even college can bring about many emotions. Parents, we must trust our children's care to the Lord. Psalm 22:6 reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Do you need to stop and claim that promise today?
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for my children. Help me to train them in your ways and then trust you to care for them. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
Friday, August 15, 2008
Keeping Our Eyes Spiritual
We sometimes allow our troubles to divert our attention from the "glory" that awaits us in eternity. The scripture reminds us, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
How can we overcome this diversion? II Corinthians 4:18 reads, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
The results? Then we won't be discouraged!
Prayer: "Lord, I thank you that these troubles are temporary! Help me to focus today on You and Your Kingdom and not on my troubles. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings,
Rex
We sometimes allow our troubles to divert our attention from the "glory" that awaits us in eternity. The scripture reminds us, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
How can we overcome this diversion? II Corinthians 4:18 reads, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
The results? Then we won't be discouraged!
Prayer: "Lord, I thank you that these troubles are temporary! Help me to focus today on You and Your Kingdom and not on my troubles. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings,
Rex
Thursday, August 14, 2008
"Happy Are The Persecuted!"
Are you discouraged by the ill treatment you have received from others? Jesus has a word for you . . . "Happy are those who are persecuted because they are good, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. When you are reviled and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers - - wonderful! Be happy about it! Be very glad for a tremendous reward awaits you up in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted too." (Matthew 5:10-12 TLB)
Christian, you are in good company (prophets)! Rejoice!
Prayer: "Lord, remove my hurts and replace them with your happiness! In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
Are you discouraged by the ill treatment you have received from others? Jesus has a word for you . . . "Happy are those who are persecuted because they are good, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. When you are reviled and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers - - wonderful! Be happy about it! Be very glad for a tremendous reward awaits you up in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted too." (Matthew 5:10-12 TLB)
Christian, you are in good company (prophets)! Rejoice!
Prayer: "Lord, remove my hurts and replace them with your happiness! In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Speak Up For Christ!
There is a great need for believers to speak out publicly for Jesus Christ. Many need to hear of His love and salvation. Psalm 40:10 reads, "I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."
Who will you see today that really needs to know Jesus Christ? Pray for them right now and watch for an opportunity to talk with them about Christ today!
Prayer: "Lord, help me not to be ashamed of You. I want to speak up for You today! In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
There is a great need for believers to speak out publicly for Jesus Christ. Many need to hear of His love and salvation. Psalm 40:10 reads, "I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."
Who will you see today that really needs to know Jesus Christ? Pray for them right now and watch for an opportunity to talk with them about Christ today!
Prayer: "Lord, help me not to be ashamed of You. I want to speak up for You today! In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
Blessings!
Rex
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Trust The Lord!
Psalm 40:4 reads, "How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood."
"Blessed" = happy! Satisfied, are those who trust in God. Don't be tempted to trust in the proud (wicked) of this world or those who follow after "falsehood" or "false gods".
"Idols" or "false gods" of our culture might include money or investments, our intelligence, our own strength and determination, even the advice of others.
Believers, trust in your Lord. Allow His Spirit and His words to lead you. The hymn writer penned it well: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
Blessings!
Rex
Psalm 40:4 reads, "How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood."
"Blessed" = happy! Satisfied, are those who trust in God. Don't be tempted to trust in the proud (wicked) of this world or those who follow after "falsehood" or "false gods".
"Idols" or "false gods" of our culture might include money or investments, our intelligence, our own strength and determination, even the advice of others.
Believers, trust in your Lord. Allow His Spirit and His words to lead you. The hymn writer penned it well: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
Blessings!
Rex
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A Prayer Of Moses
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, return to dust, O sons of men. The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass and we fly away. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:1-3, 10, 12, 14, 17)
Think about the words of the prayer. Allow God to speak to you. Make this a personal prayer session with God.
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon you."
Rex
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, return to dust, O sons of men. The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass and we fly away. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:1-3, 10, 12, 14, 17)
Think about the words of the prayer. Allow God to speak to you. Make this a personal prayer session with God.
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon you."
Rex
Monday, August 4, 2008
Live For God Today!
James 4:13-15 reads, "Now listen, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
Fulfill the plans God has for you today!
Enjoying the day!
Rex
James 4:13-15 reads, "Now listen, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
Fulfill the plans God has for you today!
Enjoying the day!
Rex
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thanking God For Our Church Family
Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi; "I thank my God everytime I remember you." (Philippians 1:3)
It brought Paul joy to think of his "church" family. Our "church" families should be a special blessing to us as well. Think about them. Who comes to mind? Pause now and thank God for them. Pray for them as well.
Reminder: You are not the only believer trying to live for God. God has many other members in His family as well. Many others are serving the Lord.
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for my Christian family! Amen."
Blessings!
Rex
Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi; "I thank my God everytime I remember you." (Philippians 1:3)
It brought Paul joy to think of his "church" family. Our "church" families should be a special blessing to us as well. Think about them. Who comes to mind? Pause now and thank God for them. Pray for them as well.
Reminder: You are not the only believer trying to live for God. God has many other members in His family as well. Many others are serving the Lord.
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for my Christian family! Amen."
Blessings!
Rex
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