Week 22

This week I want us to begin learning verses from a section in Morgan's book entitled, Listening:  The Word of God and Prayer.  Maybe this section caught my attention because school had been out for a few weeks now and I find myself constantly saying, "Listen!"  I get so frustrated with my children who never seem to listen to what I am saying to them. At least they never hear it the first time I say it.  After about five times and many threats later, they finally hearken unto my voice and grudgingly give in to my request.  Wow, I wonder where they get these traits.  I am sure that I never acted like that as a child, must be from their dad's side. Then I realize, I still exhibit much of the same behavior when it comes to listening to the voice of my Heavenly Father.  Why is it that I never seem to listen and obey the first time I am ask?  Why do I insist on ignoring His Word and His commands until it is convenient for me?  So for the next few weeks, we will learn verses that will help us to remember why it is important for us the listen and obey the Word of God.  And remember, if we never read the Word, it is difficult to hear it clearly.

2 Timothy 3 :16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.

Psalm 119:11
I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.

Weeek 21

This week let's finish up the verses we began last week and continue to look for opportunities to share the good news of Christ everywhere we go.  Remember the secret is at the end of verse 20, he is always with us.  He will give us the strength that we need along the the words to say if only we are willing.

Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Week 21

I love VBS!  Last week was a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School at FBCZ.  We had the opportunity to share the gospel with upwards of 250 children each day and the joy of seeing some of them come to accept Jesus as their Savior.  I was so touched to see their eyes light up as they realized a new truth from God's Word.  But, I was also convicted to see the concern on some of their faces as they realized perhaps for the first time, that if their family members and friends do not hear about and accept Jesus, they will spend an eternity separated from Him.  This gives me an entirely new prospective on the Great Commission.  The hour is nearing, the signs are clear, we have a message to share and an urgency with which to share it.  As we focus on Jesus' last command to us, let's take it seriously and tell someone about Him this week.

Matthew 28:18-19
Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  

Week 20

Rejoice!  That was the command given by the apostle Paul to the Philippians believers.  We have been rejoicing at my house this last weekend.  On Sunday, our oldest child and so far our only daughter, Abigail, turned eight years old and was baptized by her father in the 11 o'clock service.  What a time to rejoice!  All of her grandparents, one great grandmother, an aunt and uncle, and a few cousins have been here to join in on the celebration. While it may have been crowded at times and sometimes hectic, I would not trade any part of the weekend for having them all here to celebrate with her in the greatest decision she will ever make.  She is beginning her new life in Christ, and while my prayers will not stop, the greatest one has surely been answered.  So, I rejoice and give praise to God for calling her and saving her and for the future work I know that He will perform in her.
 One down, three to go!

Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Week 19

First of all, I apologize for not posting last week.  I have no excuse except business and laziness.  This week I want us to begin looking at some verses on joy.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a reminder to focus on the joy and not the trials of this life.  Paul instructs the church to rejoice always.  Not just sometimes, ALWAYS.  Let's put this into practice in our lives this week and no matter what comes our way let's decide to rejoice.

Philippians 4:4-5
Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your graciousness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.

Week 18

This week let's continue with the next few verses of the passage we began last week.  Often we skip over verses 4 and 5 and move directly to verse 6.  But, these verses are here for a purpose.  You know, I have always identified with and felt sorry for Thomas.  He gets such a bad reputation for asking the questions that most of us would like to ask,we are often just too scared.  He doubts, but sometimes I wonder if he, like me, doubts himself more than he doubts his Lord.  Am I the only one who begins to question things when they seemingly do not go according to plan?  It is not that I always question God's love or His sovereignty, sometimes I just question my own understanding.  Did I misinterpret something?  Maybe that was not what I was supposed to do?  Is this what God wants me to do or what I want to do?  Did I hear that correctly?  You get the point.  So think of Thomas, he just wanted to make sure that he understood what Jesus was saying.  He wanted to be certain that he knew where Jesus was going and how to follow Him there.  Give Thomas a break and try to relate to him, maybe he, like us, just wanted to make sure that he was understanding everything that Jesus was telling him so that he could follow Him completely. 

John 14:4-6
"And you know the way where I am going."  Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me."

Week 18

Christ is risen!  I hope that you had a wonderful Easter celebrating our risen Lord.  But, just as last week we said that the crucifiction was not the end, neither  was the resurrection.  For after forty days, Christ ascended into Heaven leaving us the promise that He would return.  It is in that hope that we live each day eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior.  Who knows, it may even be today.  Let's make sure that we are living in a way that will welcome Him at His coming.

John 14:1-3
Your heart must not be troubled.  Believe in God; believe in Me.  In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you.  I am going away to prepare a place for you.  If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.