Weekly Bible Verse
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Jesus recognized a very important principle when He included this statement in His example of
how we ought to pray. One of the most important things we can do for both our own wellbeing
as well as that of others is to forgive.
Not always easy to do is it? Yet we find on every front evidence which supports the fact that
a person who can forgive and let go of things lives both a healthier and more joyous life. The reason
for that is that forgiveness has both internal and external rewards. Internally it allows us to live
free of the weight and bitterness that unforgiveness brings with it. Externally it allows us to
help the other person move forward and be free from carrying that sense of broken relationship
with them. In other words, it allows for God to bring about the healing process within ourselves
and others as well.
Seems like a win win scenario to me. Try it today and see what happens.
Nov 29th, 2010
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
As we now come into the season of Christmas we are at no other time more attuned to the idea of giving. For some it is the responsibility of having to buy for others because that is what we do at Christmas. For others it is the opportunity to give someone something special, something they have wanted for a long time but never got for themselves. And still for others it is the privilege of being able to give something special to someone who is unable to obtain it in their own power or by their own means. That is exactly the message that God is sending through the birth of His Son. Driven by an intense love He is saying to us "Here I want you to know how much I love you and so I am sending My Son to tell you." Yet along with that message of love God is also sending a gift which we can never obtain in our own power or through our own means. He is sending us the gift of Eternal Life. This present comes to us freely if we choose to accept it but the cost was astronomical. The choice will always be ours to make in terms of accepting any gift which is given to us. Today please take the time to think about the Gitf and the Cost that God has offered to you.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
As we now come into the season of Christmas we are at no other time more attuned to the idea of giving. For some it is the responsibility of having to buy for others because that is what we do at Christmas. For others it is the opportunity to give someone something special, something they have wanted for a long time but never got for themselves. And still for others it is the privilege of being able to give something special to someone who is unable to obtain it in their own power or by their own means. That is exactly the message that God is sending through the birth of His Son. Driven by an intense love He is saying to us "Here I want you to know how much I love you and so I am sending My Son to tell you." Yet along with that message of love God is also sending a gift which we can never obtain in our own power or through our own means. He is sending us the gift of Eternal Life. This present comes to us freely if we choose to accept it but the cost was astronomical. The choice will always be ours to make in terms of accepting any gift which is given to us. Today please take the time to think about the Gitf and the Cost that God has offered to you.
Aug 26th, 2010
Hebrews 12:5 See to it that no one misses the grace of God (niv)
How incredible the grace of God is in our lives. It allows us to rest in the fact that our salvation, our eternity is not based
on how much work I do from day to day for the kingdom of God. Nor is it based upon how good and righteous I appear on
the outside. It is not based on me having to clean up my act before God will stop and take notice of me. My salvation, my
eternity is based upon Jesus and Him alone. How liberating that is. Oh how that takes the pressure off me. Why? Because
I don't have to worry each day if I am good enough to earn Gods acceptance, His blessings in my life, His presence in my
every situation. Because He has made His grace available to me, my only concern is reaching out and accepting it. Won't
you do that today. Simply reach out and accept the gift of God's provision for your life today. God makes this provision available
to all, but the choice is still yours; will you reach out and accept His free gift today, what do you really have to lose?
Hebrews 12:5 See to it that no one misses the grace of God (niv)
How incredible the grace of God is in our lives. It allows us to rest in the fact that our salvation, our eternity is not based
on how much work I do from day to day for the kingdom of God. Nor is it based upon how good and righteous I appear on
the outside. It is not based on me having to clean up my act before God will stop and take notice of me. My salvation, my
eternity is based upon Jesus and Him alone. How liberating that is. Oh how that takes the pressure off me. Why? Because
I don't have to worry each day if I am good enough to earn Gods acceptance, His blessings in my life, His presence in my
every situation. Because He has made His grace available to me, my only concern is reaching out and accepting it. Won't
you do that today. Simply reach out and accept the gift of God's provision for your life today. God makes this provision available
to all, but the choice is still yours; will you reach out and accept His free gift today, what do you really have to lose?
Aug 16th, 2010
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
The writer of Hebrews just finished giving account after account of the faithful men and women of the Old Testament and now he challenges his readers. Don't get caught up in all the stuff, all the distractions that the world puts in front of you. Run the race and run to win. A runner is
taught to never look right or left when they are in a race, why, because it will distract and slow them down. That is what the writer is saying here, don't let sin or the cares of this world distract or slow you down. He is also saying that this is not a sprint it is a long distance run so stay at it, don't give up because your reward IS COMING. Rev. 10:35-36. My friends times may be very difficult but hold on keep running because Your Father in heaven sees you and He is the one who will reward you with eternal life, eternal joy and eternal peace.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
The writer of Hebrews just finished giving account after account of the faithful men and women of the Old Testament and now he challenges his readers. Don't get caught up in all the stuff, all the distractions that the world puts in front of you. Run the race and run to win. A runner is
taught to never look right or left when they are in a race, why, because it will distract and slow them down. That is what the writer is saying here, don't let sin or the cares of this world distract or slow you down. He is also saying that this is not a sprint it is a long distance run so stay at it, don't give up because your reward IS COMING. Rev. 10:35-36. My friends times may be very difficult but hold on keep running because Your Father in heaven sees you and He is the one who will reward you with eternal life, eternal joy and eternal peace.
Jul 13th, 2010
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
As we prepare to head into a four day VBS I am again reminded of just how precious our children are. What an incredible gift from God to His church. They are a constant reminder and example of how we should be as we follow after Jesus. Oh how I need to be more childlike in my faith as I accept and apply Gods truths in my life. Are there things the God is speaking to you about that He wants you to act upon with simple childlike faith? I pray that you step out today and let God show Himself faithful in your life.
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
As we prepare to head into a four day VBS I am again reminded of just how precious our children are. What an incredible gift from God to His church. They are a constant reminder and example of how we should be as we follow after Jesus. Oh how I need to be more childlike in my faith as I accept and apply Gods truths in my life. Are there things the God is speaking to you about that He wants you to act upon with simple childlike faith? I pray that you step out today and let God show Himself faithful in your life.
Jun 24th, 2010
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Isn't it comforting to know that our High Priest, Jesus, is someone who completely understands what we are going through here. He understands from a place of experience. Why? Because He has walked through life just as we are doing now. He felt the cold wind on His face, He laughed as the children played around Him, He felt the hurt and sorrow of loss and abandonment first hand. Yet through it all He remained faithful to the mission the Father had for Him. As a result we now have someone sitting at the right hand of God the Father who stands in between Him and us saying "I already paid for that mistake, see them through Me Dad." How cool to know that Jesus completely understands who we are, where we are and what we are going through. How cool that in spite of all that He still loves us more than words could ever come close to describing.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Isn't it comforting to know that our High Priest, Jesus, is someone who completely understands what we are going through here. He understands from a place of experience. Why? Because He has walked through life just as we are doing now. He felt the cold wind on His face, He laughed as the children played around Him, He felt the hurt and sorrow of loss and abandonment first hand. Yet through it all He remained faithful to the mission the Father had for Him. As a result we now have someone sitting at the right hand of God the Father who stands in between Him and us saying "I already paid for that mistake, see them through Me Dad." How cool to know that Jesus completely understands who we are, where we are and what we are going through. How cool that in spite of all that He still loves us more than words could ever come close to describing.
Apr 25th, 2010
John 21:22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me."
How easy it is for us, just like Peter to look at others and compare instead of keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Yet how important it is for us to do just as Jesus says. When we find ourselves looking around at others
at what they have and we don't we quickly sink into a place of discontentment. How much better for us
that we continually keep our eyes of Jesus and constantly seek His will for our lives. When we are abiding
in Him, focused on Him and in constant contact with Him through prayer and His word we will never find
ourselves discontented or looking at others. What peace and joy there is in that for each of us. May you
so fill your vision with Jesus, His grace and love that you have no room left for discontentment or
discouragement.
John 21:22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me."
How easy it is for us, just like Peter to look at others and compare instead of keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Yet how important it is for us to do just as Jesus says. When we find ourselves looking around at others
at what they have and we don't we quickly sink into a place of discontentment. How much better for us
that we continually keep our eyes of Jesus and constantly seek His will for our lives. When we are abiding
in Him, focused on Him and in constant contact with Him through prayer and His word we will never find
ourselves discontented or looking at others. What peace and joy there is in that for each of us. May you
so fill your vision with Jesus, His grace and love that you have no room left for discontentment or
discouragement.
Apr 11th, 2010
John 19:11 You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above....
Here Pilot thought he was the one is control. He had no idea that he was there because God allowed it
all he saw was his authority from Rome and the power he wielded over Jerusalem and the surrounding area.
The reality is that God is the One who sets up and tears down kings and kingdoms. Those in
Washington see themselves much the same as they did in those days in Rome. They view themselves as
having the power over everything that happens in this country. Very few recognize that it is really
God who has allowed them to be there for His purposes.
We who are His children need to always remember that it is Our Father who is in control. He is the One
who sets up and tears down kings and kingdoms. And the really cool thing about all that is He Loves
Us and will ALWAYS work things out in our lives for His glory and our ultimate good. He Is In Control!
John 19:11 You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above....
Here Pilot thought he was the one is control. He had no idea that he was there because God allowed it
all he saw was his authority from Rome and the power he wielded over Jerusalem and the surrounding area.
The reality is that God is the One who sets up and tears down kings and kingdoms. Those in
Washington see themselves much the same as they did in those days in Rome. They view themselves as
having the power over everything that happens in this country. Very few recognize that it is really
God who has allowed them to be there for His purposes.
We who are His children need to always remember that it is Our Father who is in control. He is the One
who sets up and tears down kings and kingdoms. And the really cool thing about all that is He Loves
Us and will ALWAYS work things out in our lives for His glory and our ultimate good. He Is In Control!
Apr 4th, 2010
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.
Are you "of the truth". Jesus' whole life was a testimony to truth. His actions, His deeds, and His words were all one. He demonstrated the character of God to those who would see and His words carried truth in them each time He spoke for those who would listen. The question for us today is; are we taking the time to stop listen and see what He has to say and who He really is. So often life crowds us some much that we scarce have time to get the everyday things completed on our to-do-list let alone have time left to consider what Jesus wants to say to us today. How important it is for us To take time each day to sit with Jesus in His word and then in prayer. This is time which we must make a priority. To be "Of the Truth" means we spend time "With the Truth Giver". Jesus.
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.
Are you "of the truth". Jesus' whole life was a testimony to truth. His actions, His deeds, and His words were all one. He demonstrated the character of God to those who would see and His words carried truth in them each time He spoke for those who would listen. The question for us today is; are we taking the time to stop listen and see what He has to say and who He really is. So often life crowds us some much that we scarce have time to get the everyday things completed on our to-do-list let alone have time left to consider what Jesus wants to say to us today. How important it is for us To take time each day to sit with Jesus in His word and then in prayer. This is time which we must make a priority. To be "Of the Truth" means we spend time "With the Truth Giver". Jesus.
Mar 4th, 2010
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Jesus promises us a peace that passes understanding. He never promises us a peace that does away with conflict, tribulation or troubles. Often times we want the peace that comes with the absence of conflict. But Jesus promises us a peace that comes in the midst of conflict. The issue is never what surrounds us in terms of issues, circumstances or people. The issue is always Who surrounds us, Who controls us, and Who we are found in. I pray that today you find yourself "In Christ" and that you allow Him to give His peace not in the absence of conflict but in the midst of it.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Jesus promises us a peace that passes understanding. He never promises us a peace that does away with conflict, tribulation or troubles. Often times we want the peace that comes with the absence of conflict. But Jesus promises us a peace that comes in the midst of conflict. The issue is never what surrounds us in terms of issues, circumstances or people. The issue is always Who surrounds us, Who controls us, and Who we are found in. I pray that today you find yourself "In Christ" and that you allow Him to give His peace not in the absence of conflict but in the midst of it.
Feb 3rd, 2010
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Not really a new commandment in terms of scripture but definitely a new example of what that looks like. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of how that should play out in our lives. Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians says that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. The concept is that we die to our own desires and put our wives first. That concept carries on in the lives of believers on a day to day basis as we seek to serve, love and support each other. Francis Schaeffer, in his book The Mark Of A Christian lists two practical ways to live this out. 1) By being willing to apologize and seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. Matt.5:23-24 and 2) By granting forgiveness to others who have wronged us. Luke 17:3-4. In light of all that Jesus has done and exampled for us we should respond in kind.
May God richly bless you as you seek to put into practice this wonderful command of Jesus.
Dan
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Not really a new commandment in terms of scripture but definitely a new example of what that looks like. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of how that should play out in our lives. Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians says that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. The concept is that we die to our own desires and put our wives first. That concept carries on in the lives of believers on a day to day basis as we seek to serve, love and support each other. Francis Schaeffer, in his book The Mark Of A Christian lists two practical ways to live this out. 1) By being willing to apologize and seek forgiveness from those we have wronged. Matt.5:23-24 and 2) By granting forgiveness to others who have wronged us. Luke 17:3-4. In light of all that Jesus has done and exampled for us we should respond in kind.
May God richly bless you as you seek to put into practice this wonderful command of Jesus.
Dan
Jan 24th, 2010
John 13:12-15 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well for so am I. If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you and example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater that his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sends him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Jesus here gives us a beautiful picture and example of the attitude and love that we should have toward each other. Jesus, the creator of all things after dinner grabbed a bowl and towel and stooped down taking on the most menial task of any household servant of the time and washed the feet of all that were there. What an incredible example of humility and love that we should have toward each other. Are there times when you have been wronged or hurt by someone? If so you only have to look to Jesus for the correct way to respond. These verses reflect what Paul later in Philippians 2 comments on as an encouragement to the church there concerning the attitude which they should take toward one another.
Lord help us always to have the same mindset as You had as we deal with each other.
God bless
Dan
John 13:12-15 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well for so am I. If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you and example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater that his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sends him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Jesus here gives us a beautiful picture and example of the attitude and love that we should have toward each other. Jesus, the creator of all things after dinner grabbed a bowl and towel and stooped down taking on the most menial task of any household servant of the time and washed the feet of all that were there. What an incredible example of humility and love that we should have toward each other. Are there times when you have been wronged or hurt by someone? If so you only have to look to Jesus for the correct way to respond. These verses reflect what Paul later in Philippians 2 comments on as an encouragement to the church there concerning the attitude which they should take toward one another.
Lord help us always to have the same mindset as You had as we deal with each other.
God bless
Dan
Jan 17th, 2010
John 12:45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.
Such a short verse but how much it says. Jesus came that we might know God and see His character displayed. We have a more complete picture of who God is because Jesus exampled it for us on a day to day basis.
We, as Christians, are called to do the same thing. You see our lives are really lenses. What people see is determined by us. Our lives can either be a lens like a telescope which brings a distant Jesus closer to them, or a microscope lens that makes a small Jesus far bigger. People will see Jesus through the situations and circumstances we go through as they watch us to see how we respond.
Left to ourselves this would be an impossible task. Jesus knew that and that is why He gave us the Holy Spirit to give us the power to live our lives each day in a way that will both glorify and magnify Jesus to all who are watching.
May God richly bless you as you let Jesus shine through the lens of your life.
Dan
John 12:45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.
Such a short verse but how much it says. Jesus came that we might know God and see His character displayed. We have a more complete picture of who God is because Jesus exampled it for us on a day to day basis.
We, as Christians, are called to do the same thing. You see our lives are really lenses. What people see is determined by us. Our lives can either be a lens like a telescope which brings a distant Jesus closer to them, or a microscope lens that makes a small Jesus far bigger. People will see Jesus through the situations and circumstances we go through as they watch us to see how we respond.
Left to ourselves this would be an impossible task. Jesus knew that and that is why He gave us the Holy Spirit to give us the power to live our lives each day in a way that will both glorify and magnify Jesus to all who are watching.
May God richly bless you as you let Jesus shine through the lens of your life.
Dan
Jan 10th, 2010
John 10:9 I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out,
and find pasture.
How cool that Jesus is our guard. No one or no thing can get to us without first coming through
Jesus or being allowed by Him. That's why we can be assured that anything that befalls us is
for our good and meant to grow us in Him and in our faith. How we respond is again the crucial
element which determines how much we grow and how much joy and peace we have in our lives.
Notice also the order of things. We must first go in before we can go out. we must first come
to Jesus before we can go out for Him.
Have you come to Jesus yet, and if you have do you trust Him in ALL situations which you are going
through? I pray that you have and you are because truly that is where our peace, joy and life is
found.
God bless
Dan
John 10:9 I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out,
and find pasture.
How cool that Jesus is our guard. No one or no thing can get to us without first coming through
Jesus or being allowed by Him. That's why we can be assured that anything that befalls us is
for our good and meant to grow us in Him and in our faith. How we respond is again the crucial
element which determines how much we grow and how much joy and peace we have in our lives.
Notice also the order of things. We must first go in before we can go out. we must first come
to Jesus before we can go out for Him.
Have you come to Jesus yet, and if you have do you trust Him in ALL situations which you are going
through? I pray that you have and you are because truly that is where our peace, joy and life is
found.
God bless
Dan
Dec 20th, 2009
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What an awesome scripture to meditate on this week. So much is wrapped up in these few words, from the two different perspectives of Jesus' birth to all that Jesus brings to us. You see to the people of the world a Son was born, a little baby, but to God a Son was given. A gift so precious, so costly and so vital that it cost God Everything, but it meant everything to have that in terms of our relationship being completely restored to a Father who loves us. Take this week and ponder how all these titles are wrapped us in the last, how Jesus brings all these things into our lives as He comes in His role of Prince Of Peace.
May God richly bless you as you come together as family during this holiday season. May we always keep the Main thing the Main thing. JESUS! The Prince Of Peace
Dan
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What an awesome scripture to meditate on this week. So much is wrapped up in these few words, from the two different perspectives of Jesus' birth to all that Jesus brings to us. You see to the people of the world a Son was born, a little baby, but to God a Son was given. A gift so precious, so costly and so vital that it cost God Everything, but it meant everything to have that in terms of our relationship being completely restored to a Father who loves us. Take this week and ponder how all these titles are wrapped us in the last, how Jesus brings all these things into our lives as He comes in His role of Prince Of Peace.
May God richly bless you as you come together as family during this holiday season. May we always keep the Main thing the Main thing. JESUS! The Prince Of Peace
Dan
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