Greatest Commandment

TODAY’S VERSE
‘“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”’
Matthew 22:36-38

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to stay busy. Family, work, church. Responsibilities, duties, ministry. Should, could, would. Everyday pressures mount up and we find ourself running from one activity to another. Like a giant hamster wheel we go and go and yet don’t get anywhere. Jesus knew this, but not the Pharisees. All they knew was the law and all the activity it required. So they asked Jesus which commandment He thought was the greatest. They weren’t ready for how profound His answer would be. Jesus didn’t say that the greatest commandment involved ministry, family or career. He didn’t suggest tremendous feats or a myriad of activities. Instead Jesus said, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” In her book, “Listening Prayer”, Leanne Payne, writes, “Centering on the work of the Lord and the helping of others, can cloud our first duty of loving, glorifying and enjoying God always. As Oswald Chambers says, ‘The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him.” ”It is never ‘Do, do’ with the Lord, but ‘Be,be” and He will ‘do’ through you.”’ So today, let us be conscious of Him. Let us worship Him, love Him and spend time with Him. If we do, we will find that everything else will fall into place.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me love you today with my whole heart, soul and mind. Take my life, I give you complete control. I want to spend time with you, share my thoughts with you and hear from you today. Help me take charge of my schedule and all my busyness so that I can carve out the time I need to better worship you.
AMEN

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God’s Plans For You

TODAY’S VERSE
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1
 

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Faith is such an important part of our Spiritual walk. But faith in what? The author of Hebrews says that faith is “the confidence that what we HOPE for will happen.” What do you hope for? Jeremiah shares three great truths that you can put your faith in. The first truth is that God has plans for you, plans to give you hope and a future. What a promise. Have you claimed it? The second truth that Jeremiah shares is that when you call upon God and pray that God will listen! What a truth, what a precious reality, God listens to you when you pray. The last truth is this, when you seek God with all your heart, He will be found! There are many goals and aspirations that you have had in life that for one reason or another, ended up being an elusive dream, but not God. When you seek God with all your heart He promises that you will find Him. Today stop and consider that God has plans for your life. His plans are to give you a hope and a future.  

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I have come today seeking you with all my heart and know that you are listening to me. I am so glad that I have found you, the true and living God. I claim today the fact that you have plans for me. Plans with a hope and a future.  Thank you dear Father that I can put my full confidence in that promise. In Jesus Name.
AMEN

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Be Strong In The Lord

TODAY’S VERSE
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Ephesians 6:10

TODAY’S THOUGHT
We need strength. Suffering with chronic pain. Struggling to pay the bills. Arguing with your teenage daughter. Feeling discouraged about your job. Rocking from a ruined relationship. All of us have a story. None of us goes unscathed. But we do not have to bear our sorrows alone and afraid. We don’t have to be helpless victims. Instead Paul ends Ephesians with this word, “Finally, be strong.” Be strong. The presence of a resilient attitude, a hopeful spirit, a resolve to never give up, to fight, to hang on. But how? How can we get the strength we need? Listen to how Paul finishes his verse. “Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty strength.” What a difference a few words can make. We can be strong in His strength. It is mighty strength. It is loving strength. It is your strength. Like a child is carried in the strength of his father’s arms, so let God carry your burden today. Today be strong, but not in yourself. Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you told me to be strong. You know I need to. But I confess Lord, I have tried to be strong in my own power not yours. I need your power. I need you. Please take my burdens. Help me today to be strong in You and Your mighty power.
AMEN

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Do We Live Like We Are Forgiven?

TODAY’S VERSE
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven’”.
Matthew 18:21-22

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is interesting that Peter was the one that came to Jesus and asked, “How many times should we forgive another person?” Peter thought he was generous and asked, “Seven times?” But the answer that Jesus gave Peter was based on grace and mercy, not on merit or our puny benevolence. Jesus said, “Seventy times seven.” Peter learned to identify himself with Christ’s answer. When the crowd came to crucify Jesus, Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. When he realized the wrong he committed he went and “wept bitterly” over his sin. How awful Peter must have felt. When Jesus rose again he went and found Peter. Jesus forgave Peter and told him three times to go and serve Him. And that’s what Peter did. He did not go and become self righteous. He did not go and think of himself as some sinless leader of the church. He did not set up a Country Club Church for members in good standing. No, Peter never lost sight of the fact he was just a forgiven fisherman, saved by the grace of God. And other people recognized it too. The book of Acts says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Peter and his followers carried a sign saying, “No perfect people allowed! We are just ordinary people forgiven of our sins.” Shouldn’t we do the same?

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for all that you have forgiven in my life. Might I live, filled with your Holy Spirit, and in the fresh awareness that I am loved by you. Help me in turn to love and forgive others, so when they see me they will take note that I have been with you.
AMEN

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A Word of Encouragement

TODAY’S VERSE
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Sometimes we are tempted to forget. Perhaps it is the darkness, life’s circumstances with its mystery that causes our lapse of memory. Could it be our haste, all the interruptions, deadlines and pressures of everyday life that crowds out our remembrance? Whatever the reason, today cast your eyes upon this treasure. Feast your senses on this thought, “The Lord, YOUR God, is with you!” Not only that, comfort yourself with the fact that “He is mighty to save you.” But what should radiate joy deep in your heart right this moment is the fact that “He takes great delight in you!” If that is not enough, breath in this truth, “He will quiet you with His love.” What peace He offers you this moment. And if you are quiet and use your imagination you can picture in your mind this magnificent conclusion that Zephaniah offers, “God, our own Heavenly Father, is right this moment singing and rejoicing over you.” Believe it, it is true.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Oh, my dear Lord and Father. Who am I that you would rejoice over me with singing? That you take delight in me is so much to comprehend. But you have said it, and now I choose to believe it. Thank you dear Father. Thank you for your love for me. Help me live today in the reality of this truth.
AMEN

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A Friendship With God

TODAY’S VERSE
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
John 15:13-15
“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.”
Exodus 33:11
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”
James 2:23

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is an incredible concept that a God who created all the expanse of space; designed the most complicated systems; is beyond time and space; would create us, not as some impersonal piece of matter, but as a friend. A friend. We are fortunate if we go through life with four or five good friends. Jesus called His disciples friends. Why, because He spent time with them. He knew them. He wants to do the same with us. If we are going to be a friend of God then we must build a relationship. That doesn’t happen by just going to church. We need to fellowship, worship and hear the word of God but it is not enough. It doesn’t come by reciting creeds, as good as they are. It doesn’t come by reading about God, although this certainly gives us context. It doesn’t come by simply reading the Bible, although this is an indispensable part of relating to God. Friendship with God comes by spending time with Him. It comes through conversation with Him. It comes through an exchange of feelings, thoughts, concerns and aspirations. Try today to carve out some time to be alone with God. Share with Him, tell Him you want His friendship. Listen to Him, wait for Him and enjoy His presence. Start today to spend time with God and build a friendship with Him.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I know you and am known by you. We pass in life’s circumstances, but I must admit, I don’t know you well. I know in my head that you love me but I haven’t sensed a friendship with you in my heart. I want to be your friend. I want to know you in a much deeper and more personal way. Help me to that end. Guide me into a friendship with you I pray. In Jesus Name.
AMEN

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Does It Get Any Better Than This?

Does It Get Any Better Than This?

TODAY’S VERSE

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.”
Psalms 143:8,10

TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is something about an isolated sandy beach along the ocean. Sitting on the sand listening to the ocean waves hit the shore. Sun caressing your face. A gentle breeze awakening your skin. Birds chirping in the background. Does it get any better than this?
Well, yes! David talks about a place that is much more satisfying. A place where the warmth of the sun pales in comparison. Where the sound of the ocean is replaced with the whisper of God. Where the gentle breeze is overshadowed by the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit. This place David is talking about is the very presence of God. He is sharing about his time with God in the morning. “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning” he writes. He shares about hearing God’s voice, sensing His love, learning His will, trusting His word and being led in which way to go. It really doesn’t get any better than this! This can be your experience today. You don’t need to drive anywhere, apply any sunscreen or walk barefoot on a hot sandy beach. You just need to be available. Call on God even now. Pray David’s prayer and might you come back to this peaceful place again and again.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, “let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.”
AMEN

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Let’s Make A Deal

TODAY’S VERSE
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

TODAY’S THOUGHT
When it comes to seeking God’s will we often fall into the role of Monty Hall on the old TV game show, “Let’s Make a Deal.” Larry Crabb in his book, “The Pressures Off” shares how we try to negotiate the Lord’s will. He writes, “You negotiate; you do not worship. You analyze and interpret to gain control over what happens; you do not depend. You seek the “better life” of God’s blessing over the “better hope” of God’s presence.” His advice was, “Seek only the blessing of His presence, and you’ll know what to do.” David says that the secret to God’s will is to trust in Him with all our heart and to seek His will in all we do. When we do, David says that God will show us what to do. Larry Crabb in his book, “The PAPA Prayer” writes, “Know God so well that the deepest desire of His heart actually becomes the deepest desire of ours. That frees us to ask God for what we really want with the confidence that He’ll move heaven and earth to grant our requests, because what we want now matches what He wants.” We don’t need to make a deal with God. We don’t need to try to balance a scale to get our way. We need to know Him. We need to spend time in His presence. As we do, He will direct us, He will guide our path.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I confess, I have sought your blessings more than I have sought you. I have spend time seeking your blessing more than your presence. Lord, I want to know you. I want to seek you with all my heart. Please show me how. Please draw me to yourself through the power and love of your Holy Spirit. Dear God, take my life, take my mind, take my will. I want only you.
AMEN

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Be Real

TODAY’S VERSE
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
I John 1:8-9

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Why would John write, “If we claim we have no sin”? Who would ever claim that? Who in their right mind would think that they do not sin? The truth is that those of us in the church are close to doing that very thing. We come to a point where we feel we need to live a certain way in order to be a follower of Christ. Now while there is virtue in trying to live a righteous life we will never be sinless. So there becomes a temptation to try and hide any “sins” that we may have. There seems to be fear of humiliation or a shame that comes with “falling from Grace”. This makes it hard for Christians to be honest and open with each other. Perhaps John’s message today would be something like, “There are no perfect people in the Church, so don’t pretend you are without sin. Go ahead and confess to God and each other. Christ is faithful to forgive you.”

In order to be real, we need to come to God and confess our sins, admit our needs and get the help we need. It is in sharing our struggles and helping each other that we experience true Christianity. Then we help others in the way we were helped. This is what people are looking for. They will think, “Finally, someone who is real! Someone who knows what I am going through and can help me.” The sooner the community knows that there are no perfect people allowed at church, the sooner they will feel comfortable enough to come. The sooner you and I will invite them to experience the same grace, love and forgiveness that we feel.

PRAYER
Father, you know my situation. You know my shortcomings. Help me keep it real with you. Help me confess my sins so that I might experience your freedom and forgiveness. And then Father, help me help others, in the same way you have helped me. Bring revival Lord to my church. Help us embrace our shortcomings, confess them one to another and accept your forgiveness. Might we be a witness of your grace throughout our community and to all who enter our doors.
AMEN

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Inner Strength

TODAY’S VERSE
“I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.”
Ephesians 3:14-16

TODAY’S THOUGHT
I love the prayers that Paul prayed. His prayers give great insight into the will of God for His children. I believe that Paul models in his prayers, what we can pray for ourselves. So what is Paul saying we can ask God for in this prayer? According to Paul, we can ask God to empower us with inner strength from His unlimited resources! Inner strength. What would it feel like to be empowered with inner strength? How would that change your day today? If you were empowered with inner strength, what would you do different? I believe God wants to empower you with inner strength and He certainly has the resources to do it. Do you have the faith to ask? Why not join Paul and ask God to use His glorious, unlimited resources to empower you with inner strength today.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, Creator of everything in heaven and on earth, I pray that today, from your glorious, unlimited resources, you would empower me with inner strength through Your Spirit.
AMEN

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