Read Romans 3:19-28
One of the fads of 1970s America was the motorcycle jump. This trend reached its high (and low) point on September 8, 1974. Thousands of spectators gathered around the Snake River Canyon in Idaho to see if Evel Knievel could jump across the chasm in a specially designed “sky cycle”. In the end, however, it was unsuccessful. Knievel made it only part way across the gulf before his parachute deployed and he dropped to the canyon floor below. Some spectators asked “How far across the canyon did he get?” But that wasn’t the point. He didn’t make it all the way across, so he fell short of his goal.
This scene is a good illustration of sin. The Bible talks about sin in Romans 3:23, where Paul declared, “All have sinned and fall short in the glory of God.” No one is capable of bridging the gap between God and ourselves by our own efforts, but the Saviour came to do just that on our behalf. Christ perfectly fulfilled God’s standards, then gave His life on the cross to pay for our failures and wrongdoing. Where we could only fall short, Christ’s work, offered in love, accomplished all that was needed.
Our response is to trust Him and receive this matchless gift of salvation.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully to drive sin far away from yourself and your church.
¥ Pray that each person in your congregation would be strengthened against sin and able to stand against temptation.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Friday, 30 November 2012
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Thursday November 29, 2012
The cross of Christ bridges the gap we could never cross on our own.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:10
A rallying cry often heard today in our economically challenged world is “Less and less”. Governments are called to balance their budget. People are urged to use less energy and decrease consumption of limited resources. It is good advice that we should all heed. In the realm of faith. However, there are no shortages of love and grace and strength. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are urged to demonstrate His love on our lives in ever-increasing measure.
In the apostle Paul’s first letter to the believers in Thessalonica, he urged them to “abound more and more” in a lifestyle that pleases God (vs 4:1). He also commended them for their demonstrations of love for each other and called them to “increase more and more” in brotherly love. (vs 10)
That kind of ever-increasing love is possible only because it comes from God’s limitless resources, not from our own dwindling supply.
Poet Annie Johnson Flint wrote:
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known to man;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
The apostle Paul expressed his desire for the believers: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.” (vs 3:12)
How much should we love God and others? More and more!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your faith and the faith of your brothers and sisters in church would not go less and less but rather more and more. Pray that the believers in your church would be standing up and attempting great things for God because their faith is growing and maturing.
¥ Pray that God would pour out His Holy Spirit and give gifts to believers in the church as He promised. Pray that the church would make the most of these gifts and seek to bring blessing, challenge and repentance to the world.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:10
A rallying cry often heard today in our economically challenged world is “Less and less”. Governments are called to balance their budget. People are urged to use less energy and decrease consumption of limited resources. It is good advice that we should all heed. In the realm of faith. However, there are no shortages of love and grace and strength. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are urged to demonstrate His love on our lives in ever-increasing measure.
In the apostle Paul’s first letter to the believers in Thessalonica, he urged them to “abound more and more” in a lifestyle that pleases God (vs 4:1). He also commended them for their demonstrations of love for each other and called them to “increase more and more” in brotherly love. (vs 10)
That kind of ever-increasing love is possible only because it comes from God’s limitless resources, not from our own dwindling supply.
Poet Annie Johnson Flint wrote:
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known to man;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
The apostle Paul expressed his desire for the believers: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.” (vs 3:12)
How much should we love God and others? More and more!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your faith and the faith of your brothers and sisters in church would not go less and less but rather more and more. Pray that the believers in your church would be standing up and attempting great things for God because their faith is growing and maturing.
¥ Pray that God would pour out His Holy Spirit and give gifts to believers in the church as He promised. Pray that the church would make the most of these gifts and seek to bring blessing, challenge and repentance to the world.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Wednesday November 28, 2012
Read James 1:12-21
It wasn’t the first time it has happened in sports and it certainly won’t be the last. But perhaps mentioning it again can help keep us from making a similar shameful error.
A college coach, one noted for his Christian character, resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that he violated rules clearly spelled out by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. One magazine article concluded: “His integrity was one of the great myths of college football.”
This was certainly an embarrassing time for the coach but here’s the most sobering part: it can happen to any of us. The temptation to go behind the hidden door of secrecy in our lives and do things that dishonour the Lord haunts us all. Indeed we are all capable of turning our integrity into a myth—of turning our testimony for Jesus into a sham. No matter what the temptation, we are all vulnerable.
So how do we avoid giving in? We acknowledge the universality of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We recognize the dangerous results of giving in to sin (James 1:13-15). We keep accountable to fellow believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And we plead with God for help not to fall (Matthew 26:41). Only God’s grace and power can keep us from falling and pick us up when we do.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Ask God to lead you through temptation. He has promised to uphold you and provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it. Pray that you would remain faithful and strong. Pray this for others in your congregation.
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully among your congregation this weekend. There are people there, no doubt, who need healing, wholeness, reconciliation or even a touch of the Lord’s loving hand. Pray that God would do this.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
It wasn’t the first time it has happened in sports and it certainly won’t be the last. But perhaps mentioning it again can help keep us from making a similar shameful error.
A college coach, one noted for his Christian character, resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that he violated rules clearly spelled out by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. One magazine article concluded: “His integrity was one of the great myths of college football.”
This was certainly an embarrassing time for the coach but here’s the most sobering part: it can happen to any of us. The temptation to go behind the hidden door of secrecy in our lives and do things that dishonour the Lord haunts us all. Indeed we are all capable of turning our integrity into a myth—of turning our testimony for Jesus into a sham. No matter what the temptation, we are all vulnerable.
So how do we avoid giving in? We acknowledge the universality of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We recognize the dangerous results of giving in to sin (James 1:13-15). We keep accountable to fellow believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And we plead with God for help not to fall (Matthew 26:41). Only God’s grace and power can keep us from falling and pick us up when we do.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Ask God to lead you through temptation. He has promised to uphold you and provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it. Pray that you would remain faithful and strong. Pray this for others in your congregation.
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully among your congregation this weekend. There are people there, no doubt, who need healing, wholeness, reconciliation or even a touch of the Lord’s loving hand. Pray that God would do this.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Tuesday November 27, 2012
Read Matthew 6:5-15
In 1924 a boy named Johnny, who loved to play basketball, completed the eighth grade in a small rural school. His father, rich in love but short on money for a graduation gift, gave Johnny a card on which he had written his own 7 point creed, which he encouraged his son to start following daily. Three of the points were: Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make each day your masterpiece. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings each day.
Jesus in what we often call the Lord’s Prayer (vs 9-13), taught us to approach our Father each day; it’s not something to be said once and forgotten. Through it we offer God praise (vs 9); seek His kingdom and His will; trust His provision (vs 11) and as for His forgiveness, power and deliverance (vs 12-13).
Throughout his life Johnny sought the Lord’s strength to live each day for Him. He became a three-time All-American basketball player at Purdue University and one of the greatest college coaches of all time. When Coach Johnny died at the age of 99, he was honoured most of all for his character, his faith and the many lives he touched.
By God’s grace, may we make each day our masterpiece for Him.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that the life of each believer in your church would shine brightly for Jesus and draw many to Him for salvation. Pray that each person would be growing closer to Christ by His grace and mercy.
¥ Pray that there would be opportunities for the believers in Nigeria to share their faith, to make disciples and to witness to Christ. Pray that the church would grow and multiply. Pray that the Lord would protect the church from attack, from persecution and from destruction.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
In 1924 a boy named Johnny, who loved to play basketball, completed the eighth grade in a small rural school. His father, rich in love but short on money for a graduation gift, gave Johnny a card on which he had written his own 7 point creed, which he encouraged his son to start following daily. Three of the points were: Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make each day your masterpiece. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings each day.
Jesus in what we often call the Lord’s Prayer (vs 9-13), taught us to approach our Father each day; it’s not something to be said once and forgotten. Through it we offer God praise (vs 9); seek His kingdom and His will; trust His provision (vs 11) and as for His forgiveness, power and deliverance (vs 12-13).
Throughout his life Johnny sought the Lord’s strength to live each day for Him. He became a three-time All-American basketball player at Purdue University and one of the greatest college coaches of all time. When Coach Johnny died at the age of 99, he was honoured most of all for his character, his faith and the many lives he touched.
By God’s grace, may we make each day our masterpiece for Him.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that the life of each believer in your church would shine brightly for Jesus and draw many to Him for salvation. Pray that each person would be growing closer to Christ by His grace and mercy.
¥ Pray that there would be opportunities for the believers in Nigeria to share their faith, to make disciples and to witness to Christ. Pray that the church would grow and multiply. Pray that the Lord would protect the church from attack, from persecution and from destruction.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Monday November 26, 2012
Read Nehemiah 1
At a church the other day, a small child, only 7 year old, stood to pray. He stood in front of about 100 other children and some supervising adults and prayed:
“Jesus, thank You that some of us get to play football and go to church, and for safety on the drive here, and for forgiveness of our sins, and for eternal life. We love you, Jesus. Please don’t ever forget how much we love You!”
This prayer bought tears to the eyes of the adults as this boy expressed his heart to God. As adults, we may tend to try to polish our prayers a little thinking that it will sound better to God’s ears or those around us who might hear us. But I think God must delight in hearing just what’s on His child’s heart.
Nehemiah’s heart was filled with concern for the welfare of Jerusalem, his homeland, when he heard that the people were in great distress and that the wall around the city was broken down (vs 3). Wanting to do something, he talked to God about it. He praised God for who He is (vs 5), requested forgiveness for sin (vs 6), reminded Him of His promise (vs 9) and asked for mercy from the king (vs 11) . God watched over Nehemiah and His people through the whole building process.
What is on your mind? Thanks or burden? Whatever it is, your loving God wants to hear your heart.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for 30 other people in your congregation that their love for Jesus would grow and mature and deepen. Pray that fruit would be born from this growing love for God.
¥ Pray that God would use Shiloh Church ministries to bring many to Christ through their proclamation of the gospel and their compassion to the poor and needy. Pray that many pastors would be raised up to pastor and teach the new comers
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
At a church the other day, a small child, only 7 year old, stood to pray. He stood in front of about 100 other children and some supervising adults and prayed:
“Jesus, thank You that some of us get to play football and go to church, and for safety on the drive here, and for forgiveness of our sins, and for eternal life. We love you, Jesus. Please don’t ever forget how much we love You!”
This prayer bought tears to the eyes of the adults as this boy expressed his heart to God. As adults, we may tend to try to polish our prayers a little thinking that it will sound better to God’s ears or those around us who might hear us. But I think God must delight in hearing just what’s on His child’s heart.
Nehemiah’s heart was filled with concern for the welfare of Jerusalem, his homeland, when he heard that the people were in great distress and that the wall around the city was broken down (vs 3). Wanting to do something, he talked to God about it. He praised God for who He is (vs 5), requested forgiveness for sin (vs 6), reminded Him of His promise (vs 9) and asked for mercy from the king (vs 11) . God watched over Nehemiah and His people through the whole building process.
What is on your mind? Thanks or burden? Whatever it is, your loving God wants to hear your heart.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for 30 other people in your congregation that their love for Jesus would grow and mature and deepen. Pray that fruit would be born from this growing love for God.
¥ Pray that God would use Shiloh Church ministries to bring many to Christ through their proclamation of the gospel and their compassion to the poor and needy. Pray that many pastors would be raised up to pastor and teach the new comers
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Saturday November 24, 2012
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-10
The story is told of two shopkeepers who were bitter rivals. They spent each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he would smile triumphantly at his rival.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. What is your desire?” The man frowned and then said, “strike me blind in one eye.” Now that’s jealousy of the worst kind!
The self-destruction emotion of jealousy had the potential of tearing apart the Corinthian church. Those believers had received the gospel but had not allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. As a result, they became jealous of one another, which led to a divided community. Paul identified their jealousy as a sign of immaturity and worldliness (1 Corinthians 3:3). These believers were not acting like people who had been transformed by the gospel.
One of the clearest indicators that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives is our contentment and our thankfulness for what we have. Then, instead of experiencing jealousy, we are able to genuinely celebrate the gifts and blessings of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that those in your church who are struggling with jealousy or unforgiveness or hatred or anger would resolve it today. Pray that there would be reconciliation, forgiveness and healing by God’s power today.
¥ Pray that you would be a peace monger among believers. Ask God to use you powerfully to bring healing and wholeness and reconciliation to others in your church or around you.
¥
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
The story is told of two shopkeepers who were bitter rivals. They spent each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he would smile triumphantly at his rival.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. What is your desire?” The man frowned and then said, “strike me blind in one eye.” Now that’s jealousy of the worst kind!
The self-destruction emotion of jealousy had the potential of tearing apart the Corinthian church. Those believers had received the gospel but had not allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. As a result, they became jealous of one another, which led to a divided community. Paul identified their jealousy as a sign of immaturity and worldliness (1 Corinthians 3:3). These believers were not acting like people who had been transformed by the gospel.
One of the clearest indicators that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives is our contentment and our thankfulness for what we have. Then, instead of experiencing jealousy, we are able to genuinely celebrate the gifts and blessings of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that those in your church who are struggling with jealousy or unforgiveness or hatred or anger would resolve it today. Pray that there would be reconciliation, forgiveness and healing by God’s power today.
¥ Pray that you would be a peace monger among believers. Ask God to use you powerfully to bring healing and wholeness and reconciliation to others in your church or around you.
¥
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Friday, 23 November 2012
Friday November 23, 2012
Read Mathew 24:1-8
To many Londoners, 1666 looked like the year when Jesus would return. Prophecy enthusiasts had added 1000 years since Christ’s birth to 666, the
number of Antichrist, to arrive at the date 1666.
The world did seem to be on the verge of destruction when in 1665 a plague claimed the lives of 100 000 people in London. Then in September 1666, a
London fire destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Some wondered, Didn’t the Bible predict catastrophes at the end of the world? (see Matthew 24:1-8) Yet the year 1666 passed and life went on seemingly as it had before.
Even in our own day, there are those who have predicted the end of the world. A date is predicted, the media covers the frenzy and then that day passes uneventfully.
In God’s wisdom, the actual time of Christ’s return has been kept from us. Jesus said, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) This any-moment aspect of Jesus’ return helps keep believers motivated in Christian service and spiritual growth all the time—not just near a certain date (Matthew 25:13; 1John 3:2-3). Be assured, Christ’s personal return will take place. And as we await that day, our lives should be marked by “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11).
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your church would be a bright light in this dark and depraved world. Ask God to give your church great opportunities to be shining the light and sharing the faith in the local community of that church.
¥ Pray that there would be many opportunities for you personally to share your faith, to make disciples and to invite others into the kingdom. Pray specifically (ie by name) for those around you who don’t know Christ yet.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
To many Londoners, 1666 looked like the year when Jesus would return. Prophecy enthusiasts had added 1000 years since Christ’s birth to 666, the
number of Antichrist, to arrive at the date 1666.
The world did seem to be on the verge of destruction when in 1665 a plague claimed the lives of 100 000 people in London. Then in September 1666, a
London fire destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Some wondered, Didn’t the Bible predict catastrophes at the end of the world? (see Matthew 24:1-8) Yet the year 1666 passed and life went on seemingly as it had before.
Even in our own day, there are those who have predicted the end of the world. A date is predicted, the media covers the frenzy and then that day passes uneventfully.
In God’s wisdom, the actual time of Christ’s return has been kept from us. Jesus said, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) This any-moment aspect of Jesus’ return helps keep believers motivated in Christian service and spiritual growth all the time—not just near a certain date (Matthew 25:13; 1John 3:2-3). Be assured, Christ’s personal return will take place. And as we await that day, our lives should be marked by “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11).
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your church would be a bright light in this dark and depraved world. Ask God to give your church great opportunities to be shining the light and sharing the faith in the local community of that church.
¥ Pray that there would be many opportunities for you personally to share your faith, to make disciples and to invite others into the kingdom. Pray specifically (ie by name) for those around you who don’t know Christ yet.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
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