Awake and Arise: verse of the week

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Monday, July 29, 2013

Week 7: Thy Kingdom Come

Who ascend to the hill of the Lord?

Psalm 24:3-4

Who shall dwell in the hill of the Lord?

Psalm 15:1

Thoughts to ponder

Goats are very intelligent animals. They can be trained to pull carts and walk on leads. Goats are also known to test their fences and escape.

Sheep are related to goats but they have a flocking behavior. Not only do they stick together but they also follow their leader to greener pastures.

On the day of judgement Jesus will separate the goats and the sheep.

Read Matthew 25:31-46

Are you a goat or a sheep?

Do you test your fences and escape to greener pastures or do you follow your leader's call to the right pasture?

Is God welcome in your home and in your heart? Do you flock near Him?

Action Steps

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." 2 Chronicles 16:9

Consider the story of Manasseh.

Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-20

The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people but they paid no attention.

Pray and ask God to reveal to you the times when you did not pay attention.

The king of Assyria captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze.

What bondage are you in? Are you aware of that bondage? Pray that God will show you your areas of bondage.

Manasseh prayed to God and God was moved. Then he knew that the Lord was God.

Do know that you know that you know that the Lord IS God?

The voice in the wilderness is still crying "repent for the kingdom is near."

Prayer

If you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior but have felt the calling, run back to your shepherd and accept him in your heart.

Maybe you have been a Christian for a while but have wondered away from the flock tempted by the "freedom" that others seem to enjoy. Repent and return to your shepherd. He will keep you safe and lead you in the best pastures for you.

"When you get up in the morning, there is a presence and you do not feel it. There is a light and you do not see it. You get up in the morning and there is a voice but you cannot hear it."

Tozer, "And he dwelt among us"

Pray for His Kingdom to come, right here, right now in your heart that you may feel, see and hear.

Memorize Psalm 139:23-24

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Week 4: Family

What makes a family?

If you are following the news and/or Hollywood you will know that family has been broaden to same sex couples and the right to have children outside of wedlock. If you value the judo-christian model of family you are qualified as an outdated and old fashioned snob. I can live with that. Can you?

Family is God's design and His first covenant with us. Family is important to God and therefore family is important to us. Strength comes from family.

So what makes a family?

Prayer focus

Remember that you are part of God's family. John 3:16
As part of God's family pray that you will always honor the name you bear. Proverbs 11:29
Be mindful and watchful over your family. Proverbs 31:15

Thoughts to ponder

"Commitment, prayer, romance, forgiveness and even Legos are all part of growing a spiritually strong family. I challenge you to become a part of a family revolution, one that reclaims our world for the glory of God—one heart, one marriage, one home at a time." Dennis Rainey

Action Steps

Share God's words with your children Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Pray for your husband Proverbs 31:30
Pray for your children
Pray for your extended family
Lift up the family of believers Hebrews 10:25
Make God the cornerstone of your home Psalm 127:1

Memory Verse Ecclesiastes 4:12