Taking Up Space

S ~ Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, "Look , for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down, why does it use up the ground?  Luke 13:7

O ~ Ouch. Jesus told this parable of a fig tree just taking up space. Although our part is to be faithful, Jesus does speak a lot about being fruitful. He wants us to bear much fruit, and that our fruit would remain. I appreciate that he came to this tree for 3 years in a row, not just once. But after three years, there should be something!

A ~ When the Lord looks at my life, will he find fruit? I want to be faithful in SOAP, in prayer, in living a life that is conducive for spiritual fruit. Some thought is needed to see if I can find fruit. I want to make sure that what I call spiritual fruit, Jesus doesn't call dead leaves.

P ~ Jesus, I don't want to just use up space ~ I want to be fruitful for YOU! May my life yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

The Kingdom

S ~ Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

O ~ This verse comes right after the instruction to not worry about food or clothing, and immediately after seek first the kingdom and all these things shall be added unto you. Often I stop at seek first the kingdom, placing the kingdom of God first and yet forget the next verse, that it's God's pleasure to give the kingdom. He is not saying only put the kingdom first, He is saying, seek the kingdom, and you will find the kingdom. He will give us the kingdom.

A ~ I want to put kingdom priorities in my life, and see the kingdom of God coming to the world around me. I don't want to focus on temporal things (God will simply provide those for me), I want to focus on finding God's kingdom (where He reigns) everywhere I am. I think I can do this as a matter of perspective and focus.

P ~ Father, show me Your kingdom. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.

United We Stand

S ~ But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house fails".  Luke 11:17

O ~ Jesus was speaking of the kingdom of darkness, that he was not removing the devils by the power of darkness. However, I see this day that the principle He shared is true for our church. Jesus said EVERY kingdom. 

A ~ This must apply to Cornerstone. We can't be divided. We must stand together. In word, in action, in heart, in purpose - together.

P ~ Lord, you are building Your church. You are One why we come together. You bring us together. I'm glad you not only bring us, but you will keep us together as we keep You the center of all we do. May you UNITE Your church, and may we play our part!

Mercy Isn't Mercy 'till it Shows!

S ~ So which of these three was a neighbor to him who fell among thieves? And he said "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise".  Luke 10:36-37.

O ~ The priest and the levite saw the person in need and did nothing. Well, they did do something....they intentionally avoided him! The Samaritan, the half Jew, the mongrel, the half breed, the one who was not pure, showed mercy. Perhaps not only did the priest and levite choose to not help, they may not have wanted to get their hands dirty. The Samaritan was willing to get dirty, pay a price, get involved, because of his heart. Mercy isn't mercy until it is shown!

A ~ I want to be someone who not only has a merciful heart, but one who shows mercy. I want to choose to not give people the judgement they deserve. And when people have received hard things in life, I want to be a help, BRINGING THEM TO A PLACE OF RESTORATION (the inn of the good Samaritan).

P ~ Father, please help me to be a neighbor who demonstrates mercy, not just one who talks about it. I realize that I am a Samaritan - a half breed, a mongrel, a gentile who has found Christ; may I remember that I can help those around me. Even when it costs me to be that merciful neighbor.

You've Got It or You Don't - It's that simple

S ~ Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  Luke 7:7

O ~ Authority - you have it or you don't. The roman centurion understood authority. If you have it, say the word and it will be done. If you don't have it, no matter what you do won't matter. You need authority.

A ~ Connie Cotton is dying without a miracle. We have prayed, but with no authority. She is still here, but it seems as though God is letting her go home. That's a tough pill to swallow.

How can we help? What can we do when God says 'no'? Or are we missing something?

P ~ Jesus, you have all authority. You could just 'say the word' and she would be made well. I, like the roman, am not worthy. But I, like the roman, truly believe all you have to do is say the word and Connie will be well. Please Lord, say the word. Let this be the very hour.

Prophecy

S ~ So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Exekiel 37:7

O ~ Even though God had showed Exekiel the vision, it didn't happen until he prophesied.

A ~ there is power in the prophetic. I need to see what God is doing and speak the same thing.

P ~ Father, may I be your spokesman, and as I speak Your Word, may there be creative life in Your church.

Did You Say Something? (I wasn't listening)

S - So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.  Ezekiel 33:31

O - James referred to this; so did Jesus. It's good to show much love, but essential to live that out. Hearts are trouble, especially when fixated on personal gain.

A - It's important to not live a double life, like Crystal says "talk the talk and walk the walk". And it is important to guard my heart, not letting it be focused on personal gain. This is not about me, it's about The Lord and the Kingdom. I'm glad to start the practice of giving away more. It is a sacrifice, but good training.

P - Father, help me to follow you with all my heart, not just all my words. And may the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight!