Our Bible reading for today tells us about another time that Jesus' followers were in a boat on the Lake (Sea of Galilee). It was late at night, and the wind was blowing. Verse 25 tells us, "Betwen three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus' followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water." Wow!
Peter was in the boat, and he wanted to walk to Jesus on the water. He started...stepped out and was walkig to Jesus, but when he noticed the wind and waves he started to sink. Jeus caught Peter with His hand, and they went to the boat together. When they got in the boat the wind stopped blowing.
Verse 33 says, "Then those followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, "Truly you are the Son of God!" Jesus' followers saw what He did, and they believed that He was God's Son. Today we read about all of the wonderful things Jesus did while on earth in our Bibles. These things help us know for sure that He is the Son of God.
I hope you know that Jesus not only is God's Son, but that He loves you. Our response should be one of love and service for Him today.
So many great events of the New Testament take place on or around or even in the Sea of Galilee. Tomorrow we will look at one more great Bible story that happen at the Sea of Galilee.
~Phiip
minister@elbachurchofchrist.com
Bible Reading: Matthew 14:22-32
30 April 2009
29 April 2009
In our Bible reading today, Jesus and His disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. A very bad storm raged around them, but as the storm continued Jesus was asleep in the boat. His followers were afraid, so they awoke Jesus. Verse 25 tells us they said, "Lord, save us! We will drown!" Jesus stood up and told the wind and the waves to stop." The wind stopped, and the lake became very calm" (verse 26).
Every day we may face "storms" in our lives. These storms may be sickness, financial problems, divorce, challenges at work, or this list could go on and on. If we try to face these problems alone, we may feel scared. Just like Jesus' followers in the boat. We need God to help us with our problems.
What are you facing today? Are you lonely or discouraged? You can depend on God to help you through the problems. He is wise and knows what is best for you!
~Philip
P.S. See you tonight at Bible Class! 7PM
Every day we may face "storms" in our lives. These storms may be sickness, financial problems, divorce, challenges at work, or this list could go on and on. If we try to face these problems alone, we may feel scared. Just like Jesus' followers in the boat. We need God to help us with our problems.
What are you facing today? Are you lonely or discouraged? You can depend on God to help you through the problems. He is wise and knows what is best for you!
~Philip
P.S. See you tonight at Bible Class! 7PM
28 April 2009
Daily Update
Read Matthew 4:18-22
So many great Bible stories take place on or at the Sea of Galilee. Some of the characters of the Bible even made a living from the Sea. Today's Bible reading tells us that Jesus walked by the lake, and there He saw two brothers, Andrew and Peter. They were fishermen, but Jesus said to them (verse 19), "Come follow Me. I will make you a different kind of fisherman. You will work to gather people, not fish." The next verse tells us that Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus.
Then Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John. They were fishermen, too, and Jesus invited them to follow as well, and they did just that. "So the brothers left their boat and their father, and they followed Jesus" (verse 22).
Peter, Andrew, James, and John were the first of the 12 disciples that Jesus chose. These men followed Jesus and learned from Him for about three years. After that they gave the rest of their lives working for Him. They gave up their jobs and families so they could be with Jesus.
Sometimes God may ask you to give up something so you can follow Him. I hope you are willing to give up everything to serve and obey God!
~Philip
So many great Bible stories take place on or at the Sea of Galilee. Some of the characters of the Bible even made a living from the Sea. Today's Bible reading tells us that Jesus walked by the lake, and there He saw two brothers, Andrew and Peter. They were fishermen, but Jesus said to them (verse 19), "Come follow Me. I will make you a different kind of fisherman. You will work to gather people, not fish." The next verse tells us that Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus.
Then Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John. They were fishermen, too, and Jesus invited them to follow as well, and they did just that. "So the brothers left their boat and their father, and they followed Jesus" (verse 22).
Peter, Andrew, James, and John were the first of the 12 disciples that Jesus chose. These men followed Jesus and learned from Him for about three years. After that they gave the rest of their lives working for Him. They gave up their jobs and families so they could be with Jesus.
Sometimes God may ask you to give up something so you can follow Him. I hope you are willing to give up everything to serve and obey God!
~Philip
27 April 2009
Daily Update
Read Numbers 34:1-12
Today, and for the next few days, we will talk about the Sea of Galilee. Yes, I am thinking about scuba diving. Smile. The Sea of Galilee is located in Israel, and is about the size of a big lake. 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, the Sea of Galilee is from 80 to 200 feet deep.
The Sea is called by several different names. The Old Testament name is Lake Kinneret, that is also the name people call it by today. In the New Testament it is called Galilee, the Sea of Tiberias, and Lake Gennesaret.
In our Bible reading today, God told Moses the boundaries of the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. This was the same land God had promised to give to Abraham and his people the Israelites. Verse 11 of our reading says, "And the coast shall go down from Shepham and Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward."
Because the Bible talks of the Sea of Galilee in both the Old and New Testament, and it still exists today, these facts help us to know that the Bible is true. Read your Bible today knowing you can depend on it.
~Philip
Today, and for the next few days, we will talk about the Sea of Galilee. Yes, I am thinking about scuba diving. Smile. The Sea of Galilee is located in Israel, and is about the size of a big lake. 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, the Sea of Galilee is from 80 to 200 feet deep.
The Sea is called by several different names. The Old Testament name is Lake Kinneret, that is also the name people call it by today. In the New Testament it is called Galilee, the Sea of Tiberias, and Lake Gennesaret.
In our Bible reading today, God told Moses the boundaries of the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. This was the same land God had promised to give to Abraham and his people the Israelites. Verse 11 of our reading says, "And the coast shall go down from Shepham and Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward."
Because the Bible talks of the Sea of Galilee in both the Old and New Testament, and it still exists today, these facts help us to know that the Bible is true. Read your Bible today knowing you can depend on it.
~Philip
Daily Updates April 1-24
4-24-09 Read: Psalm 18:30-36
Yesterday I told you about my friend's guide dog. This is not her first dog. She has had two other dogs, one named Patrick and another named Libby. Both were very special to my friend, but dogs do not live as long as we do. Sometimes they get sick or too old to work. When this happens, and a guide dog retires or dies, it is very difficult for the owner. My friend cried over both dogs and even felt insecure. She would have to learn to trust a new dog.
I am so glad that we don't have to worry about God changing, getting sick, or dying. We can feel secure knowing that God will always be with us. Our Bible reading helps us remember that God is great and powerful, and will never leave us.
I hope you will take time today to thank God for always being there. I also hope we can count on you to be here on Sunday to worship Him with our church family.
~Philip
P.S. Our new Sunday attendance record was set last Sunday at 147. Help us get over the 150 mark!
4-23-09 Read: Proverbs 3:5-8
My friend has a trained guide dog that is a wonderful help to her. She can't see, so her dog, a black Labrador Retriever, shows her when to step down from a curb. He shows her obstacles that need to be avoided, and he prevents her from walking into a street when a car is coming. The guide dog protects her, keeps her safe, and is even a friend.
The guide dog does many things to help, but God does so much more for my blind friend and for all of us. God protects us from the Devil and shows us how we should live. Verse 5 of our Bible reading says, "Trust the Lord completely, and don't depend on your own knowledge." God wants us to let Him have control and guide our lives. God wants me to trust Him to guide me through life and into heaven.
I hope you will trust God completely, and faithfully obey His will.
~Philip
4-22-09 Read: John 9:1-7
Our Bible reading today tells one of the great Bible stories. This story is about a blind man that Jesus met as He was walking. The disciples wanted to know why the man was blind. Jesus told them (verse 3), "It was not any sin of this man or his parents that caused him to be blind. He was born blind so that he could be used to show what great things God can do."
Jesus spit on the ground and made mud, He then put this mud on the eyes of the blind man. Then Jesus told the man to wash his eyes. When the man did what Jesus said, he could see!
God had a plan for this blind man, and He has a plan for our lives, too. Ephesians 2:10 says, "God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things He had already planned for us to do."
God has something special for each one of us to do, no matter if we are blind or sighted, deaf or hearing, black or white, rich or poor...God has a plan! Talk to Him today and ask Him to show you His plan.
~Philip
4-21-09 Read: Romans 1:8-17
I mentioned blindness yesterday and one of my friends who is both deaf and blind. Recently another great friend had a scare as he faced possible blindness. Physical blindness is truly a challenge, but spiritual blindness is much worse.
As my friend started to lose his vision very quickly, he could not even read his large print Bible. He decided to learn Braille. Then he got a Braille Bible. It was important to him to be able to read for himself the Bible. Why? Because, as he told me, he wanted to obey God, to read about God's love, faithfulness, power, and his salvation through Jesus.
Our Bible reading today reminds us that the good news is the power God uses to save people. I encourage you to read the Bible and see God's plan for your life. If you have a problem reading...maybe you need large print, a CD or DVD, or even someone to help. Do whatever it takes to hear God's word!
God wants you to know Him, His promises, and His love.
~Philip
4-20-09 Read: James 1:2-8
All people have some difficulties in their lives. It may be a physical handicap, financial problems, poor health, sin problems, loneliness, or some other kind of problem. I know a man that is deaf and blind, and some people wonder how he could be happy. He once told me he decided to just be happy!
In our Bible reading today, James said that we should be happy when we face troubles. Why? Because these troubles test our faith, and when our faith is tested and stand strong we become a better Christian!
But, remember, we can not face our troubles alone. God gives us strength to endure every problem we face. Talk to God today and hear His word. Ask Him to give you strength to face your troubles. God will bless you when you faithfully obey Him.
~Philip
4-17-09 Read Joshua 6:1-21
The book of Joshua tells us about the Israelites moving into the land of Canaan. The first city to be conquered was Jericho, and the big wall that went with it.
In our Bible reading today, God told Joshua and the Israelites how to defeat the people of Jericho. God said that they should march around the wallsw of Jericho one time for six days. Then on the seventh day, they should march seven times, blow their trumpets, and shout. The Israelites obeyed, and God caused the walls of Jericho to fall.
The Israelites knew they needed God's help. They faithfully obeyed and God helped them to succeed. Sometimes we face problems...God wants us to trust Him, depend on His strength, and see these walls come down. God will help you succeed if you will apply the principle of:
Faith + Obedience = Salvation
~Philip
4-16-09 Read: Psalm 46:10-11
It is very hard for us to be still and depend on God, but often that is what we need to do. We need even to stop what we are doing and wait for God’s help.
We sometimes are like a horse tangled in a rope. I saw a television show about some people rescuing horses from flood waters. One horse was tangled, with the rope around its neck and legs. The horse kicked and tried to run so it would be free, but it only became more tangled. The rescuers tried to remove the rope, but the horse was moving too much. All they wanted was for the horse to stand still!
I wonder if we are sometimes like that horse. When we go through a difficult time, and we try to “fix the situation”. Maybe we are scared and forget to rely on God. We must stop, wait and let God help us. God is much better at taking care of the problem than we are!
Are you facing problems today? I hope you will stop fighting God and let Him help you.
~Philip
4-15-09 Read: I Cor. 11:23-29
A few months ago, I decided to make meatloaf. I had never made it, so I decided to call and get a recipe. My first call was to Pam, our church secretarysecretary and a very good cook. After hearing the recipe and thinking she must be crazy, I called my mother-in-law who repeated almost word for word the same recipe. I then decided to just give it a try, and it turned out great!
In our Bible reading today, Paul gave the Christians in Corinth a "recipe" for the Lord's Supper. Some people were not eating the Lord's Supper the right way, so Paul gave them needed instructions on how to eat this meal to honor Jesus. My meatloaf may have turned out okay had I not followed the recipe, but we should carefully follow the instructions of the Bible.
Examine yourself today. Are you following the Bible? If we follow the Bible, we know we are doing what God wants.
Faith + Obedience = Salvation
~Philip
4-14-09
Sometimes people have questions about faith and God. Maybe parents, preachers, and Bible class teachers taught them to believe in God, but now something has made them question. A problem, sickness, or death has caused them to wonder if God is real. is real.
In 1 Corinthians 15:17 (Part of our reading for today), Paul said, "And if Christ has not been raised from death, then your faith is for nothing, you are still guilty of your sins." We must know that God and Jesus are real. Even the word of the Bible. If not, our faith is worth nothing.
There is evidence! Evidence from nature and science. History supports the truth that Jesus was real, and lived here on earth. People saw Him and talked to Him, and the first four books of the New Testament tell of the things He did.
We should work everyday to grow our faith. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6). With this kind of growing faith, the questions are gone, His strength supports us through problems, and we have a renewed hope of heaven.
Share the truth of God's word with someone today...Help them have the answer, too!
~Philip
4-13-09 Read: Psalm 43:1-5
Have you ever been lost? Wondered where you were? I have been lost a few times, and I have come to understand that using a map, or now my GPS, is an important thing. Using a map shows us how to get from where we are to another place.
Sometimes we can be lost in our relationship with God. Maybe we get of course and stop praying, reading, or attending. We get so far off course we don't take time to worship God, and fellowship with other Christians. We need to correct our course...coming back to God. The Bible must be our map. As we read, we learn which way is good and which is bad. We even learn how to right our way through faithful obedience to God.
In our reading today, we hear these words..."God, let your light and truth shine on me. Your light and truth will guide me." (verse 3) If this is true in our lives, we must follow the map.
Take sometime today and read the map for your life, study the Bible and learn new things about God and His plan for you!
4-9-09 Read: John 20:1-1
Our final Easter word is resurrection. This is, of course, the word of words for Easter...Referring to Jesus becoming alive again after He was dead.
While Jesus was on earth, He did many miracles, amazing things that could only be done with or by the power of God. Jesus made blind people see and deaf people hear, crippled people walk and sick people well. These miracles helped people, proved Jesus as God's son, and brought glory to the Father. But, in our Bible reading today, we hear of the greatest miracle of all!
Jesus rose from the dead! When Jesus rose, became alive again, He showed Himself to have power even over death. Jesus also showed us that we, too, can overcome death and live forever with Him. How? Faith + Obedience!
If we are Christians, we have a lot to celebrate this Easter and every Lord's Day! Verse 18 of our reading says, "...'I have seen the Lord!'..." The resurrection proves that Jesus is truly our Lord.
I hope you believe that Jesus died and rose for you!
~Philip
4-8-09 Read: Philippians 2:1-11
Today we have two Easter words. The first is sacrifice, the idea of giving something up that is important to us. Jesus sacrificed His life for us, dying on the cross as the payment for our sin.
Our Bible reading tells us that Jesus chose to give up riches and glory in heaven to come to earth as a human, and He chose to obey God and die on the cross. He willingly sacrificed Himself. Today God wants every person to recognize Jesus as His son and the savior of the world (verses 9 and 10).
Our second Easter word is cross. As He gave Himself for man, the people of His day used a cross to kill Him. Criminals were punished, in that time, by crucifixion, This was done publicly so the people would understand that crucifixion was punishment for disobeying the law. Crucifixion was a terrible way to die.
We don't knkow for sure what Jesus' cross looked like, but it was most likely wooden and shaped like a "T". A sign was put on the top of the cross that said, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." (John 19:19)
Romans 6:6 tells us that "our old life died on the cross, so that the body of sin might be done away with..." When we accept Jesus as our savior, faithfully obeying His word, we become a new person (Ephesians 5:1-2). Our old life has been crucified with Jesus (Galatians 2:20).
God Loves you and gave His Son for you. Thank God for His wonderful gift of salvation!
~Philip
4-7-09 Read Matt. 26:26-29
Today's Easter word is communion. For many people the word communion is only used at this time of year. The Lord's supper and eucharist are other names for communion. We as Christians and others around the world celebrate communion to remember what Jesus did for us.
Our Bible reading today tells us about the night before Jesus was crucified and died. He ate a meal with His disciples (fellowship with fellow believers is good!), and during this meal they ate bread and drank wine. Jesus used the bread and the wine to teach them and us about His death. Jesus said the bread, "is my body" (verse 26), and of the wine, "this is my blood" (verse 28).
When we celebrate Jesus with communion, we remember His death, and we should remember His burial and ressurection. We have an opportunity to examine ourselves, thinking about about our sin and making it right. Also, when we eat the Lord's Supper, we show other people an example of Jesus' death and resurrection.
If you are a Christian, make sure you can and do celebrate communion. Remembering the hope we have in Jesus on Easter Sunday and each Lord's Day!
~Philip
4-6-09 Read: Matt. 11:11-21
In a few days, we will celebrate Easter. Each day this week we will talk about special Easter words.
Our first word is "Hosanna." In the Hebrew language, this word was a way to ask God for help. Later, the word came to be used as a word of praise or celebration. Some Bible translations use the word "praise" for the word "Hosanna".
In our Bible reading today, Jesus went into the city of Jerusalem, riding a donkey and celebrated as a king. Verse 9 tells us the people followed Him and shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Welcome! God bless the one that comes in the name of the Lord."
One week later, many of these same people shouted...kill Him! They rejected Jesus as their leader, but Jesus accepted them and died to save them. Jesus died not only for them, but all the people. Think about your life today. Are you praising for rejecting? He wants you to accept Him as your savior and friend.
~Philip
4-3-09 Read Mark 21:1-11
In just over one week, many of us will celebrate a special day called Easter. Many things happened in Jesus' life during the week before and even on the days after His crucifixion and death.
In today's reading, we learn about Jesus being honored as Lord and King...Jesus had sent two of His disciples to get a young donkey, for Him to ride on His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They obeyed, and many people came to see Him and honor Him. Some of the people spread their coats and branches on the road, and others walked ahead of Jesus announcing the coming. Still others followed behind Him, shouting praises for Jesus. They honored Jesus as the king.
Is Jesus your king? Do you obey and honor Him with your life? If not, start by faithfully obeying Him today.
~Philip
4-2-09 Read: Ephesians 3:5-10; Psalm 25:14
I know a lot of secrets! Smile.
Want to know? When I was younger, sometimes people would tell a secret and I would feel left out. I remember one time my friends and family were whispering about something, and would not tell me. (Later I learned they were planning a surprise birthday party for me!) Most of us don’t like others to have a secret that we don’t know.
In our bible reading today, Paul talked about God’s secret truth. This truth is that God gives salvation to both Jews and non-Jews. (Gentiles) God had kept His plan of salvation for all a secret for a time, but sometime after the church was started, told Peter of His great plan. (Acts 10) Paul later traveled to many places sharing this secret.
We should not treat God’s Word, His plan of salvation,as “Top Secret”. Today, God wants everyone to know salvation is available to all. I hope you will share God’s secret with people today!
4-1-09 Read Ephesians 2:10
I have a friend that loves Jesus. He reads his Bible every morning and sometimes even at night. He comes to worship and three Bible studies a week. It has not always been that way...Just a few years ago my friend was involved with drugs. He made some bad decisions and got in a lot of trouble, but he knew about Jesus and his need to follow Him.
My friend finally decided that he didn't like his life. He started praying and studying, then even went back to church. He stopped doing drugs and the other bad things. He started a new life, and he is today a new man. This great change reminds me of Ephesians 2:10 and I John 5:5. Let us all be new in Christ.
~Philip
Yesterday I told you about my friend's guide dog. This is not her first dog. She has had two other dogs, one named Patrick and another named Libby. Both were very special to my friend, but dogs do not live as long as we do. Sometimes they get sick or too old to work. When this happens, and a guide dog retires or dies, it is very difficult for the owner. My friend cried over both dogs and even felt insecure. She would have to learn to trust a new dog.
I am so glad that we don't have to worry about God changing, getting sick, or dying. We can feel secure knowing that God will always be with us. Our Bible reading helps us remember that God is great and powerful, and will never leave us.
I hope you will take time today to thank God for always being there. I also hope we can count on you to be here on Sunday to worship Him with our church family.
~Philip
P.S. Our new Sunday attendance record was set last Sunday at 147. Help us get over the 150 mark!
4-23-09 Read: Proverbs 3:5-8
My friend has a trained guide dog that is a wonderful help to her. She can't see, so her dog, a black Labrador Retriever, shows her when to step down from a curb. He shows her obstacles that need to be avoided, and he prevents her from walking into a street when a car is coming. The guide dog protects her, keeps her safe, and is even a friend.
The guide dog does many things to help, but God does so much more for my blind friend and for all of us. God protects us from the Devil and shows us how we should live. Verse 5 of our Bible reading says, "Trust the Lord completely, and don't depend on your own knowledge." God wants us to let Him have control and guide our lives. God wants me to trust Him to guide me through life and into heaven.
I hope you will trust God completely, and faithfully obey His will.
~Philip
4-22-09 Read: John 9:1-7
Our Bible reading today tells one of the great Bible stories. This story is about a blind man that Jesus met as He was walking. The disciples wanted to know why the man was blind. Jesus told them (verse 3), "It was not any sin of this man or his parents that caused him to be blind. He was born blind so that he could be used to show what great things God can do."
Jesus spit on the ground and made mud, He then put this mud on the eyes of the blind man. Then Jesus told the man to wash his eyes. When the man did what Jesus said, he could see!
God had a plan for this blind man, and He has a plan for our lives, too. Ephesians 2:10 says, "God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things He had already planned for us to do."
God has something special for each one of us to do, no matter if we are blind or sighted, deaf or hearing, black or white, rich or poor...God has a plan! Talk to Him today and ask Him to show you His plan.
~Philip
4-21-09 Read: Romans 1:8-17
I mentioned blindness yesterday and one of my friends who is both deaf and blind. Recently another great friend had a scare as he faced possible blindness. Physical blindness is truly a challenge, but spiritual blindness is much worse.
As my friend started to lose his vision very quickly, he could not even read his large print Bible. He decided to learn Braille. Then he got a Braille Bible. It was important to him to be able to read for himself the Bible. Why? Because, as he told me, he wanted to obey God, to read about God's love, faithfulness, power, and his salvation through Jesus.
Our Bible reading today reminds us that the good news is the power God uses to save people. I encourage you to read the Bible and see God's plan for your life. If you have a problem reading...maybe you need large print, a CD or DVD, or even someone to help. Do whatever it takes to hear God's word!
God wants you to know Him, His promises, and His love.
~Philip
4-20-09 Read: James 1:2-8
All people have some difficulties in their lives. It may be a physical handicap, financial problems, poor health, sin problems, loneliness, or some other kind of problem. I know a man that is deaf and blind, and some people wonder how he could be happy. He once told me he decided to just be happy!
In our Bible reading today, James said that we should be happy when we face troubles. Why? Because these troubles test our faith, and when our faith is tested and stand strong we become a better Christian!
But, remember, we can not face our troubles alone. God gives us strength to endure every problem we face. Talk to God today and hear His word. Ask Him to give you strength to face your troubles. God will bless you when you faithfully obey Him.
~Philip
4-17-09 Read Joshua 6:1-21
The book of Joshua tells us about the Israelites moving into the land of Canaan. The first city to be conquered was Jericho, and the big wall that went with it.
In our Bible reading today, God told Joshua and the Israelites how to defeat the people of Jericho. God said that they should march around the wallsw of Jericho one time for six days. Then on the seventh day, they should march seven times, blow their trumpets, and shout. The Israelites obeyed, and God caused the walls of Jericho to fall.
The Israelites knew they needed God's help. They faithfully obeyed and God helped them to succeed. Sometimes we face problems...God wants us to trust Him, depend on His strength, and see these walls come down. God will help you succeed if you will apply the principle of:
Faith + Obedience = Salvation
~Philip
4-16-09 Read: Psalm 46:10-11
It is very hard for us to be still and depend on God, but often that is what we need to do. We need even to stop what we are doing and wait for God’s help.
We sometimes are like a horse tangled in a rope. I saw a television show about some people rescuing horses from flood waters. One horse was tangled, with the rope around its neck and legs. The horse kicked and tried to run so it would be free, but it only became more tangled. The rescuers tried to remove the rope, but the horse was moving too much. All they wanted was for the horse to stand still!
I wonder if we are sometimes like that horse. When we go through a difficult time, and we try to “fix the situation”. Maybe we are scared and forget to rely on God. We must stop, wait and let God help us. God is much better at taking care of the problem than we are!
Are you facing problems today? I hope you will stop fighting God and let Him help you.
~Philip
4-15-09 Read: I Cor. 11:23-29
A few months ago, I decided to make meatloaf. I had never made it, so I decided to call and get a recipe. My first call was to Pam, our church secretarysecretary and a very good cook. After hearing the recipe and thinking she must be crazy, I called my mother-in-law who repeated almost word for word the same recipe. I then decided to just give it a try, and it turned out great!
In our Bible reading today, Paul gave the Christians in Corinth a "recipe" for the Lord's Supper. Some people were not eating the Lord's Supper the right way, so Paul gave them needed instructions on how to eat this meal to honor Jesus. My meatloaf may have turned out okay had I not followed the recipe, but we should carefully follow the instructions of the Bible.
Examine yourself today. Are you following the Bible? If we follow the Bible, we know we are doing what God wants.
Faith + Obedience = Salvation
~Philip
4-14-09
Sometimes people have questions about faith and God. Maybe parents, preachers, and Bible class teachers taught them to believe in God, but now something has made them question. A problem, sickness, or death has caused them to wonder if God is real. is real.
In 1 Corinthians 15:17 (Part of our reading for today), Paul said, "And if Christ has not been raised from death, then your faith is for nothing, you are still guilty of your sins." We must know that God and Jesus are real. Even the word of the Bible. If not, our faith is worth nothing.
There is evidence! Evidence from nature and science. History supports the truth that Jesus was real, and lived here on earth. People saw Him and talked to Him, and the first four books of the New Testament tell of the things He did.
We should work everyday to grow our faith. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6). With this kind of growing faith, the questions are gone, His strength supports us through problems, and we have a renewed hope of heaven.
Share the truth of God's word with someone today...Help them have the answer, too!
~Philip
4-13-09 Read: Psalm 43:1-5
Have you ever been lost? Wondered where you were? I have been lost a few times, and I have come to understand that using a map, or now my GPS, is an important thing. Using a map shows us how to get from where we are to another place.
Sometimes we can be lost in our relationship with God. Maybe we get of course and stop praying, reading, or attending. We get so far off course we don't take time to worship God, and fellowship with other Christians. We need to correct our course...coming back to God. The Bible must be our map. As we read, we learn which way is good and which is bad. We even learn how to right our way through faithful obedience to God.
In our reading today, we hear these words..."God, let your light and truth shine on me. Your light and truth will guide me." (verse 3) If this is true in our lives, we must follow the map.
Take sometime today and read the map for your life, study the Bible and learn new things about God and His plan for you!
~Philip
4-9-09 Read: John 20:1-1
Our final Easter word is resurrection. This is, of course, the word of words for Easter...Referring to Jesus becoming alive again after He was dead.
While Jesus was on earth, He did many miracles, amazing things that could only be done with or by the power of God. Jesus made blind people see and deaf people hear, crippled people walk and sick people well. These miracles helped people, proved Jesus as God's son, and brought glory to the Father. But, in our Bible reading today, we hear of the greatest miracle of all!
Jesus rose from the dead! When Jesus rose, became alive again, He showed Himself to have power even over death. Jesus also showed us that we, too, can overcome death and live forever with Him. How? Faith + Obedience!
If we are Christians, we have a lot to celebrate this Easter and every Lord's Day! Verse 18 of our reading says, "...'I have seen the Lord!'..." The resurrection proves that Jesus is truly our Lord.
I hope you believe that Jesus died and rose for you!
~Philip
4-8-09 Read: Philippians 2:1-11
Today we have two Easter words. The first is sacrifice, the idea of giving something up that is important to us. Jesus sacrificed His life for us, dying on the cross as the payment for our sin.
Our Bible reading tells us that Jesus chose to give up riches and glory in heaven to come to earth as a human, and He chose to obey God and die on the cross. He willingly sacrificed Himself. Today God wants every person to recognize Jesus as His son and the savior of the world (verses 9 and 10).
Our second Easter word is cross. As He gave Himself for man, the people of His day used a cross to kill Him. Criminals were punished, in that time, by crucifixion, This was done publicly so the people would understand that crucifixion was punishment for disobeying the law. Crucifixion was a terrible way to die.
We don't knkow for sure what Jesus' cross looked like, but it was most likely wooden and shaped like a "T". A sign was put on the top of the cross that said, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." (John 19:19)
Romans 6:6 tells us that "our old life died on the cross, so that the body of sin might be done away with..." When we accept Jesus as our savior, faithfully obeying His word, we become a new person (Ephesians 5:1-2). Our old life has been crucified with Jesus (Galatians 2:20).
God Loves you and gave His Son for you. Thank God for His wonderful gift of salvation!
~Philip
4-7-09 Read Matt. 26:26-29
Today's Easter word is communion. For many people the word communion is only used at this time of year. The Lord's supper and eucharist are other names for communion. We as Christians and others around the world celebrate communion to remember what Jesus did for us.
Our Bible reading today tells us about the night before Jesus was crucified and died. He ate a meal with His disciples (fellowship with fellow believers is good!), and during this meal they ate bread and drank wine. Jesus used the bread and the wine to teach them and us about His death. Jesus said the bread, "is my body" (verse 26), and of the wine, "this is my blood" (verse 28).
When we celebrate Jesus with communion, we remember His death, and we should remember His burial and ressurection. We have an opportunity to examine ourselves, thinking about about our sin and making it right. Also, when we eat the Lord's Supper, we show other people an example of Jesus' death and resurrection.
If you are a Christian, make sure you can and do celebrate communion. Remembering the hope we have in Jesus on Easter Sunday and each Lord's Day!
~Philip
4-6-09 Read: Matt. 11:11-21
In a few days, we will celebrate Easter. Each day this week we will talk about special Easter words.
Our first word is "Hosanna." In the Hebrew language, this word was a way to ask God for help. Later, the word came to be used as a word of praise or celebration. Some Bible translations use the word "praise" for the word "Hosanna".
In our Bible reading today, Jesus went into the city of Jerusalem, riding a donkey and celebrated as a king. Verse 9 tells us the people followed Him and shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Welcome! God bless the one that comes in the name of the Lord."
One week later, many of these same people shouted...kill Him! They rejected Jesus as their leader, but Jesus accepted them and died to save them. Jesus died not only for them, but all the people. Think about your life today. Are you praising for rejecting? He wants you to accept Him as your savior and friend.
~Philip
4-3-09 Read Mark 21:1-11
In just over one week, many of us will celebrate a special day called Easter. Many things happened in Jesus' life during the week before and even on the days after His crucifixion and death.
In today's reading, we learn about Jesus being honored as Lord and King...Jesus had sent two of His disciples to get a young donkey, for Him to ride on His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They obeyed, and many people came to see Him and honor Him. Some of the people spread their coats and branches on the road, and others walked ahead of Jesus announcing the coming. Still others followed behind Him, shouting praises for Jesus. They honored Jesus as the king.
Is Jesus your king? Do you obey and honor Him with your life? If not, start by faithfully obeying Him today.
~Philip
4-2-09 Read: Ephesians 3:5-10; Psalm 25:14
I know a lot of secrets! Smile.
Want to know? When I was younger, sometimes people would tell a secret and I would feel left out. I remember one time my friends and family were whispering about something, and would not tell me. (Later I learned they were planning a surprise birthday party for me!) Most of us don’t like others to have a secret that we don’t know.
In our bible reading today, Paul talked about God’s secret truth. This truth is that God gives salvation to both Jews and non-Jews. (Gentiles) God had kept His plan of salvation for all a secret for a time, but sometime after the church was started, told Peter of His great plan. (Acts 10) Paul later traveled to many places sharing this secret.
We should not treat God’s Word, His plan of salvation,as “Top Secret”. Today, God wants everyone to know salvation is available to all. I hope you will share God’s secret with people today!
~Philip
4-1-09 Read Ephesians 2:10
I have a friend that loves Jesus. He reads his Bible every morning and sometimes even at night. He comes to worship and three Bible studies a week. It has not always been that way...Just a few years ago my friend was involved with drugs. He made some bad decisions and got in a lot of trouble, but he knew about Jesus and his need to follow Him.
My friend finally decided that he didn't like his life. He started praying and studying, then even went back to church. He stopped doing drugs and the other bad things. He started a new life, and he is today a new man. This great change reminds me of Ephesians 2:10 and I John 5:5. Let us all be new in Christ.
~Philip
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
