Date: 08-21-2020

Title: Seeking God

(S) cripture:
    Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

(O) bservation:
    In God’s message through Jeremiah to the exiles He tells them that they will find Him when they seek Him with all their heart. This is not a casual seeking but one that involves the whole of our being. Anything less and we will not find the One we are looking for.

(A) pplication:
    Half-hearted effort doesn’t get it with God. Many times I am less than whole-hearted and it shows in my attitude and spirit. I am compelled to seek after the Lord with all that I am. If I want to experience all He has for me and if I am to be the person He has called me to be and wants to empower me to be then I must seek Him with my whole heart. It is my desire to do just that today and every other day.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I want to seek after you with all that I am. Make me aware when I am less than that. Keep me close. Forgive me when I pull away from you. I want to live for you and experience the power of the Holy Spirit in my life every moment of every day. I give myself to you. Use me today and thank you for your love and care and provision. Amen

Date: 08-20-2020

Title: A Daily Reminder

(S) cripture:
    Psalm 118:24 (NASB) This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

(O) bservation:
    The Psalmist has reminded us that “His love endures forever.” In the middle of this emphasis is a reminder that every day is God’s and we are to rejoice in them.

(A) pplication:
    Some days I don’t feel like rejoicing, in fact I am a little grumpy. I guess this comes when I think that I am responsible for the day. I am responsible for my attitude and behavior, but it is God’s day. It is good to be reminded of the truth and of what my attitude should be. Today I will rejoice and be glad and thank God for the day and the life he has given me to live in it.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for the day. Teach me to rejoice always. Amen

Date: 08-19-2020

Title: What An Encouraging Promise

(S) cripture:
1 John 1:9 (NASB) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(O) bservation:
    John shows us here how to walk clean and forgiven before God. God in His wisdom has given us a way to walk clean before Him. It is not from ourselves but from Him. As His children we are forgiven. That comes by our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Sin blocks our fellowship with God. When we confess the haze of sin is cleansed and we experience forgiveness anew. Forgiven is a wonderful word and so is cleansed or purified. To walk clean before God is to walk in His presence and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(A) pplication:
    Craig Baynham was a running back for the Dallas Cowboys in the late 60’s. He commented on this verse, “I ‘fess ’em as I does ’em.” It was and continues to be an important lesson to me. I, too, must confess as I am aware of sin in my life. I want my life to reflect Christ and to do so I must practice this verse. I want to experience forgiveness and cleansing. How wonderful that when I confess my known sin, He cleanses me from all unrighteousness. It certainly is an encouraging promise and I want to experience it every day.

(P) rayer:
    Lord hear my heart’s desire and let me walk clean before you. Make me aware when I sin and remind me that I can experience forgiveness when I honestly confess. Thank you for making a way for me to walk with you. Amen

Date: 08-18-2020

Title: A 100 Freestyle

(S) cripture:
    John 21:7-8 (NASB) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved *said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.

(O) bservation:
    Peter and John have gone back to what they know how to do – fish. When Jesus sees them, they have fished all night and caught nothing. He calls out to them. They do not recognize Him at that distance. Jesus tells them to throw the net on the other side of the boat and they do and catch so many fish they cannot raise the net. John then recognizes that it is Jesus and tells Peter. Peter jumps into the water and heads to shore. When he reaches Jesus, Peter is restored and given a mission to fulfill.

(A) pplication:
    Both of our daughters swam in High School and our oldest swam in college. In college Sarah swam the 50 and 100 freestyles. As a swim official I have seen countless 100 freestyles but none that would compare to the one Peter takes in this passage. He must have been somewhat distraught and embarrassed after his denials. But when he sees Jesus, he must simply get to Him as fast as he can so over the side of the boat for that 100-yard freestyle. I wonder if I am as quick to get to Jesus after I have denied him in some way. Do I immediately go to him or do I hide and avoid him? Too often I let my pride get in the way and I hide or avoid. Eventually I get to Jesus and confess and experience His forgiveness but why do I wait or hesitate. Today I will go immediately to Him. I will not let circumstances get in the way. If need be, I will go over the side for my 100-yard freestyle.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I love you and know that you love me. I know that you want me to be in fellowship with you and not to ignore or avoid you. Remind me of this story when my pride is keeping me away. Help me to get out of the boat and begin to swim to you. Amen

Date: 08-17-2020

Title: He Knows My Name

(S) cripture:
    John 20:10-16 (ESV) Then the disciples went back to their homes. 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

(O) bservation:
    Mary did not understand that Jesus had risen from the dead, but she did know He was not in the tomb and she wanted to find Him. In her search she did not recognize the angels or Jesus. Jesus spoke to her and she mistook Him for the gardener. It wasn’t until Jesus called her by name that she recognized Him. What a great moment – Jesus called her by name and then she recognized Him.

(A) pplication:
    It is a wonderful thought that Jesus knows my name and he calls out to me. Tommy Coombs put this thought into a song:

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

Today I will rest and trust in the One Who “knows my name”. I will live in the assurance of His presence and provision.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, the thought that you know my name and call out to me is almost overwhelming. How is it that a Holy God would take the time to know my and call out to me? I know it is because of your great love shown in your sacrifice on my behalf. I need your power to live life as you intended it to be lived. I want to recognize your voice and obey you when you call. Give me ears to hear and a heart to understand and a will to obey you. Amen

Date: 08-16-2020

Title: Words of Anguish, Joy and Completion

(S) cripture:
    John 19:30 (NASB) Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

(O) bservation:
    As Jesus hangs on the cross and death approaches, Jesus declares that He has finished all that the Father sent Him here to do. His sacrifice for all humankind was complete. There remains nothing else that must be done to satisfy God’s justice and righteousness. Redemption was now available to all who would believe.

(A) pplication:
    Jesus has done all that needs to be done in order to satisfy God’s demands concerning our sin. There is nothing I can do to earn or merit God’s forgiveness. I simply trust in Christ’s death on my behalf and I receive forgiveness of sin and eternal life. This great act of love compels me to live in gratitude and never to take this sacrifice for granted. Way too often I forget what my forgiveness cost. Jesus died for me. I must live for Him without compromise. It is the only response worthy of Him.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I thank you that you loved me enough to die for me. I thank you for satisfying all God’s demands on my behalf. Help me to live faithfully for you each and every day. Amen

Date: 08-15-2020

Title: Well-Meaning But Mistaken Friends

(S) cripture:
    John 18:10-11 (NASB) Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”

(O) bservation:
    I have often wondered why when travelling with the Prince of Peace Peter would be carrying a sword. That is for another time. Peter evidently thought the Messiah’s hour had come, that Jesus Christ was now ready to free Israel and establish the throne of David as the dominant nation in the world. When it did not seem that was going to happen Peter tried to protect Jesus and took things into his own hands. Whether Peter was trying to push an agenda or just protecting his friend his action was in effect keeping Jesus from doing what God had sent Him to do. Peter was trying to help Jesus avoid a painful, tough experience. Jesus understood both what God wanted and what Peter was doing. He rebukes Peter and moved ahead in God’s will.

(A) pplication:
    I wonder how many times I have tried to keep my friends from tough and painful situations that God wants to use to accomplish His purpose in them. I may be well meaning but I am mistaken. I wonder how many times I have let friends keep me from moving ahead with God’s will because the way was painful and tough. Jesus here shows an unswerving commitment to obedience. Today I am struck with how easily I am persuaded to take an easy or expedient path rather than to be obedient and take the route God has set before me. I must continue to pursue God’s Will for my life and not let anyone keep me from it. Obedience is the key. That’s easy to say and tough to do. I must obey God and not be swayed by well-meaning but mistaken friends.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I confess that I have listened to friends instead of you at times. Forgive my disobedience and give me the wisdom I need to discern your will. Let me listen to my friends but obey only you. Amen

Date: 08-14-2020

Title: God’s Call

(S) cripture:
    Jeremiah 20:9 (NASB) But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,” Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.

(O) bservation:
    Jeremiah is complaining to the Lord and wants to quit. He wishes he had never been born. He no longer wants to speak for God. There is a problem though, God has called him and put His word in Jeremiah and that word must come out.

(A) pplication:
    There have been times when I wanted to quit and so something else but I keep coming back to God’s call in my life. God’s call places in you a desire that cannot be satisfied by any other pursuit. Whatever His call it will come with his word in you that must come out. When I do not want to speak any longer I must continue because God has put His word in me and I must not be silent. It is important that when I speak that it is God’s word and not just my own that are heard. That is His call in my life.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, remind me of your call in my life when things get rough, Right now things are good for me but many are suffering from the effects of the pandemic. In the midst of all that is going on remind us all of your presence, love, power and call in our lives. Amen

Date: 08-13-2020

Title: Belief At Last!

(S) cripture:
    John 16:31-33 (NASB) Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

(O) bservation:
    After nearly three years with Jesus, the disciples finally believe. Imagine taking that long to truly believe. This good news comes with some bad news. They will be scattered and Jesus will be alone, but not really. Then comes a great promise; in the world you will have trouble but rejoice because Jesus has overcome the world.

(A) pplication:
    Belief, sometimes, takes time even for those who have been with Jesus. I do not need to get frustrated with others or myself when believing seems to take more time than I think it should. When trouble comes help me remember that it is temporary because Jesus has overcome the world and in me the world is also defeated. Because of my faith in Jesus, I can endure any trouble that comes.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me believe. When trouble comes remind me that it is temporary and that Jesus has defeated the powers of this world. Let me live as an overcomer in You and share that good news with others. Amen

Date: 08-12-2020

Title: A Place I Never Want To Be

(S) cripture:
    Jeremiah 15:1 (NASB) Then the LORD said to me, “Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence and let them go!

(O) bservation:
    The people of Israel have ignored and turned away from the Lord. It has gone on and on and now we come to this pronouncement – Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. What an awful place. How angry must God be to say that even Moses and Samuel could not influence Him.

(A) pplication:
    On occasion I have found myself in places where I was lost. Some places were a little scary particularly when there is perceived (whether real or not) danger. It is a terrible feeling to be in a place where you are lost and scared. But even in those places as a Christian I am confident of God’s presence, love and care. I never want to be in the place where God withdraws his protection and love for me. I am convinced that as His child, He will never forsake me or remove my salvation but I can be far from His presence and left to my own devices. I never want to make the Lord that angry with me. I think the reading in John 15 holds the key to keeping me out of that place. As I abide in Jesus and keep his commands I experience His life in me and I sense His presence at all times.

    Today I will practice spiritual breathing to be sure I am walking by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. I am keenly aware of how much I need God’s presence and never want to be at a place where He is as frustrated with me as He was with the Israelites

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I love you and want to live for you. Help me to listen and obey. I want to experience your presence, power and protection. I commit myself again to you. Thank you for your patience with me when I try to live on my own terms. Amen