habit Day 16

habit Day 16 (November 16th)

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah

What does this passage say?

This world and everything in it is God’s. If we have clean hands and a pure heart… we will receive blessings from the Lord…

Why is it in the Bible?

I know I need to be reminded that the "things" I have are not mine. They belong to the Lord. My house, my truck, my Mac, my family, etc.. are not mine at all.. it is His! He has entrusted me with it!

What should I do about it?

Focus on the fact that He is the King of Glory! Pray that the Holy Spirit will help me keep a pure heart…

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! One more week remaining!

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 15

habit Day 15 (November 15th)

2 Corinthians 9:5-15

5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

What does this passage say?

God loves a cheerful giver. Be generous in every way… this will produce thanksgiving to God.

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us why we give. It should not be out of obligation… but out of expectation for God to use that giving to radically change a city…

What should I do about it?

Ask myself daily… Am I giving for the right reasons? Am I giving expecting God to use it? Am I giving everything God has laid on my heart? Am I giving cheerfully?

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! One more week remaining!

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 14

habit Day 14 (November 14th)

Galatians 5:1-15

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

What does this passage say?

We find true freedom in this life through Jesus Christ… and only through Him and His salvation. Don’t be consumed in "religion"… be consumed with the love of Christ! When consumed with His freedom, we WILL serve one another…

Why is it in the Bible?

To point out that we must never focus on religion, rituals, or traditions. We MUST focus on loving and serving one another!

What should I do about it?

Focus on people… and not church "rituals" or "traditions." I have been saved by the shed blood of Jesus Christ! I am free… free from the chains that once bound me and held me hostage. Now, I must love others as Christ loved me!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! One more week remaining!

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 13

habit Day 13 (November 13th)

Romans 12:9-13

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

What does this passage say?

We must love people. Not in a fake kinda way. God desires us to have unconditional love… genuine love… Rejoice in hope, not in our circumstances.

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us how to treat our tough times. The Bible does not tell us that we won’t experience tough times (tribulations); but God does tell us to be patient during them and spend that time in prayer.

What should I do about it?

Show genuine love and hospitality to those we encounter. Also to be patient in trials and trust God through them!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! It’s not too late.

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 12

habit Day 12 (November 12th)

Matthew 25:34-40

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

What does this passage say?

When we help the hungry, sick, poor, naked, etc… we are showing them the love that Christ showed us. We are to be His hands and His feet to this world!

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us that there are many in this world that are hurting and in need of help. Christ reminds us that when we help them, it’s like we are doing it to Him.

What should I do about it?

Never look at those less fortunate than me with any other feelings than a desire to bless them with the blessings I have been blessed with!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! It’s not too late.

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 11

habit Day 11 (November 11th)

Romans 12:1-21

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 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.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

What does this passage say?

We are to be different than the world around us. We have Christ that lives/ dwells in us, we are to be different! I love "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." It also comes strong with "abhor what is evil"… we are to hate it! Sin & evilness will take us further than we ever intend to go!

Why is it in the Bible?

This is my kinda scripture: Lay it out simple. This passage shows us how to show the world we are true Christians.

What should I do about it?

I need to read this passage monthly as a constant reminder on how to live like Christ did… If not daily…

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! It’s not too late.

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 10

habit Day 10 (November 10th)

Philippians 2:12-18

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

What does this passage say?

God works in me… We are to do those works without grumbling or questioning. God’s desire is that we be about His business without complaining. The hardest part is the without questioning part: We must trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit… when He prompts… we must trust! We are to shine as lights in the world… We are different, people are supposed to be able to tell!

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us of why we serve and do the works God had laid on our hearts… for His glory… not for us to complain!!!

What should I do about it?

Be different from the world. Even if my works are never noticed, rejoice in the fact I have served the Lord! Always trust God’s guidance!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! It’s not too late.

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 9

habit Day 9 (November 9th)

Philippians 2:1-11

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What does this passage say?

WOW! Jesus made Himself nothing… making Himself a servant. Jesus was obedient to the point of death…

MORE WOW! Let each of you look not only to his own interests… but also the interests of others.

FACT WOW! Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess… that Jesus is Lord!

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us that everything we do; do it for the glory of God. One day, everyone will bow before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords… We must do our part to point others to Jesus.

How much do we have to hate our friends to not point them to Jesus!

What should I do about it?

Remind myself daily that I am nothing without Christ. Always look for ways to to serve others and to bring honor to Jesus!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! It’s not too late.

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 8

habit Day 8 (November 8th)

Matthew 20:20-28

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

What does this passage say?

God has called us to be servants. I think our natural tendency as people is to make everything we do all about ourselves. Jesus is saying in this passage that we are to put others before ourselves. Don’t seek after titles, leadership positions, or special recognition. Simply be obedient to what God asks of us.

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us that it’s not about titles and getting recognition… It’s about serving the King of Kings and loving people as you love yourself.  It reminds us how to treat people when they act like it’s all about them; Some of the disciples were indignant (angry, resentful, infuriated, mad) toward the two; We can’t be that way!

What should I do about it?

Become a servant like Jesus!

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! It’s not too late.

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!

habit Day 7

habit Day 7 (November 7th)

Ephesians 6:10, 17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

What does this passage say?

We must be strong in the Lord. We find that strength through the assurance of our salvation… the guidance of the Holy Spirit… and the Living, Breathing, Word of God!

Why is it in the Bible?

To remind us that our strength comes from our Heavenly Father.

What should I do about it?

Seek after His face daily (hope this 21 day habit challenge helps).

Spend some time praying that God will help you do what you wrote down for the third question.

Take the 21 day challenge!!! It’s not too late.

To get updates from this site in your email… Signup here!