The Cornerstone Devotions for Teachers: What it means to be more than conquerors

The Cornerstone Devotions for Teachers: What it means to be more than conquerors: I'm in a phase of life right now in which a lot of really important things are riding on the decisions of someone else. The biggest o...

Giving Thanks

Good morning!  Today, I feel thankful for so many things. I am thankful that Jesus loves me and that He wants to share His kingdom with me.  I am thankful for everything God has given me. One way I show my thanks is through prayer.  In Psalm 145, David praises and exalts the name of the LORD.  He tells God that future generations will know of His works and the power of His Name.  "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations" (vs. 13).

Prayer isn't just about asking for forgiveness of our sins, or the healing of a friend.  Of course it is a way we can lift up our problems and concerns, but it is also a way to give thanks and praise for the wonderful things He has done for us now and in the future.  Today, I praise the Lord for the mind He has given me, along with the talents and gifts He will provide for me to use in the classroom.  "My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.  Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever" (vs. 21).  Amen and amen!

Bearing the Marks for Jesus

Good morning! This morning, I read Galations 6:11-18 and something really opened my eyes about the importance of boasting in the Lord; not boasting about ourselves.  In this letter to the Galations, Paul encourages them (and us) to remember that the former traditions are not as important as understanding that when Jesus died on the cross, He took away our sins and we became a new creation.  He sacrificed Himself so that we could be made new but it doesn't stop there.

In verse 17, Paul writes "Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." Up until that point, Paul had been stoned (Acts 14:19), beaten (Acts 16:22, 2 Corinthians 11:25), and had suffered illness (2 Corinthians 12:7, Galations 4:13-14).  He literally had marks on his body for being a servant of Christ.

I don't know about you, but I don't have any physical proof (on my body) that I am Christ's servant.  However, many people of this day and age do suffer in that way.  I think it's very important that we remember those who do bear the literal marks of Christianity.  Here's a link to Voice of the Martyrs.  Please check it out.  http://www.persecution.com/

Studying the Scriptures Part 2

As a follow-up to my last post, I decided to share the seven verses that I am studying.

1. Do everything without complaining or arguing.  Philippians 2:14
2. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.  Colossians 3:23
3. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.  Job 23:12
4. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  Colossians 4:6
5. The day of the LORD is near for all the nations.  As you have done, it will be done to you . . .  Obadiah 13:15
6. The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in him.  Nahum 1:7
7. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.  Ephesians 5:17

These verses have become particularly meaningful to me since I began to study them.  Surely, they are words for you and I to live by.

Would you like to share the seven passages you chose?  Just click on the comments link and type them in.  I would love to make this an interactive post.

 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you . . ." Matthew 28:19-20.  Let's hold one another accountable.  

Studying the Scriptures

Good morning, everyone! This morning, my devotional was about studying the scriptures.  It really wasn't about daily devotions or long Bible studies, though.  It was about meditating on a verse or passage about three to four times daily, similar to taking time out for meals.  In fact, one of the reference verses was from Job 23:12, which says "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread."

I'm going to assign myself a personal challenge, starting now.  I'm going to pick seven verses, write each one on a separate index card (recipe card, even!) and meditate on one per meal until I have all seven of them memorized.  Then, I will keep repeating the cycle until I am led to do something else.  For me, it's not about the number of verses I can memorize, but about how I can build a firmer foundation in the Lord.  Do you want to join me in this challenge?

Going to Make Disciples Any Way I Can

Today, I am so excited to type in these verses from the Bible because they are some of my favorites: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.  Yet what shall I choose?  I do not know!  I am torn between the two:  I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.  Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel" Philippians 1:21-27.

What do these verses mean to me?  They mean that even though heaven is my true home, earth is where I am going to hang out until the Lord decides that it's time for me to go to my true home, so I need to fulfill the mission that Jesus set forth, which is to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" Matthew 28:19-20a.

I can spread the the good news in my quiet Christ-like actions, or by the gentle words I use to tell someone the story of Jesus.  I can spread the gospel through this blog or by putting a link to this blog in my email to someone.  I can tweet John 3:16 or post it on Facebook.  There are so many ways to be a witness to Christ, these days so while I'm here, I'm going to do it.  Some say technology is taking over the mankind.  Well, I'm going to take advantage of it.  Enjoy your day!

Turning Sadness into Mission Work

Today, I was sad about something.  The reason is not as important as what the Lord led me to do with the feelings that began to erupt.  You see, the more I thought about what was making me sad, the more I began feeling other things, such as worry, stress, helplessness, and failure.  So I did what I do during these times.  I began to pray and I started by repenting for feeling those feelings because those are not from God.  He is the God of hope and it was clear to me that I was not leaning on Him, enough.  After I repented, I asked Him for forgiveness and then guidance.  He led me to open the Bible, of course.  I read Matthew 24-28.  I love to read Jesus' words.

But then I back-tracked and it hit me.

In Matthew 14, John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, was beheaded for no reason.  Please read the chapter.  But the part that got me was in verses 13-14: Now when Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there in a boat in a lonely place by Himself; and when the multitudes heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.  And when He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and felt compassion  for them, and healed their sick.  (Bolded emphasis mine)

I bolded some parts of the verses because I wanted you to notice a few things: (1) When Jesus heard about His cousin's horrible death, He didn't stay and complain, wasting His energy and time acting angry when there was nothing He could do about it.  He left, by Himself, to a place that no one else would be.  Maybe He prayed to His Father.  Maybe He wept.  We do know that He knows the things we feel so maybe He felt all the negative things but went away to pull Himself together.  But, check this out: (2) He didn't stay away.  He came back anew.  And not only that, when He saw all the people waiting for Him, He felt a different feeling: compassion.  (3) So first, Jesus brought His sadness to the lonely place, left it there, and then came back to the land of the living and began to heal people.  He turned His sadness into mission work, if you will.  Not only did He heal their sickness but He fed them, too, in verses 15-21.  There were over 5,000 men that He fed, with only five loaves and two fish, and that was not counting the women or children.

 Wow.

Through our faith in the power of Jesus Christ, He can heal our feelings of sadness, stress, worry, failure, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiousness, etc.  But do you ever notice the needs of others when you come out of your dark place?  Maybe it's a need to minister to your family.  Maybe to your neighbors or your church family.  Is there a soup kitchen in your community? Maybe your child's teacher needs extra support.

From here on out, I will remember that treasure of a verse in Matthew 14:13-14 and work to turn my loss into gain.

Praise the LORD!

The Bible says "Praise the LORD.  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 106:1 NIV).  I'll be the first to admit, however, that when I've had bad news, or when I'm having a bad day, praising Him doesn't usually come to mind, right away.  So, you know what?  I have a solution (I'm a big solution person).  I'm going to write this verse on several sticky notes and post them all over the house so that I can memorize it.  That way, when things don't go the way I think they should, I will remember this Bible verse so that I can remember to praise God, anyway.  Who knows?  He may want me to hold out for something bigger and better or smaller and grander.  Either way, I do know that He wants my actions to reflect those of Jesus.

  

Do Not Worry

Do you trust that God will take care of everything you need, on a daily basis? I sure do!  Do you want to know how I can be so sure?  Because in the New Testament (Luke 12), Jesus told his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.  Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.  Provide purses for yourseles that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (22-25; 31-34).  If Jesus said it, I believe it.  End of story!  Obviously, He wants us to live responsibly and take care of our families and ourselves but He does not want us to stress over things.  Too much stress is unhealthy.  God knows what He's doing, doesn't He?

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

I have to admit, my biggest problem (at the moment) is not about the lack of trusting God to provide for my needs because I have seen His work at it's finest.  My biggest problem (at the moment) is about trusting and following His direction to make decision A when decision B makes more sense to me.    

During these times, I need to remember what Paul wrote to the Philippians: ". . . continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose." (12-13)  We (I) need to remember that our (my)  only purpose, here on Earth, is to share the Gospel; to grow God's Kingdom!  The question that we (I) need to be asking ourselves (myself) is "Lord, where would you like me to go, today, to shine your light?"  First, home; then, wherever else He sends us.  :)

Four Fingerprints of Satan

According to a Beth Moore study, the four fingerprints of Satan are found in 2 Corinthians 4:2.  They are (1) secrecy (2) shame (3) deception, and (4) distortion.  Makes perfect sense to me.  In fact, what I'm going to write in this blog are passages from the Bible and to me they are so profound that I'm just going to leave you to look them up, think about them and, hopefully, develop further independent study.

2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Romans 12:1-2
Romans 8:18

Every Day Bible Study

At church, this past Sunday, our sermon was about how we sometimes get caught up seeking Jesus only when times are great and we receive the "goodies that he might give away.  He wants more.  He wants us to trust him as Savior" (Dr. John Beck).  He wants us to continue to have, or begin to make, a normal habit of bible study.  How else can we memorize scripture or recall places in the bible that will help us in times of trouble?  Moreover, how many of us need periodic reminders of just how gloriously faithful our Lord is?

My pastor went on to describe how some people in the New Testament saw what Jesus could produce out of the five small barley loaves and two small fish to feed five thousand people (please read John 6:1-15) and they seemed to follow him because of what they could momentarily benefit, yet, afforded no effort into the eternal benefits of their faith in Jesus Christ.  For example, verses 26-27 say "Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give you.  On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval" (NIV).  

By the way, the crowd continued to question Jesus and doubt him; however, how many of us have witnessed things happen in our own lives, or in others' lives, to doubt that Jesus' work is eternal?  I've seen and been involved in my fair share of divine appointments that seemed to express eternal benefits.  How about you?  

I've gotten off point a little, but the truth of Sunday's sermon is that even Jesus' normal routine included worship of his Father: "Jesus taught regularly in their synagogues . . . he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath . . . " (Luke 4:15-16).  We must make a conscious choice to  devote ourselves to regular bible study. 

Aren't we to live as Christ did?  1John 2:6 says "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."  

On the right-hand side of my blog site, you will find some bible study links and resources.  Feel free to click away!  Happy bible studying!

Hold Fast to God's Word

Growing up, I can remember hearing sermons about idolatry and how dangerous it was to become too hyper-focused on something for fear that I would end up idolizing it.  I can remember going to the barn and loving the horses I cared for, so much, that I was afraid they would turn into my idols.  I'll never forget telling my father, the late Reverend William H. Tilton, that I loved horses.  Boy, was that a mistake.  My dad proceded to give me one of his famously long lectures about the dangers of idolatry.  Knowing me, I probably fell asleep, and knowing him, he probably didn't notice.  lol  But, I have to say, I had a holy fear for both my Father in heaven (still do!) and my father on earth.

There was and is no way I will ever knowingly go down the road of idolatry but there is a fine line, according to Jonah from the Bible.  In the New Century Version, Jonah 2: 8-9 says "People who worship useless idols give up their loyalty to you.  Lord, I will praise and thank you while I give sacrifices to you.  And I will do what I promise.  Salvation comes from the Lord!"  Those very people who worship useless idols and give up their loyalty to God probably do so slowly.  It probably doesn't happen all at once because Satan likes to creep in with temptation.  Oh, he's a sly one.  Don't let him tempt you, friends.  Let's be well-dressed in the armor of our Lord (Ephesians 6:10-18).  Study the Word every day of your lives.  Listen to what He has to tell you.  I believe that everything written in the bible holds significance; otherwise, why else would it be God-breathed?

Joy Cometh

Do you ever feel like you're in limbo; almost in a let-down phase of your life?  Sometimes I do, and it can happen soon after I've been excited about something; some news or circumstance in my life.  It's during that sudden let-down or limbo phase that I am edgy and my tongue is sharp.  Of course, by the time I realize it, it's too late to take back my words or actions.  But, the apostle Peter writes "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power for ever and ever.  Amen."  (1 Peter 5:6-11 NIV)

I wonder, "why couldn't I have thought of those verses before I lashed out?"  Maybe I need to write them on a sticky note and post them on my bathroom mirror.  Better yet, maybe I should try to memorize them.  Boy,  wouldn't Satan just love that!?!

Thankfully, the Lord gives hope to those of us who are saved.  "The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God"(7,8,11).

Today is a brand new day.  Thank you, Lord, for the joy that cometh in the morning.

If you are reading this post and you are wondering how you can become a Christian, please follow this link and read it thoroughly. http://www.annegrahamlotz.com/about-us/be-ready-meet-jesus/ I pray that you will allow your heart to open up and let Christ in. Welcome, in advance, to my family in Christ.  We love you.

Magnificent Father

Good morning and happy father's day, guys!

I can't wait to go to church and worship my Lord, this morning, because I want to hug and say hello to my Christian brothers and sisters, and then I want to sing praises to my Magnificent Father on this special day.   He loves me unconditionally and He never lets me down.  Even when I try very hard not to sin, but do, He disciplines me but is never disappointed or ashamed of me.

Everyday, God gives me just the right amount of strength I need to function.  I praise Him for that.  I praise Him in advance for His healing power and for helping to build my wisdom and understanding.  I want more, Lord.  Please give me more.  God knows my heart and He knows my unconditional love for Him.

"Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:12,13). Come quickly Jesus!  I want to meet our Father face to face but in the meantime, "Listen, O heavens, and I will hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. a faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he" (Deuteronomy 32:1-4).

Help me to be more like Jesus, Lord, and may this blog be a witness to You and reach someone's heart in a special way.

Questions of the Day

Today, I have so many biblical questions, about Job, swimming around in my head.  I began reading Job 3 and verse 25 says "What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me."  What I am wondering is: (1) Had Job thought about losing everything he had long before he lost it? (2) Had he wondered if he was going to lose his health before all of the prior tragedy or after the tragedy? (3) Had he been poor and sick long before he found wealth and health?  Is that why he possessed fear and dread?  Then to me, his blamelessness and uprightness (1:8 NIV) makes a little more sense.  He was forever grateful and had so much faith and love towards God that he could not live without him.  But at the same time, he was human and filled with emotion at the loss of his children and health.  His wealth meant nothing to him, of course; this often happens when we depend on God, and not on worldly ambitions or things.  In addition, and speaking from experience, wealth (or living without want or need) means nothing once you have lost it and discovered that you can live without it if you fully depend on Him to provide for your needs.

My questions about Job are pretty insignificant, of course, because the answers are not revealed but do you ever have questions about what do you read in the bible?  Beth Moore once said (in a nutshell) that the bible is God's breathed Word to us.  He revealed what he wanted us to know.  He wrote to us, so write back.  Do you write back?  Some people don't write in their bible.  That's okay.  Write on a tablet of paper if you want.  The point is, the more critical thought you put into your reading the better your comprehension will be so more of His Word may be revealed to you.  Don't forget to ask for ears to hear and eyes to see.  Helpful tip: I pray and clear my mind of all things before I do my bible study.  Also, I do it very early in the morning so that the only distraction I have are the birds singing and the dog snoring.  Don't forget to thank the Lord for revealing Himself to you when you finish studying.

Happy bible studying!

Job's Wife

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ.  Have you ever thought of the Lord as a someone with a sense of humor?  I have, plenty of times, but it was Beth Moore (Living Proof & Lifeway Bible teacher) who really brought those ideas to light.  If you haven't studied with Beth Moore, I very highly recommend that you do, whether you are male or female.  Beth is a "woman's" Bible teacher but, really, that has more to do with her ministry connections and not her actual teaching.  I've been in weekly church studies where men have sat in because she is an outstanding witness and teacher of the Lord Jesus Christ.  She, after all, is our sister and we should support one another, right?  I've included a link to one of her many ministries but you will be most blessed if you can get to a Beth Moore Bible study group at a church or purchase the leader DVD set and create a Bible study at your home.  That's what I intend to do once we are finished remodeling the house.  :)  http://www.lproof.org/

By the way, the Lord has blessed me with a very Godly husband and we keep each other in check just like Job and his wife.  Speaking of Job, I've been studying the Explore the Bible Personal Study and did you know that Job's wife is only mentioned one time during his whole ordeal (see Job 2:9)?  She comes on scene after he breaks out in head-to-toe sores (2:7) and tries scraping the scabs away with pottery shards (2:8).  The study guide points out something that I've never thought about (I'll write below) and I've read the book of Job too many times to count because of all the times I've felt as if I've gone through my own "Job moments" and needed comfort knowing that God never leaves me in my worst of trials.

Anyway, back to the wife; except for the physical pain that her husband suffers, we must assume that she suffers intense emotional pain at the loss of her children.  In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and propose that she may agonize the death of her children (1:18,19) to the point it almost sends her over the proverbial edge.  What mother wouldn't come unravelled over the loss of one child let alone all 10 children, simultaneously?  And, although she loses all of her wealth (1:2,3; 14-17), like her husband, the material things are probably not that important to her.  What, rather, whom she has left is her husband; her lifelong partner.

So let's recap: out of nowhere, Job and his wife lose their wealth, livelihood, family, and Job's health; suddenly, Job's wife probably thinks her husband is about to die as well.  Knowing this, she says to him "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" (2:9 NIV).  In a way, that statement would make sense in that day and age because she knows that he is suffering and my study bible says that she wants him to "provoke God to administer the final stroke due to all who curse him" (Leviticus 24:10-16).  At the same time, she recognizes his integrity.  I think this is important.  She still holds fast to her husband's honor and presence as a man of God.  Never does she belittle him or cause him to suffer more.

Job replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman.  Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." (Job 2:10).  So Job reprimands his wife but does not belittle her, either. Nor does he cause additional suffering on her part.  In addition, he points out that God provides good things and at other times he allows trials.  He reminds her of God's sovereignty and helps her to remember that she can cling to Him always. Job understands that concept.  In my experience, the more perseverance marathons I run the more conditioned I become.  That is not to say that I become desensitised to trials.  Oh, let me tell you about my recent air-conditioning problem (another time)!  lol  However, all it means is that I am drawn closer to God during those unhappy moments in my life; as a result, I remain closer to him during the happy moments.  He wants us to run to Him.  Always.  No matter what.

By the way, this part of the verse: "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job 2:10 silences the accuser aka Satan.  No longer is he heard from again in the book of Job.  Job's wife plays a very important role in his life, do you agree?  Can you think of other times in the bible that the accuser is silenced?  If so, please post a reply.

Have a wonderful day!

Jesus' Blessings Poured Out On Me

Welcome to my first blog post. I've decided to share some of my thoughts from my devotionals because I just can't keep quiet about them! When I read Gods Word, I just want to burst with excitement about the things He reveals to me; however, I will try to contain myself try to focus on one thought per post. :)

This morning, I was reading 1 John 5:14,15.  The New International Version (NIV) says this: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him."  All of a sudden, it hit me.  It's not that God will just hand over whatever we want or ask for, just because we pray for it; it's that it has first got to be His will, and then the scripture says He will hear us and we will have that in which we ask.  Rather than think of the word hear I would rather think of the word acknowledge because God always hears our prayers.

Here's a possible question you may have: How do I know if it's His will for me to get what if I ask for? I would say that if you received your request without having to manipulate the situation to attain whatever it is, it must have been aligned in His will.

Whenever you're in doubt, pray about it.  Thanks for reading my post.  I hope to write often.  God bless you and goodnight!