Saturday, May 19, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 21-22

PrayerPoint:
Thank God for your salvation and for the truth of His Word.

Congratulations!
If you have been keeping up with this BLOG and completing the daily readings, you have now read the entire New Testament. This will be the last entry to this BLOG because the initial goal of building a community of believers that interact with the Scriptures together on a daily basis has not happened. Let me encourage you to stay in God's Word daily. If you have not read through the entire Bible, try to make that a goal for the remainder of 2007.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 19-20

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your small group today.
Give each of them a call or send them an encouraging e-mail.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 17-18

PrayerPoint:
Ask the Lord to increase your desire to pray. Ask for His forgiveness for the lack of desire as you search your heart.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 15-16

PrayerPoint:
As you pray today, give adoration to God for who He is.
Thank Him for the gift of salvation that He has offered to you.
Thank Him for being Holy, Righteous, Faithful, Merciful and the giver of grace.
Meditate on the Lord and worship Him.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 13-14

PrayerPoint:
We will be finishing our reading of the New Testament together in a few days. Please begin seeking the Lord as to how you should continue your own Scripture reading plan.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 11-12

PrayerPoint:
Is your heart hot, cold or luke warm towards Jesus Christ? Ask Him to search your heart.
How much time during the day does your soul yearn for Him? Ask the Lord to draw you close to Him this day.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Today's Reading:
Revelation 10

PrayerPoint:
Pray for your mother today.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 9

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for our graduates this weekend. Ask God to lead them into the next phase of their life and that through that phase, they would remain close to His Son Jesus Christ.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 8

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the leadership of our church. That they would be unified as Jesus and the Father are One. Pray that they be refreshed in Christ. Please ask God to raise up leaders that are surrendered to Him.

Thursday, April 10, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 7

PrayerPoint:
Ask the Lord to bring you into a more deep and intimate relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, April 9, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 6

PrayerPoint:
Thank God for His mercy.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 5

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the sick in our church. Ask the Lord to give strength to those who are suffering.

Monday, May 7, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 4

PrayerPoint:
Seek the Lord concerning His will for your life. Ask Him to reveal specific things to you that He has created you for. Ask Him to lead you into the paths where He desires you to be at this time in your life.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 3

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for those who have not yet trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation who attend our Sunday services every week. Ask God to open their hearts and minds today.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 2

PrayerPoint:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

Friday, May 4, 2007

Today's Reading:
Revelation 1

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for Women with a Purpose in preparation for tomorrow's meeting.
Ask the Lord to bless their time tomorrow morning. A greater unity among the women. A deeper dependence on Christ. Encouragement for the newer ladies who attend.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Today's Reading:
John 20-21

PrayerPoint:
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29:12-13

Examine yourself. Are you currently seeking the Lord with all your heart? Ask the Lord to renew that desire in you.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Today's Reading:
John 18-19

PrayerPoint:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Today's Reading:
John 16-17

PrayerPoints:
Devote yourself to the Lord this day and this new month.
Thank the Lord that HE is your provider.
Confess any sin or habit that you have not repented of yet.
Pray for the salvation of one unsaved individual that you know.

Monday, April 23, 2007

If you have been keeping up with the reading, here is the remainder of readings for April.
We should be finishing the New Testament in May.

April 22: Gospel of John 4
Pray for the marriages of our church.

April 23: Gospel of John 5
Ask God to show you any relationships that you need to make right.

April 24: Gospel of John 6
Thank God that He is All-Knowing

April 25: Gospel of John 7
Pray for the singles of our church.

April 26: Gospel of John 8-9
Pray for the greeting ministry.

April 27: Gospel of John 10-11
Ask God for wisdom.

April 28: Gospel of John 12
Pray for the widows of our church.

April 29: Gospel of John 13-14
Pray for Women with a Purpose

April 30: Gospel of John 15
Pray for your growth partner today.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Today's Reading:
Gospel of John 3

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the leadership of our church.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Today's Reading:
Gospel of John 2

PrayerPoint:
Pray for your neighbors. Ask God to give you opportunities to reach out to those who live near you.

April 14 - 19, 2007

Scripture Readings and Prayer Points:
April 14: Hebrews 13
Pray for the worship team.

April 15: 1 John 1-2
Pray for the children’s ministry.

April 16: 1 John 3-4
Thank God that you are found righteous through Christ..

April 17: 1 John 5
Ask God to bless your ministry.

April 18: 2 John, 3 John
Please pray for our missionaries in Spain.

April 19: Gospel of John 1
Ask God to protect the unity of our church.

Growth Partner Questions:
Is your life balanced between personal study, prayer, ministry, family, rest and recreation?

What have you learned from your personal Bible reading/study this week?

What area of your life do you feel God most wants you to change?

Did you struggle with any area of sin this past week that you should confess?

Have you confessed this to God?

Do you need to make right any relationship in your life?

How have you sensed God’s presence in your life this past week?

Did you pray for your family, small group, growth partner and church this week?

What trials have you experienced this week because of ministry?

How have you lived sacrificially this week?

What do you need to stop and thank God for right now?

Friday, April 13, 2007

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 11-12

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your ministry by name.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 9-10

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the sick in our church.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 7-8

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the unsaved who attend our church.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 5-6

PrayerPoint:
Ask the Lord to search your soul and bring to light anything that you need to change.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 3-4

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Today's Reading:
Hebrews 1-2

PrayerPoint:
Pray for your growth partner today.

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Peter 5

PrayerPoint:
Pray that the presence of God would be real and evident to all who attend our church this weekend.

Good Friday, April 6, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Peter 3-4

GOOD FRIDAY: It's all about JESUS!

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmaties and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." From the prophet Isaiah (53:4-5). Written approx. 680 years before this propechy of Christ was fulfilled.

"It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.' When he said this, he breathed his last. " Luke 23:44-46

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to give you strength to serve Him.

Thank Jesus and worship Him for dying for your sins. Worship Him, that today He sits exalted on His throne forever. Worship Him, that He has forgiven you, chosen you and counts you complete through your identification with Him.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Peter 1-2

PrayerPoint:
Pray for Pastors Mark and Kevin.

Living for Eternity

Today's Reading:
2 Peter 1-3

In today's reading we are reminded of how temporal our lives on this earth are and that as Peter writes, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief" (3:10). In Peter's 2nd letter I see a strong emphasis placed on the importance of growing in our knowledge of God's word and our faith as followers of Jesus Christ (1:3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12; 3:1, 16). One of the best ways to do this is to be continually growing in our understanding of who God is through His word. There are many honest and sincere believers in churches all over this country who follow men and women who teach false doctrines. Some of these teacher/leaders are well known and have large, growing ministries. But they are in error (2:3). There have even been times when I have sat in small groups where the leader was teaching Scripture in error. This is a dangerous practice. God has placed you in a powerfully unique position to teach others truth...for them. So that they may become mature and stable in their walk with God. Persevere in your study of God's word and you will be used of God greatly in the lives of others. The best thing that we can leave behind us in this temporal world are the seeds of truth and love that we have sown into the lives of others. The Lord promises a great reward for those who persevere in this type of ministry.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for another small group leader today.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Today's Reading:
Jude

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the Easter services, opportunities for outreach.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Today's Reading:
Romans 15-16

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your small group by name.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Today's Reading:
Romans 13-14

PrayerPoint:
Thank God for your salvation.
Pray for the salvation of someone else today.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Today's Reading:
Romans 12

PrayerPoint:
Ask God for a humble heart.

Growing Together
@NewLifeLakeview
April 2007

April 1: Romans 13-14
PrayerPoint: Thank God for your salvation.

April 2: Romans 15-16
Pray for each member of your small group by name.

April 3: Jude
Pray for the Easter services, opportunities for outreach.

April 4: 2 Peter 1-3
Pray for another small group leader today.

April 5: 1 Peter 1-2
Pray for Pastor’s Mark and Kevin.

April 6: 1 Peter 3-4
Ask God to give you strength to serve Him.

April 7: 1 Peter 5
Pray that the presence of God would be real and evident to all who attend our church this weekend.

April 8: Hebrews 1-2
Pray for your growth partner today.

April 9: Hebrews 3-4
Pray for each member of your family by name.

April 10: Hebrews 5-6
Ask the Lord to search your soul and bring to light anything that you need to change.

April 11: Hebrews 7-8
Pray for the unsaved who attend our church.

April 12: Hebrews 9-10
Pray for the sick in our church.

April 13: Hebrews 11-12
Pray for each member of your ministry by name.

Growth Partner Questions:

Is your life balanced between personal study, prayer, ministry, family, rest and recreation?
What have you learned from your personal Bible reading/study this week?
What area of your life do you feel God most wants you to change?
Did you struggle with any area of sin this past week that you should confess? Have you confessed this to God?
Do you need to make right any relationship in your life?
How have you sensed God’s presence in your life this past week?
Did you pray for your family, small group, growth partner and church this week?
What trials have you experienced this week because of ministry?
How have you lived sacrificially this week?
What do you need to stop and thank God for right now?

GOD: The Ultimate Promise Keeper

Today's Reading:
Romans 10-11

I hope you have been enjoying your study of Romans. I pray you have been keeping up with your reading and being blessed as a result. Every time I read Romans I come away with something new or a fresh reminder of the strength of God's grace. In today's reading there are a few things I would like to point out to you:

Ever struggle with knowing which Scriptures to use when bringing another to faith in Jesus Christ ? Romans is perhaps the best of Paul's letters to use. Try using Romans 10:9-11.

Ever doubt God's promises for your life? Perhaps you've messed up bad and feel as though God could never use you again? Perhaps you have someone in your group who is beaten up with discouragement. Read chapter 11 over slowly, carefully. Now focus on verses 29-32. Meditate on verse 29. Pray a response back to God as you come to a deeper understanding of this truth.

Now thank the Lord for his faithfulness. Share this truth with someone in your life who is in need of encouragement today.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for your growth partner today.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Today's Reading:
Romans 8-9

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for Women with a Purpose.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Today's Reading:
Romans 6-7

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the widows of our church.

Justification, Part 2

Today's Reading:
Romans 4-5

The benefits of justification:
We have peace with God (5:1)
We are credited with righteousness (4:3, 6)
We have hope (5:5)
We have been reconciled to God (5:11)
We are saved from God's wrath (5:9)
We have received grace (5:2, 15, 17)
"...the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were" (4:17).

PrayerPoint:
Ask God for wisdom.

Justification

Today's Reading:
Romans 2-3

If someone were to ask you what Justification meant, how would you answer?
The theme of justification is spelled out by Paul in today's reading. Justification means that upon trusting in Christ, we are declared righteous by God. He cancels the guilt of our sin and credits righteousness to us. The only way that a person can be made right with God is through Christ. Not by living a good clean life, not by obeying the 10 commandments, not by not sinning (because we all sin - 3:23), not by doing alot of ministry or wearing a fancy ministry title or going to the mission field or praying long prayers or looking righteous. No. It's all through Jesus Christ. That's why I worship Him (Rom. 12:1-2). How about you?

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the Tech team.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Today's Reading:
Romans 1

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the singles of our church.
Please pray for Mike Greenwood and crew today as they finish loading the container bound for Africa. Help will be needed after church today.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 13

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He is All-Powerful.
Please continue to pray for the men on the encounter retreat.
Please pray for Mike Greenwood and crew as they load the container bound to Africa today.

Ever feel Weak?

Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 11-12

What I love about 2 Corinthians is Paul's vulnerability. Paul the Apostle: Powerfully used of God, confident in his identity with Jesus Christ, endured immense hardships and suffering for the sake of Christ and the Kingdom of God and yet this very same Paul, boasts in his weaknesses (11:30; 12:5, 9). Ever feel weak? Paul did (11:29; 12:8-9). Ever struggle with something deep in your life, perhaps a sin issue? Paul inwardly burned (11:29). Yet Paul kept on going. He kept on serving his Lord because one day in his life, he encountered Jesus on a road and he was never the same (Acts 9). Ever feel weak? Why not look back to a time when you encountered Jesus. What did he say to you? Was His grace sufficient for you at that moment? Guess what? His grace is still sufficient for you...He still cares...He still wants to use you and He will...He still has wonderful plans for your life.

Sometimes we feel weak in the race of life and ministry that God has called us to, but we only lose the race if we lay down and never get up.

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the Men's Encounter retreat.
The GATHERING has been cancelled for this month.

Lessons on Giving

Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 9-10

In chapter 9 of today's reading, Paul gives us some valuable, yet practical tips to consider when giving to others and especially the ministry of God Himself on this earth:

1) We are to give generously and not grudgingly (9:5, 6).
2) We are not to give under compulsion (9:7).
3) We are to decide ourselves, how much we will give (9:7).
4) We are to give cheerfully (9:7).
5) We are to not worry about what we might go without as a result of our giving, but rather
trust in God's grace to provide for our needs (9:8-10).

What observations have you made on the subject of giving that could be added to this list (please post in comments)?

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the marriages of our church.

Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow

Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 7-8

One can learn from today's reading that Godly sorrow far outweighs worldly sorrow.
What is Godly sorrow? I'll let you answer that question. Do a little digging in the Scriptures and see what you come up with. Do a word study on the word "sorrow." That's one way to begin.
Regardless of what Godly sorrow is or is not, according to Paul the benefits of Godly sorrow are many:

Repentance (7:10)
Salvation (7: 10)
No regret (7: 10)
Earnestness and eagerness to make things that were wrong, right (7:11)
A concern for justice (7:11)
A passion to live right (7:11)

What are the benefits of worldly sorrow (feeling bad you got caught or feeling bad about the consequences of your sin):

None.

Instead:
Guilt
Fear
Shame
Death (7:10)

Despite the contrast of the two types of sorrow mentioned in chapter 7, I believe the real message of this chapter is Paul's response: Beautiful, wonderful, encouraging, GRACE!
Despite how others respond to the sorrow they feel over sin, our response should always be the same as Paul's: GRACE!


PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the leadership of our church.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 5-6

In today's reading, Paul reminds us of one of the greatest benefits of being Christians: The Ministry of Reconciliation. "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again" (2 Cor. 5:15). God has reconciled us back to himself. The Ministry of Reconciliation is God's gift to us through Christ, making our relationship right with him once again, not by what we have done, but by what he has done through his son Jesus Christ. The benefits of the Ministry of Reconciliation are numerous: We are a new creation (vs. 17), we are now ministers of reconciliation (vs. 18), meaning that through our lives, our ministry and our message, we are used of God to bring people back into a right relationship with God. Are sins are no longer counted against us (vs. 19). We are free to approach the throne of God and call out to Him at any time through prayer (Heb. 4:16) and we are free to boldly speak the Ministry of Reconciliation into the lives of others (2 Tim.1:7). It's through the Ministry of Reconciliation that feelings of condemnation, worthlessness and guilt are crushed and we are set free to walk with Christ and live for Him!
May the Lord remind you today of how much He loves you and has made everything possible for you to walk with Him and minister the Ministry of Reconciliation to others.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 3-4

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to protect the unity of our church.

Additional Needs within our Body:

Please pray for Erin Sander's newborn nephew Brody who was recently found to have fluid in his brain. Please also pray for the parents (Erin's cousin Nicole and her husband Eric) as they have had a difficult year. Here is Erin's e-mail if you want to send her a note of encouragement: emsanders@hotmail.com

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 1-2

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for our missionaries in Spain.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Today's Reading:
2 Timothy 3-4

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bless your ministry.

Please continue to pray for Pastor's Kevin, Dwayne and Josh as they minister in Uganda and Kenya. Please epecially pray for Pastor Josh as he is in need of physical strength.

Paul and Timothy

Today's Reading:
2 Timothy 1-2

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, we learn more about the unique relationship these two men had. Paul longed to see Timothy so much that he believed that if he were to see him, he would be filled with joy (1:4). Although Paul writes this letter during a lonely time in his life, he continues to speak into the life of Timothy and mentor him through this letter. Paul was like a father to Timothy, a spiritual father that is. This is one element of human relationships that set Christians far apart from others. How many of you have had a spiritual mother or father, someone who either introduced you to Christ or discipled you and nurtured you in becoming mature in the faith? I have had a few. These were men and women who taught me how to share my faith not by handing me a book, but by taking me to the train station every Saturday morning to hand out tracks. Mind you, this is not my prefered method for evangelizing others, but it was another man's way of passing onto me what he had learned the only way he knew how. There was also the first time I participated in an all night prayer meeting at the home of Carole Smith-Torres, a powerful woman of God who saw countless numbers of men saved out of drug addictions into the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What about you? Who is your Timothy? Who are you nurturing in the faith and who is your Paul, the one who nurtures you? I believe it is spiritually healthy to be in these types of Christian relationships. Are you missing out? Why not begin to make this a daily prayer request of yours...ask God to send you a Timothy and a Paul. Your walk with God will become very different and perhaps your relationships with others will cause you to be "filled with joy."

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He is forgiving.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Today's Reading:
Galatians 5-6

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the children's ministry and the children of our church.

March 12-14, 2007

March 12-14 Readings and PrayerPoints:

March 12: 1 Timothy 4-6
Pray for Pastor Kevin as he travels to Africa.

March 13: Galatians 1-2
Pray for each member of your ministry by name.

March 14: Galatians 3-4
Pray for the worship team.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Timothy 1-3

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the people of Chicago to experience and know God. Ask the Lord to set captives free and to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The Ministry of Epaphras

Today's Reading:
Colossians 3-4

Although we don't hear of Epaphras outside of Paul's letter to the Colossians, it would benefit us to pay close attention to the ministry he had to others as noted in just two verses of chapter 4. Epaphras was a servant (4:12), but even more than that, he regularly came before the throne of God on behalf of those God had entrusted to him. You see, Epaphras took the ministry of discipleship so seriously that he not only prayed for these other believers, but he wrestled in prayer for them. Epaphras anguished in prayer and on his knees as he struggled against the spiritual forces of evil that were keeping these other believers from moving forward spiritually. Epaphras did this with one goal in mind: that the believers in Colosse would be able to stand firm in the will of God and that they would become mature in their assurance of who they were in Christ. Epaphras was modeling the ministry that Jesus Christ has devoted himself to for the last 2,000 years: PRAYER (Heb. 7:25). Have you ever wrestled in prayer for another believer?
When we enter into eternity, we will not be bringing with us the hours of television watched, the countless hours of working to acquire material possessions, or the time we wasted stressing about all that God has already promised to provide for us. What we will bring into eternity with us is the men and women that we have wrestled for, the brothers and sisters that we cried out to God for day and night and by doing so, joined forces with the one who lives to intercede, Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is not built upon the foundation of following church growth and modern pop culture trends, but rather by the men and women who abandon all, fall on their knees and cry out to God on behalf of others. May the Spirit of God enlighten your minds to understand the depth of Epaphras' ministry to the church at Colosse.

PrayerPoint:
Ask the Lord to search your soul and bring to light anything that you need to change.

ActionPoint:
Which member of your small group is in the greatest need of someone standing in the gap for him or her and wrestling with God on his or her behalf? Why don't you be the one to do that?
Write down the name of that individual on an index card and carry that card with you all day as a reminder to pray for that individual.

Who is Jesus Christ?

Today's Reading:
Colossians 1-2

In today's reading Paul gives one of the best descriptions of Christ's deity. He did this to refute the false teachings that were present at that time in Colosse. Match Colossians 1 up with Isaiah 53 and you will have a very detailed description of our Lord, Savior, God, King and Redeemer: JESUS CHRIST.

He is the image of the invisible God (1:15)
He is the firstborn over all creation (1:15)
He created all things (1:16)
All things were created for Him (1:16)
He is before all things (1:17)
He holds all things together (1:17)
He is the head of the church (1:18)
He is the firstborn from among the dead (1:18)
He has supremacy over all things (1:18)
He is filled with the fullness of God (1:19)
He has reconciled all things to himself (1:20, 22)
He is the one who makes peace (1:20)
He is the mystery that dwells in you (1:27)
He is the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge (2:4)
He is the fullness of Deity in bodily form (2:9)

May the Lord encourage your heart, strengthen your faith and enlighten you to the power of God who lives in you as you meditate on the truth of who Jesus Christ is.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name.

ActionPoint:
Get alone in a quiet place and read these statements about Christ over and over again several times. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your soul to the truth's you have just read. Read these statements over again. Meditate on them again for a few minutes. Respond to God in prayer.
Write down what you have learned.

Paul's Defense

Today's Reading:
Acts 19:23 through chapter 22

In chapter 22 of today's reading we are reminded of Paul's testimony as he speaks to the crowds in Jerusalem. It was a common occurrence in the lives of early believers to tell their story - who they were and how they encountered Jesus Christ. As many of you know, the worship team at New Life Lakeview also functions as a small group. Currently, each of us are taking turns sharing our testimony. Each week two different people tell of how they encountered Jesus Christ. The entire team prays daily for the two individuals who will share their testimonies leading up to that coming Wednesday evening. Mike and Jenny shared their story last night. I feel like I know them alot better. I trust them more too because of their vulnerability.

Our testimony is our defense. It is our story and a good reminder of our true identity. When was the last time you shared your story as a defense of who you really are? How well do you know the story of the lives of indivuals in your group? I would encourage you to find out. You might just find a hidden jewel within the life of another brother or sister!

PrayerPoint:
Pray for your growth partner today.

ActionPoint:
Give your testimony to your small group at one of your meetings.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Today's Reading:
Philippians 3-4

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He is Sovereign.

Every Good Thing...

Today's Reading:
Philemon; Philippians 1-2

In Paul's letter to Philemon, we have one of my all time favorite verses, "I pray that you will be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ Jesus" (vs. 6). The reason why this is one of my favorite verses is not because I love going out and telling others about Christ. I wish I did. I've anguished over this area of my life for most of my walk with God. You see, I find it difficult approaching people I don't know well. I'm not even that good at pursuing my friends (so if I'm pursing you, consider it a God thing). But what I love about this verse is the mark I have written next to it in one of my older Bibles, "(7/88). " When something jumps out at me in the Bible and I work through that issue, I write the date next to that passage in my Bible to act as a constant reminder to me of what I was dealing with at that time in my life. "7/88" stands for July, 1988 when I was on my first missions trip to Japan with Campus Crusade for Christ, and that is why this verse means so much to me. During that summer in Japan, we shared our faith to people who did not know Christ the entire summer. Talk about living out of your comfort zone! I can honestly say that when I returned I was completely fulfilled as a human. I was satisfied. Why? I had learned the secret of, "every good thing we have in Christ Jesus," by sharing my faith all summer long.

Today after work, I stopped to get gas. A homeless man approached me and asked for money. We talked for a while as I learned about his life. After he finished talking I shared my faith with him and asked if I could pray for him. He agreed. We prayed. As I drove away down Chicago Ave. I waived to him and he returned the greeting. I felt rather good inside. I was reminded of how blessed I am to know Jesus Christ and to be able to share him with another person. I was able to love and respect someone else I did not know. Do you want to have a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life? Go tell others about Jesus Christ. In time, your life will feel much different.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to give you strength to serve Him.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Today's Reading:
Ephesians 5-6

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bring inner healing to those in need.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Today's Reading:
Ephesians 3-4

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for another small group leader today.

Our Identity in Christ

Today's Reading:
Ephesians 1-2

In today's reading Paul makes several statements that support one's position in Christ. I have found that when we grow in our identity in Christ, we begin to gain a clearer understanding of His overall purpose for our lives while on this earth. A strong understanding of one's identity in Christ will also enable a follower of Christ to walk more securely in victory, calling, encouragement and peace.

Who we are in Christ:
We are saints (1:1).
We are blessed with every spiritul blessing (1:3).
We were chosen by God (1:4).
We are holy and blameless in God's sight (1:4).
We are adopted by God (1:5).
We are sons and daughters of God (1:5).
We are under God's grace (1:6).
We are redeemed (1:7).
We are forgiven (1:7).
We are able to understand the mystery of what He accomplished through Christ (1:9).
We are chosen (1:11).
We are sealed with God's Spirit for all eternity (1:13-14; 2:22).
We have power (1:19).
We are alive with Christ (2:5).
We are saved by grace (2:5, 8).
We are raised with Christ (2:6).
We are seated with Christ (2:6).
We are God's workmanship (2:10).
We are called to do good works (2:10).
We are near to Christ (2:13).
We have access to the Father through Christ (2:18).
We are fellow citizens with God's people (2:19).

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the youth leaders.

The Ministry of Encouragement

Today's Reading:
1 Thessalonians 4-5

What I really loved about today's reading was Paul's command to encourage (4:18; 5:11). In the first reference, he asks the Thessalonian believers to encourage each other concerning the return of the Lord. When was the last time you encouraged another believer by reminding him or her that Christ is indeed coming back? In the second reference, Paul reminds the believers to encourage one another as a means to building one another up. I find Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians very "encouraging!" He goes on to write, "be joyful always" (5:16). When was the last time you were around another believer that was always joyful? Doesn't that person's joy encourage you? I know that a mark of my own spiritual maturity is when I have come to the place when I am outwardly joyful all the time!

So...why not encourage someone today? You might just get a dose of encouragement yourself!

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to give you a thankful heart. If you have a thankful heart, ask Him to help you to be more thankful.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Thessalonians 1-3

PrayerPoint:
Ask the Lord to forgive you of any known and any unknown sin in your life.

Titus

Today's Reading:
Titus 1-3

There are several themes that Paul highlights in his letter to Titus, a Gentile that Paul converted to Christianity.

False teachings (1:10-16)
Qualifications of an Elder (1:6-9)
Instructions to different groups of believers (Chapter 2)
Rules for righteous living (Chapter 3)

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the widows of our church.

Answers to "Resurrection: Dig Deeper":
The topic was the resurrection. Paul devotes the entire chapter to refuting the false teaching against the resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of His followers.
If this false teaching turned out to be true, then it would completely nullify the Christian faith. With the recent news of movie producer Cameron's proposed findings, this chapter is rather fitting. One of Scripture's best summaries of the gospel is found in this chapter (vs. 3-5). The ritual mentioned in this chapter that is currently practiced by Mormons is the baptizing of the dead (15:29). They don't actually baptize dead bodies, they themselves go to the temple and are baptized over and over again on behalf of people who have died. The last verse in chapter 15 is a good one to memorize and use when you get discouraged in ministry. Finally, Timothy is the one Paul refers to (16:10) to whom he wrote two letters to.

Eschatology

Today's Reading:
Acts 19:21-22; 2 Thessalonians 1-3

A major theme in Paul's second letter of 2 Thessalonians is Eschatology: The study of future things/events. Paul uses this theme in his letter to encourage persecuted believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to continue to work in the midst of their trials. Apparently, there had been some false teaching concerning the Lord's return that lead the believers to assume that Christ had already returned (2:2-3). This perhaps could be one of the reasons why some of the believers were not working. There is also a strong emphasis on the theme of prayer in this letter (1:3, 11-12; 3:1-2).

PrayerPoint:
Ask God for wisdom.

The Resurrection: Dig Deeper

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 15-16

In today's reading Paul instructs the Corinthian believers on a topic that was the subject of false teaching. What was that topic? According to chapter 15, if this false teaching turned out to be true, what would it do to the Christian faith (15:16-19)? Today's reading gives us one of the best Scriptural summaries of the gospel. Where is that found? Today's reading mentions a ritual that the Latter-Day Saints practice. What is that practice and where is it found? If you were to ever find yourself in a place of deep discouragement in your ministry and felt like quitting, what would be a good verse to meditate on from today's reading? In today's reading, Paul mentions a man that he wrote one of his other letters to. Who was that person, and which verse does he mention this person's name in?

The answers will appear in Wednesday's entry.

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the tech team.

March Scripture Readings:
March 1: 1 Thessalonians 1-3
PrayerPoint: Ask God to forgive you.
March 2: 1 Thessalonians 4-5
Ask God to make you more thankful.
March 3: Ephesians 1-2
Pray for the youth leaders.
March 4: Ephesians 3-4
Pray for another small group leader today
March 5: Ephesians 5-6
Ask God to bring inner healing to those in need.
March 6: Philemon; Philippians 1-2
Ask God to give you strength to serve Him.
March 7: Philippians 3-4
Thank God that He is Sovereign.
March 8: Acts 19:23-22
Pray for your growth partner today.
March 9: Colossians 1-2
Pray for each member of your family by name.

Spiritual Gifts: The Key to a Healthy Church

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 11-12

If I were to ask you what your spiritual gift or gifts were, how would you answer? In chapter 12 of today's reading, Paul begins a three chapter discourse on spiritual gifts. Not all of the gifts are noted in these chapters. For a more complete list of spiritual gifts, read Ephesians 4 and Romans 12. I have found that a person serves best and is most satisfied when he or she is serving in an area God has equipped him or her to serve in. This is why it is very crucial for all believers to know and understand what their spiritual gifts are and how their gift(s) work with the other gifts in the body of Christ (the Church). Not all Christians have been given the same gifts, as in the gift of teaching (12:29). If this is not your gift and you are leading a small group and struggling with the teaching portion, then you should lead the group and raise up another person who has been equipped with this gift. Is someone in your group hurting or grieving? Send the people with the gift of mercy to his or her aid. If this is your gift, then you go! When believers serve in the area that God has equipped them with and the body serves together, without placing greater importance on one gift over another, the overall spiritual health of that church will be stronger.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the singles of our church.

ActionPoint:
When coming to worship on Sunday mornings try to come several minutes early. Take a seat, close your eyes, and ask the Lord to meet you.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 9-10

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that HE is All-Powerful.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 7-8

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the Gathering tonight (7:30 - 9:30 pm).

Honoring God with our Bodies

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 5-6

In today's reading we see one of Paul's strongest arguments against the sin of sexual immorality in the believer's life. Paul was writing to a church that was surrounded by a society that was very immoral, even more immoral than our own culture today. I would encourage you to do a study on the city of Corinth to learn more about how immoral this city really was.

I find it interesting that right in the middle of Paul addressing this issue, he brings up the subject of lawsuits among believers (6:1-8), perhaps likening division among believers to sexual immorality. When reading these two chapters it might be helpful for us to focus not so much on what we should not do (though this is important), but rather to focus on what we should do. Followers of Jesus Christ should:

Devote their bodies to the Lord in their daily living (6:13, 20)
Flee sexual immorality (5:11; 6:18)
Correct disputes among themselves/embrace unity (6:2-4)

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the marriages of our church.

ActionPoint:
Take a good look at your life. Is your body devoted to God? Is there a hint of immorality or idolatry? Are you taking care of your body (exercising, eating healthy and not in access, free from addictions)? If there is something that would hinder your ability to fully honor God with your body, what steps could you take today to change that?

1 Corinthians

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 3-4

We began reading First Corinthians yesterday and I wish that I could have made an entry, but my computer at home was not cooperating, so I'm taking my lunch break here at work to write.
1 Corinthians is a valuable book to the church, for it is in this letter to the church at Corinth that Paul addresses several issues that are still an issue in today's church. Chapter 2 is an important reminder to us of how we should do ministry: not in our own strength, but in the power and strength that we get from God's Spirit who lives in us. I would like to encourage you to go back and read chapter 2, two more times through. As you read through the remainder of this letter, please take note of the different themes and subjects that are addressed by Paul to the church. Try to relate these issues to our church, your small group and your life in relation to other believers. Jot down verses that can aid you in future situations in your area of ministry. There is a good amount of information to cover in this book, so read through it carefully and prayerfully!

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the leadership of our church.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 1-2

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name.

S.O.A.P.

Today's Reading:
Acts 18-19:20

If you've been keeping up with this BLOG, you most likely have been keeping up with your daily reading of the Scriptures. Bravo! When I was a much younger believer and was first learning what it was like to hear the Lord speak to my soul, one of the first things I can remember was the Holy Spirit impressing on me the importance of reading the Bible and praying daily. That was back in December of 1983. Since then, I have read the Bible through cover to cover a few dozen times. But just reading is not enough to make us mature people of God. We've got to go deeper. In today's reading we learn of a man named Apollos who, "vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ" (18:28). How well equipped are you to refute the claims against Christ by using Scripture? How well would your defense be?

I'd like to share with you a very simple way of going deeper in your study of God's word. It's called S.O.A.P. :

S is for study. Don't just read the Bible each day. Take some time to begin studying it. Do a word search on a particular word that you read that day. Do a thematic study of a book in the Bible. Give each chapter a title and then combine all of the titles from each chapter into one title for an entire book.
O is for observation. List observations from your daily readings.
A is for application. Apply the Scripture to your life, similar to what I have been doing with the "ActionPoint" portion of this Blog.
P is for prayer. Respond to God about your reading/study for that day in prayer.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to protect the unity of our church.

ActionPoint:
Begin taking one day of your daily Bible reading each week to study the Scriptures.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Today's Reading:
Acts 17

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for our missionaries in Spain.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Today's Reading:
Acts 15-16

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bless your ministry.

The Power of Words II

Today's Reading:
James 3-5

A major theme in the book of James is our speech to one another. Words have power. In light of this theme, here are some practical things to consider as you lead those God has called you to shepherd:

10 Ways to Build Others:

1. Accentuate the positive.
2. Be liberal with praise.
3. Compliment them frequently, sincerely and in public.
4. Greet people by using their names.
5. Keep a file on their hobbies or special interests.
6. Work on your self image. You can't love others if you don't love yourself.
7. Give credit where credit is due. Don't seal their thunder.
8. Ask, "How can I help?"
9. Give appropriate challenges. People are bored when they are not challenged.
10. Listen! Listen! Listen!

10 Ways to Destroy Others:

1. Underestimate their potential
2. Remove their reward.
3. Show a lack of confidence in them.
4. Expect immediate results.
5. Don't support them.
6. Magnify their mistakes.
7. Ignore their success.
8. Understate the role they play.
9. Treat the task more important than they are.
10. Talk! Talk! Talk!

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He knows all things.

The Book of James

Today's Reading:
James 1-2

James was written by the brother of Jesus and the leader of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). It was written to Jewish Christians. The purpose of the book emphasizes that a believer who has true faith in Christ Jesus will be obedient and remain productive even in the midst of trials. There are several important themes throughout this book that you should look for as you read:

Doctrine of the Word
Prayer
Attributes of God
Faith
Trials and Suffering
Wealth and Poverty
The Tongue
Wisdom
Sin
Judging others/Judgment

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the children's ministry.

ActionPoint:
Pick one of the themes listed above. Write down every verse reference that is noted in the book of James for that particular theme. Take some time to meditate on those verses. Write down your conclusions.

Paul and Barnabas

Today's Reading:
Acts 14

In today's reading we learn more about the diverse ministry of Paul and Barnabas. They would frequently go to Jewish synagogues to preach the good news of Jesus Christ (vs. 1). They were risk takers. They were bold. When resisitance came against them that would prevent them from preaching the gospel, they moved to other towns ( vs. 7). They were used by God to perform miracles (vs. 3). They had great faith. They would not take the credit for something God had done (vss. 14-18). They were humble. They were physically abused, yet kept on serving God (vs. 19). They were tenacious. They strengthened other believers in their faith (vs 22). They were encouragers. They appointed elders (vs. 23). They were leaders. They were sacrificial. They prayed and fasted (vs. 23). They ministered to the church and stayed with them (vss. 26-28). They were relational. Paul and Barnabas: the ideal ministry team that God used to bless the lives of many.

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the worship team.

Win, Build, Send

Today's Reading:
Matthew 27-28

I can remember as a young Christian in the 1980's in New York, I often heard this phrase, "Win, Build, Send!" I think it might have even been a phrase that Campus Crusade used when I traveled with them on my first summer missions trip to Japan in the summer of 1988. The phrase refers to the Great Commission that Jesus Christ gave to his disciples prior to his ascension. It's the final part of our reading for today and it also concludes the Gospel of Matthew. Although this command was given to Christ's 11 disciples (28:16), those who are true disciples of Christ today should Win, Build and Send. Winning means bringing others to faith in Christ Jesus. Question: When was the last time you saw someone come to Christ through your witness? 2nd Question: When was the last time you told someone about the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the love of our heavenly Father? Building and Sending means to teach and equip others to become mature believers so that they too can go and Win, Build and Send. Most call this practice discipleship. Question: When was the last time you regularly met with a believer who was less mature than you for the purpose of helping that brother or sister grow to become mature in his or her faith? Question 4: If you are not currently doing that, then why not?

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your ministry by name.

ActionPoint:
Find someone that you could potentially win and find someone that you can build and send.
The same person would be ideal. You might just store another treasure for yourself in heaven if you do this.

Being Faithful With What God has Given You

Today's Reading:
Matthew 25-26

In today's reading we learn about the parable of the talents (25:14-30). You'll notice that each sevant was given a talent "according to his ability" (vs. 15). One servant received more talents than the other two, most likely because the man (God) had chosen to entrust him with a greater responsibility. Each one of us has been entrusted with a spiritual talent or gift that God had chosen for us long before He created us (Psalm 139:13-16), and He expects us to do much with it, all for His glory. You see, the goal is not to do as much as possible, but rather to do the best we can with He has given us. Are you being faithful to what God has entrusted you with? In your area of service to Him and His church, are you completely faithful? What are your gifts and talents? Do you use them for His glory or to promote yourself? If you find an area in your life that you are not being faithful with, then acknowledge it before God (we learned about confession yesterday from Pastor Kevin), ask Him to help you change and write down a few practical goals for yourself that will help you to become more faithful in that area. Perhaps you are serving God in an area that He has not called you to and that is why you are finding it difficult to be faithful. Or, perhaps you have taken on more "talents" than God had intended for you to have. Bring these things to the Lord, ask Him to show you. Share your life and ministry with trusted close friends and ask them what they think. Wait on the Lord and in time He will lead you in His perfect will, so that you can be perfectly faithful.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the youth of our church and those who minister to them.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Today's Reading:
Matthew 23-24

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the National Government to know, experience and obey God.

The Cleansing of the Temple

Today's Reading:
Matthew 21-22

The story of Jesus cleansing the temple has always fascinated me. The very same Jesus who came to seek and save those who were lost, who healed others with the touch of His hand and His spoken word, the Jesus who children came to and sat with, was the very same Jesus who was enraged over the miss use of God's house, the temple. He was angered because they had turned the place of worship into a money making business, and He was angered for their lack of prayer. If Jesus were to come into our lives today, what would He find? Would He find our lives a temple of prayer or would He find us devoted to making money? How about our
corporate times of worship? What would He find? Would He be pleased? Some of the most powerful worship services that I have ever been a part of were places where the believers gathered early for a period of time to pray together seeking God in His glory and grace and asking His blessing on the time of worship. Please consider this: the next time you join other believers in a worship service, why not come earlier to pray and seek the face of God. Your worship experience just might be more meaningful.

PrayerPoint:
Ask the Lord to search your soul and bring to light anything that you need to change that is contrary to His will for your life.

ActionPoint:
Ask at least two people other than your spouse, to share with you anything that they see in your life that is contrary to God's Word. Make sure that these people have a daily walk with God and are willing to be honest with you, even if they know it might offend you.

Servant Leadership

Today's Reading:
Matthew 19-20

Do you want to become great in God's sight? Serve someone (20:26).
Do you want to be a leader that God approves? Serve those under you (20:27).
Do you want to lead like Jesus did? Don't expect to be served by those under you. You serve them (20:28). Simple. Profound. True. Difficult to do, but we have no other choice if we desire to serve as Jesus did.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name.

ActionPoint:
Memorize Matthew 20:25-28.

Biblical Confrontation

Today's Reading:
Matthew 17-18

There are several topics that spoke to my own heart in today's reading: The importance of having an inner circle of friends that invest in you and you also invest in (17:1-13). The importance of serving God out of humility rather than insecurity (18:1-20) and the necessity of forgiveness (18:21-35). But the topic that I thought I would highlight for those who read this BLOG, especially those of you who are small group leaders, is the subject of Biblical confrontation. In chapter 18, Matthew describes the correct way to confront a believer when he or she has sinned against another. Step 1: Go to him or her in private and in love and confront this individual (vs. 15). If he or she does not listen (here's the typical response, "well you did that!"), Step 2: Take another believer with you and confront this individual (vs. 16). If he or she still does not listen, Step 3: Bring the situation to the leaders of the church. Here are the steps not to take: Do not talk behind his or her back without first going to that individual. Do not keep anger within yourself. Do not slander this individual.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for your growth partner today.

Peter's Mouth

Today's Reading:
Matthew 15-16

What I found interesting about today's reading is that Jesus blessed Peter for proclaiming that He was the Son of God (16:16-17), and then rebuked him for denying His imminent death, calling him "Satan" (16:22-23). Peter was known to be quick to speak. Sometimes he was blessed for what he said, while at other times he was rebuked. Go back and read 15:16-20 in light of Peter's confession and rebuke. Please post your insights on what you come up with.

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He is Holy.

Sink or Swim?

Today's Reading:
Matthew 13-14

As people of faith, we can learn a valuable lesson from the account of Jesus walking on water (Matt. 14:22-34). We read of numerous accounts when Jesus performed miracles in the gospels, but this one is different. This time Jesus invited Peter to experience the miracle with Him. Jesus said to Peter, "Come" (14:29), and Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on the water. Peter was able to walk on the water because Jesus invited him to, and because he kept his focus on Jesus. As soon as Peter took his focus off Jesus, he began to sink. Recently I had been discouraged in my ability to serve God in the capacity to which He had called me to. As I focused on the discouragement, I began to sink. You see, I wasn't looking at Jesus in the midst of my discouragement, but rather on the discouragement itself. What's encouraging about this lesson is that Jesus just didn't call Peter to come, he calls all of us to come. Come when we are weary and need strength (Matt. 11:28), come when are lonely, come when we feel we cannot go one more week as a small group leader, come when the problems in other people's lives are more than we can bear. Come. Stay. Swim. I believe Jesus wants us all to experience a miracle in this life with Him, but we won't experience the fullest impact from it unless our sights are fixed on Him. What are you looking at today? Problems, cares of the world, other people, your job? Why not come and sit with Jesus for a while? He might even take you for a swim.

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for Pastor Mark as he speaks at Founder's Week this evening.

The Power of Words

Today's Reading:
Matthew 11-12

I don't know about you, but sometimes my biggest struggle is my mouth. Words have power. The words we speak have power to heal and power to destroy. As a matter of fact, as I write this I have two Scripture passages typed out and taped on my computer so that I am constantly reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances " (1 Thess. 5:18), and to "do everything without complaining" (Phil. 2:14). In today's reading we are reminded of an important truth that we must never forget as we minister to others and speak into the lives of those we are called to minister to: we will have to give an account for every careless word we speak (Matt. 12:36). By our words we will be acquitted, and by our words we will be judged. There's really no room in our speech for negative, critical talk to other believers, but rather we are commanded to encourage one another daily (Heb. 3:13) and to encourage one another with the truth of Scripture (1 Thess. 4:18). How do you speak to others? Are you an encourager or a wounder?
Ask those closest you to learn the answer about yourself.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bring inner healing to those in need.

ActionPoint:
Seek to encourage two people each day for the rest of this week. Speak into their lives, send them an e-mail, give them a call, or send them a card, all with the purpose of encouraging them.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Today's Reading:
Matthew 9-10

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the nursery workers.

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Today's Reading:
Matthew 7-8

PrayerPoint:
Pray for Women with a Purpose.

The Rewards of Righteous Living

Today's Reading:
Matthew 5-6

Today's reading is from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus gives us the foundation of righteous living. Within these two chapters (the sermon actually goes into chapter 7), Jesus mentions several rewards to living a righteous life. He promises a reward for those who:

1) Are poor in spirit (5:3)
2) Mourn (5:4)
3) Are meek (5:5)
4) Long for righteousness (5:6)
5) Are merciful (5:7)
6) Pure (5:8)
7) Make peace (5:9)
8) Are persecuted because of Him (5:11-12)
9) Love and pray for their enemies (5:44-45)
10) Secretly give (6:3-4)
11) Secretly pray (6:6)
12) Forgive others (6:14-15)
13) Secretly fast (6:17-18)
14) Seek His Kingdom before they pursue their own (6:33)

If any of these describe you, then you are blessed. REJOICE! The Lord promises you a reward.
Now just make sure that you remain humble!

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the MOPS ministry.

How do you Respond?

Today's Reading:
Matthew 3-4

Today we read of Jesus' response to temptation (4:1-10). Jesus was not only tempted by the devil three times in this passage, but he was tempted at a very weak point in his life. He had just fasted 40 days! Look closely at how he responded each time..."it is written," was his response. He responded with the truth of Scripture. I've heard it said that spiritual warfare is not a power encounter but rather a Truth encounter. When tempted, we have the choice to believe the lie that is being presented to us or to respond with truth. We cannot dismiss the lie of temptation if we do not know the truth. The truth can only come by reading, studying and meditating on the Word of God daily and by living our lives submitted to the Truth himself, Jesus Christ. How do you respond when faced with temptation? Is there an area in your life where you continually fail when tempted? What does God's word say about that area of your life? I would encourage you to seek the answer out in Scripture. Embrace that answer and the next time you are faced with temptation, you just might overcome!

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He heals.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Today's Reading:
Matthew 1-2
Chapters 1-2 of Willard should now be completed.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name.

Spiritual Maturity

Today's Reading:
1 Corinthians 13-14

Today's reading focuses on several topics: the importance of love within the body of Christ, Paul's response to the mishandling of certain spiritual gifts, orderly worship and the role of women in the church. But throughout these topics mentioned I see one major theme, and that is the theme of spiritual maturity. Let's take a brief look at what a mature believer looks like based on today's reading. The mature believer does all ministry by being filled with the Spirit. Love is a manifestation of the filling of God's Spirit controlling the life of a believer (Gal. 5:22). The mature believer lives a life of love (13:1-13). The mature believer knows his or her spiritual gift(s) and uses them to build up the church (14:12). The mature believer thinks and reasons as one who knows the word of God (13:9-11; 14:20-21). The mature believer comes to corporate worship spiritually prepared to give something back to the others (14:26-33). There is order in the worship when spiritually mature believers come together. According to these statements, would you consider yourself to be a mature believer? How could you grow in any one of these areas?

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He is Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11).

ActionPoint:
Do you know what your spiritual gift is and if so, are you using it to build up the body of Christ? What steps can you take to find out your gift and use it to invest in the building up of Christ's church?

Ministry Relationships

Today's Reading:
Mark 16; Acts 13

In today's reading we learn of the special ministry relationship between Paul and Barnabas. These two men ministered together in Antioch for a while and then went throughout Asia Minor spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that Paul was not married, but we cannot be certain as to whether Barnabas was or not. If he was, there is no mention of his wife traveling with him. Although these two men ministered together powerfully for the cause of Christ, they did not always get along as we will read in the following chapters of Acts. We will be taking a break from Acts for a few weeks, but when we return on February 14, please take note of this unique ministry relationship.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your small group or ministry team.

ActionPoint:
Take a look at your ministry relationships. Which of these relationships work the best for you and why? What can you change in your other ministry relationships to see the same dynamics produced?

Serving Alone

Today's Reading:
Mark 14-15

I'm sure that at one time or another we have all had feelings of being alone in our ministry. We give, we sacrifice and when we need someone to come alongside to encourage us or refresh us, we find no one there. Have you ever found yourself in that place? I believe it is at that point in our lives where we can sometimes identify with Christ the most and it's good to remember that when we are in that place of "serving alone" he is actually very near to us. He understands.

In today's reading we see where Jesus was brought to a place of complete abandonment by those closest to him. One of the men that he poured his life and ministry into betrayed him (14:18), the others abandoned him, and one even denied him (14:27-31, 66-72). When he needed to be encouraged in the deepest, most intimate place of fellowship, prayer, his friends could only sleep (14:37-41). But perhaps the moment when Christ was most alone, was when he hung on the cross. For it was on the cross that his Heavenly Father turned away from him as he carried the sins of the world upon himself (15:34). The moments or seasons of serving alone can actually become the strength of our ministry and our service to God, for it is in that place where we become like Christ and we identify with him in his sufferings. Christ understands. Come to Him and allow him to refresh your soul. He will meet you there.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for Women with a Purpose and increasing spiritual growth among the women of our church.

ActionPoint:
Have you met with or called your growth partner this week?

Be on Guard! Be Alert! Watch!

Today's Reading:
Mark 12-13

In today's reading Jesus gives a rather lengthy discourse on what we call today, "Eschatology." This is the study of Systematic Theology that focuses on future things. Within the study of Eschatology there are many views and some can get into rather heated arguments about who is right and who is wrong. Perhaps some of us will live our entire lives not knowing who is wrong and who is right and we won't know the truth until we are in glory with our Lord, looking back on this short yet important life of ours. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the study of certain doctrines (even though they are important to know), that we lose sight of the real meaning behind it all: Be on guard! Be Alert! (13:33), Watch! (13:37). Jesus helps us to understand how things will happen, but the command he gives to us is, "be ready."

Two days ago a co-worker of mine died of a massive heart attack. He was rather young. He had no idea that morning when he woke up that it would be his last day on this earth. You see, none of us know. We are not supposed to know, but we are called to be ready. How does one get ready? Read over 12:30-31 again...and again...and again...then live our your life in light of those two short, yet profound verses and you will be ready!

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for our missionaries in Spain.

ActionPoint:
Find a simple book on the study of Eschatology and read it. Come up with your own view and right it down. See if it matches what we believe at New Life.

Jesus: Son of God

Today's Reading:
Mark 10-11

In today's reading we learn more about how diverse the ministry of Jesus Christ was while he walked this earth: He taught (10:1-12, 14-16, 17-31, 42-45; 11:22-25), He lead (10:39-40, 49; 11:1-3), He demonstrated humility (10:14-16, 18, 29-31, 43-45; 11:4-11), He demonstrated authority (11:9-11, 17, 29-33), He defended prayer (11:15-17), he healed (10:48-52).
What themes do you see in today's reading that are not mentioned above? Which theme/teaching in these two chapters speaks to your heart the most and why?

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the leaders of our church.

ActionPoint:
Tomorrow is the IGNITE! leadership conference at Midway. I encourage you to attend and go to the sessions that could best equip you to serve in your position of leadership.

Serving with Compassion

Today's Reading:
Mark 8-9

Jesus had deep compassion for those he was called to minister to. In chapter 6 we read of how he had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd (vs. 34), and today we read of his compassion for the people because they had not eaten for three days. What I love about Jesus' leadership style is that he was completely honest with those he was discipling, "I have compassion for these people, " he says to them. Jesus ministered to other's because he cared deeply for them. He was a true servant. His ministry was not based on opportunities to promote himself, make more money or prove that he was God, but rather he served because he cared. He loved. He had compassion. The interesting thing is that he commands the same attitude in us, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all" (9:35). He calls us to deny ourselves (8:36). It's when we learn this valuable lesson that compassion for others begins to flow from us and we then enter into the place of true servanthood. Denying ourselves and serving with compassion is the best way to represent Jesus in all we do. May he grant us his favor and grace to live out our lives in this manner.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bless other churches in our local area (Armitage Baptist, Chicago Tabernacle, Moody Church, Christian Fellowship Free Church, First Free Church).

ActionPoint:
Serve someone else today who you think needs it the most.

Clean or Unclean?

Today's Reading:
Mark 7

Please post your comments on today's reading.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name.

February's reading plan will be available this coming Sunday (1/28).

ActionPoint:
Take a few minutes to allow the Spirit of God to search your heart. Resolve to change any thing that He brings to mind.

Jesus: The Healer

Today's Reading:
Mark 5, 6

As we learn from today's reading, Jesus spent a good portion of his earthly ministry healing others. As a matter of fact, Mark devotes the entire fifth chapter to historical accounts of Jesus' healing ministry. What I find interesting is that in each situation, each healing was instant (5:13, 30, 42). Jesus spoke, and the person was healed. Although some of these individuals suffered for years, it only took Jesus one moment to bring them to freedom. You see, Jesus had authority to accomplish what he set out to do and whatever he encountered had to submit to his authority. Jesus still has that authority today and I believe that sometimes he wants us to call upon that authority to see others healed and set free. But that takes faith and a willingness to walk in the authority that we have as a result of our identity in him. Sometimes he will use us to heal and sometimes he has chosen for that individual to experience him through suffering. All things are subject to God's will. One interesting thing that I have experienced is that when we set out to seek the Lord for physical healing in another's life, God sometimes chooses to use us to minister emotional or spiritual healing to that individual instead. In chapter 6 Jesus sent out his disciples and gave them authority (vs. 7). My encouragement to you is...never forget the authority you have through your identity in Christ Jesus! Go, and touch lives in His name.

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He is your healer (spiritually, physically, emotionally).

ActionPoint:
Do a Scripture study on your identity in Christ and post your findings on this BLOG.

Sowing Seeds

Today's Reading:
Mark 3, 4

One of the greatest challenges in small group ministry is sowing seeds into the lives of others and watching those lives and the seeds we plant fall away or become unfruitful. We must always be careful to remember that we are not responsible for what others do with what we give them, but we are responsible to continually invest in the lives of others. Although we may impart seeds in various forms into the lives of others, the parable of the sower in today's reading is talking about the Word of God (4:1 - 20, 26-29). Always remember to be speaking the truth of God's word into the lives of those you are called to minister to. In time, the Lord will reveal to you the great harvest you have planted!

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the men of our church and the development of the "Next Level" ministry.

ActionPoint:
Have you met with or called your growth partner in the past week?

The Gospel of Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 1, 2 (we will be coming back to Acts later)

The main theme of the Gospel of Mark is Jesus: Son of God. Written for an audience of Gentile believers, this gospel has a strong Roman emphasis, being that Mark most likely wrote this while in Italy. The Gospel of Mark emphasizes more of Jesus' ministry rather than his teachings and is therefore, a fast-paced account of what Jesus did during his three years of earthly ministry. As you read through Mark, look for the following themes that are emphasized: The Cross, Discipleship, The Messianic secret (Jesus often did not want his true identity of being the Messiah to be revealed), and Jesus as the Son of God.

1/22 Mark 3, 4
1/23 Mark 5, 6
1/24 Mark 7
1/25 Mark 8, 9
1/26 Mark 10, 11
1/27 Mark 12, 13 IGNITE! Conference @ New Life Midway
1/28 Mark 14, 15
1/29 Mark 16; Acts 13
1/30 1 Corinthians 13-14
1/31 Matthew 1, 2

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to give you wisdom.

ActionPoint:
Make sure you are taking time to rest and exercise your physical body!

When the Church Prays

Today's Reading:
Acts 11, 12

In today's reading we are reminded of the great power a praying church has in bringing about miraculous change to what may appear to be impossible obstacles. In chapter 12 of today's reading Peter is arrested and imprisoned. While this was happening the church was earnestly praying for him (12:5, 12). What happened to Peter as a result of that church being gathered together in that home earnestly praying for him all night? An angel appeared in the cell with Peter and the chains to which he was bound were removed (12:7). All 16 prison guards never woke up as Peter passed by them out of the prison into safety. The iron gate that kept Peter imprisoned, miraculously opened and Peter was set free (12:10).

Let me propose a question to you: What are you bound to that you desire to be set free from or perhaps who in your life is in desperate need of freedom from something that is holding him her bound? I believe the answer is found in the power of the praying church. Jesus came to bring freedom to those who are bound (Isa. 61:1; Jn. 8:31-47). The church praying together can have a profound impact in seeing many walk in truth and freedom, but we've got to start praying together earnestly to bring this about.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the unsaved.

ActionPoint:
Many in the church today stay away from group prayer because they are uncomfortable praying out loud with other people. If this is you and you would like to overcome this, begin praying out loud in your personal time with the Lord each day. Secondly, find a prayer partner and begin meeting with this other person at least once each week and pray out loud with your prayer partner. In time, you will find the freedom in prayer that you desire and group prayer meetings will be something that are no longer a hindrance to you!

Are You Listening?

Today's Reading:
Acts 10

In yesterday's reading, we learned of how quickly the believers responded to go and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In today's reading, we learn of how closely these believers walked with God and how as an act of obedience, they listened to what He was saying to them. Chapter 10 focuses on two men, Cornelius and Peter. Cornelius was devoted to God, he gave generously to those in need and he prayed (10:2). As we have already learned in prior readings, Peter was an Apostle, one of Christ's closest friends and a pillar in the early church. What I find interesting about these two men is how they walked with God, how they listened to Him and how they obeyed what He was saying to them.
The question for today: Do you take time to listen to God? What is He saying to you? Does it align itself with His Word, the Bible? Or, are you making random decisions for your life that are not coming from the heart of God? Sometimes it can be difficult for us to know if we are really hearing from God as we learn from Peter's response to eating what he believed to be unclean based on what the law taught. But Peter later learned that his response could not be based on part of the truth but all of it (vs. 15). We are blessed, because we have all of God's truth in one book today, but we need to be continually growing in the knowledge of that truth, so that when God does speak to us, we are listening based on truth.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to search your heart and draw you nearer to His Son, Jesus Christ this day.

ActionPoint:
In your alone time, begin taking two minutes to be silent before the Lord. Ask the Lord to speak to your soul. Write down what comes to mind. Later, search the Bible to see if the Scriptures are in agreement with what you believe God is speaking to you. Try this a few times each week.

Preaching Good News

Today's Reading:
Acts 8, 9

What amazes me about today's reading is how ready the believers of Acts 8 and 9 were to preach "the word wherever they went" (8:4, 12, 25, 30, 35, 40; 9:20, 28-29). The Spirit of God told Philip to go and he ran (8:30). The Lord spoke to Ananias and he went, even though he was somewhat fearful. The believers in Jerusalem were persecuted, but that did not keep them from what they believed God had called them to do: Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all. Saul was a new believer and yet we read he went "at once" into the synagogues to preach (9:20). These believers remind me of a brother I knew back in New York, Sal Manno. I worked with Sal in a factory for a number of years and he daily made it a point to tell almost everyone he worked with about his Lord. Not only that, he'd invite them all to his church too. Sal was always ready, eager and thankful that he could share the true meaning of his life with others. May the examples of the early believers in Acts and brothers like Sal Manno challenge us to be so bold and ready to Preach Good News.

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to unify our church.

ActionPoint:
Tell at least one person about Jesus Christ this week. Then invite him or her to church on Sunday!

Are You Ready?

Today's Reading:
Acts 7

In today's reading we have the account of Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin. When Stephen was asked to respond to the charges that were brought against him, he gave a very detailed response. As we can see, Stephen knew what he believed and the history of where his beliefs came from.
Let me propose a question to you: If you were asked to give a response to defend what you believe, how well would you be able to respond? How well do you know the history of what you believe? How many times have you read through the Old Testament? Important: We should know what we believe, so that when the day comes when we are called to give a response, we are ready.
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Pet. 3:15).

PrayerPoint:
Pray for each member of your family by name.

ActionPoint:
Make a goal this year of reading through the Old Testmant or a book on church history.

Observations to Consider

Today's Reading:
Acts 5, 6

In chapter 5 of today's reading we have one of the many key verses in support of the doctrine of the Trinity. When rebuking Ananias for lying about the amount of money he and Sapphira received for the property they sold, Peter asks him why he has lied to the Holy Spirit (5:3). In verse 4, Peter refers to the Holy Spirit as God by stating, "You have not lied to men but to God." This is a good verse to write down and refer to when a difficult question comes up in your group concerning the docrtine of the Trinity. There are numerous verses elsewhere that call Jesus, God (Jn. 1:1; Heb. 1), supporting the person of Christ in the Triune God.

Another observation to consider in today's reading is the distinction between the church office of elder and deacon (6:1-7). According to this passage, the elders were set apart to lead the people spiritually and to give their attention to "prayer and the ministry of the word" (6:4), while the seven were chosen to minister to the physical needs of the believers (21:8; 1 Tim. 3:8-13). The Greek noun for "deacon" can also be translated as "minister" or "servant" (NIV Study Bible, Zondervan).

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He is Merciful

ActionPoint:
Each Sunday in one of our services there are many who are not connected to the body of Christ. Some might be new to our church and some might just need some help getting connected. This Sunday, introduce yourself to one person (or couple) that you do not know. Get to know them. Give them a call during week. Look for them the following Sunday. Try to get them to attend a small group that would be suited for them (if they are not already attending one).

How Are You Leading?

Today's Reading:
Acts 3, 4

In today's reading, we are reminded of a valuable lesson that we must never forget. The best way to lead a group must not be solely based on our education, experience, charisma or vision, but by being filled with the Holy Spirit. We read of several accounts where the believers did ministry, "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:8, 31, 33). It's interesting to note that even others knew that these believers were "un-schooled, ordinary men" (4:13), and were speaking and leading with a boldness and authority that could not be based on how educated they were. You see, it appears as though they were speaking boldly as a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit (4:31). My encouragment to you as we begin this new season of small groups it this: Be filled with the Holy Spirit, walk in obedience to God and His word, stay close to the Lord on a daily basis and make your life a vessel where He can pour out the power of His Spirit in you...then go speak the word of God boldly!

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the children's ministries of our church.

ActionPoint:
Examine your life today. Are you leading more out of your experience, education and vision or rather by God's Spirit working through you?

The Book of Acts/Community at it's Best

Today's Reading:
Acts 1, 2

ACTS
The book of Acts, also known as "The Acts of the Apostles", is the second volume of Luke's Gospel. Also written to Theophilus, Acts provides a link to the other writings of the New Testament. Acts also provides a record of history of the early church from the Ascension of Christ and the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (the 50th day after the Sabbath of the Passover week, also called the Feast of Weeks (Dt. 16:10), to the travels of Paul and the other Apostles as witnesses of Christ to the people of "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (1:8).

Community at it's Best
Today's Christian community has come a long way since the founding of the church in the 1st century. Since then, there have been a plethora of books written and various techniques introduced as to how the church can live in true community. But centuries later, the church is still struggling to function well in community. In Acts 2, we are introduced to how the early church modeled community (2:42-47). They devoted themselves to four things, the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. They were devoted and loyal to these four functions. Let me propose a question: "How devoted to these four things do you think we are as a church, and if we are lacking in our devotion to any one of these, what can you do to change that level of devotion?" Think on that question a moment. Secondly, these early believers were in complete unity (vs. 44). They spent alot of time together and they helped one another. Now remember with me for a moment Christ's priestly prayer in John 17. When Christ prays for all believers, the one thing he asks for is unity (John 17:20-23). The early church was so unified, that no one considered their material possessions to be their own, but freely gave away their "things" to those who were in need (vs. 45). Interesting. Makes you wonder why we might be lacking in Christian community today?

In the summer of 1992, I traveled to Uganda and Kenya for an entire summer to do ministry. While I was there I met a brother in Christ who I had the honor of getting to know. Upon leaving Uganda, this brother brought me to his home to meet his wife and children. His home was a grass hut and it was obvious that this family was indeed lacking in material possessions. The clothes his family wore were torn and in need of mending. This brother wanted to give me a gift of appreciation for the time he spent with me in Christian fellowship. The gift he gave me was a live chicken. I graciously accepted the gift and took it back to the place where I was staying. I think the ladies who were cooking our meals for us most likely cooked it for us. But as I reflected on what he had given me as a gift, I came to understand that if he were to come to the United States to visit me and I were to present to him a gift of similar value, I should give him my car!

Community at it's best will come when we devote ourselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, prayer, unity and the ability to meet the needs of others in our community in a sacrificial way. What's your opinion?

PrayerPoint:
Ask God to bless our church.

ActionPoint:
This week, devote yourself to the function mentioned above that you are most lacking in.

Women With A Purpose

Today's Reading:
Luke 23, 24 (tomorrow we begin Acts).

As we complete our study of the Gospel of Luke, we are once again reminded of the strong emphasis that Luke places on the role and ministry of women. As we read in chapter 23 of Christ making his way to the cross, it's not his disciples that are following him, but rather the women who had followed him throughout his ministry, still following him, mourning and wailing (vs.27). Again, we see the women (not his disciples) following Joseph to the tomb to make sure that Jesus' body had it's proper resting place (vs. 55-56). As a matter of fact, as we read on, we actually learn that these women are still attending to Christ, even though the disciples were no where to be found (24:1-10). You see, these women had faith, compassion, dedication and purpose. While the disciples had betrayed, denied and abandoned Christ in his darkest hour, his women followers remained faithful. The strength and role of women in ministry has been sometimes under estimated and under appreciated in the church, but actually it's the women in the body of Christ who most often exercise the greatest faith, compassion, dedication and purpose.

PrayerPoint:
Thank God that He has made you righteous through Jesus Christ.

ActionPoint:
Brothers: encourage a sister in Christ today. Sisters: step out in ministry with the wonderful gifting God has given you, a strength that perhaps only you might have!

You're Not Alone!

Today's Reading:
Luke 22

Have you ever felt all alone in ministry or perhaps even in this life? I certainly have! Well guess what, you're not alone! In today's reading we are reminded of one of Christ's priestly functions: Intercessor. Jesus exhorts Peter by declaring, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail" (vss.31-32). Jesus knew that Peter was about to deny him (vs. 34) and Jesus knew all that Peter would endure in his life on this earth. How did Jesus react to that knowledge? He interceded for Peter. Just as Jesus knew what Peter was about to endure, He knows what you are going through right now. You see, you're not alone! Better yet, Christ prays for you too. He prays when you're tempted and he prays when you are alone in ministry and in life, for Christ lives to intercede (Heb. 7:25). The One who was faithful unto death, remains faithful 24/7/365 for all eternity and He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

PrayerPoint:
Please pray for the worship team.

ActionPoint:
In verse 40 Jesus warns his disciples to pray so that they will not fall into temptation. Take note that they had gone up to a familiar place, the Mount of Olives, where they would frequently pray. Where is your place of prayer, the place where you seek the Lord and prepare yourself for your hour of temptation? If you don't have such a place, why not establish a place like that in your home today?