Alex Smethurst
Throughout the Bible Christians are depicted as victorious, free, overcomers and more than conquerors. So why are so many Christ-followers are losing, being overcome and bond by sin. Pastor Alex discusses how we as believers are to live out the promises of God.
David DiSabatino
The Easter Story told from Four unique Vantage Points. Easter was ONE event. This series takes Four different perspectives on this One event. Join us and gain Four new perspectives to help you relate to this timely event and make it your contemporary experience.
David DiSabatino
The Easter Story told from Four unique Vantage Points. Easter was ONE event. This series takes Four different perspectives on this One event. Join us and gain Four new perspectives to help you relate to this timely event and make it your contemporary experience.
Day 87
Reading 1 Timothy 6:3-21
Scripture:
1 Timothy 6:9-10, 11
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Observation:
In the first book of Timothy, Paul is instructing Timothy how to lead the church in Ephesus. We read in the sixth chapter of Timothy that Paul speaks about the issue of money (touchy subject). Paul gives a warning against not money itself but against the love and desire for money or wealth. Paul also contrasts the desire of money with the desire for godly things. He shows Timothy that our desire should be focused on godly things not on earthly possessions.
Application:
A number of times in scripture you need to study extensively to understand the context of a certain verse or passage, but in our culture I don’t believe it takes us too much study to see the parallels with what Paul is teaching Timothy. The culture we live in today is very much in love with money. Even within the church we see that we have a hunger for more. Paul is clear money is not the problem it is our love or desire for it, that is!
Paul instructs Timothy to teach not the desire for money but the pursuit for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Have you ever thought want a church would look like if we pursued godliness as much as we pursued money or things? Wow! I think we would see God move in ways that would blow our minds! Ask yourself today. What is more important to me, my stuff or God? Don’t just quickly answer like a Christian should and move on, really take a moment and think about it. Lets start pursuing righteousness; godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness as Wall Street pursue money.
Prayer:
Lord, help us not to get caught up in the materialism that is so prevalent in the world we live in. Lead us to a place where we are more concerned with you and pursuing you then we are with money. God teach us to handle money in a way that honors you and advances your kingdom. We love you, Amen
David DiSabatino
When you are hit with some hard times, what do you naturally do? Some choose to run, some hide, and life becomes even more complicated. But we have access to God’s Word that teaches us to have faith and friendships that allow us to overcome and thrive. Let’s learn about the Other Side.
Day 73
Today’s Reading: Acts 6 – 8:8
Scripture: Acts 8:1-6
Observation:
At this point the first century Church has been consistently increasing in number. The Holy Spirit has been poured out and lives are being changed. As everything seems to be going in the right direction a great persecution comes and threatens everything. The Church in Jerusalem was just being build to a place where from a human perspective it could begin to grow outside of Jerusalem and accomplish the great commission. Saul steps on to the scene and seems to ruin everything, but God in his wisdom has a plan. Saul scatters the Church in fear and as they are sent running they begin to spread the message of Jesus all over. In Acts 8 verse 4 it is written that ‘those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.’ Mans plan would have taken years to build a structure and send out believers to accomplish the great commission. But God in a moment sends out a multitude to spread his news!
Application:
Sometimes we think God can only work as we see fit and if His plan doesn’t line up to ours, the plan is going to fail. We see trials and obstacles as dead ends. We don’t allow God to direct us and see Him work through the trial or obstacle. We see in Acts the people of faith scattered all across, not being overcome with the situation but overcoming the situation and spreading the good news. Many of us if we were in this situation would throw up our hands and exclaim ‘its over’. Not the first century Church they allow God to use this impossible situation and lives all over the Mediterranean are changed because of their willingness to persevere.
Its time for the 21st century Church to be willing to be put in uncomfortable situations so that Gods name can be advanced. We are so busy worrying about our comfort that we miss Gods plan.
Prayer
God help us to be a people with perseverance. We desire to be used of you in whatever way you desire. Too many times we limit you to what we can see and understand. Your ways are better then ours. Forgive us for questioning your plan and how you accomplish your will. Help us to be willing and ready to spread your good news wherever and how you see fit. God you are amazing and serving you is our greatest pleasure! Amen.
Day 58, Life Journal Essential 100 Challenge
Today’s Reading: Matthew 13:1-58
Theme: The Kingdom of Heaven
Scripture: 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (”Matthew 13:18-23 NIV)
Observation: This is one of my favorite teaching sessions Jesus ever taught. The story tells us that large crowds were surrounding Jesus, while his audience stands on the shore. With great expectation, the crowds were hopeful and anxiously waited to hear from Him wondering what will be the topic that day. He jumps on a boat and starts to teach them the new way in understanding about the Kingdom of Heaven through parable. Notice, in Matthew chapter 5 to 6 the Sermon on the Mount Jesus talks to his disciples about “blessedness” and how to treat others in a kingdom manner. In chapter 13, Jesus talks about the “Kingdom of Heaven”. His teaching was not limited to His disciples, but to the entire multitude. Verses 18-23 Jesus explains the parable to his audience. The seed sown is his Word, the Gospel of the Kingdom. The soil is the human heart.
There are four kinds of human heart as Jesus described in this chapter:
1. The seed fell on the side of the road – this is the person who hears the Word of God that don’t understand it, who can’t believe it, and won’t be saved by it. Their hearts are like the side of the road. No matter how many seeds you plant there, nothing can grow.
2. The seed fell on rocky ground – this is the person who accepts the Word with joy and it grew quickly, but then dies just as quickly because the sun will scorch it.
3. The seed that fell among the thorny weeds – this is the person who takes the Word to heart, but is so full of worldly cares!
4. The seed fell on the good soil – this is the person that hears the Word and receives it and treasures it. This is the person that produces fruit in his or her life.
Application: As followers of Jesus, we need to examine our hearts and ask ourselves these questions.
- Where am I in this picture?
- Am I that person who hears the Word of God and whose heart is full of pride, stubborn and stiff-
necked?
- Am I that person that loves to hear the Word of God but not deeply rooted so when trials and temptations come I easily give up?
- Am I that person that takes the Word of God to heart and at the same time living in sin?
- Or am I that person who hears the Word of God that receives it, loves it, and puts it into practice?
Although there are many kingdoms in this world, there is only one that WILL last forever – the Kingdom of God!
Kingdom people are the ones who hear God’s Word and accept them with joy and treasure them in their hearts and lives them and His Word produces fruit in their lives. Kingdom people passionately love Jesus and obey Him in every little thing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Your word gives life, wisdom, strength and encouragement to my soul. I love your Word. I love you Jesus!
junn
Day 52
Todays Reading – Luke 1:1-80
Scripture:
Luke 1:26-38
37 For nothing is impossible with God. 38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Observation:
Mary is confronted with an impossible situation. She is pledged to be married and the angel of the Lord is explaining to her how she will become pregnant. Mary never being with a man is confused how this will happen. The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will be with child. Upon the angels explanation we see Mary’s faith. Her response is trust in God and believes that all things are possible with Him. She doesn’t hesitant or doubt she acts in faith and accepts what the Lord has planned for her. Mary’s faith is humbling she is abandoned to her will and follows Gods plan.
Application:
Mary is put in an extremely difficult position she is confronted with Gods plan for her life, with natural laws, the law of Moses and cultural expectations. Mary must choose her path. First she asks for an explanation on how this will be, upon the explanation, Mary is left to consider Gods plan and her reputation. Who would believe this is Gods baby, she will be rejected by her family, her husband to be and she may be stoned to death. In the text she seems to make the decision quickly, she seems to have faith that says ‘if it is Gods will He will provide a way’. Of course we see through the story that God does lead her through it and all the impossible things are made possible.
Reading the story of Mary can seem somewhat repetitive; after all it is read every Christmas. It seems even a little strange to read the ‘Christmas’ story in March. But I believe Mary is one of the strongest examples of faith in the Bible. She looks at Gods promise to her and what it would cost her and she quickly gives up all for His plan. I think we can learn a lot from the mother of Jesus. How many of us hear a plan from God but we are too worried about the situation or what other will think to step out in faith. Today lets pray for a faith like Mary and see what impossible things God makes possible!
Prayer
Father help us to have faith! Lord we are so worried about our reputation and what other will think that we are paralyzed. Help us to hear your voice and follow you with a reckless abandonment. God we long to be used by you! Increase of faith Jesus. AMEN
Alex
What is your desire? Have you stopped and considered what your greatest desire is? As Christ followers we should hunger and thirst for more of God. We should desire to know Him more. This series will be a time to reflect and ignite our desire for God.