Scripture
2 Corinthians 3:3. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.
Observation
Paul points to the people as a result of his ministry. Much like a husbands love is reflected in the face of his wife, the effectiveness of his ministry is reflected in the results of these people.
Application
The above observation is not always true, especially with people who are resistant to the gospel. However, I do feel I need to consider the state of the health, or unhealth, of Cornerstone as somewhat of a reflection of my effectiveness. Careful to not take all the glory or all the blame, I need to consider soberly if anything I am doing is making a difference.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for placing me where You have. May I complete my assignment.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Learning Humility and Showing Grace
Scripture
Job 42:10 When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!
Observation
It wasn't until Job prayed for his friends that his fortunes were restored. He could have been bitter. Instead, having Job's friends come to him for prayer, was good not only for the friends (humility) but good for Job (grace).
Application
I wonder who the Lord will send to me that I might show grace. I wonder to whom The Lord will send me, that I might learn humility.
Prayer
Lord, please help me learn both grace and humility, and show me how to be sensitive to others as I do.
Job 42:10 When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!
Observation
It wasn't until Job prayed for his friends that his fortunes were restored. He could have been bitter. Instead, having Job's friends come to him for prayer, was good not only for the friends (humility) but good for Job (grace).
Application
I wonder who the Lord will send to me that I might show grace. I wonder to whom The Lord will send me, that I might learn humility.
Prayer
Lord, please help me learn both grace and humility, and show me how to be sensitive to others as I do.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Real Focus
Scripture
Galatians 6:15. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
Observation
Here is the defining issue for us. Not if we do or don't, but are or are not.
Application
How important it is for me to keep in mind the real priorities in the Christian life ~ a transformed life. A changed person. A person filled with the fruit of the Spirit. That's what I hope I am accused of; being transformed.
Prayer
Lord, I can get so distracted. Help me to focus on this, allowing You to transform me. Amen
Galatians 6:15. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
Observation
Here is the defining issue for us. Not if we do or don't, but are or are not.
Application
How important it is for me to keep in mind the real priorities in the Christian life ~ a transformed life. A changed person. A person filled with the fruit of the Spirit. That's what I hope I am accused of; being transformed.
Prayer
Lord, I can get so distracted. Help me to focus on this, allowing You to transform me. Amen
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Opportunistic, not Optimistic
Scripture
Mark 13:9 “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.
Observation
When 'bad' things happen, it will open a door of opportunity, and the disciples were not to worry about what they would say ~ rather the Holy Spirit would give them the words. Jesus was telling them in advance that bad things would happen, and in advance that they would have a chance to give testimony.
Application
I see there is a lesson in not being surprised, but rather in being prepared. Prepared not in what to say, but in how we will choose to respond.I see this as not only applicable for persecution, but anytime we face struggles. When there is too much month for our money, or when we are sick, or when we get fired, or whatever. It's not just be optimistic (things will work out), it's been opportunistic (another chance to give the answer for our hope).
Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You, and to really redeem the time - taking the opportunities You provide to proudly testify of You.
Mark 13:9 “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.
Observation
When 'bad' things happen, it will open a door of opportunity, and the disciples were not to worry about what they would say ~ rather the Holy Spirit would give them the words. Jesus was telling them in advance that bad things would happen, and in advance that they would have a chance to give testimony.
Application
I see there is a lesson in not being surprised, but rather in being prepared. Prepared not in what to say, but in how we will choose to respond.I see this as not only applicable for persecution, but anytime we face struggles. When there is too much month for our money, or when we are sick, or when we get fired, or whatever. It's not just be optimistic (things will work out), it's been opportunistic (another chance to give the answer for our hope).
Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You, and to really redeem the time - taking the opportunities You provide to proudly testify of You.
Friday, November 2, 2012
A Serious Mistake
Scripture
Mark 12:24 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.
Observation
Jesus will conclude this statement with "You have made a serious error". I never thought that the sadducees did not know the scriptures as well as the pharisees. The neglect of the scriptures is a serious error. So is being unaware of God's power. I don't think Jesus was speaking of God's power demonstrated in the immediate miraculous (healing someone), but rather the omnipotence of God.
Application
Simple: know the scriptures and know God's power. Learn what the Bible says. Not just in one text, but what scripture (as a whole) teaches. Also, to make sure I don't let the devil shrink my perspective of God, the Creator of the Universe, the One who said "Let there be....", and there was.
Prayer
Lord, as I read through the Life Journal reading plan, please help me to not just read, but to learn. And as I do, may my understanding of Your power deepen, broaden, and increase, that my faith and trust in You grows too. I don't want to make this serious mistake.
Mark 12:24 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.
Observation
Jesus will conclude this statement with "You have made a serious error". I never thought that the sadducees did not know the scriptures as well as the pharisees. The neglect of the scriptures is a serious error. So is being unaware of God's power. I don't think Jesus was speaking of God's power demonstrated in the immediate miraculous (healing someone), but rather the omnipotence of God.
Application
Simple: know the scriptures and know God's power. Learn what the Bible says. Not just in one text, but what scripture (as a whole) teaches. Also, to make sure I don't let the devil shrink my perspective of God, the Creator of the Universe, the One who said "Let there be....", and there was.
Prayer
Lord, as I read through the Life Journal reading plan, please help me to not just read, but to learn. And as I do, may my understanding of Your power deepen, broaden, and increase, that my faith and trust in You grows too. I don't want to make this serious mistake.
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