Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 232 - 240
July 4, 2018
Week 232
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Today is 4th of July. It's a hot day out which can affect one's mood, but as I reflect on tonight's verse and song, I am reminded that we as Christians are all suppose to reflect Jesus and walk in the light of our Savior as we are created for good works, no matter what. The Father is good, we come from Him, just like the moral can't come from the immoral, the same is true, we come from the good, and created for good works. The main difference is that because of sin, our hearts are naturally turned from the good, but it is the Father, who is good, and reconciles us back to Him, through Jesus Christ.
My mom worked hard in mom's life trying to give us Jesus by living as a reflection of Jesus, by teaching us about Jesus through Bible Study, and reminding us about Jesus through mom's prayers.
Today as we celebrate the 4th of July and celebrate freedom, we must never forget the real freedom we have, and that is freedom from sin. The reason for this is because of our good Father, for we are His, as we should walk in His light. Just the same no matter who you are, and where you live as long as you have Christ we are free, free from sin and are called to walk just the same in good His light.
Love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home to Freedom with Christ.
Song: Casting Crowns - Good Good Father
Week 232
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Today is 4th of July. It's a hot day out which can affect one's mood, but as I reflect on tonight's verse and song, I am reminded that we as Christians are all suppose to reflect Jesus and walk in the light of our Savior as we are created for good works, no matter what. The Father is good, we come from Him, just like the moral can't come from the immoral, the same is true, we come from the good, and created for good works. The main difference is that because of sin, our hearts are naturally turned from the good, but it is the Father, who is good, and reconciles us back to Him, through Jesus Christ.
My mom worked hard in mom's life trying to give us Jesus by living as a reflection of Jesus, by teaching us about Jesus through Bible Study, and reminding us about Jesus through mom's prayers.
Today as we celebrate the 4th of July and celebrate freedom, we must never forget the real freedom we have, and that is freedom from sin. The reason for this is because of our good Father, for we are His, as we should walk in His light. Just the same no matter who you are, and where you live as long as you have Christ we are free, free from sin and are called to walk just the same in good His light.
Love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home to Freedom with Christ.
Song: Casting Crowns - Good Good Father
July 11, 2018
Week 233:
Deuteronomy 32:1-4
32 “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
2 May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. 3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
Its very true, that none of us are without problems. This past Sunday I heard a message that started out describing how life is never without issues. In tonight's verse Moses is proclaiming God's greatness through all of life's ups and downs. All of us have them and it's during these trials that we must realize more and more our dependency is not on us, but on God.
Trials come and trials go, in the midst of every trial proclaiming God is necessary even more, and seeking His guidance to help us through them.
I recall my mom early in life stating "What kind of life is this", as mom grew older it was clear to me that these words started to diminish and mom was always more prayerful, more hopeful.
All of us should remember when the trials come to seek God for guidance, and ask "Lord please show me what I must learn through these situations." The trial will end just as mom's did and a new one will start, what's important is have you learned what God wanted you to learn through the trial? God promises an end to every trial.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home no more pain.
Song: Casting Crowns - "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)" - Live
Week 233:
Deuteronomy 32:1-4
32 “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
2 May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. 3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
Its very true, that none of us are without problems. This past Sunday I heard a message that started out describing how life is never without issues. In tonight's verse Moses is proclaiming God's greatness through all of life's ups and downs. All of us have them and it's during these trials that we must realize more and more our dependency is not on us, but on God.
Trials come and trials go, in the midst of every trial proclaiming God is necessary even more, and seeking His guidance to help us through them.
I recall my mom early in life stating "What kind of life is this", as mom grew older it was clear to me that these words started to diminish and mom was always more prayerful, more hopeful.
All of us should remember when the trials come to seek God for guidance, and ask "Lord please show me what I must learn through these situations." The trial will end just as mom's did and a new one will start, what's important is have you learned what God wanted you to learn through the trial? God promises an end to every trial.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home no more pain.
Song: Casting Crowns - "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)" - Live
July 18, 2017
Week 234:
Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Walking in this life as a Christian as a follower of Jesus, is very exciting, but life and people sometimes can drag us down, and lest we forget we may wind up losing sight of what it really means to be a Christian. Tonight's verse comes from Romans it reminds us that we are not better than the next person and that while we are Christians we must never forget that Christ died for us before we became saved.
Many times this week the concept of forgiveness came up in my daily devotions. I struggle when someone takes Jesus' name and tramples over it. What I I am reminded is that Christ looked at me and all of us and while we are sinners Christ's love covers us, and apart from Him we are nothing. This week I had dinner with a good friend and I mentioned to him the struggle I face with unforgiveness and what he said was "truly the person who offended, and continues to do it again and again, it's just that they need Jesus."
As the verse above tells us, that it is because I have Jesus and true followers do as well that sets us apart. The ones who still continue to offend need Him.
I know my mom many times struggle with un-forgiveness, but as life went on I could see all that being shed away, as mom continued to draw close to Christ.
So there are two points here that are one in the same:
1. As Christians we need to continuously draw close to Christ.
2. The offender need to draw near to Christ.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Heaven with no tears.
Song: Casting Crowns ~ Who Am I - Official Video + lyrics
Week 234:
Romans 5:8 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Walking in this life as a Christian as a follower of Jesus, is very exciting, but life and people sometimes can drag us down, and lest we forget we may wind up losing sight of what it really means to be a Christian. Tonight's verse comes from Romans it reminds us that we are not better than the next person and that while we are Christians we must never forget that Christ died for us before we became saved.
Many times this week the concept of forgiveness came up in my daily devotions. I struggle when someone takes Jesus' name and tramples over it. What I I am reminded is that Christ looked at me and all of us and while we are sinners Christ's love covers us, and apart from Him we are nothing. This week I had dinner with a good friend and I mentioned to him the struggle I face with unforgiveness and what he said was "truly the person who offended, and continues to do it again and again, it's just that they need Jesus."
As the verse above tells us, that it is because I have Jesus and true followers do as well that sets us apart. The ones who still continue to offend need Him.
I know my mom many times struggle with un-forgiveness, but as life went on I could see all that being shed away, as mom continued to draw close to Christ.
So there are two points here that are one in the same:
1. As Christians we need to continuously draw close to Christ.
2. The offender need to draw near to Christ.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Heaven with no tears.
Song: Casting Crowns ~ Who Am I - Official Video + lyrics
July 25, 2018
Week 235
Luke 22:31
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
This week and today especially I feel so distant from the Lord. I got up this morning and felt empty, tired and distant from Jesus, I did the normal things I do but when I got back from the gym I sat for a moment and proclaimed "Lord why do I feel so distant from you?" . As I researched a verse for tonight I realize that the words Jesus spoke to Peter echo out loud to me. Perhaps I am letting the worries of this life get to me, perhaps there is a spiritual attack. However, what I feel strong about is that Jesus has not left.
I think this is a very important subject to remember and learn. I think many times my mom felt distant from Jesus as life worries came about, no money, not being able to get groceries, etc. Through it all though mom and all of us in my family encountered theses struggles God always provided and never did He leave us. However it is important to remember that dealing with our own sins first is of utmost importance.
Today I do feel distant and as I write these words I am reminded just like Peter learned in verses later that he had to deal with the sin in his life so must I and all of us.
I love you mom and I love you Lord
Home a place that is sinless
Song: Michael W Smith - Draw Me Close(HD)
Week 235
Luke 22:31
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
This week and today especially I feel so distant from the Lord. I got up this morning and felt empty, tired and distant from Jesus, I did the normal things I do but when I got back from the gym I sat for a moment and proclaimed "Lord why do I feel so distant from you?" . As I researched a verse for tonight I realize that the words Jesus spoke to Peter echo out loud to me. Perhaps I am letting the worries of this life get to me, perhaps there is a spiritual attack. However, what I feel strong about is that Jesus has not left.
I think this is a very important subject to remember and learn. I think many times my mom felt distant from Jesus as life worries came about, no money, not being able to get groceries, etc. Through it all though mom and all of us in my family encountered theses struggles God always provided and never did He leave us. However it is important to remember that dealing with our own sins first is of utmost importance.
Today I do feel distant and as I write these words I am reminded just like Peter learned in verses later that he had to deal with the sin in his life so must I and all of us.
I love you mom and I love you Lord
Home a place that is sinless
Song: Michael W Smith - Draw Me Close(HD)
August 1, 2018
Week 236
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Most of us get to a point in life where what is important becomes a reality. I'll illustrate what I mean here with an example using myself. I at one point put things ahead of God, mainly because it just happened that way, work became so important that it consumed me and slowly it took precedence over the Lord. When I realized what was happening I started to feel the guilt and shame of letting this happen. It was through God that I saw what I was doing and began making steps to correct this mistake.
In tonight's verse it tells us to store up treasures in Heaven, meaning invest your time in Christ Jesus, make Him your priority. In life what I have learned is that if anything absolutely anything comes before Jesus, you have mis-placed your priorities. I always remember as an adult seeing my mom sitting on the couch when I came home quietly. Mom always seemed to be reflecting on things, as I heard mom speak I remember mom's faith being stronger, in a sense my placed mom's priorities in Jesus.
Today I just know that life without a focus on Christ is simply mis-placed.
I love you Mom and I love you LORD
Home with my Treasure-Jesus
Song: What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship - with Lyrics
Week 236
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Most of us get to a point in life where what is important becomes a reality. I'll illustrate what I mean here with an example using myself. I at one point put things ahead of God, mainly because it just happened that way, work became so important that it consumed me and slowly it took precedence over the Lord. When I realized what was happening I started to feel the guilt and shame of letting this happen. It was through God that I saw what I was doing and began making steps to correct this mistake.
In tonight's verse it tells us to store up treasures in Heaven, meaning invest your time in Christ Jesus, make Him your priority. In life what I have learned is that if anything absolutely anything comes before Jesus, you have mis-placed your priorities. I always remember as an adult seeing my mom sitting on the couch when I came home quietly. Mom always seemed to be reflecting on things, as I heard mom speak I remember mom's faith being stronger, in a sense my placed mom's priorities in Jesus.
Today I just know that life without a focus on Christ is simply mis-placed.
I love you Mom and I love you LORD
Home with my Treasure-Jesus
Song: What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship - with Lyrics
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August 8, 2018
Week 237
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Fear is a real thing we all encounter at some point. In tonight's verse the Psalmist tells us what to do when we have these feelings.
I recall when I did my first Body Building show. I stepped on stage and really didn't know what I was doing. I never had a coach or anyone to help me with my diet, training, or even posing. I immediately notice the other 3 competitors take the stage like they owned it and they took their posing stances like professionals as they waited for instructions from the judges. So I just followed the other competitors and did what they were doing and I was frightened.
At times in our lives we all get frightened or scared, it could be a sickness, a love one's passing, an upcoming exam, it can be anything, the main thing as Christians is to remember to seek, pray and trust in the LORD. Sure our friends can help and give us encouragement and this can be one way God uses them. However, it is important to always be on our knees to be in prayer and seeking God for guidance.
As I grew older I recall how mom must of been so scared living in America a lone and raising 5 kids, mom however, never seem to show it. As I think about these times I am reminded that mom was always prayerful, always seeking God. This has a trickle down affect on me and today I can honestly say that I continue to seek Jesus in every situation especially in the ones that I have the most fears.
Love you mom, thank you for you example. I love you LORD.
Home with no fears.
Song: Christy Nockels - My Anchor (Lyrics)
Week 237
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Fear is a real thing we all encounter at some point. In tonight's verse the Psalmist tells us what to do when we have these feelings.
I recall when I did my first Body Building show. I stepped on stage and really didn't know what I was doing. I never had a coach or anyone to help me with my diet, training, or even posing. I immediately notice the other 3 competitors take the stage like they owned it and they took their posing stances like professionals as they waited for instructions from the judges. So I just followed the other competitors and did what they were doing and I was frightened.
At times in our lives we all get frightened or scared, it could be a sickness, a love one's passing, an upcoming exam, it can be anything, the main thing as Christians is to remember to seek, pray and trust in the LORD. Sure our friends can help and give us encouragement and this can be one way God uses them. However, it is important to always be on our knees to be in prayer and seeking God for guidance.
As I grew older I recall how mom must of been so scared living in America a lone and raising 5 kids, mom however, never seem to show it. As I think about these times I am reminded that mom was always prayerful, always seeking God. This has a trickle down affect on me and today I can honestly say that I continue to seek Jesus in every situation especially in the ones that I have the most fears.
Love you mom, thank you for you example. I love you LORD.
Home with no fears.
Song: Christy Nockels - My Anchor (Lyrics)
August 15, 2018
Week 238
Romans 12:2
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This week, I asked a friend for some advice on a matter that I was being affected by. This friend promptly responded and answered my questions, then subsequently she inserted herself into the situation and placed the focus on herself comparing herself to my situation. This made it clear that my predicament wasn't believed by my friend. I responded by asking if she wanted every last detail in order for her to believe and she shot back and got upset saying she is done with this conversation. I politely responded by saying thank you for you response to my initial question"... and I try to let it be but she kept going on.
This friend of mine I recognize went through some hard battles just recently and seemingly has changed and taken her frustration out on anyone it seems. In tonight's verse we see the Apostle Paul addressing how things of this life can change us, I think a lot of times we feel oppressed and sad because life can truly drag us down. Paul gives us the answer however, he tells us to have our minds renewed, the verse goes on to tell us to not think of our selves so highly but to act according to the faith God has given us (Romans 12:3).
We are to be followers of Christ and realize that even as Christians we can constantly be challenged by the world circumstances, but looking towards our creator, through prayer, scripture readings and studying God's word we can be the people He wants us to be thereby knowing His perfect will for us. However if we conform to the circumstances in life and not place our focus on Him, our minds may not be sharpened. It's not instantaneous, my mom spent many years studying God's word, it wasn't until later years in my mom's life that I saw a peace that came over my mom.
Even as Christians we can be easily conformed to the patterns of this world, the most important thing however is to conform to the patterns of our creator instead.
Home with our Creator.
Song: Worship Medley - 10,000 Reasons // What a Beautiful Name | Caleb + Kelsey
Week 238
Romans 12:2
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This week, I asked a friend for some advice on a matter that I was being affected by. This friend promptly responded and answered my questions, then subsequently she inserted herself into the situation and placed the focus on herself comparing herself to my situation. This made it clear that my predicament wasn't believed by my friend. I responded by asking if she wanted every last detail in order for her to believe and she shot back and got upset saying she is done with this conversation. I politely responded by saying thank you for you response to my initial question"... and I try to let it be but she kept going on.
This friend of mine I recognize went through some hard battles just recently and seemingly has changed and taken her frustration out on anyone it seems. In tonight's verse we see the Apostle Paul addressing how things of this life can change us, I think a lot of times we feel oppressed and sad because life can truly drag us down. Paul gives us the answer however, he tells us to have our minds renewed, the verse goes on to tell us to not think of our selves so highly but to act according to the faith God has given us (Romans 12:3).
We are to be followers of Christ and realize that even as Christians we can constantly be challenged by the world circumstances, but looking towards our creator, through prayer, scripture readings and studying God's word we can be the people He wants us to be thereby knowing His perfect will for us. However if we conform to the circumstances in life and not place our focus on Him, our minds may not be sharpened. It's not instantaneous, my mom spent many years studying God's word, it wasn't until later years in my mom's life that I saw a peace that came over my mom.
Even as Christians we can be easily conformed to the patterns of this world, the most important thing however is to conform to the patterns of our creator instead.
Home with our Creator.
Song: Worship Medley - 10,000 Reasons // What a Beautiful Name | Caleb + Kelsey
August 22, 2018
Week 239
Jeremiah 2:11
“Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.”
This week I spoke with a friend who sent me a message asking if I heard what happened at a Church here in IL. I replied yes, then mentioned that the accusations and results all start with neglect. Then I sent her Romans 12:2. In tonight's we see God illustrating to us that His people has exchanged God's glory for one that will never profit.
Growing up my mom taught us to pray and seek God for guidance. I recall having Bible studies as a kid and prayer time with mom and my siblings. As I think back at it, I believe this was mom's way of letting us know who we can turn to and who to model ourselves after. It's wonderful when God grabs hold of your heart and leads you to paths of righteousness. All this in order to understand that the world's ways are not His ways, and to know that we must turn to the One always and abide with the One who is worth more than the riches of this world.
So today as we look around us and see the world going in various directions, committing crimes, including murder, hostility and other things that will not profit a person, it's a blessing to know that when God has your heart you belong to the One who is worth everything.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home a home with the One who is worth everything.
Song: MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine (Video)
Week 239
Jeremiah 2:11
“Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.”
This week I spoke with a friend who sent me a message asking if I heard what happened at a Church here in IL. I replied yes, then mentioned that the accusations and results all start with neglect. Then I sent her Romans 12:2. In tonight's we see God illustrating to us that His people has exchanged God's glory for one that will never profit.
Growing up my mom taught us to pray and seek God for guidance. I recall having Bible studies as a kid and prayer time with mom and my siblings. As I think back at it, I believe this was mom's way of letting us know who we can turn to and who to model ourselves after. It's wonderful when God grabs hold of your heart and leads you to paths of righteousness. All this in order to understand that the world's ways are not His ways, and to know that we must turn to the One always and abide with the One who is worth more than the riches of this world.
So today as we look around us and see the world going in various directions, committing crimes, including murder, hostility and other things that will not profit a person, it's a blessing to know that when God has your heart you belong to the One who is worth everything.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home a home with the One who is worth everything.
Song: MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine (Video)
August 29, 2018
Week 240
Romans 12:19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Lately I have been wondering how am I to re-act in a certain work situation I have found myself in. I have been praying and seeking guidance from the Lord as to what He would have me do. In tonight's verse we see that the Lord gives us answers to these questions. I definitely feel like I am being treated unfairly in the situation even after I have explained myself. As I got down on my knees to ask God how to deal with the situation, I feel that the issues are already resolved and that God is giving me the answers. This is not to say that I should let myself be walked all over. One of my favorite pastors Dr. Charles Stanley has stated in several sermons that we fight our battle on our knees.
As I "fight my battle on my knees" I feel at the moment God is leading me to let the situation play out and once it has there will be a time for me to respond accordingly. This principle of fighting our battles on our knees is the same for all of us, however what may not be the same for all of us is the response.
You may feel lead by the Lord to respond differently than me, and the need to respond in your situation. My mom had many opportunities in mom's life to respond in certain situations as a result of issues with people. What I know is that my mom was always prayerful through every situation seeking God for guidance, I know this because mom always suggested that I pray and that mom was praying for me, also to seek other godly people for guidance when I encountered many different trials.
This is something we must do through every situations fight our battle on our knees, meaning seeking God for guidance.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with our Guider
Song: Michael W Smith - Draw Me Close (HD)
Week 240
Romans 12:19
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Lately I have been wondering how am I to re-act in a certain work situation I have found myself in. I have been praying and seeking guidance from the Lord as to what He would have me do. In tonight's verse we see that the Lord gives us answers to these questions. I definitely feel like I am being treated unfairly in the situation even after I have explained myself. As I got down on my knees to ask God how to deal with the situation, I feel that the issues are already resolved and that God is giving me the answers. This is not to say that I should let myself be walked all over. One of my favorite pastors Dr. Charles Stanley has stated in several sermons that we fight our battle on our knees.
As I "fight my battle on my knees" I feel at the moment God is leading me to let the situation play out and once it has there will be a time for me to respond accordingly. This principle of fighting our battles on our knees is the same for all of us, however what may not be the same for all of us is the response.
You may feel lead by the Lord to respond differently than me, and the need to respond in your situation. My mom had many opportunities in mom's life to respond in certain situations as a result of issues with people. What I know is that my mom was always prayerful through every situation seeking God for guidance, I know this because mom always suggested that I pray and that mom was praying for me, also to seek other godly people for guidance when I encountered many different trials.
This is something we must do through every situations fight our battle on our knees, meaning seeking God for guidance.
I love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with our Guider
Song: Michael W Smith - Draw Me Close (HD)
