Scripture: Galatians 4:9
"But now that you know God - or rather are known by God- how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?"
Observation: Paul challenged the galatians to not turn back to their old ways of only following the law not the word of God.
Application: Allign your life with God not with the world. Is their any earthly good that can surpass or outweigh the love of God? Never forget where you have come from and where you desire to go. Learn from your mistakes so you do not slip into your old ways like the galatians.
Prayer: Lord help me put my faith in you not the world so that when I fall you alone will be the foundation of my life. Help me to be who you created me to be. Lord help me to not give into temptation as easily as I do. Thank you for the life you have blessed me with.
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Thursday, November 6, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Training Ride
I had nothing going on today so I decided to go for a good long ride. I started out thinking i would go for around 40 miles depending on how i felt, but once i started riding i was feeling really great. So i ended up getting 60 miles in and it felt great. I'm definitly feeling motivated to train for a triathlon. I felt great for about 50 miles but the last 10 miles got to be really tough. Riding into the wind and i could feel my blood sugar droping. Could have definitly used another energy bar and i would have been better off but i finished with a blood sugar level of 93 so i was just fine. I'm definitly enjoying this beautiful fall weather; sunny with a little chill in the air! Whats not to like about it? Enjoy the weekend!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Tiger Mountain: West
Today I had a great 12 mile run at west tiger mountain. 2 hr 15 min of sweat and hardwork but it was definitly worth the effort. The view is pretty awesome too, Lake Washington and Seattle in the distance. I met an older gentleman at the top who hikes the mountain all the time but other then that it was just the wildlife and some great trails to run. The views from the top were pretty good but today was all about running hard and getting worked by the mountain. Tiger mountain is great because most of the trails are well taken care of but not finely groomed so there is still a lot of rugged terrain waiting to be conquered. Hope everyone had as much fun todays as I have! Go to tiger mountain...its awesome!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
October 9, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Nehemiah 1: 8,9
"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the furthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name."
Observation: Nehemiah is begging the gracious Lord to forgive his people, the Israelites, for not obeying His commands. They acted very wickedly and therefore were scattered across the nations.
Application: No amount of good works can save us from sinning against the Lord. It is foolish to think we can somehow earn our way into heaven or receive a higher spot in God's eyes because of our actions. Know when to call on God because only through Jesus Christ can we enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for the sins I have committed against you. Lord help me to rely solely on you and put my faith only in you. You are my savior and loving God. Please help me to be strong in you when I am tempted by evil.
"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the furthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name."
Observation: Nehemiah is begging the gracious Lord to forgive his people, the Israelites, for not obeying His commands. They acted very wickedly and therefore were scattered across the nations.
Application: No amount of good works can save us from sinning against the Lord. It is foolish to think we can somehow earn our way into heaven or receive a higher spot in God's eyes because of our actions. Know when to call on God because only through Jesus Christ can we enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for the sins I have committed against you. Lord help me to rely solely on you and put my faith only in you. You are my savior and loving God. Please help me to be strong in you when I am tempted by evil.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
October 7, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Luke 20:38
"He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
Observation: The bible says, "In Christ we are a new creation." Dead has no meaning because through Jesus we are born again thus while death has a hold on the human body our souls live forever in Christ.
Application: Do not be concerned or overcome with fear and worrying about how you will survive the next year or even tomorrow for that matter. Focus your attention on the path Christ has directed you to and leave the rest up to Him.
Prayer: Lord God thank you for speaking into my life and calling me in the right direction. Lord no matter how much I fail you are always there to get me back on course. Help me to live for you and not get caught up in the trivial matters of daily life.
"He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."
Observation: The bible says, "In Christ we are a new creation." Dead has no meaning because through Jesus we are born again thus while death has a hold on the human body our souls live forever in Christ.
Application: Do not be concerned or overcome with fear and worrying about how you will survive the next year or even tomorrow for that matter. Focus your attention on the path Christ has directed you to and leave the rest up to Him.
Prayer: Lord God thank you for speaking into my life and calling me in the right direction. Lord no matter how much I fail you are always there to get me back on course. Help me to live for you and not get caught up in the trivial matters of daily life.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Scripture: Zechariah 13:9
"This third I will bring into fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and the will say, ' The Lord is our God."
Observation: The Lord declares that two-thirds of the earth will be struck down and destroyed when the appropriate time comes. However the remaining one-third will be made new again and will be tested by the Lord.
Application: The trajectory of our life will present us with certain challenges that God has established to test our faith in Him. If we choose to take on these challenges by our self we will surely fail in the long run. So, put your faith in God so that He may take you places you could never get to on your own and show you things that you would otherwise not believe.
Prayer: Lord help me to truly believe that you have a plan for my life and that you are in complete control. Please allow me to fully trust you and look for your guidance through every situation. Keep me from becoming prideful and loosing focus of the purpose you have given me in life.
"This third I will bring into fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and the will say, ' The Lord is our God."
Observation: The Lord declares that two-thirds of the earth will be struck down and destroyed when the appropriate time comes. However the remaining one-third will be made new again and will be tested by the Lord.
Application: The trajectory of our life will present us with certain challenges that God has established to test our faith in Him. If we choose to take on these challenges by our self we will surely fail in the long run. So, put your faith in God so that He may take you places you could never get to on your own and show you things that you would otherwise not believe.
Prayer: Lord help me to truly believe that you have a plan for my life and that you are in complete control. Please allow me to fully trust you and look for your guidance through every situation. Keep me from becoming prideful and loosing focus of the purpose you have given me in life.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September 30, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Luke 13:24
"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."
Observation: Jesus also describes the way to heaven as a narrow path where as there is a wide road leading towards hell.
Application: The path is never easy but the Lord promises us that if we knock the door will be opened. Truly seek God with all your heart and invest your life in following God's word.
Prayer: Lord thank you for choosing me to carry out your will. Please forgive me for the many times I fail and give in to sin. Thank you for your abundant blessing. Please allow me to overcome evil temptations and to follow your will. Thank you for this beautiful fall morning and for blessing my life with an amazing family and amazing friends.
"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."
Observation: Jesus also describes the way to heaven as a narrow path where as there is a wide road leading towards hell.
Application: The path is never easy but the Lord promises us that if we knock the door will be opened. Truly seek God with all your heart and invest your life in following God's word.
Prayer: Lord thank you for choosing me to carry out your will. Please forgive me for the many times I fail and give in to sin. Thank you for your abundant blessing. Please allow me to overcome evil temptations and to follow your will. Thank you for this beautiful fall morning and for blessing my life with an amazing family and amazing friends.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
September 25, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Luke 8:14
"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."
Observation: Jesus illustrates through this parable the importance of faith and how it outweighs any other attempt of doing good works.
Application: T.I. came out with a new song in which the lyrics go, "unhappy with the riches cuz your piss-poor morally." This is just a small example that nothing on this earth comes close to that of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord please grant me the wisdom to make you my focus and priority and shift my attention away from simple worldly pleasures. I don't deserve credit for anything except continually turning my back on you and thinking that somehow I can make it on my own. Lord thank you for choosing me and never giving up on my life.
"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."
Observation: Jesus illustrates through this parable the importance of faith and how it outweighs any other attempt of doing good works.
Application: T.I. came out with a new song in which the lyrics go, "unhappy with the riches cuz your piss-poor morally." This is just a small example that nothing on this earth comes close to that of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord please grant me the wisdom to make you my focus and priority and shift my attention away from simple worldly pleasures. I don't deserve credit for anything except continually turning my back on you and thinking that somehow I can make it on my own. Lord thank you for choosing me and never giving up on my life.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
23
Today is my 23rd birthday! Not a big deal in the long run but still a good day and a great reason to get the family together! Some other exciting news i begin my last quarter of college tomorrow. 10 weeks and i am done with school. I'm not counting down the days or anything but im definitly excieted. Other then that, only 5 days till the Bellingham marathon. My training has been really strong so im hoping for a great day to run. What makes the marathon so exciting is the unknown factor. No matter how experienced you are each time you run is a new experience and a new adventure!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Mt. Rainier
On Monday Brianna and I went up to Mt. Rainier to enjoy the beautiful day. The weather was perfect with a high of 75 degrees. We began at the Sunrise Lodge and headed East on the wonderland trail. It was very beautiful and the views of Rainier only got better the further we hiked. All in all we spent about 3 hours hiking and traveled about 7 miles. There were some challenging climbs that definitely had us breathing heavily but again the views made the journey worth the pain. Being so close to such an amazing and huge mountain really brings into prespective how small and fragile we really are. Hiking on the trails around Rainier fueled my passion for running and especially being in the outdoors. I can't wait to get back up to the mountain and doing some crazy trail running. My dream run is to take off with my pack on and just go until I can't run anymore! How amazing would that be? Just running through God's beautiful wilderness! We only live once and I like to go Big
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Mt. Si
My brother and I hiked up Mt. Si Saturday morning. It was an awesome day with tmeperatures in the mid 70's by the time we reached the summit. Only downside was that there were a lot of people on the mountain but it was good to see that it is getting used and the views are definitly worth the hike. 4000 feet of elevation gain in 4 miles. Great workout for the legs. If you haven't been up Mt. Si it's a hike that is very challenging but very rewarding. Go Big!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Next Race...
38 Days till Bellingham Bay Mrathon. My training is going well however my work schedule has me slightly behind where I would like to be. But I have been running a lot of hills and I'm starting to feel more comfortable running hills later in my runs. Good luck to everyone running the Cascade Crest 100 miler this weekend!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
April 22, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Psalm 63:1
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
Observation: Seek after God with all your soul even when the world rejects you and attempts to block you way.
Application: In everything you do, live life in a way that is glorifying to God. Make it your life's mission to be invisible so as to not get in the way of God's grace.
Prayer: Lord I don't know what I'm doing or what I'm supposed to do. Lord please point me in the right direction so that I may serve you best. Lord help me to grow in self-discipline and help me to be more honest with myself and with everyone around me. Lord let me become invisible so that others may see your glory and so they will give you the credit.
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
Observation: Seek after God with all your soul even when the world rejects you and attempts to block you way.
Application: In everything you do, live life in a way that is glorifying to God. Make it your life's mission to be invisible so as to not get in the way of God's grace.
Prayer: Lord I don't know what I'm doing or what I'm supposed to do. Lord please point me in the right direction so that I may serve you best. Lord help me to grow in self-discipline and help me to be more honest with myself and with everyone around me. Lord let me become invisible so that others may see your glory and so they will give you the credit.
April 21, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Matthew 8: 8,13
"The centurion replied, Lord I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."
Observation: The centurion truly believed that God was so great he did not need to be in the presence of his servant to actually heal him.
Application: If we truly believe, God will fill our lives with more blessing then we could ever possibly need. Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock, and the door will be opened.
Prayer: Lord God please meet me where I'm at because there is no way I can ever reach you. Lord I have screwed up a lot and i rough times it seems like I loose heart quickly but Lord please help me to put all my faith in you and truly believe that you are always in control of my life. Lord I know you have a master plan and I pray that you could reveal small glimmers of it to me when you feel that I am ready.
"The centurion replied, Lord I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go! It will be done just as you believed it would."
Observation: The centurion truly believed that God was so great he did not need to be in the presence of his servant to actually heal him.
Application: If we truly believe, God will fill our lives with more blessing then we could ever possibly need. Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock, and the door will be opened.
Prayer: Lord God please meet me where I'm at because there is no way I can ever reach you. Lord I have screwed up a lot and i rough times it seems like I loose heart quickly but Lord please help me to put all my faith in you and truly believe that you are always in control of my life. Lord I know you have a master plan and I pray that you could reveal small glimmers of it to me when you feel that I am ready.
April 20, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Psalm 7:13,14
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Observation: It's easy to miss God's purpose for our lives and live a life that is only pleasing to us.
Application: Passionately seek the truth because there are many opportunities to stumble. The easy road will only leave you broken and questioning your beliefs.
Prayer: Lord please forgive me for all of the sins I have committed and I pray I would be more passionate in seeking you. Lord you alone are what I desire. Without you I can do nothing. Help me to live my life so that I become invisible and everyone is able to see your mighty love working through my life.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Observation: It's easy to miss God's purpose for our lives and live a life that is only pleasing to us.
Application: Passionately seek the truth because there are many opportunities to stumble. The easy road will only leave you broken and questioning your beliefs.
Prayer: Lord please forgive me for all of the sins I have committed and I pray I would be more passionate in seeking you. Lord you alone are what I desire. Without you I can do nothing. Help me to live my life so that I become invisible and everyone is able to see your mighty love working through my life.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
April 15, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Psalm 9:10
"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Observation: Truly believe and God will always be there. However try to do it on your own and you will not succeed.
Application: Trust God in every situation with all your heart and his blessing will be beyond amazing. The creator of the world can do things we can not even imagine.
Prayer: Lord God thank you for blessing me every day and for giving me the opportunity to find rest in you. Lord in the craziness of life I pray that my life would be focused on you. Lord I know I'm going to fail and I thank you for loving me just the way I am. Help me to never settle for anything less then my best. God please continue to comfort my family and surround us with your love.
"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Observation: Truly believe and God will always be there. However try to do it on your own and you will not succeed.
Application: Trust God in every situation with all your heart and his blessing will be beyond amazing. The creator of the world can do things we can not even imagine.
Prayer: Lord God thank you for blessing me every day and for giving me the opportunity to find rest in you. Lord in the craziness of life I pray that my life would be focused on you. Lord I know I'm going to fail and I thank you for loving me just the way I am. Help me to never settle for anything less then my best. God please continue to comfort my family and surround us with your love.
Monday, April 14, 2008
April 14, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Observation: God has a purpose for everything He dose and his will is always good. However we often have a hard time seeing God because we are not looking for him.
Application: God knows our hearts. Do not be focused only on ones outward appearance or invest in things that will no last. Rather invest in a heart that lives for God alone.
Prayer: Lord please forgive me for all of the sins I have committed. Help me to get my heart right for you. Lord help me to be a better son, brother, boyfriend, and friend in everything I do. Please continue to heal my family after the loss of both of my grandmothers. Lord I know you love me unconditionally and I know you have a plan for my life. Thank you for your love and guidance and I pray that you would never become something that I have to schedule into my day but I pray that you would be my day, my everything. Lord without you I am nothing! Lord I give up everything I have to live for you. Lead me from temptation and Lord I pray that you would never give me more then I am able to handle.
"But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Observation: God has a purpose for everything He dose and his will is always good. However we often have a hard time seeing God because we are not looking for him.
Application: God knows our hearts. Do not be focused only on ones outward appearance or invest in things that will no last. Rather invest in a heart that lives for God alone.
Prayer: Lord please forgive me for all of the sins I have committed. Help me to get my heart right for you. Lord help me to be a better son, brother, boyfriend, and friend in everything I do. Please continue to heal my family after the loss of both of my grandmothers. Lord I know you love me unconditionally and I know you have a plan for my life. Thank you for your love and guidance and I pray that you would never become something that I have to schedule into my day but I pray that you would be my day, my everything. Lord without you I am nothing! Lord I give up everything I have to live for you. Lead me from temptation and Lord I pray that you would never give me more then I am able to handle.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
April 8, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:9
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
Observation: If we truly give everything to God he will bless us in every way possible.
Application: Thankfully God meets us where we are! I can not even fathom getting close to the level of God's grace. Yet because he loves us unconditionally he comes to the lowest points on earth to rescue us.
Prayer: Lord God thank you for meeting me where I'm at. Lord please forgive me for all the sins I have committed. Lord I pray that I will live for you in everything I do. Help my life reflect the love you constantly and unconditionally give me. I pray that my words and actions will bring glory to you. Lord please be with my grandmother as she battles cancer in the hospital. Lord please don't allow her to suffer and live in pain anymore then she has to. Lord I thank you for your perfect timing and your perfect love. Everything you do has a specific purpose and God I pray that I will find comfort in you.
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
Observation: If we truly give everything to God he will bless us in every way possible.
Application: Thankfully God meets us where we are! I can not even fathom getting close to the level of God's grace. Yet because he loves us unconditionally he comes to the lowest points on earth to rescue us.
Prayer: Lord God thank you for meeting me where I'm at. Lord please forgive me for all the sins I have committed. Lord I pray that I will live for you in everything I do. Help my life reflect the love you constantly and unconditionally give me. I pray that my words and actions will bring glory to you. Lord please be with my grandmother as she battles cancer in the hospital. Lord please don't allow her to suffer and live in pain anymore then she has to. Lord I thank you for your perfect timing and your perfect love. Everything you do has a specific purpose and God I pray that I will find comfort in you.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
March 13, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Romans 5:3,4
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Observation: Through the trials of life God is testing our faithfulness in him. As we begin to surrender our lives to him he pours out his blessing in abundance.
Application: When it rains it pours...and when it pours God's mercy rains down from heaven. Believe with all your heart and know that God wants to bless your life.
Prayer: Lord help me to have faith like a mustard seed. God I desire to do good with my life, help me to act on the desires you have placed in my heart. God please bring comfort to my family after the loss of my grandmother. Lord I hope that I can have a faith as strong as hers was.
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Observation: Through the trials of life God is testing our faithfulness in him. As we begin to surrender our lives to him he pours out his blessing in abundance.
Application: When it rains it pours...and when it pours God's mercy rains down from heaven. Believe with all your heart and know that God wants to bless your life.
Prayer: Lord help me to have faith like a mustard seed. God I desire to do good with my life, help me to act on the desires you have placed in my heart. God please bring comfort to my family after the loss of my grandmother. Lord I hope that I can have a faith as strong as hers was.
March 12, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Galatians 3:22
"But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe."
Observation: Accept the fact that I am a sinner and believe with all my heart that Jesus died to set me free.
Application: Just believe. There is no formula or set of complicated rules to lead me astray. Just believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and that he died on the cross for me.
Prayer: Lord I know you put challenges in my life to test my faith. Help me to overcome these challenges by calling on you and not trying to do it on my own. You are made perfect in my weakness and right now I am really weak. Lord please continue to bless my family and lead us through the test you have put before us.
"But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe."
Observation: Accept the fact that I am a sinner and believe with all my heart that Jesus died to set me free.
Application: Just believe. There is no formula or set of complicated rules to lead me astray. Just believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and that he died on the cross for me.
Prayer: Lord I know you put challenges in my life to test my faith. Help me to overcome these challenges by calling on you and not trying to do it on my own. You are made perfect in my weakness and right now I am really weak. Lord please continue to bless my family and lead us through the test you have put before us.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
March 11, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Observation: No matter what we go through in life God is always there. He promises us that he will never give us more then we can handle.
Application: Trust in God's perfection and in the awesome power of his plan for my life. Know that he is aware of everything and that in my greatest times of suffering his compassion will be at its greatest.
Prayer: Lord physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually I am hurting. I feel like I'm at the point where I can not handle anymore. God help me to refocus all that I do on you. God help me to have 20/20 faith in you so that my life will not fall off the course you desire me to be on. Please heal my heart and bring peace to comfort my family's pain.
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Observation: No matter what we go through in life God is always there. He promises us that he will never give us more then we can handle.
Application: Trust in God's perfection and in the awesome power of his plan for my life. Know that he is aware of everything and that in my greatest times of suffering his compassion will be at its greatest.
Prayer: Lord physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually I am hurting. I feel like I'm at the point where I can not handle anymore. God help me to refocus all that I do on you. God help me to have 20/20 faith in you so that my life will not fall off the course you desire me to be on. Please heal my heart and bring peace to comfort my family's pain.
Monday, March 10, 2008
March 10, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Observation: We will never fully understand why God works the way he does. Quite simply we are not meant to. But what we are meant to understand is that God is perfect in every way and his timing is carried out exactly according to his perfect timing. Why does this matter? Because we can faithfully know that even the worst of times all happen according to God's perfect plan.
Application: This became very apparent in my life this last weekend as my grandma passed away after battling with cancer for one and a half years. It hurts...a lot, but I know God has a bigger plan in mind and right now my grandma is at peace. Cancer can never torment her again and in that I find a reason to celebrate. I loved my grandma and unfortunately I was not able to see her before she passed away. However our relationship was not defined by seeing her one more time but by the twenty-two years I have been alive and all of the memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
Prayer: God I don't really know how to move on or the next step that I'm supposed to take. Its all really confusing right now and I feel like I have reached the point where I can not take anymore. God help me to take refuge in your love and guide me where I'm supposed to go. God I loved my grandma and I know she is in heaven with you right now and that gives me the hope I need to move on. I love you grandma and I know you will always be with me.
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Observation: We will never fully understand why God works the way he does. Quite simply we are not meant to. But what we are meant to understand is that God is perfect in every way and his timing is carried out exactly according to his perfect timing. Why does this matter? Because we can faithfully know that even the worst of times all happen according to God's perfect plan.
Application: This became very apparent in my life this last weekend as my grandma passed away after battling with cancer for one and a half years. It hurts...a lot, but I know God has a bigger plan in mind and right now my grandma is at peace. Cancer can never torment her again and in that I find a reason to celebrate. I loved my grandma and unfortunately I was not able to see her before she passed away. However our relationship was not defined by seeing her one more time but by the twenty-two years I have been alive and all of the memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
Prayer: God I don't really know how to move on or the next step that I'm supposed to take. Its all really confusing right now and I feel like I have reached the point where I can not take anymore. God help me to take refuge in your love and guide me where I'm supposed to go. God I loved my grandma and I know she is in heaven with you right now and that gives me the hope I need to move on. I love you grandma and I know you will always be with me.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March 4, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Mark 11:14
"Then he said to the tree, May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
Observation: Jesus approached a fig tree while he was hungry however his ultimate goal was to show his disciples the purpose of life. Because the tree failed to produce fruit he condemned it saying the it would never again produce fruit for people to enjoy.
Application: We need to be a people who are constantly producing fruit through our actions and words. If we do not produce fruit we are wasting God's precious space and resources and preventing others from living their lives to produce fruit for God.
Prayer: Lord I pray that somehow even through all my failures, in the end i may be able to accomplish your will of producing fruit on this earth. Lord please provide me with guidance and love because I am very unsure of the next step I am supposed to take. Help me to follow your will and I pray that my words and actions may benefit those around me rather then harm them. God may your will be done in my life and not my own.
"Then he said to the tree, May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
Observation: Jesus approached a fig tree while he was hungry however his ultimate goal was to show his disciples the purpose of life. Because the tree failed to produce fruit he condemned it saying the it would never again produce fruit for people to enjoy.
Application: We need to be a people who are constantly producing fruit through our actions and words. If we do not produce fruit we are wasting God's precious space and resources and preventing others from living their lives to produce fruit for God.
Prayer: Lord I pray that somehow even through all my failures, in the end i may be able to accomplish your will of producing fruit on this earth. Lord please provide me with guidance and love because I am very unsure of the next step I am supposed to take. Help me to follow your will and I pray that my words and actions may benefit those around me rather then harm them. God may your will be done in my life and not my own.
Monday, March 3, 2008
March 3, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Mark 10:25
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Observation: The story of the young rich man is an important lesson because so many people put their trust in money and they quickly loose sight of everything else.
Application: Jesus says that, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." It is not the other way around because he knows the human heart and the human heart is quick to follow the treasure. He knows that if we treasure material goods our heart will be on our worldly treasure instead of God.
Prayer: Lord help my treasure be you so that my heart will follow after you not the world. I know the temptations will be many and often but I pray that your love will draw me close so that when I stumble it will not be too far. Lord please forgive me for all of the sins I have committed and help me to learn form all of the mistakes I have made in my life.
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Observation: The story of the young rich man is an important lesson because so many people put their trust in money and they quickly loose sight of everything else.
Application: Jesus says that, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." It is not the other way around because he knows the human heart and the human heart is quick to follow the treasure. He knows that if we treasure material goods our heart will be on our worldly treasure instead of God.
Prayer: Lord help my treasure be you so that my heart will follow after you not the world. I know the temptations will be many and often but I pray that your love will draw me close so that when I stumble it will not be too far. Lord please forgive me for all of the sins I have committed and help me to learn form all of the mistakes I have made in my life.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
March 2, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Mark 9:23
"If you can? said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes."
Observation: People continually questioned Jesus' authority to drive out demons and heal the sick.
Application: Don't question God but believe in his perfect power. Know that we are more important than all of God's other creations and surely he loves us.
Prayer: Lord I believe that you can heal my grandma so that she does not suffer any more from the cancer that has challenged for the last two years. God what is the point? Why does she have to continue to suffer through chemotherapy treatments that in themselves almost kill her? Lord she has fought for two years and I just don't want her to have to fight anymore. Lord I don't understand why families have to suffer so much and why they have to be put through so much pain? If anyone reads this my family and I would greatly appreciate prayer for my grandma. She has been given six months to live and prayer would be wonderful.
"If you can? said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes."
Observation: People continually questioned Jesus' authority to drive out demons and heal the sick.
Application: Don't question God but believe in his perfect power. Know that we are more important than all of God's other creations and surely he loves us.
Prayer: Lord I believe that you can heal my grandma so that she does not suffer any more from the cancer that has challenged for the last two years. God what is the point? Why does she have to continue to suffer through chemotherapy treatments that in themselves almost kill her? Lord she has fought for two years and I just don't want her to have to fight anymore. Lord I don't understand why families have to suffer so much and why they have to be put through so much pain? If anyone reads this my family and I would greatly appreciate prayer for my grandma. She has been given six months to live and prayer would be wonderful.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
February 28, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:2
"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
Observation: Jesus makes his point saying that the three important qualities we should hold onto are faith, hope, and love. And that Love is the greatest of them all.
Application: Be imitators of Christ's love. His love is made perfect in my very weakness. His love is more abounding then I could ever imagine or ever deserve and yet he continues to pour out his love over my life!
Prayer: Lord please teach me how to love as you do. May I never stop loving you. Lord as each day becomes full of more and more worldly issues may I never forget you or forget to spend time with you. Lord please be in my thoughts and actions and allow your love to saturate my entire self.
"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
Observation: Jesus makes his point saying that the three important qualities we should hold onto are faith, hope, and love. And that Love is the greatest of them all.
Application: Be imitators of Christ's love. His love is made perfect in my very weakness. His love is more abounding then I could ever imagine or ever deserve and yet he continues to pour out his love over my life!
Prayer: Lord please teach me how to love as you do. May I never stop loving you. Lord as each day becomes full of more and more worldly issues may I never forget you or forget to spend time with you. Lord please be in my thoughts and actions and allow your love to saturate my entire self.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
February 27, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Mark 7: 21-23
"For from within, out of men's hearts, comes evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean."
Observation: Jesus speaks to the people about what is clean and what is unclean. He illustrates that it is what is in our hearts and what comes out of our mouths that defines our cleanliness.
Application: Hold back my tongue and distinguish between what should be said and what should be left unsaid. Think about the consequences that go along with every word and action I choose to commit.
Prayer: Lord may that which comes from within me be seen as clean so that my life is not defined by further polluting the lives of others. Help me to encourage others and hold my tongue when I do not have the right to say anything.
"For from within, out of men's hearts, comes evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean."
Observation: Jesus speaks to the people about what is clean and what is unclean. He illustrates that it is what is in our hearts and what comes out of our mouths that defines our cleanliness.
Application: Hold back my tongue and distinguish between what should be said and what should be left unsaid. Think about the consequences that go along with every word and action I choose to commit.
Prayer: Lord may that which comes from within me be seen as clean so that my life is not defined by further polluting the lives of others. Help me to encourage others and hold my tongue when I do not have the right to say anything.
It's not about me
Today I accepted the challenge of running 1000 miles in 2008 to help find a cure for diabetes. Why would I do this? Simply because it's not about me. While I was diagnosed with diabetes a little over a year ago, there are many people who have a much harder time managing their blood sugars than I do. I know that I can do anything I put my mind to even with diabetes. So another journey begins. I could definitely use a lot of prayers and encouragement along the way. Much love!
February 26, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Numbers 19:20
"But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he must be cut off from the community, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord."
Observation: Anyone who is unclean will in turn pollute or cause the rest of the community to become unclean. Only if he purifies himself before the Lord can he once again become clean.
Application: Know that my actions affect much more then just myself. When I become unclean or commit an unclean action it has the potential to affect everyone around me. Even the smallest decision I make can have huge consequences for the people directly around me like my family and friends. Therefore I should make every effort to meet God in everything I do. Ultimately it is God who will restore cleanliness therefore He should be my priority above all else.
Prayer: Lord I am broken and lost and I pray that my uncleanliness will not hinder others form achieving their goals in life. My next step is hidden from my view Lord so I pray that you would allow me to put aside the distractions of life and focus on your will for my life. Lord thank you for each new day and the opportunity for a fresh start at meeting you in every aspect of my life. Help me to lift others up and encourage my house-mates and friends to put their walk with You above all else.
"But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he must be cut off from the community, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord."
Observation: Anyone who is unclean will in turn pollute or cause the rest of the community to become unclean. Only if he purifies himself before the Lord can he once again become clean.
Application: Know that my actions affect much more then just myself. When I become unclean or commit an unclean action it has the potential to affect everyone around me. Even the smallest decision I make can have huge consequences for the people directly around me like my family and friends. Therefore I should make every effort to meet God in everything I do. Ultimately it is God who will restore cleanliness therefore He should be my priority above all else.
Prayer: Lord I am broken and lost and I pray that my uncleanliness will not hinder others form achieving their goals in life. My next step is hidden from my view Lord so I pray that you would allow me to put aside the distractions of life and focus on your will for my life. Lord thank you for each new day and the opportunity for a fresh start at meeting you in every aspect of my life. Help me to lift others up and encourage my house-mates and friends to put their walk with You above all else.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
February 21, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Acts 28:27
"For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."
Observation: Isaiah once spoke this claiming that if people truly believe in God with all their heart He would allow them to see and hear and know His loving will.
Application: Live each moment knowing that Christ is always with me. Believe with all my heart that if I ask, seek, and knock God will open the right door for my life.
Prayer: Lord God allow your love to overflow in my life. Lord I don't want to five into temptation but I know it grows harder the closer I become with you. Lord I believe that if I ask, seek and knock you will open the doors that need to be opened so that I may honor you with my life.
"For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."
Observation: Isaiah once spoke this claiming that if people truly believe in God with all their heart He would allow them to see and hear and know His loving will.
Application: Live each moment knowing that Christ is always with me. Believe with all my heart that if I ask, seek, and knock God will open the right door for my life.
Prayer: Lord God allow your love to overflow in my life. Lord I don't want to five into temptation but I know it grows harder the closer I become with you. Lord I believe that if I ask, seek and knock you will open the doors that need to be opened so that I may honor you with my life.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
February 20, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Acts 27:22
"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed."
Observation: Paul told the crew to believe that the Lord would save them even though they disobeyed His orders and sailed a different direction then they were told to.
Application: Find faith in this story because although we often choose to find our own way in life or praise ourself for accomplishing things in life, God is always there for us and always loves us and for that we should be humbled.
Prayer: Lord help me to not do things "my" way because I will surely end up farther from you in the end. Allow me to surrender all that I am to you so that your full potential may be carried out in my life. Open the eyes of my heart to your truth and your perfect timing.
"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed."
Observation: Paul told the crew to believe that the Lord would save them even though they disobeyed His orders and sailed a different direction then they were told to.
Application: Find faith in this story because although we often choose to find our own way in life or praise ourself for accomplishing things in life, God is always there for us and always loves us and for that we should be humbled.
Prayer: Lord help me to not do things "my" way because I will surely end up farther from you in the end. Allow me to surrender all that I am to you so that your full potential may be carried out in my life. Open the eyes of my heart to your truth and your perfect timing.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
February 19, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Acts 26:16
"Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you."
Observation: God stops Saul in his tracks and orders him to turn from his wicked ways and begin preaching to people God's laws.
Application: When we least expect it God will call us out and show us that we are clearly going down the wrong path. When what we think is right doesn't line up with God's plan we usually hit a low point in life where only God can help us out.
Prayer: Lord help me to truly listen for you voice. Block out all the pointless noise that only leads to confusion and help me to focus on listening to your voice. Lord be the center of my life and help me focus on the tasks you place before me.
"Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you."
Observation: God stops Saul in his tracks and orders him to turn from his wicked ways and begin preaching to people God's laws.
Application: When we least expect it God will call us out and show us that we are clearly going down the wrong path. When what we think is right doesn't line up with God's plan we usually hit a low point in life where only God can help us out.
Prayer: Lord help me to truly listen for you voice. Block out all the pointless noise that only leads to confusion and help me to focus on listening to your voice. Lord be the center of my life and help me focus on the tasks you place before me.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
February 14, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Leviticus 23:3
"There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the Lord."
Observation: Moses, while speaking to the Israelites, told them that God required of them to rest for one day and work for six. God took six days to build the earth and He rested on the seventh, His Sabbath day.
Application: Do I truthfully devote the time I should to God? God truly desires for us to spend quality time with Him, rest, where the troubles and complications of life get put aside and we can pour our hearts out to our Savior.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for spending countless hours wasting time and only seconds with you. Lord I don't want my life to be defined by worldly treasure. Lord I want to spend my time with you in prayer but even more just to listen to all that you have to tell me.
"There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the Lord."
Observation: Moses, while speaking to the Israelites, told them that God required of them to rest for one day and work for six. God took six days to build the earth and He rested on the seventh, His Sabbath day.
Application: Do I truthfully devote the time I should to God? God truly desires for us to spend quality time with Him, rest, where the troubles and complications of life get put aside and we can pour our hearts out to our Savior.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for spending countless hours wasting time and only seconds with you. Lord I don't want my life to be defined by worldly treasure. Lord I want to spend my time with you in prayer but even more just to listen to all that you have to tell me.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
February 13, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Leviticus 20:23
"You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you."
Observation: The Lord challenged the Israelites to be drastically different from the people that had come before them. He challenged them to make the clear distinction between that which is clean and that which is unclean.
Application: Live true to Christ by learning from my mistakes and having the discipline to humble my selfish ways. Know that I am destined to fail but find relief/comfort in God's unfailing love and compassion.
Prayer: Lord help me to learn from the countless mistakes that fill my daily walk. May my life be defined by what I learn from that which I do wrong. Keep me focused on the task you have placed before me at this very moment.
"You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you."
Observation: The Lord challenged the Israelites to be drastically different from the people that had come before them. He challenged them to make the clear distinction between that which is clean and that which is unclean.
Application: Live true to Christ by learning from my mistakes and having the discipline to humble my selfish ways. Know that I am destined to fail but find relief/comfort in God's unfailing love and compassion.
Prayer: Lord help me to learn from the countless mistakes that fill my daily walk. May my life be defined by what I learn from that which I do wrong. Keep me focused on the task you have placed before me at this very moment.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
February 12, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Leviticus 19:14,15
"Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord. Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly."
Observation: Do not put yourself in a situation in which you will hinder other from accomplishing their dreams and goals. Rather encourage others to dream so huge that even if they fail they will end up in a position far exceeding expectation.
Application: God calls us to be servants by spreading his good will and not judging our neighbors. We should produce good fruit through our actions so that God will be pleased and we will find favor in his eyes.
Prayer: Lord teach me to be a true servant to others. Humble my heart so that others may benefit from my words and actions. Guide my every step and help me to not stray too far off the path.
"Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord. Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly."
Observation: Do not put yourself in a situation in which you will hinder other from accomplishing their dreams and goals. Rather encourage others to dream so huge that even if they fail they will end up in a position far exceeding expectation.
Application: God calls us to be servants by spreading his good will and not judging our neighbors. We should produce good fruit through our actions so that God will be pleased and we will find favor in his eyes.
Prayer: Lord teach me to be a true servant to others. Humble my heart so that others may benefit from my words and actions. Guide my every step and help me to not stray too far off the path.
Monday, February 11, 2008
February 11, 2008 SOAP
Scripture: Leviticus 15: 9,10
"Everything the man sits on when riding will be unclean, and whoever touches any of the things that were under him will be unclean till evening."
Observation: Not just some things but everything the bible says will be unclean. What we do affects everyone around us not just ourselves.
Application: Constantly strive to replicate our actions after Christ. Know that even the smallest decision I make can have lasting consequences with everyone that comes in contact with me.
Prayer: Lord help me to make wise decisions in every aspect of my life. Allow me to be honest with myself as well as the people around me that I constantly rely on for support. Fight to have a pure relationship, pure friendships and pure love for my Savior.
"Everything the man sits on when riding will be unclean, and whoever touches any of the things that were under him will be unclean till evening."
Observation: Not just some things but everything the bible says will be unclean. What we do affects everyone around us not just ourselves.
Application: Constantly strive to replicate our actions after Christ. Know that even the smallest decision I make can have lasting consequences with everyone that comes in contact with me.
Prayer: Lord help me to make wise decisions in every aspect of my life. Allow me to be honest with myself as well as the people around me that I constantly rely on for support. Fight to have a pure relationship, pure friendships and pure love for my Savior.
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