folly

PRAY

Dear God, help us to open our eyes to the truth of your word and see only Christ!

WRITE

READ 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

  • What does this passage tell us about the word of the cross (v.18)?
  • What does verse 21 tell us about how we know God and are saved (see also Ephesians 2:8-9)?
  • How does that present a problem to the world (v. 22)?
  • What does Paul preach (v.23).
  • And Christ is… (v.24)?

GROW

  • It is easy to think that we need to have the perfect words, or know the Bible front to back in order to share about Jesus. But here, Paul breaks it down. They are not going to be convinced by wisdom or signs – it is only about Christ and Christ crucified. He IS the power and wisdom. Pray about with whom God would like you to the share the folly of the cross.

Dear Father God, we praise your for the mighty day on Calvary when Jesus took on our sin. Where he was crucified for our sake. Where he willingly gave up is life to save the lost. That he rose again and sits with you in heaven as our advocate. Thank you that you have revealed yourself to us. That by grace we have been saved through faith. Lord, may we have hearts to see the lost. May we have eyes to see those with whom you would like us to share the story of Christ – knowing that it is he who is power and wisdom. May you open the eyes of many to the truth of Christ. In Jesus name… Amen

Photo by Alexandra Mirgheș on Unsplash

Power-Full

 

Psalm 63-35

 

TAKE TIME TO PRAY BEFORE YOU BEGIN…

It is really impossible to comprehend God’s power! But we are told that we can see it simply by looking at His creation (Romans 1:20). He maintains all power – as He is sovereign over every grain of sand, every drop of rain, every hair on your head and every event in your life. Power is both a thing and an action. We can can have power or power can propel us forward. After looking up the word in the dictionary power reveals itself in three different forms – Control   Strength   Energy. Isn’t that at little glimpse of God – Control…Strength…Energy?

WRITE

Here are just a few verses that speak of God’s power.
Really I think I could  suggest to see God’s power read Genesis 1 – Revelation 22.

Genesis 1   Romans 1:20   1 Corinthians 2:4-5
2 Corinthians 4:7   Colossians 2:12   Micah 3:8 Hebrews 1:1-3   Luke 9:37-42

  • His power is all encompassing. Pick a favorite verse about God’s power and write about how and why it impacted you.
  • Take comfort in knowing that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. Where in your life do you need to claim His power.
  • When you come to know Jesus the Spirit of the living God dwells in you. It is this power that equips and enables us to overcome (Colossians 2:12). Write down – the Power of God dwells in me and I claim His power over______.

GROW

We are merely human – imperfect and powerless. Yet… His Spirit in us – now that it power. This is a beautiful song about exactly that. Jeremy Camp – Same Power.

My His power enable, equip and guide you as you trust in Him!  Praying for you…

He is worthy!

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Revelation 5:13

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“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’”
Revelation 5:13

  • Who is pictured here worshiping God and the Lamb (see also Romans 8:19)?
  • What strikes you about this kind of woship and who is seeking the Lord?
  • This includes you!  You are part of God’s creation…write the words of praise spoken in this passage in Revelation.
  • Now write you own praise to the Lord of Lords & the Lamb that has taken away the sins of the world!

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Praise Him! I will be praying for you!

Seek After

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 27:4-6

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One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life.”

Psalm 27:4

  • What is the one thing David has asked of the Lord?
  • Here David tell us not just that he has asked to dwell in the house of the Lord, but He also writes of his own action. What action did David highlight?
  • This is relationship. David seeks God and God provides him respite in the midst of trouble. How does David show his gratitude to God (end of verse 6)?
  • Do you seek the Almighty? Do you make sacrifices for him and to him (Romans 12:1)? Do you ever sing His praises (in our mind or with your voice)?
  • God love you!!!! He wants a relationship with you! What can you do today to seek after him?

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Seek and you will find… I will be praying for you!

Relish It

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 18:1

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“I love you, O Lord,
My strength”
Psalm 8:1

  • Meditate on this Psalm. Soak it in…grown in your Love for Him…He is your strength!

Relish It…  I will be praying for you!

In All

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

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 Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV 1984

  • What words stand out to you in this passage?
  • Again, we see completeness…what does it men to you to be continually in prayer?
  • Working backwards, paraphrase God’s word from this passage.
  • It is God’s will…though it’s hard to imagine giving thanks in all circumstances, he works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Is there a difficult situation you need to thank God for? Lift it up to Him now.
  • We are told His joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), which is very different than worldly happiness, but much more fulfilling. Ask the Lord to fill you with His joy so you may remain strong in HIM!

Always! Continually! All circumstances! It is God’s will!!!!  I will be praying for you!

Think About It

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Philippians 4:8

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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

  • Paul tells us here what to fill our minds with. Write down what you are called to think about.
  • Think about what you read/watch/day dream about, do they match up with this list?
  • Pray and ask God to reveal where you fall short. Write is down – I know it’s hard but it makes it real.
  • Repent.
  • Then seek His guidance in shifting your thought pattern. We are called to  “take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5. When negative, impure, destructive thoughts creep in…take it captive and give it to Christ.
  • Pray Philippians 4:8 for yourself that God would transform your thoughts.

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Think about what you think about! I will be praying for you!

Heart in His Word & on your Lips

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Joshua 1:7-9

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Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:7-9 ESV

  • God is preparing Joshua to carry out His long awaited plan for His people. How does He reassure Joshua…what are His instructions?
  • As with Joshua…He gives us a list of  do’s and don’ts. Using this passage write your “To Do” list.
  • Now write your “Do not” list.
  • As I have shared before…I struggle with my tongue. But here, God gives us the remedy for that weakness. Write down the two key components that can help all of us, through Christ, win that battle.
  • This isn’t about quiet time each day, or saying the right prayers. It’s about meditating on His word day and night. It should never leave our lips…what changes can you make in your life to keep your heart fixed on Him and on His word?
  • This command leads to a “So That.” When we keep His word in our hearts and mouths what results.
  • The end of Verse 9 reiterates God’s command to Joshua – and to you. Write it down.
  • Write about the comfort it brings you to know that the Lord is with you wherever you go.

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Put God’s word in your heart and on your lips! I will be praying for you!

Your Gift to God – Songs of Praise

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 59:16-17

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“But I will sing of your strength;
I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.”
Psalm 59:16-17

  • List the reasons given in this Psalm for you to sing praises to the almighty God.
  • Praise Him for His strength (see also John 16:33, Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:31b).
  • Praise Him for His steadfast love (see also 1 John 4:10, Romans 8:38-39).
  • Praise Him that He is your fortress and refuge (see also Matthew 11:28, and Deuteronomy 33:27).

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Check out this song written and sung here by Michael Neal and Krissy Nordhoff
“Your Great Name”

SING IT!!!! AND PRAISE HIS GREAT NAME

this song was released  by Natalie Grant on her album “Love Revolution”

Praise the name of the only one who is worthy of our praise! I will be praying for you! 

Your Gift to God – A Light in the Darkness

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

John 8:12
Matthew 5:14-16

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‘”Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
John 8:12

 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16

  • In the John passage, Jesus presents two choices…light or darkness. If people choose not to follow Jesus they walk in darkness – what does that mean (see also Romans 12 & Ephesians 6:12)?
  • What does Jesus tell you will result if you follow Him?
  • Aren’t you so thankful that you have the light of life! Jesus tells you in the Matthew passage exactly what to do with that light. What is your call to action?
  • What is the result of your willingness to share the light of Christ?
  • You have the opportunity EVERY DAY to bring glory to God by sharing the light of Christ with others…are you? If not, pray about it & write down some changes you can make in your life that will let that light shine!

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Check out this song by Addison Road

This Little Light of Mine

Praise the Lord that we have the light of life! Now show it to all you meet! I will be praying for you!