Expect God do destroy legalism and Pharisaic thinking.
Hear is a bit of an odd scripture that I believe deals with this.
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise”
Legalism is a curse, a disease of the spirit. Most of it is routed in a wounded heart that is trying to control God and people. I know that the word “legalism has also been used by people in rebellion who do not want to submit to authority as well so it is a fine balance of love and self-control.
It is not only Christians that can be legalist. Read Acts chapter 18 and 19 and see the legalism that Paul encounters and how he handles himself and those in bondage.
Love is our ruler to measure whether we are legalists or not. You can even be legalistic about not being legalistic. However, as you press into God it is easy to see what is true faith and what is deception. Place your love for God and his children above all else. Ask the Lord to keep you heart in check.
God may challenge some of your thinking. He may show you ways that you have put Him in a box. Allow the Lord to stretch you and cause you to press more into him. Psalm 103 tells us the difference between those who have true relationship verses those who may be legalist. “the children of Israel knew God’s acts but Moses knew God’s ways”
Please pray today for
- Pray for the union leaders and the unions in our region. Much of protection of and representation of the work force of this region is dependent on the unions. I know some of you have difficulty with this which means you should especially pray!
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for Cornerstone TeleVision and all the other Christian Television ministries on your cable or satellite system. Many people will watch and receive strength and encouragement but they too need to be encouraged.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Self-Control”
- Choose a country with a “S” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Fasting Day 17
God will meet every need!
The scripture that automatically comes to mind is Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
God will supply all of our needs, what happens is that we think our need is one thing and God knows it is really something else. For instance, if we are constantly out of money rather than needing more money we may need a better job or wisdom to handle our finances better or perhaps wisdom regarding how to get a better job. God is constantly working to strongly support those who love Him.
Read Acts chapters 16 and 17 pay particular attention to the needs Paul has and the way that God meets them for Him.
There are times when our flesh and/or the devil will lie to us and say things like, “God doesn’t really care about your little needs!” or “There are so many more important things to God than your need!” Those phrases and things like that suggest that God’s power and presence are limited. God is not limited!
Sometimes our needs are met and we don’t realize it. Begin to become more sensitive to the Lord meeting your need. Become more aware of God wanting to meet your need. Stop limiting God!
Please pray today for
- Pray for the business leaders and entrepreneurs in our region. Much of the physical prosperity in our region and be directly tied to the business leaders of our region. I know some of you have difficulty with this which means you should especially pray!
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for all the Christian Radio stations in our area. Many people will listen and become encouraged but they too need encouragement.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Faithfulness”
- Choose a country with a “R” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
The scripture that automatically comes to mind is Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
God will supply all of our needs, what happens is that we think our need is one thing and God knows it is really something else. For instance, if we are constantly out of money rather than needing more money we may need a better job or wisdom to handle our finances better or perhaps wisdom regarding how to get a better job. God is constantly working to strongly support those who love Him.
Read Acts chapters 16 and 17 pay particular attention to the needs Paul has and the way that God meets them for Him.
There are times when our flesh and/or the devil will lie to us and say things like, “God doesn’t really care about your little needs!” or “There are so many more important things to God than your need!” Those phrases and things like that suggest that God’s power and presence are limited. God is not limited!
Sometimes our needs are met and we don’t realize it. Begin to become more sensitive to the Lord meeting your need. Become more aware of God wanting to meet your need. Stop limiting God!
Please pray today for
- Pray for the business leaders and entrepreneurs in our region. Much of the physical prosperity in our region and be directly tied to the business leaders of our region. I know some of you have difficulty with this which means you should especially pray!
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for all the Christian Radio stations in our area. Many people will listen and become encouraged but they too need encouragement.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Faithfulness”
- Choose a country with a “R” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Monday, January 30, 2012
Fasting Day 16
God wants to break every stronghold! Nothing has any right to hold you from being all that the Lord has called you to be!
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” Galatians 3:13,14
I have already asked you to read Acts 13 so today please read Acts chapters 14 and 15.
Three types of curses are broken in these passages one of a demonic spirit, one of death, and one of a bondage to the law.
Many have a bondage from generations, some from previous sin, others from words spoken out of turn. God has sent his Son to break them all. Some times we need to simply recognize the curse and realize that God has paid the price and wants to break in regardless of how it may have come upon us. I believe many of the curses remain in our lives because we believe for some reason we must bear them. God has not called us to bear any burdens but to cast our burdens on Him.
As you have prayed and fasting allow the Lord to show you the curses you are under and expect Him to break them. Let them go and don’t live there any more!
Please pray today for
- Pray for our teachers. All of those who instruct our children need our prayers. Whether your children are in private, public or home-schooled (yes, it is OK to have people pray for you). College professors need our prayers as well.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for Pastor Tim and Paige, Amanda and Christopher. Yes we do need your prayers always. I love what I do; it is many hours on the phone, answering e-mail, face to face, and in prayer for you and preparation for ministry. We are all blessed to serve but we do always need prayer.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Kindness”
- Choose a country with a “P” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” Galatians 3:13,14
I have already asked you to read Acts 13 so today please read Acts chapters 14 and 15.
Three types of curses are broken in these passages one of a demonic spirit, one of death, and one of a bondage to the law.
Many have a bondage from generations, some from previous sin, others from words spoken out of turn. God has sent his Son to break them all. Some times we need to simply recognize the curse and realize that God has paid the price and wants to break in regardless of how it may have come upon us. I believe many of the curses remain in our lives because we believe for some reason we must bear them. God has not called us to bear any burdens but to cast our burdens on Him.
As you have prayed and fasting allow the Lord to show you the curses you are under and expect Him to break them. Let them go and don’t live there any more!
Please pray today for
- Pray for our teachers. All of those who instruct our children need our prayers. Whether your children are in private, public or home-schooled (yes, it is OK to have people pray for you). College professors need our prayers as well.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for Pastor Tim and Paige, Amanda and Christopher. Yes we do need your prayers always. I love what I do; it is many hours on the phone, answering e-mail, face to face, and in prayer for you and preparation for ministry. We are all blessed to serve but we do always need prayer.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Kindness”
- Choose a country with a “P” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Fasting Day 15
God knows what He is doing!
I know that sounds like a silly statement to make to Christians but often we think we understand God then something happens or God does something totally unexpected and we question God.
Please read Acts 11 and 12
Peter experienced and two distinct unexpected events and neither he nor the church understood them. Despite how their lack of understanding, it was God.
We always must bear in mind that God is good and that regardless of mankind’s fumbling with things, He has a plan that He will fulfill. His plans are always for our good.
Some times we are wounded by our disappointment with God. God has the big picture in His hands. It might not fit into our nice neat package so when it doesn’t we get disappointed with God. Disappointment is a nice word for anger. God can handle our anger. He allows us to work it through. The danger is, when rather than working it through, we permit it to fester and a wall develops between God and us. We hinder God’s plan for us and the very answer we need, by allowing a failed expectation to control us rather than the Holy Spirit.
Fasting can cause us to recognize this pain that we carry and the disappointment we hold onto and force us to deal with it. We waste so much time being angry and frustrated when instead we should be expecting answers from God! God is good. He has a plan! He knows what He is doing!
Please pray today for
- Pray for our Local Police officers. If we pray for those who protect us and uphold the law we will never need to fear them.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for Pastor Mike and Beth, Tori and Tim, Nick and Lindsey. Pastor Mike, as our executive, administrative pastor of the church, between He and Beth they are tasked with keeping the “business” of the ministry running. Every day they are handling dozens of requests and needs, giving pastor care, and looking out for all of the staff. The make it possible for Pastor Tim to be able to focus on the needs of the overall ministry. Christian Center could not function with out them.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Meekness”
- Choose a country with a “N” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
I know that sounds like a silly statement to make to Christians but often we think we understand God then something happens or God does something totally unexpected and we question God.
Please read Acts 11 and 12
Peter experienced and two distinct unexpected events and neither he nor the church understood them. Despite how their lack of understanding, it was God.
We always must bear in mind that God is good and that regardless of mankind’s fumbling with things, He has a plan that He will fulfill. His plans are always for our good.
Some times we are wounded by our disappointment with God. God has the big picture in His hands. It might not fit into our nice neat package so when it doesn’t we get disappointed with God. Disappointment is a nice word for anger. God can handle our anger. He allows us to work it through. The danger is, when rather than working it through, we permit it to fester and a wall develops between God and us. We hinder God’s plan for us and the very answer we need, by allowing a failed expectation to control us rather than the Holy Spirit.
Fasting can cause us to recognize this pain that we carry and the disappointment we hold onto and force us to deal with it. We waste so much time being angry and frustrated when instead we should be expecting answers from God! God is good. He has a plan! He knows what He is doing!
Please pray today for
- Pray for our Local Police officers. If we pray for those who protect us and uphold the law we will never need to fear them.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church. I know I keep repeating this but I believe it is one of our greatest needs.
- Pray for Pastor Mike and Beth, Tori and Tim, Nick and Lindsey. Pastor Mike, as our executive, administrative pastor of the church, between He and Beth they are tasked with keeping the “business” of the ministry running. Every day they are handling dozens of requests and needs, giving pastor care, and looking out for all of the staff. The make it possible for Pastor Tim to be able to focus on the needs of the overall ministry. Christian Center could not function with out them.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “Meekness”
- Choose a country with a “N” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Fasting Day 14
God wants you to live a life of peace, bring peace to every situation and cause even your enemies to be at peace with you.
Continue to read Acts chapters 9 and 10
In these chapters, the most intense enemy of the church is made to be a friend of the church. A representative of the oppressive government over the Christians also comes to Christ and even receives the in filling of the Holy Spirit.
There are a few verses I want to remind you of so you will understand all that the Lord has for you to keep you in peace.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
Our enemies are not to control us, as we serve the Lord, He has a way of bringing peace even in the most troubling situations. Your enemy may be a neighbor, a family member, a coworker, or it may not be a person but a disease, or a limitation like finances, relationships or fear, guilt, or anxiety. Who or whatever your enemy is God can cause you to have peace over it. Believe for your peace today!
Pray today for
- Pray for our State Police officers. If we pray for those who protect us and uphold the law we will never need to fear them.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church.
- Pray for Pastor Art and Kay. Pastor Art’s heart is for the Holy Spirit to be revealed in every person. He and Kay are true servants of the Lord. Wherever there is a need you will see Pastor Art and Kay helping. Keep their extended family in prayer.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “gentleness”
- Choose a country with a “M” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Continue to read Acts chapters 9 and 10
In these chapters, the most intense enemy of the church is made to be a friend of the church. A representative of the oppressive government over the Christians also comes to Christ and even receives the in filling of the Holy Spirit.
There are a few verses I want to remind you of so you will understand all that the Lord has for you to keep you in peace.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
Our enemies are not to control us, as we serve the Lord, He has a way of bringing peace even in the most troubling situations. Your enemy may be a neighbor, a family member, a coworker, or it may not be a person but a disease, or a limitation like finances, relationships or fear, guilt, or anxiety. Who or whatever your enemy is God can cause you to have peace over it. Believe for your peace today!
Pray today for
- Pray for our State Police officers. If we pray for those who protect us and uphold the law we will never need to fear them.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church.
- Pray for Pastor Art and Kay. Pastor Art’s heart is for the Holy Spirit to be revealed in every person. He and Kay are true servants of the Lord. Wherever there is a need you will see Pastor Art and Kay helping. Keep their extended family in prayer.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “gentleness”
- Choose a country with a “M” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Friday, January 27, 2012
Fasting Day 13
Continue reading Acts chapters 7 and 8
Often we will suffer persecution for seemingly no reason. All we are trying to do is follow the Lord and stuff happens. When the church was founded it was such a threat to the established religions that the persecution was intense.
You may be suffering intense persecution because you are trying to follow the Lord with all of your heart. Read Psalm 35 especially verse 13. When we fast God can and will deliver us from attacks of those who would do us harm.
We are a light and some times persecution and struggles help others to see how brightly that light shines in us. God will deliver us from all of our oppression and take us to the next level, if we keep trusting Him. Don’t give up trusting the Lord He will lead you, guide you, provide for you, and open doors for you, if you will simply trust Him.
Don’t focus of the tribulation, trial, persecution, or the people who are causing the problems keep your eyes on the Lord!
Pray today for
- Your local city council or township board of supervisors .
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church.
- Pray for Pastor Gary and Kathy. They are going through a difficult season with the home going of Pastor Gary's son, Cary. In the middle of all of this they are newlyweds adjusting to each other as we all do and the ministry. If anyone is in the hospital you will see Pastor Gary by your bedside at some point.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “patience”
- Choose a country with a “L” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Often we will suffer persecution for seemingly no reason. All we are trying to do is follow the Lord and stuff happens. When the church was founded it was such a threat to the established religions that the persecution was intense.
You may be suffering intense persecution because you are trying to follow the Lord with all of your heart. Read Psalm 35 especially verse 13. When we fast God can and will deliver us from attacks of those who would do us harm.
We are a light and some times persecution and struggles help others to see how brightly that light shines in us. God will deliver us from all of our oppression and take us to the next level, if we keep trusting Him. Don’t give up trusting the Lord He will lead you, guide you, provide for you, and open doors for you, if you will simply trust Him.
Don’t focus of the tribulation, trial, persecution, or the people who are causing the problems keep your eyes on the Lord!
Pray today for
- Your local city council or township board of supervisors .
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church.
- Pray for Pastor Gary and Kathy. They are going through a difficult season with the home going of Pastor Gary's son, Cary. In the middle of all of this they are newlyweds adjusting to each other as we all do and the ministry. If anyone is in the hospital you will see Pastor Gary by your bedside at some point.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “patience”
- Choose a country with a “L” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Fasting Day 12
We are over the hump. We are more than half way through the fast. Be encouraged look for ways that the Lord can show you His amazing love for you.
Have you ever felt like God was not answering your prayers? Of course you have we have all goner through that at some time. If we understand and know God’s Word his promises are faithful and true to us always.
Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible but it has so much to say about the need for the Word. In fact a reference to needing God’s word in our lives is mentioned nearly 40 times in this chapter. If your parents or spouse tell you something once, twice and then three times you had better pay attention. How much more if the Lord mentions something nearly 40 times in one chapter, ought we to pay attention?
I am a firm believer that the answer to every question and all the direction we need are in God’s Word. He does use the fivefold ministry found in Ephesians 4 to help us understand his Word but everything that we need is there.
Read Psalm 119 (we will get back to Acts tomorrow) and see what the Lord will reveal to you about some of the unanswered prayers you may have. This chapter has answers for all the whos, whys and hows of our lives. It may explain some of the reasons for the silence of the Lord. Please understand it is God’s desire for his children to hear his voice. Jesus said, “my sheep know my voice”
Pray today for
- Your local mayor or township supervisor.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church.
- Pray for Pastor Don Johnson. Pastor Don has been with the church since the beginning faithfully serving the Lord, the church, our senior citizens and the Pastors for many years. He currently has a health battle he is fighting.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “peace”
- Choose a country with a “J or K” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Have you ever felt like God was not answering your prayers? Of course you have we have all goner through that at some time. If we understand and know God’s Word his promises are faithful and true to us always.
Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible but it has so much to say about the need for the Word. In fact a reference to needing God’s word in our lives is mentioned nearly 40 times in this chapter. If your parents or spouse tell you something once, twice and then three times you had better pay attention. How much more if the Lord mentions something nearly 40 times in one chapter, ought we to pay attention?
I am a firm believer that the answer to every question and all the direction we need are in God’s Word. He does use the fivefold ministry found in Ephesians 4 to help us understand his Word but everything that we need is there.
Read Psalm 119 (we will get back to Acts tomorrow) and see what the Lord will reveal to you about some of the unanswered prayers you may have. This chapter has answers for all the whos, whys and hows of our lives. It may explain some of the reasons for the silence of the Lord. Please understand it is God’s desire for his children to hear his voice. Jesus said, “my sheep know my voice”
Pray today for
- Your local mayor or township supervisor.
- Choose another family in our church to pray for (we have approximately 150 families, praying for 21 should not be a problem)
- Pray for the power of God to flow in our lives, in the Mon Valley, and in our church.
- Pray for Pastor Don Johnson. Pastor Don has been with the church since the beginning faithfully serving the Lord, the church, our senior citizens and the Pastors for many years. He currently has a health battle he is fighting.
- Pray for that portion of the fruit of the Spirit that is “peace”
- Choose a country with a “J or K” name to pray for today (find out information by going to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
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