Saturday, September 4th, 2010
"Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the LORD! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Mark 11:9-10
Robert and Laura Nance: Calendar/Scriptures
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
"How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of Hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." Psalm 84:1-2
Monday, September 6th, 2010
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16,17
We can be born again and escape the judgment of God by simply believing in Him. Jesus doesn't condemn us; man condemns us... Jesus is praying to the Father on our behalf. We're condemned when we reject God's offer of salvation by not coming out of the darkness into the light.
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
"LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." Psalms 90:1-2
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
"Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation." Psalm 95:1
Thursday, September 9th, 2010
"He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:12
Friday, September 10th, 2010
"How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them they would be more in number than the sand..." Psalm 139:17-18
God cares for each one of us... I am important to Him... The omnipotent God has a plan for my life... He desires that we communicate with Him... Seek His guidance... Study His Word... Call upon Him in time of trouble... Pray without ceasing... In everything give Thanks... Praise Him... Worship Him.
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
Where is your "focus today?
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4: 4-6
Focus on problems... they seem to get worse. Focus on self leads to despair and hopelessness. Focus on the Lord!
Sunday, September 12th, 2010
"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling." Psalm 46:1-3
Monday, September 13th, 2010
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6
How are you responding to God with regards to what He is doing in your life today? Let us commit our way unto God. Put our trust in the Lord. God works out all things - not just isolated incidents - for our good.
(excerpt from the devotional "Lean Not On Your Own Understanding" by Robert and Laura Nance)
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
When trials come... be humble and submissive... (not prideful and angry). God resists the proud. He gives grace to the humble... be patient and He will exalt you in due time. We must be mindful that God never takes His eyes off of us. He loves us with a love beyond our finite comprehension. Thank You Lord... Hallelujah!
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
"If you receive My Words and treasure My Commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding... If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5
We need to Pray first for understanding... and read the Bible, and have the willingness to hear... to receive what God has for us. Memorize Scripture. Ask: "How can I apply this to me... to my life"... "the Sword of the Spirit"? Jesus said it in the Gospel, it is practiced in "Acts", taught in the Epistles... Read... Study the Word. Study in a systematic way... don't dart from book to book.
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, and deliver you from the way of evil..." Proverbs 2: 6-12
Thursday, September 16th, 2010
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2: 8,9,10
Our salvation is a gift of God through faith, not a reward for any works we've done; for God wants the glory. "Workmanship" comes from the Greek word poiema, which means "handiwork" or "a careful work of art". As the artist seeks to express himself in his work, so God expresses Himself in us. God goes before us and prepares the path in which we walk.
Friday, September 17th, 2010
"The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you." Numbers 6:25
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
"Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 106:1
Sunday, September 19th, 2010
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15: 13
If you believe His Word... you will have Joy and Peace!
Monday, September 20th, 2010
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Every Word of Holy Scripture is "God Breathed" (Greek:"theopneustos). Without impairing the intelligence, individuality, literary style, or personal feelings of the human authors, God supernaturally directed the writing of Scripture so that they recorded in perfect accuracy His comprehensive and infallible revelation to man.
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 2:20
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
""I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
"Your right hand is full of righteousness." Psalm 48:10
Friday, September 24th, 2010
"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy." Psalm 103:8
Saturday, September 25th, 2010
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise." Psalm 100:4
Sunday, September 26th, 2010
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I test the conscience, even to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:9-11
God will allow trials and tests; it is so important that we know ourselves. What is the motive behind what you do? Even good things... is it doing good for others or bringing attention to self? If your life is not controlled by the Holy Spirit you are more wicked than you know. You may do something and say... oh no, that is not really me... but yes it is you! That is the problem... pride, hidden motives... but Praise God... our God is merciful.
Is there something you need to surrender to the Lord today... if God is not seated on the throne of your life, then (the sobering news) Satan is!
"That you put off concerning the former manner of life, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24
"Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:30-32
Monday, September 27th, 2010
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts." Proverbs 21:2
"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light, and what you hear in the ear preach on the housetops." Matthew 10:27
If you want to be effective in reaching out to others... you need your own "one on one walk"... "personal relationship with Jesus" first. When He ministers to you in different circumstances... i.e. times of trial, hardship... times of healing... great blessing... whenever He ministers to you... you then have substance to give out! Share the Good News... share your Testimony... share what God is doing in your life today!
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High." Psam 92:1
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
"In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid." Psalm 56:11
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
"Your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Isaiah 59:2
"He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." Proverbs 28:13
Friday, October 1st, 2010
"O GOD my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise." Psalm 108:1
Saturday, October 2nd, 2010
"The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
God will work through the Word to separate the THINGS OF THE SPIRIT from the soulish things.
The Word of God causes us to turn from temporal material things to EVERLASTING things. Material things cause us to be worried and frustrated.
The more you devour the Word... the less you need the counsel of man... DEVOUR the WORD of GOD each day! Our comfort is in the Word!
Sunday, October 3rd, 2010
"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21
You can never be satisfied with the "stuff" you collect. Jesus warns us against laying up earthly treasures, which will ultimately prove to be worthless. Whether you invest in earthly treasures or heavenly treasures affects who you are and where your heart is. We need to not waste too much time with temporal things; we need to keep an "eternal perspective".
Monday, October 4th, 2010
"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
"...And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality." Colossians 3:23-25
To be called a servant of God is an honor and a privilege. In no way is it to be considered a menial position. A servant of God is characterized by humility and concern for others, and is moved by sincere desire to do God's will. We are to be a bondservant (Greek - doulos) of Christ. We are both to serve the Lord as a doulos, and to serve others as a diakonos. (Greek for helper or minister). (Colossians 3:24)
(taken from "The Servant I So Long To Be devotional by Robert and Laura Nance)
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
"For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not." Ecclesiastes 7:20
"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23...we need Jesus!
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:21
Friday, October 8th, 2010
""How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16
Saturday, October 9th, 2010
"Uphold me according to Your Word." Psalm 119:116
Sunday, October 10th, 2010
"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and our glory above all the earth." Psalm 108:5
Monday, October 11th, 2010
"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." 1 John 2:3
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
"For whoever calls upon the Name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:13-15
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8
Friday, October 15th, 2010
"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of it in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12:35-37
Saturday, October 16th, 2010
"Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to the LORD and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:6-7
Jesus Christ, God's sinless Son, was sent by the Father to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross in our place. Blood sacrifice has always been the requirement for sin. To break even one commandment required such a sacrifice, as God is a Holy God Who created man to honor, serve and fellowship with Him. Man chose to sin. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 2:23 (We sin by doing what God has commanded us not to do or by not doing what God has told us to do.) The Good News is that Jesus paid the price for you and for me... Ask Him into your heart...Let Him be Savior of your life! If He is already your Savior but not your Lord... humble yourself, repent, draw close to Him... make Him Lord of your Life!
Hallelujah! How He Loves you and me!
Sunday, October 17th, 2010
"Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments. Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your Name. Direct my steps by Your Word and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts. Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law." Psalm 119:129-136
We must allow the Word of God to dwell in our hearts and minds. Take the way of escape... don't let your mind dwell on the thought which is not of God.
Monday, October 18th, 2010
"LORD You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." Psalm 90:1-2
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
"It is good to be zealous in a good thing always." Galations 4:18
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5: 12-13
God has given us the gift of eternal life through His Son. We cannot have the gift without accepting the Son. This is God's record.
Thursday, October 21st, 2010
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly." Psalm 1:1
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
"Create in me a clean heart, O God." Psalm 51:10
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
"Bless the LORD O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!" Psalm 103:1
Sunday, October 24th, 2010
"God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
We must remember... when fear hits... it is not of God! In our moment of pain, weakness, anxiety... we lose perspective. Trust God!
"Fear not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed; for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
Monday, October 25th, 2010
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose hope is in the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8
Thursday, November 25th, 2010
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance." Psalm 33:12
"AMERICA"
"My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing:Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrim's pride, From ev'ry mountain side Let freedom ring!"
"My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love: I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above."
"Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song: Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong."
"Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing: Long may our land be bright With freedom's Holy Light; Protect us by Thy Might, Great God, our King!"
Lyrics: Samuel Francis Smith 1808-1895
Music: Source Unknown- From Thesaurus Musicus 1744
...with Thanksgiving and Praise to God for His Grace and Mercy...