Psalm 23 - 12.1.23
Scripture: Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” NIV
“Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.” TPT
Observation:
Most people can quote this verse. However, do they really take in and believe the truth this contains? God guides us and looks over us like a shepherd. We lack nothing, have no wants unmet. I like how The Passion Translation puts it. “I always have more than enough.” Let’s face it as humans we always want more. In God we have it.
Application:
Do I live like this is true? Hmmm….. if someone asked me, I could spout off a list of things I need. That being said it’s time to ask myself, “Am I really relying on God as my shepherd and provider?” Time to seek God for His provision and not dwell on the “don’t haves”. The truth is I can tend to have a poverty mindset. I assume I don’t I have the money. I need to walk in the assurance God provides and when I pray and seek him I will have all I want and need.
Prayer: Father God, please help me rely on you as my shepherd. You provide everything I need and even my wants. Forgive me for the times I have not trusted you and tried to do it my own way. Please help me seek the creative ways you are waiting to bless me. Thank you for who you are and that I have All I need in you with no lack. Amen
- Cindy Howard
Romans 15 - 11.30.23
SCRIPTURE: Romans 15:13 NLT
“I pray that God,
the source of hope,
will “fill you completely”
with joy and peace
because you trust in Him.
Then you will overflow
with confident hope
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
OBSERVATION:
Paul in his final remarks to the church in Rome, shares a prayer that is packed with the extraordinary TRUTH of God’s Blessings—
We ARE Filled COMPLETELY with JOY and PEACE which brings an Abundant Overflow of Confident Hope because we TRUST in Jesus!
APPLICATION:
God…IS…
the SOURCE—of Hope
Not just “any” hope—but—JESUS—the ONE Confident Assurance-
“Jesus answered, “I AM The Way and The Truth and The Life..”
(John 14:6a NIV)
Joy - inward peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances.
Peace - inward state of quiet which is independent of circumstances and is that inner attitude which God's Spirit gives His people.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
(2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus,
When I look at the news I see many people who are lost and without hope.
But, You O Lord ARE Hope. Thank YOU Lord that we never need be concerned about circumstances knowing that YOU are WITH us. May YOUR JOY and PEACE abound in our hearts. May it be a magnet for the World to see. The LORD of Heaven and Earth has called us by name and assured us of Heaven! HE is our confidence.
May we sing of His Praises and Worship Him with Thanksgiving.
May our Love for YOU and for each other be a Light to those who are lost and desperately need the Forgiveness and Redemption that Your Salvation brings.
In Jesus Name.
““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
(Matthew 5:14-15 NIV)
Tina L Kudelka
Romans 14 - 11.29.23
Scripture
“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” Romans: 14:4, NKJV
Observation
It is easy for us to feel self-righteous and point fingers at our brothers and sisters in Christ who do things differently from us. God has called us and appointed us to bear fruit for Him. Each of us have been called from different backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances. God expects us to live our life faithfully for Him, and not judge our fellow-Christians over trivial things. For example, some people are vegetarians, whereas some eat meat (verse 2). Paul reminds us not to judge and criticize each other over our food choices. I know some Christians from some cultures who believe that celebrating any holiday, including Christmas is wrong. Many other Christians celebrate special days. Again, Paul reminds us (verse 6) that whoever celebrates a day, celebrates it to the Lord, and whoever does not celebrate does not celebrate it to Him. The point is that none of us live for ourselves, we all live for Him (verse 7). It is not our business to judge our brother or sister in Christ. God is responsible for him/her and is able to make them stand.
Application
God is responsible for me, and for my brothers and sisters in Christ. He knows my struggles. When I fall, he picks me up and helps me to walk again. I will stand because God is able to make me stand. I will trust Him and live my live faithfully for Him.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you because you have not called me to judge my brothers and sisters, but to love them. Thank you because you are the one who is holding up, each one of us. You are our rock. Thank you because I can trust you to make me stand, and not fall. You are the one who makes your children stand. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Asha Chacko George