I'm So Thankful!!!

This morning in our Men's devotion time, we were talking when my mind was brought to Psalm 46:10..."Be still and knwo that I am God"... From that, I began thinking this morning as to what scripture would we look at and looked at the beginning of that very chapter.

Let's read in Psalm 46:1-3..."God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; (3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."

Let's take a look at the same passage in The Amplified version, it reads..."GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, 3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!"

Obviously, we are in the holiday season and our minds are on giving thanks. What better to give thanks for than the One who is "our refuge and strength"? When we go through the valleys of life, we have a Helper! I did capitalize that because He is not a helper in the sense we normally use that word. In this sense, He does the work through us. Not the way you normally think of a helper is it? Usually, we think of a helper as a "gopher" or maybe a "go-fer" go for this or that...

In this case, He tells us the comings and goings, or at least He should be doing the leading...right? The following verses just remind us that we have NOTHING to fear when our hope is in the Lord. I wanted to share the Amplified version, because it just makes the words "jump" out, if you will. I like how the parenthetical phrasing states...[pause, and calmly think of that]...if we think on it, we may be a bit more thankful for what we have in Him!!!

I am so thankful for all that God has blessed me with! This week leading up to Thanksgiving has been a time of reflecting, not only on memories of family get-togethers, but also what God has done in my life this past year. The circumstances could have been different, but I bless His name for the wonderful work that has been done...My eyes have been opened to His love and guidance. The year may have been personally, emotionally, and spiritually taxing, but I wouldn't change the way God has taught me to rely on, cling to and trust in Him...Yes, I did get that from Brother Boyd, as well:)

I want to express my sincerest appreciation to my church family, my friends, and my readers. I have learned much from each of you! I would like to send thanks to my worship leader friends for your ideas and devotions shared. I also want to thank my parents for the teaching that was taught not by telling me to follow the Biblical principles, but by watching you live them out. Yes, I strayed from time to time, but you were there to help bring me back! Thanks to my wife for her neverending support, regardless of the circumstances! I am also so thankful and proud of my two children, Tyler and Trinity...you will never know how much you mean to your dad!!! And finally, I am eternally grateful for a pastor who has shown me how to minister to others...in every word and action, you light the way pointing to Jesus. Thank you for your fine example!

Okay, now that I have gotten all the emotional stuff out of the way, let's take another look at our memory verse for the week from 1 Chronicles 16:34..."O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."

May you be thankful for all you have been given!!! Not just this week, but every day, week, month and year of your future...Blessings!

If there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today, please let me know...

Thanksgiving thoughts...part 3

As we draw a day closer to Thanksgiving, I wanted to leave things open for your thoughts a bit. I would like to know maybe a Thanksgiving memory that might stick out, a time you reached out and helped someone in need during the holiday, or just simply what this time of year means to you...

This question brings many things to mind...going to Indiana while growing up and spending time with dad's side of the family. It seems like there were a thousand relatives at those get-togethers. I also remember the years my parents served as missionaries to the Sioux Indians in Ft. Thompson, South Dakota. I remember how thankful the Indians were when we had our Thanksgiving meal and service at the church.

Then, I remember one of the most touching moments ever...last year, I was able to deliver a Thanksgiving basket from our staff to a family in need right here in town. I took the turkey and some items for them to have the traditional "Thanksgiving Meal". The joy in the kid's eyes that they were gonna have a Thanksgiving meal was what will stick in my mind for every Thanksgiving to come.

What Thanksgiving means to me is much what it means to you...being thankful for being blessed with more than I deserve. Having family, friends, and loved ones who care for us. The Lord has provided for all our needs...He has never left or forsaken me, regardless when I have turned from Him.

Before I relinquish control of this post, let's look at our memory verse for the week from 1 Chronicles 16:34..."O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." I want to make sure that I give thanks for all He has done for me.

Please take a few moments and share what thoughts come to your mind about Thanksgiving...and "thanks" for your input!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today!!!

Thanksgiving thoughts...part 2

First off today, I would just like to say how well our worship services went yesterday. We had a great time of food and fellowship, with a great number of visitors attending our Thanksgiving meal and stayed for our Music and Praise service.

The music service was great, even though it was longer than the usual hour-long service. We had about 10 specials by various individuals in our church. I was amazed by the piano special performed by one of the teens. She has never had lessons, and taught herself to read music and play the piano. It was her first time to play in public and I believe it will be only the first of many more!!!

The ending of the service was the video entitled, "That's My King" with pictures and music and the message of S.M. Lockridge dubbed over, and we followed it in closing by "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" and prayer. With the time of year centering around being thankful, I want to express my thankfulness to all the members and visitors who make our church the special place it is!

Thinking on thanksgiving and giving our thanks, our memorization verse for this week comes from 1 Chronicles 16:34..."O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." I am setting my mind this week on the things that God has done that I am thankful for. Not that I don't the rest of the year, but especially now. I am so thankful that His mercy endures FOREVER, regardless of what we do. If I turn to Him, He is always there!

Continuing on with the Thanksgiving theme, we look to a couple more verses today. The first comes from 2 Corinthians 9:11..."Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." This verse reminds us that we are provided abundantly for in everything and that causes, or makes us show thanksgiving unto God. Think about that...our being blessed should make us show thanksgiving! Do the blessings in my life make me show thanksgiving? Sobering thought!

The next verse comes from Philippians 4:6..."Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." This is a reminder to make everything known unto God and shows me that not only through asking for it, but also making sure that I am thankful to Him in everything!

I pray that your thanksgiving week is a time of reflection on what God has done in your life and the life of your family (church and relation)...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Thanksgiving thoughts...part 1

I know it seems a bit early, but Thanksgiving is coming next Thursday. In the realm of church, we have our dinner and music night this Sunday. So, this week, the Thanksgiving theme has been very much on my mind. In thinking about Thanksgiving, I looked up the references to the word on YouVersion. I want to look at a few of the references today, and will look at a few each day until the holiday itself. Thanks for bearing with me on this!

The first verse I look at today is from Psalms 26:7..."That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." When I think about Thanksgiving and thankfulness, am I thinking more about what people have done that benefited me? That seems odd to say, but, unfortunately, I feel that I've been trained to think that way. It is a battle to keep focus on the One who should receive thanks for what He has done. There should be no better time for me to be thinking about His works, not only in my life, but in His creation of the world and the history that has been made because of Him.

Psalms 69:30..."I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." Every year, I look so forward to our Thanksgiving meal and special music service. It seems like such a great time of "letting our hair down" and just focusing on praising God and even sharing some testimonies of what God has done in our lives. It means so much to be able to lift our songs and words of praise in a relaxed setting...the real challenge is trying to sing after filling up on turkey, stuffing, desserts, etc.

Psalms 95:2..."Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." All worship leaders know this verse by heart, I am sure. We are always asking everyone to make a joyful noise. But with my voice, am I giving Him thanks, or just giving my best performance? Sometimes, I get so focused on the order of our worship service that I lose focus of the object of our worship...

At this time of year, we focus on giving thanks to our families, friends, and co-workers for what they have done for us and our lives...please don't forget to give thanks to the one who gave you life!!!

Let's take a quick look at our verses to memorize this week from Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

Keep working on your learning of the scriptures...God will give you opportunity to share them with others if you take the challenge to learn them!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Outside the Box...

My mind today is set upon "thinking outside the box". You know, too often we try to box our Christianity into "our" ways of thinking and our expressions of worship into what we are comfortable with. When something comes along that is a little different, we put it down and say that it can't be done that way.

Along those lines, are we changing our methods to fit into what the world would feel comfortable with? Change is a tough thing to deal with...but change just for sake of change isn't what we are called to do. Last year, I picked up my first translation of the Bible other than KJV... I use other versions along with the KJV to sometimes get a different insight into what is being taught. I was telling one of my friends how difficult it was. I was raised using the KJV and still do my memorization from it, but I find it helpful to study with more than one version.

Change doesn't have to be a drastic turning away from what we have been taught but can also be a slight "tweeking" of methods. We are to change to become more like Christ everyday, right? So, we are truly "called" to change, in a manner of speaking...

One of my friends who blogs at Consuming Worship was talking about taking the limits off in a recent post. Am I willing to take the limits off myself in what I do for God and allow Him to in my life? What if I did? what would He do to me and thru me? what changes would be evident? would my worship, prayer, Bible study, and witness be anything like what it has been?

Let's look at Isaiah 55:8-9..."For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." If you're reading it the same way I am, then everything I do would be different if I let Him have control.

I thought the memorization challenge was intense. It pales in comparison with the challenge to take the limits off and let God have control. Thanks, Jeff, for the inspiration!!!

Before I end today, let's take a look at our memory verses for this week from Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

Take the verses in...think on them...pray over them...ask God to speak thru them...and share them with someone today...

Be challenged to not only learn verses, but to be willing to change...For God's Glory!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today!!!

Get uncomfortable...

I was asked this morning about the challenge I have taken here on the blog of learning verses each week and how that is going. I told him how the verses and blog were becoming quite a challenge to do daily, because things seem to keep coming up to detour my thoughts.

Then, he asked the question...so, what is the challenge you are facing in life? Hmmm...well, the challenge I struggle with is stepping out of the comfort zones and getting uncomfortable and reaching out to help others. I'm sure you have all seen the list of where our priorities as Christians should be, right? God, family, church, friends, others, then you...in that order!!! Well, being honest, I struggle putting myself to the bottom rung of the ladder. It's so easy to say "but that's not what I want for this situation"...or..."that's not how I want things to be done"...when I should really be concerned about how God wants things done and down the list and so on and so forth, yadda-yadda-yadda.

Do you struggle with this? I found that to keep this challenge, I must work on four aspects for my life to stay on track...First, my Bible study or devotion time must be there and evident in my life...Second, I must be asking for God's directions...Third, I must work on my marriage (because the devil will try to pull at family)...and finally, sharing with others (getting out of comfort mode).

My struggles definitely aren't the same struggles that many of you may face today, but if there is some part of your life that you are fighting with, know that God is always there to help when we ask. Take a look at 2 Corinthians 1:4..."He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." So, what I am battling can be used for the glory of the Lord...the strength that I gain from giving it to Him can be shared with others I come in contact with who think there is no hope.

To wrap things up today, let's review our verses for the weeek from Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

Make time for your Bible study, prayer time, family, and share what God is doing with another today. Take the verses into your heart...let God use them to speak to you, and share what you have learned...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Be grateful...

First off this week, let's take one more look at our previous memory verses from Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Was this as much a challenge for anyone else this past week as it was for me? Not that it was two verses, hard to remember, or extremely time-consuming...the issue is that since I have committed to memorize scripture, Satan is doing all he can to keep me from it. Has this been happening to you? Each time you try to go over verses we have learned the past couple weeks, does it seem like something pulls you away? Believe me, it's no coincidence.

We also have two more verses to take a look at...Acts 6:4...""But we give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word." and John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." Have you memorized all three of these yet? or maybe one of them? or two? Are you still on board with the challenge? Will you continue on with me?

This week, I am led to Romans 8:1-2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

This verse fits with the grand theme of things during this time of year. We are thankful to be under "grace" and not under the "law", right? I am so glad for the grace that has been offered, because in so many ways I fall short of the law. And, if I offend in any one part of the law, I am guilty of all!!!

How do you feel about that? Would you rather be judged by what you have done, or by what Christ did for you?

Now, this doesn't stop there...if we are in Christ Jesus and walk not after the flesh, we will be abiding in His will. Am I abiding in His will every moment of every day? Say that again to yourself...Am I abiding in His will every moment of every day? To answer quite simply...No, I am not. That is why I am so glad for God's grace.

I'm not sure how many of you have heard it put this way, but our pastor puts grace this way...

G od's
R iches
A t
C hrist's
E xpense

So, I am grateful..."For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Look over this week's verses...think on them...ask God to speak to you...and share with others...

Please let me know if there is a prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

How are your investment techniques???

I know that heading may not be what you would think of from a daily blog about our walk with Christ, but bear with me for a few.

Let's take a look at our memorization verses for this week in Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

If we look at the how the Amplified Bible translates this it might bring it out a bit clearer. Let's look at what it has to say..."Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), 16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil."

The Holman states it quite well to start..."Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk"...If you notice, this is making the point that we must be increasingly mindful of how we "walk". That doesn't mean just what I think people see, but also what I think people don't see.

The Amplified can bring out the words without having to pull out a thesaurus. We need to live with a purpose, worthy and accurate. Where would we learn to do these things? Rhetorical question, I know...the Bible. Don't live inaccurately, inadequately like the witless or unwise, but like someone who is sensible and intelligent. If you're like me, that seems like quite a stretch!!! But, as the scripture states in Philippians 4:13..."I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

The final verse is put quite adequately as well in the Amplified...by making the most of our time, we are actually buying up each opportunity. Are we really buying up each opportunity, or the way I take it...am I buying into every opportunity? Am I really seeing the chances that God puts in front of me?

If we look at it as a purchase or investment, how is the return on investment? Or maybe, how good am I at investing into it? If we "invest" into our walk with the Lord, the R.O.I.(Return on Investment), or our fruits, will grow exponentially!!!

Take time to go back over the verses for this week, pray that God will help apply them to your life, and share them with someone today!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

Am I prepared???

Today, I am doing some real thinking about self and the way I portray myself. Do I try to make myself seem as a super-Christian who walks with God perfectly every moment? or am I portraying myself as a sinner who was saved by grace who needs the help of a Master to guide my ways?

If you think I am the first, I am sorry to have given that impression. Each day is such a struggle to do the right things for me, how about you? Some days, don't you just wanna "call it in" and "do your own thing". The reason I have started this journal was to keep myself seeking God's words for me, and have an accountability set up that people can look back and see what I have been learning. If I tend to be "preachy", I am not speaking at anyone, but rather emphasizing what God is telling me.

It's so easy for me to sit back and ask for everyone else to volunteer to do work in our church, or be challenged to memorize verses, but am I really take the first step and doing it myself? If I as Christian leader in a church am not willing to roll up my sleeves and get to work, how can I ask others to?

For me to get past struggles that come my way daily, I must remain in a close relationship with God. When I take a "day off" from my study or prayer time, I allow myself to be open to Satan's attacks. And each "day off" can be followed by more days and soon turn into weeks, months, etc. Once you break the chain, it gets to be so hard to get back into it. A sense of comfortability sets in. That is why I must get into God's Word daily and think upon it and live by the teachings I receive.

Let's look at this week's memory verses in Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Once again, these verses reminding us to stay vigilant, because the world is out to bring us down. We aren't to just wander around with no direction, but rather as someone with wisdom, knowing which roads to take, who to talk to, and see the opportunities that God provides us to minister.

Even though the world is in such a state of flux, we do have a hope as stated in 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)..."Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." We are to be prepared mentally and show self-control. What better place for me to get wisdom and self-control than from God's word and asking for His help? Is my hope set fully on the grace given by Jesus? or am I just saying that? It's very easy to say, but there are days that things happen, and I want to throw my hands in the air and just give up. But, the more I stay in His word and in prayer, the more I rely upon His grace to get me through!

If you are struggling today and can't seem to find time for God, I pray that you will make time for Him and let Him help you through whatever you are battling...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

50,000 shoes in 50 days!!!

Hey everyone!

Today launched the 50k in 50 days campaign. A great charity in Nashville is trying to get money to buy 50,000 pairs of shoes raised in 50 days...

The cool thing is only $5 buys 2 pairs of shoes!!

It takes under 2 minutes to donate and only three clicks – super easy!

So if you think this is something you can do...five bucks, three clicks, two minutes = two pairs of shoes to someone in need, just visit http://www.50000shoes.com.

More importantly, this can only happen if we spread the word...so please forward this on to anyone you know...the people you work with, your mom, whoever!!

Oh, and one person who donated will win a trip to Mexico to hand deliver the shoes they bought to someone who has never owned shoes before. Could you imagine giving someone their very first pair of shoes?

All donations are tax deductible of course.

Thanks for your support!

Redeem the time...

Okay, before we get to our verse to memorize this week, let's take a look back at our last verses. Our first verse came from John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." Last week's verse was in Acts 6:4..."Be we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word." How many of you were able to say those without help of reading the scripture written out? Let me know how you are doing on your memorization so far.

Well, that leads us to this weeks verses. I have to admit, I got this from the daily email devotion from Lifeway's "Experiencing God Today" from this morning. It shared the following verses from Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

These verses are calling us to be careful and walk through this world with our "eyes open" to what is going on about us. Redeeming the time...do you wonder what that could mean? Have you ever taken glass bottles back to "redeem" them for trade-in value or "redeemed" a certificate for payment? What this means to me is that we share our testimony of Jesus in us, so that we may "redeem" those works for crowns in the hereafter. Redeem the time and give it to Jesus for His purposes for your life today.

Think of what is said in John 9:4..."I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." We must do the work today, don't procrastinate and put it off for another day or another person to do. If someone is placed in your way today, you MUST do what you can to share the words that God has given you to share with them.

Do your part in the coming days, weeks, months, and even years...because we know not when the Lord will come and no man can work anymore. Chances will be gone. I relate this again to the song...what if we lived everyday like we were dying? Would we be more willing to share and get out of our comfort zone? Think about that one...

Let's look again at our verses for the week from Epheasian 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Think on it, share it with others, and let God speak through His Word to everyone of us today!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

Unceasing prayer...

Fall is definitely in the air! Cooler weather and leaves all over the ground. We just finished our Sunday School campaign at our church and I am looking forward to what God is going to do this weekend. I am also looking forward to seeing the classes take what they've been focused on for eight weeks, and running with it. The focus has been reaching out "missionally" with each individual class. The campaign has ended, but we have challenged the teachers and classes to not let it end there.

Let's take another look today at our verse for the week in Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Have you got it memorized? This week's verse I kept getting words turned around. This morning, I can say that I typed without the assistance of YouVersion. The past couple posts, I can't say that for. Have you been setting aside your time for prayer AND Bible study? Some days are easier to follow through than others, but let's make a concentrated effort to do it daily!

Okay, now let's test your memory from last week. The verse is John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." Do you still remember that one? I went in to church Wednesday and was just saying hi to one of the members, when they started quoting the scriptures we have been memorizing. It is a blessing to see others taking the initiative to learn scriptures, too. Have you taken the challenge seriously? Start today and see what God will do if you are willing to take His Word into your heart...

Let's take another look in the scriptures today, that will go right along with our verse of the week. It comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:17..."Pray without ceasing." This can be a challenge during our hectic, loud days to take a few moments to be still and silent and lift our voices unto the Lord. Do your prayers have an end??? do they seem to continue on??? We are called to pray without ceasing and be in a mindset of prayer at all times.

Take a few moments and go over our verses from the past two weeks again. Let the words speak to you. Repeat them over again...and again...think on them...pray that God will use them in your life today...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

He's still on the throne!!!

Am back at the computer this morning, after quite an eventful day with a dentist elbow-deep in my mouth doing a root canal. Okay, maybe not elbow-deep, it just seemed that way. First things first, let's look at our verse to memorize for this week. It's found in Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." At the point we are in our history as a nation and Christians, this is more important than ever!!!

The signs of the times are everywhere. I have heard that my whole life, but am starting to notice it myself, as well. I guess that is a sign of growth and maturity? Never thought I would link those words to myself, but things do happen.

Since the results of the election, I have heard varied responses from...this is the end of life as we know it...to people equating our new President-elect to the anti-Christ...and even calling him the Messiah...now that is scary and unnecessary! My biggest thing in all this is...God is still on His throne and in control!

This is evident throughout history and is shown quite well in the book of Daniel, which we have been studying on Sunday nights. God can use even the vilest of rulers for His cause. He can also use His people to show His power to an unbelieving ruler, as well.

For those of you who have lost heart, I was sent this verse via Twitter the other evening by Max Lucado. It set my concerned mind at ease. It is found in Proverbs 21:1..."The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

WOW!!! We can keep our faith in the Lord and He will take care of things??? Okay, that was sarcasm. But, when we take our eyes of Him and start wondering what we are going to do in dire circumstances, we need a reality check. Don't lose faith...there is hope...remember our verse this week and give yourself to prayer continually and the ministry of the Word!!! Don't put all your hope in man, they will fail and disappoint, put your faith and hope in the One who has never failed!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today!!!

Feeding the wolf...

Okay, before we get into the news of the day, I want to take another look at our verse of the week. It comes from Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Rather simply, we are called to keep in contact with the Lord both through our prayer time as well as our Bible reading and study time.

Yesterday, we focused along the lines of prayer, so today let's look at a few verses in relation to our study of the Bible. Our first verse comes from 2 Timothy 2:15..."Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." I am sure you have all heard this verse, but have you ever noticed that it portrays our study as a job? We are called a "workman"...and we are supposed to study the bible and be confident in what it tells us. If we spend no time in the Word, how can we be confident that we know and are doing what it says?

Our next scripture comes from Luke 4:4..."And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." This verse shows the necessity of having the Word of God as a part of daily "intake". Not only do we need physical foods to live and survive this life, but spiritual foods to prosper in the sight of the Lord.

This reminds me of the story I heard about a boy visiting with his Cherokee grandfather. They were talking about inner battles we face in life. The grendfather equated the battles to having two "wolves" that battle for victory. One "wolf" is Evil and the other is Good. When asked which wolf wins the battles, the grandfather says..."the one you feed"...

Which "wolf" are you feeding in your life? Are you feeding on the Word of God daily or are you sustaining yourself with the fruits this world has to offer? The "wolf" you feed will win in your daily struggles. Take another look at our verse for the week in Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Think on it...pray about it...and feed yourself on the Words contained...

Finally, I would ask that everyone be in a state of prayer for the election going on today. I am not promoting here for one or the other, but rather that God's will be done. I voted this morning, and ask that you vote, too. Stand up and let everyone know you voted!!! Please don't stump for one or the other here, though...

Let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Give yourself continually...

For our memorization challenge for this week, we look at Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." This continues on with the teaching from last week's memory verse in John 3:30, where we learned that "He must increase, but I must decrease." If we are to grow closer to God and have His will made evident in our lives, we must follow these words CONSTANTLY!!!

As we go into this week, let's take a moment and see how we are or aren't to pray...Let's take a look at Matthew 6:5-8..."And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."

This is calling us to a personal, private prayer relationship with the Lord. We are to pray as if no one is there but us and the Lord. It is not necessary to say the loftiest words and recitations to make ourselves look good. Because, those who pray to be heard have their reward. If we take our requests privily and secretly, the Lord will reward openly. Also, realize that the Lord knows your needs before you even state them. This doesn't mean to take that for granted, but rather feel confident to make them known personally.

We need to have a special place and time that we meet with God daily...whether in a closet, bedroom, office, or wherever you feel led. Not only do we need to spend our time in prayer, but also in the Word. Be thinking on our new verse during the coming days. Once again, it is Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...