Archive for January, 2009
January 31, 2009 at 3:05 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Jan 31
Daily Devotional:
“But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” John 21:4-5 NKJV
In John 21, their Lord had been crucified and Peter, along with some of the other disciples had gone back to fishing. This is what they knew best prior to Jesus’ ministry. Sometimes we get impatient, waiting for something we know God has promised. We go back to what we were good at, only to find it’s just not the same.
When you have tried everything and when you have no options left. When you’ve fished all night and caught nothing. When you say Jesus, I have nothing, it is in that place where we come to the end of ourselves and begin to discover Him. Like the disciples, we too find Jesus waiting on the shore. Not only waiting but also with fish on the fire. Jesus is always waiting for us with just what we need-no matter where we’ve been, no matter what we’ve done. What a good God we serve.
Daily Prayer Focus: Fast and Pray
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
January 30, 2009 at 7:38 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Jan 30
Daily Devotional:
It was a tender, yet revelatory moment. Mary Magdalene had been weeping outside the empty tomb where Jesus once laid. When Jesus posed the question to her of whom she was seeking, Mary mistakenly took Him for the gardener and cried out her quest to find Jesus’ body. He called out her name and Mary immediately recognized him, saying “Rabboni!”
Mary had experienced a powerful encounter with Jesus. But He didn’t want her to stop there.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” John 20:17 NKJV
Mary still wanted to hold onto Him. But Jesus spurred Mary on and commissioned her to share with the disciples about His ascension. Jesus had not yet risen with God – He was still on the move.
During our 21 days of prayer and fasting, most of us have experienced moments when we’ve caught a fresh revelation of Jesus. Overwhelmed by a fresh sense of His grace or faithfulness, realizing anew the power of His resurrection, or witnessing an eye-opening miracle firsthand.
But what will you do with this powerful discovery? How will you tell others about your encounter?
Daily Prayer Focus: Fast and Pray
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18
January 29, 2009 at 11:47 am · Filed under Uncategorized
After a great weekend last weekend in our 30 Days To Live Series, we are ramping up for another power packed weekend of Focusing on What Really Matters…
This is sure to be a super weekend as we end our “Awakening 21 Days Of Prayer And Fasting” with Communion this Sunday and head into New Territories with God as individuals and as a church family in 2009… We will also be talking about our most powerful series to date coming in February “WARRIOR”! You dont want to miss the trailer showing this weekend for this intense new series as we study how God desires us to be WARRIORS for the Kingdom of God, just as the Lord Himself is a WARRIOR! I know that there is GREAT VICTORY ahead in this power packed new series…
WARRIOR SERIES
The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name. Exodus 15:3
See You Sunday,
David
PS – oh yeah, I hear there is a little football game on tv sunday afternoon…
PSS – ELEVATE IS HAVING A SUPER BOWL PARTY FOR STUDENTS (CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS)
January 29, 2009 at 7:25 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Jan 29
Daily Devotional:
Sometimes, even though we might have the “right” to do something, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the “right” thing to do. For example, choosing to follow through with something we may very well have the “right” to do, even though it’s not best for others is not what truly brings honor to God.
Jesus understood the scope of His rights, yet He always chose to submit them to whatever would bring honor to God.
“…Don’t you realize I have the power to release you or crucify you?’ (Pilate speaking) Then Jesus said, ‘You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above’ …” John 19:10-11 (NLT)
We know Jesus had the power to immediately put a stop to everything… if He wanted to. But instead, what we see here is a picture of total surrender and submission to authority by Jesus.
Jesus had the right to call down ten thousand angels, but He chose to do what was right for God’s children. Jesus came to fulfill the will of the Father, and knowing that this suffering and His crucifixion was the only way the plan of salvation could be accomplished, “He gave up His divine privileges” (Philippians 2:7). He didn’t stop it all just because He could; He was looking at the bigger picture, God’s greater purposes.
What greater purpose or will do you think God is calling you to? What “rights” might you have to surrender to step into this call? Choose what is right.
Daily Prayer Focus: Fast and Pray
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: ‘O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands,’” Nehemiah 1:4-5
January 28, 2009 at 7:31 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Jan 28
Daily Devotional:
Prayer provides us an opportunity to seek God and invite His power and presence in our lives. Yet it demands that we come to God with authenticity. We call it “getting real” with Him. There is a place in prayer that we all come to – the line of truth – truthfulness within ourselves and truthfulness with God. At this place, the decision is simple – are we willing to stand with truth or hide from it? Are we willing to place everything on the altar and invite His inspection or shut our ears to His still, small voice?
Jesus answered Pilate’s questioning of His kingship with these words “everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37). In other words, we too will listen to him (openly invite and receive His Word into our lives) when we take the side of truth. This is the place of raw authenticity with God. This is the place where real change happens.
As you seek God with honesty, draw closer to this place of wholehearted truthfulness with Him. It is there He will speak… it is there you will hear.
Daily Prayer Focus: Prayer Invites God’s Will to Earth
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” I John 5:14
January 27, 2009 at 5:10 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
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January 27, 2009 at 8:22 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Jan 27
Daily Devotional:
We know from the scriptures that Jesus would get alone with God and pray (Luke 5:16). Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be a fly on the wall at one of those prayer sessions? John was afforded the opportunity to be there when Jesus “looked toward heaven and prayed” (John 17:1) this prayer. What did he hear?
- Jesus talking to The Father about their relationship as Father and Son (vs.1-5).
- Jesus praying for John and for the rest of their team – that they may be one (vs. 6-19).
- Jesus praying for the fruit of their ministry, for all the people who would hear the message of the Gospel and believe (vs. 20-26).
Having peeked into the prayer of Jesus, what common threads do you find in these three areas? How can this sharpen your time of prayer today?
Daily Prayer Focus: Prayer Brings Divine Results
“With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.” Daniel 11:32
January 26, 2009 at 10:46 pm · Filed under DC, Taryn
DC Sisterhood Rocks
I am so very proud of my wife, Taryn…
This tuesday night, the DC Sisterhood that she has been praying about – forever – will take its first Big Breath of Fresh – Sisterhood – Air… I know for so many of you ladies out there, it will be a huge breath of LIFE as you encounter God together…
For more information on this great event for women of ALL ages, you can email sisterhood@dcmetrochurch.org. or you can check out the latest updates, times, and directions at: www.dcmetrochurch.org/dc-sisterhood/ Also, dont forget to check out Taryn’s new and very cool looking blog: www.tarynstine.com
Looking forward to a great report that all was well at the Sisterhood meeting…
Guys,
If you are reading this and wondering how you can be a part of this great event I have two thoughts:
1. Offer to keep the kids for a night (I am taking the boys out for a cruise while taryn is out with the girls)
2. If you are single: Just PRAY that God is sending your future wife to this powerful gathering, and “NO” you cannot go – so add to that prayer a simple plea – - > that God would let you meet her AT CHURCH!
Fired-Up Women are ROCK FOR JESUS!
Bless You Guys and DC Sisterhood,
david
January 26, 2009 at 11:09 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Jan 26
Daily Devotional:
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard.” John 16:13 NLT
The Holy Spirit has many functions. He convicts the world of sin and God’s righteousness, guides believers in truth, glorifies Jesus, and speaks on the authority of Jesus. He knows the future. Jesus declared Him as our Helper. Who better to guide us in prayer than the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is always with us as believers. He will never lead us in the wrong direction. He only speaks what He hears from Jesus. When we open our hearts to pray, the Holy Spirit will guide us. He guides us in truth and will bring joy and encouragement during our prayer time.
Lord, thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit as my prayer partner.
Daily Prayer Focus: Prayer Invokes God’s Favor
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12
January 25, 2009 at 10:45 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Jan 25
Daily Devotional:
“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
John 15:7-8 NLT
Abide means to dwell, to stay, to settle in, and to sink deeper. When we abide in Christ, we take on His desires and begin to pray according to His will. That is the secret to getting our prayers answered. When our heart is lined up with His heart, God becomes the inspiration for the things we pray for. This unrelenting dependence upon Him is what produces spiritual fruit in our lives.
As long as a branch is abiding in the vine, it is alive and will produce fruit. Once the branch is separated, it no longer produces the fruit it was created to produce. God loves us so much that He wants us to remain connected and dependent upon Him as a branch is to the vine.
Lord, draw me as close to your heart as a branch is to the vine. Help me to pray according to Your will.
Daily Prayer Focus: Prayer Renews Faith
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10
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