Day 92, Life Journal Essential 100 Challenge

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Todays’ Reading:  2 Corinthians 4-6:2

Theme: The Apostles’ Teaching

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:5
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.”

OBSERVATION: If you experience Christ’s presence and power in your life, absolutely no trouble, sickness or tragedy will cause your spiritual defeat.  When their are obvious outward circumstance that become unbearable and your human strength is challenged, God’s resources are always given to expand your faith, hope and strength.  Under no circumstances will God forsake his faithful children.

APPLICATION: The scripture reminds us of God’s protection even in the most challenging of situations.  It doesn’t promise us that we will not be effected by challenges or that we are exempt from difficulties because we are children of God.  We must therefore walk in obedience and trust Christ in the middle of the most challenging moments of our lives.  We are PRESSED- pressures happens, challenges come, but we are not CRUSHED- defeated, destroyed, left to die!  Thank God for this truth.

PRAYER: Lord help me to trust in you in the middle of the storms of life.  May my life be an example of one who is determined to receive blessings on the other side of the storm.  Keep me in your strength, in Jesus name, Amen.

Dave

Reading #90

Scripture:  1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Observation: In chapter 4 verse 13, it says 13 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.”  In spite of all the biblical data regarding Christ’s return, many of us are so familiar with end-times teaching that we have tuned out.  This tendency reminds me of how we treat our alarm clocks.  We have grown so accustomed to hearing them sound off that we can press snooze as we sleep right through the alarm warning us to rise from our slumber.  In light of our human tendency to forget and ignore God’s Word, Paul sounds a red alert: “Don’t get caught sleeping!”

Application: We must wake up, open our eyes and wise up to the soon coming of Jesus.  Paul says that this day will come “like a thief in the night.”  The trouble with thieves is they do not tell us when they are coming.   It is not their habit to send a warning postcard.  The same unexpectedness will characterize the day of our Lord’s return.
Paul also says that this day will come upon unbelievers like labour pains upon a pregnant woman.  Labour pains are uncomfortable and painful.  They are bearable at times yes BUT……
A woman may feel one, and then not feel another for fifteen minutes or more.  But as the moment of birth approaches, the pains become more acute-and they get closer together.  There comes a point where the woman has to make a mad dash for the maternity wing of the local hospital.  In the same way, during the day of the Lord, times will be frightfully bad-but to add fuel to the raging fire-they will escalate out of hand rapidly.  Yet, in the midst of this, the world will be declaring peace and security.
May I ask a few questions?  What do we currently know about the end-times?  Are we living out our knowledge?  Or are we foolishly living as if we are guaranteed tomorrow and Christ couldn’t possibly return today?  I encourage us all to shake ourselves awake from our sleep walking and wise up to end-times doctrine.  Don’t get caught sleeping!

Prayer: Gracious Father, we hear the sounds of Your soon return.  Give us ears to hear and to be alert and ready.   Help us speak words of hope and affirmation into the people we meet daily.  Wake us up to opportunities all around us.  Give us the desire to go into this week with a renewed passion for Christ’s return.  We can single-handedly make an eternal difference in someone’s life.  We don’t want to be guilty of sleep walking.   Help us to live today as if Jesus could return because He just might.  In the Name of the soon coming King, Jesus Christ.  AMEN!

Judy

Day 88

Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-2:26

Scripture:

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:24

Observation:

I this short reading there is such emphasis on how wasteful it is to spend precious time arguing, and how important it is to live for Christ.  There is much expectation of those that are “Good Soldiers of Christ” since we are consecrated in Christ, we are called to a higher standard of living.  How as a people can we set ourselves apart from the ways of the world if we continue engaging in the same behaviors and activities as everyone else?  Things that may be acceptable before man may not be acceptable before Christ which is why verse 4 states “Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” To know where we want to go in life and how we should carry ourselves I think the question we all need to ask ourselves is, ‘Who am I trying to please?”

Application:

Several years ago I decided that I would live for Christ, and looking at my life I know at times I get “tied up in the affairs of civilian life” like I’m sure many others do too.  I recognize the importance of seeking God daily and surrounding myself with “Good Soldiers of Christ” who will help me up when I stumble.  God never meant for us to do it on our own, He is with us every step of the way and I can be assured by this because in verse 13 it states, “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” What a comfort to know that my Heavenly Father will always be there no matter how many times I get off track with civilian life.

Prayer:

Thank you Father for your never-ending grace, thank you for your patience with me as I try to be a Good Soldier of Christ but struggle with civilian life.  God I pray that you continuously correct me and help me to be more like you.

Blessings Everyone,

Nina

Day 85, Life Journal Essential 100 Challenge

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Todays’ Reading: Colossians 1:1-1:23

Theme: The Supremacy of Christ

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:15, 18,
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

OBSERVATION: The phrase in verse 15, “the firstborn over all creation does not mean Christ was a created being. Rather “firstborn” take the Old Testament meaning of “first in position,” “heir” or “supreme.” Christ is the heir and ruler of all creation as the eternal Son. In verse 18 Jesus Christ was the first to rise from the dead with a spiritual and immortal body. On his resurrection day Jesus became head of the church. The New Testament church began on the day of Jesus’ resurrection when the disciples received the Holy Spirit. The fact that Christ is the “firstborn from among the dead” implies there is a another resurrection for all those for whom Christ died.

The “First Born” as stated in both these passages teaches us that there is a blessing passed down as we are heirs to the throne of Christ. Jesus doesn’t take all the glory as the firstborn over all creation and over all the dead- but provides us a way to salvation and eternal glory as co-heirs with Christ.

APPLICATION: As Jesus has provided the way for my salvation and resurrection from the dead- I will participate in the eternal glory of God’s kingdom in the days to come. What an incredible promise to hold on to- that one day we will celebrate the victory of the cross and the work of Christ together with Him in eternity. Such a great perspective to be reminded of each day as this world we live in is only temporary. One day we will all be together with our saviour in Heaven.

PRAYER: I look forward to the day when I will be with you in glory, until that day help me to keep my focus on the tasks at hand and keep my perspective on you. Thank you for the victory over the enemy and the inheritance I have in You! Amen.

Dave

Day 81

Reading: Romans 8:1-8:39 - More than Conquerors

SCRIPTURE:

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.  Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”  Romans 8:15

OBSERVATION:

The dictionary definition of Abba is “an intimate term for God as Father”.  It’s so comforting to know that as a child of Christ I am no longer at a distance and separated from my Heavenly Father that I can take comfort in know him intimately.  When reading this scripture and just focusing on the Lord I suddenly felt the burdens and weight of the daily struggles I face being lifted….I felt relief in knowing that I can call the One who created all things Abba.  There is no worry I have that is greater than God; absolutely none!  As I took a few moments to meditate on this scripture reading I was reminded of that and comforted by it.

APPLICATION:

Not only do I need to remind myself that God is my father daily - so I can ease my burdens, but more importantly I need to share that with others.  It is up to me to encourage others to be in an intimate relationship with the Lord and I need to do that by sharing stories about how I have been blessed because of my relationship with Christ.

PRAYER:

Father I pray that you constantly remind me that You are my Father, and that I have nothing to fear of this world.  I ask that when I feel disappointed or saddened because people of this world have failed me that I will seek you and be reminded of your endless love, grace, & compassion.  Thank you God for being my strength and my comforter.  Amen.

There is none like our Heavenly Father, so I hope you enjoy this song, Nina

Day 78, Life Journal Essential 100 Challenge

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Todays’ Reading: Acts 15

Theme: The Council at Jerusalem

SCRIPTURE:  11…We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

OBSERVATION: The crucial question at the Jerusalem council was whether circumcision and obedience to the law of Moses were required for salvation.  The delegates concluded that Gentiles were saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, who forgave them and made them a new creation.

Grace comes to a person when he or she repents and believes in Christ as Lord and Saviour.  This response to God’s grace enables him or her to receive power to become a child of God.

APPLICATION: These were very important questions to investigate in the early church, and we’re so thankful for the early church leaders that helped to articulate Grace through the help of the Holy Spirit.  Each one of us requires the benefits of Grace if we are to be saved today and I am so thankful that God’s grace has not only been provided for my salvation but for every other part of my life as well.  God’s grace covers all sin, and I am thankful to my early church brothers for handling this issue with care under the influence of the Holy Spirit.  Can you imagine what life would be like without Grace?

I was looking for a song about grace on youtube for your enjoyment.  There’s a bunch of really good songs that you can watch and listen to but I found one video that really stood out for me.  Before you mock me- and post comments, I just want to say God’s Grace is still available for all of us- don’t you agree?

Dave

Watch & Listen, What do you think?

Day 71, Life Journal Essential 100 Challenge

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Todays’ Reading: Acts 2:1-2:47

Theme: The Day of Pentecost

SCRIPTURE:  43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

OBSERVATION: The Holy Spirit comes on the day of Pentecost.  This was something described by Jesus while he was still on earth, however, it was still a surprise as to what this was going to look like when the Holy Spirit actually arrived.

verse 43 stated that everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles, truth is this was something that never occurred in the history of the world and they were all astonished as to what was taking place.

APPLICATION: We serve an amazing AWE some God, maybe this has been a statement that has been overused in Christian circles, but the reality is it is True.  Songs have been written about it, people have sung about God’s awesome-ness!  Simply stated God is an awesome God, simple reminder, simple truth.

PRAYER: Jesus thank you for your awe-some-ness in my life, in my home and in my church.  May I continue to see your awe in all the things you do, In Jesus name, Amen.

Dave

Day 65  E100 Challenge Life Journal

Scripture: John 11:1-57 (Raising Lazarus from the Dead)

Observation:

Jesus’ words:

1. This sickness will not end in death. It is for the glory of God, to bring glory to the Son of God.

2. Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes I was not there so that you may believe.

3.  Your brother will rise and live again.

4.  I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Martha, do you believe this?

5.  Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?

6. Father, I thank you that you heard me. I know that you always hear me, but I said these things because of the people here around me. I want them to believe that you sent me.

7.  Lazarus, come out!

Take the cloth off of him and let him go.

People’s responses:

1. “But Lord, if he is only asleep, he will be all right.”

2. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask.”

3. “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the One coming to the world.”

4. “But, Lord, it has been four days since he died. There will be a bad smell.”

5. Many of the people, who had come to visit Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him.

6. The leading priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the council and asked, “What should we do? This man is doing many miracles. If we let him continue doing these things, everyone will believe in him. Then the Romans will come and take away our Temple and our nation.”

7. Caiaphas, the high priest that year said, “You people know nothing! You don’t realize that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

8. That day they started planning to kill Jesus.

Application:

Jesus is purposeful, not only in what He says but also in what He does. He wants people to believe that He was sent by GOD. The raising of Lazarus from the dead was one of the most important events in Jesus’ ministry. To many people that was the point when they started to believe in Him. But to others it was a “That’s it… we need to get rid of this guy once and for all” moment.

Believing in Jesus as the ONE sent by God is a very personal choice. No one can choose this for you but you.

People tried to stop Jesus from letting others believe in HIM by planning to kill Him (which they eventually carried out and succeeded, or so they thought). But Jesus is UNSTOPPABLE! He will accomplish what He wants to do. Jesus is Lord over death! When all is said and done, the question remains… “What are you going to do with Jesus?”

Prayer:

Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God sent into the world that we may have life. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through YOU. Thank you for all You’ve done. I am forever grateful.

tet

Day 64, Life Journal Essential 100 Challenge

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Todays’ Reading: Mark 5:1-20

Theme: Healing a Demon Possessed Man

SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:8

8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!”

OBSERVATION: It was the goal of Jesus to defeat Satan and his demonic powers and set free those who are enslaved to Satan. This power over Satan is especially evident in the driving out of demon or evil spirits. Jesus, as I see it is the Real “Ultimate Fighting Champion.”

The Healing of a Demon Possessed Man is a true story with a Hollywood type of plot. What I noticed in this story is that Jesus simply speaks to the demons to flee, and they respond to his authority. The Words of Christ are filled will power and authority to break the bonds on Satan and his influence in this present world. Since, Jesus came to set us free, we are no longer bound with the chains of this world.

Our chains are broken as we wage intense spiritual warfare through the power of the Holy Spirit. Here’s a few things I’ve learned that we must engage in if we are to be Real Ultimate Fighting Champs as well:

a. Declare War against Satan according to God’s purpose.

b. Enter Satan’s House (any place where he has a stronghold), attacking and overpowering him by prayer and declaration of the Word.

c. Carry off his possessions. Delivering those who have been held captive by Satan’s power and giving them over to God so that they may fully delivered and healed from their situation.

APPLICATION: Our battle is not a conflict against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces and power of evil. We need to continually live before God, committed to his truth and righteousness. Our faith must be rooted in Christ to have the ability to overcome Satan and his schemes against us and realize that each believer has the weapons to fight in this battle.

Our weapons that we can fight with are:

a. Faith in the power of the name of Jesus.

b. God’s Word.

c. Prayer through the Holy Spirit.

d. Fasting.

PRAYER: Jesus thank you for giving us a great example of how we are to fight the spiritual battles we face each day. May we learn to exercise our spiritual authority through the power that you have given to each believer. I praise you in advance for the victories that will be fought and won in the name of Jesus as you teach me how to wage war and be victorious as an Ultimate Fighting Champion. In Jesus name, Amen.

Dave

Day 60 - Reading: Luke 15:1-15:32 Lost & Found

S-cripture:

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!”  Luke 15:32

O-bservation:

The rejoicing of the father that his son had returned was in no way meant to belittle the commitment or obedience of his other son.  In fact the reaction of the father in this story had nothing to do with his older son that had stayed with him all those years.  He was strictly focused on the joy of having a child that he thought was completely lost in world return home, but the response of his older son is typical of any child regardless of age.  He was focused on himself and all that he done & not on the joy that his father was feeling to have his child return home.

A-pplication:

This scripture offers a reminder that everything is not just about “me”!  In this world it seems so easy to get caught up on our own selfish desires and feelings that we forget how to really bear each others burdens and share in each others joys.  So many media outlets and external influences push us to be takers and develop a self-serving mentality, but I think we need to move away that and genuinely embrace the experiences that others go through.  That means taking the focus off of ourselves and offer true compassion, and empathy to others regardless of how we feel about a situation.

P-rayer:

God thank you for your never-ending grace & love that goes beyond all understanding.  Help me to shed my selfish ways and really bear the burdens & embrace the joys of the people around me.  Thank you Father that you continue to work on me day-in and day-out to slowly mold me and improve my image so I can be a closer reflection of who you are.  Amen!

Have a blessed week everyone,

Nina