Date: 09-20-2020

Title: Answering Temptation

(S) cripture:
    Luke 4:1-14 (NASB) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE.'” 5 And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 “Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'” 9 And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; 10 for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,’ 11 and, ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'” 12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'” 13 When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. 14 And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district.

(O) bservation:
    When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus answered him with scripture. Even when Satan misused scripture Jesus still answered with Scripture. Jesus was tempted in three key areas: Food, Health, and Life Mission. In each temptation Jesus responded with scripture and then he returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. It is important to note that the devil left but only until an opportune time came.

(A) pplication:
    Too often I try to face temptation in my power or on my terms and that is when I fail. If Jesus used scripture, then just maybe I should too. That means I need to be familiar with scripture and know it well enough to recognize when the devil is misusing it. That is why this Life Journal is so important because each day I am reading God’s Word and asking, “How will I be different because of what I have just read?” This is also a good reminder to memorize scripture. I must be prepared for those “opportune” times when the devil comes my way.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me develop the discipline and habit of a daily devotion. Help me to know Your Word and to recognize when it is being misused in order to lead me astray. I want to follow only You. Amen

Date: 09-19-2020

Title: Holy At Work

(S) cripture:
    Daniel 6:4 (NASB) Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him.

(O) bservation:
    Daniel’s faith was active and visible in his workplace too. He was not only known for being able to interpret dream or as a man of God but was also known as a hard, honest, faithful worker. Nothing could be found against him in his work ethic or product.

(A) pplication:
    So often people are one way at church and another at work or play. There are not many people of integrity in our world. It is a shame when we as Christians are no different than those who do not know the Lord at all. Today I pledge to honor the Lord with my work ethic and the product of my work. I pledge to honor the Lord in my relationships at work, play and at home.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me keep my focus on you. Make me keenly aware when I am not being the person you want me to be. Help me correct my behavior so that I am honoring you in all I do. Amen

Date: 09-18-2020

Title: Jesus Is Born

(S) cripture:
    Luke 2:10-11 (NASB) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

(O) bservation:
    It is Good News – A Savior is born for everyone. Simeon got it right, He is a revelation for the Gentiles and a glory for the people of Israel (Luke 2:32). The Gospel has always been for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike.

(A) pplication:
    Jesus was born for me and for everyone, that is good news. There are many who do not know or accept this truth, Today I will seek to share this word of hope and forgiveness with the people I meet. People desperately need a Savior and I can share the Savior with them.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, give me the courage and wisdom to share the good news of Jesus with the people I meet. I want them to experience the hope and forgiveness that Jesus brings to a life. Use me today. Amen

Date: 09-17-2020

Title: The Prince Provides the Sacrifices

(S) cripture:
    Ezekiel chapters 45&46

(O) bservation:
    Through Ezekiel, God gives instructions about the temple and the sacrifices. What struck me was that the Prince was to supply the sacrifices, the animals, grain, and oil. The Prince supplies the sacrifices that benefit the people. That is exactly what Jesus did. He was the sacrifice for our benefit. The Old and New Testaments are consistent even to the point of the sacrifice. The sacrifice that please and satisfy God come from the Prince.

(A) pplication:
    I thank God for this fresh insight that comes from reading His Word. I will continue to read it and search for what I do not know and look to see the Lord in it. Lord, show me what you want me to see as I read and study Your Word.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for Jesus who provided the sacrifice for me and my sin. Let me share Him with others. Amen

Date: 09-16-2020

Title: Teach The Difference

(S) cripture:
    Ezekiel 44:23 (NASB) “Moreover, they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

(O) bservation:
    In His instructions about the duties and roles of the Priests, God gives these instructions to Ezekiel.
        1. Teach the difference between the Holy and the profane
        2. Help the people distinguish between the clean and the unclean.
    This implies that people would not necessarily know these things. What is holy or unholy, clean or unclean is defined by God and the information is passed through the priests to the people. We should not be surprised when people do not know the difference.

(A) pplication:
    My desire is to be true to God’s Word as I teach and preach so that I can offer this kind of instruction and help to the people I serve. I want my teaching to be clear and understandable. I ask the Lord to correct me when I confuse the people. Today I want to speak the clear truth of the Word.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me be the priest you want and called me to be. As a pastor/teacher I need to get things right for me and for them. I want to be true to You and Your Word so give me clear understanding as I prepare and as I speak. Amen

Date: 09-15-2020

Title: I Am Blessed

(S) cripture:
    Psalm 128:1-6 (NASB) How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. 2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy and it will be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine Within your house, Your children like olive plants Around your table. 4 Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD. 5 The LORD bless you from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 6 Indeed, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!

(O) bservation:
    The psalmist tells us how life should be. This is a real incentive to live by faith

(A) pplication:
    Is there any greater joy in life than what is described in this psalm. I have fulfilling work and a family that loves me and makes me proud makes me blessed beyond my ability to express it. My wife is such an integral part of all I do. She is godly and gifted. Her walk with the Lord is an inspiration to many and her ministry touches many lives. My girls are each are walking with the Lord and making decisions that reveals their faith. Their husbands love the Lord and they have given us seven grandchildren that are the delights of our life. I am a blessed man. I thank God for this blessing because I know that it is not because I am worthy but rather because I strive each day to walk with the Lord.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, Thank You for the blessing of my family and work. You have spared me the pain that many suffer in these areas. I thank You for the mentors in my life that taught me how to walk faithfully with You. Let me teach others what I was taught so they too might experience Your blessing in their lives. Amen

Date: 09-14-2020

Title: Every Day Faith

(S) cripture:
    Psalm 145:2-3 (NASB) Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable.

(O) bservation:
    The psalmist reminds us that every day we are to praise and bless God. Not just when things are going good and smooth but every day. When things are tough and rough, I am to praise God. Every day in all circumstances He is worthy of my Praise. He is great and His ways are unsearchable, and His thoughts are above my thoughts. This is a part of my every day faith.

(A) pplication:
    The psalmist got it right – I am to follow his example. I am to praise and extol the Lord in every circumstance every day. The difference in “everyday” and “every day” is an interesting one. “Everyday” is kind of a common routine run of the mill thing. “Every Day” is something that happens intentionally on each day. This is a habit and a discipline that we develop. My “every day” faith must include praising the Lord because He is worthy of my praise. This is the way I want and choose to live my life, every day.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, teach me to praise you correctly. Help me develop the discipline to praise you every day. When I begin to whine or complain remind me of these verses and my need to praise you. Amen

Date: 09-13-2020

Title: The Gospel In Ezekiel

(S) cripture:
    Ezekiel 36:25-28 (NASB) “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28 “You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.

(O) bservation:
    A right relationship with God has always been a result of His work and not ours. Here God, through Ezekiel, says that He will cleanse and give his people a new heart and put His Spirit in them. Again it is His work of grace that allows us to walk with Him.

(A) pplication:
    I am again reminded that my best efforts cannot merit or gain God’s favor. At my best I do not deserve cleansing or the forgiveness of sins. At my best I am still a dirty sinner in need of the work of God in my life. On this side of the life and death of His Son, Jesus, that work comes by faith in Jesus. I am so thankful that my relationship with God is not dependent on my ability to please God or earn His favor. I am saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Praise God. It is God that redeemed me. I walk clean because of His work in me. I am forgiven because of His work in Christ. I thank God for this reminder today.

(P) rayer:

Date: 09-12-2020

Title: No Empty Love Songs

(S) cripture:
    Ezekiel 33:32 (NASB) Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them.

(O) bservation:
    There are many who only want a good show and to be entertained on Sunday. They come because the performance is good but do not practice what they hear.

(A) pplication:
    I will continue to develop my skills so that I can do the best job I can do when preaching and teaching. I must trust God to work in the lives of the listeners. I do not want to be the singer of empty love songs. I want to declare the true word of God and to see people’s lives transformed.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, keep me from being the show. Let people be touched by your Spirit as I speak your words. Let me see people obey you and be transformed. Amen

Date: 09-11-2020

Title: Fiery Furnace

(S) cripture:
    Daniel 3:17-18 (NASB) “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

(O) bservation:
    The king had changed their names but could not change their hearts. These three, with Daniel, continue to be faithful to the Lord. Their faith is seen in their trust in God, whether he saved them from the fiery furnace or not. They were spared and saved by “One like the Son of God”. The result of their faith was that the king believed at least for a little while.

(A) pplication:
    If I want God’s protection, I must be willing to stand for him regardless of the consequence. My loyalty cannot be divided. I cannot do the expedient but must always worship Him and Him alone. Many times I am tempted to trust in other things for my safety. I know I must trust and worship only the Lord. Today I will choose to trust and worship the Lord.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I want to trust you the way these three did. I want to worship only you. You alone are worthy of my trust and worship, give me courage to follow only you today. Amen