"Word of God Speak"

October 16, 2011 (Malachi 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts 5)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the Lord of host?” Malachi 3:14 NASB

Observation: The children of Israel became arrogant with God. They got to the point that they said, what’s the use in serving God, all these others do evil and they seem to be blessed. What has it profited us to live under such restraints ordered by God? The doers of wickedness test God with their rebellion and then escape.

Application: When we take our eyes off Christ our vision becomes distorted. I work hard, I pray, I tithe, I go to church, I do my best to treat others the way I would want to be treated, and yet things still don’t seem to go my way. Then I look at my enemy and they seem to prosper in spite of all the evil they do! Where is the God of justice? What’s the use in striving to live like Christ? There is no justice in this life! Have you ever felt like this? If we’re honest, we all probably have at some time or another. But this is not the time or place to give up, this is the time and place to hold on! To serve God is the most profitable life you could ever live! His benefits are out of this world!

Prayer: Father, thank You so much for Your mercy and grace that sustains me! Forgive me for feeling at times like serving You is in vain. You have proven time and time again how much You love me. You protect and bless at the appropriate times! You are on time, all the time! Help me Lord come to the throne of grace boldly, yet humbly. The rewards of serving You are greater than all the riches in the world. You’re my Rock, my Fortress, my provision and my deliverer. In Jesus name, Amen.

October 15, 2011 (Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1-2; Acts 4)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, how have we wearied Him? In that you say, everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them, or where is the God of justice?” Malachi 2:17 NASB

Observation: The Lord was wearied by the people who ignorantly claimed to know Him, yet theirs lives told a much different tale. When we look at the evil works of people and then claim God must be ok with it because He don’t destroy them instantly we weary God. When we cry out to God saying where is the God of justice because He don’t act on our timetable we weary Him as well. Vengeance is the Lord’s and He will repay, on His time schedule.

Application: I’ve often been guilty of this sin. I can’t count the number of times I’ve questioned where God was in a certain situation. Yet God has always been faithful and has protected me from the wrath of satan every time. No weapon formed against me has ever prospered, and never will! Somethings have happened I still don’t understand, but I know for certain God is a God of justice and He’s watching over and protecting me! All I can say is God forgive me for wearying You!

Prayer: Father, I do pray You forgive me for wearying You with my words of judgement against You. Forgive me for feeling You have failed to act in the proper time frame. You are God, You know whats best, You’re always faithful and I trust You completely. Thank You for protecting me from my enemies and not allowing them to triumph over me! I love You Lord, and I desire to show You how much, not by words alone, but by how I live. In Jesus name, Amen!

October 14, 2011 (Nehemiah 11-12; Psalm 1; Acts 3)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19 NASB

Observation: Peter is talking to the people who had cried out for Jesus to be crucified and a murderer to be released unto them instead. Repentance and a return to accept the Christ they had rejected was the only way they could experience the times of refreshing they desperately needed. Peter was offering the good news of the gospel to the very ones who had killed the Lamb of God.

Application: To experience times of refreshing that we all need, repentance and a return to God’s standards is required. To repent is to turn from wickedness, in deed not just words only. To say I have repented and continue to walk in the same way is absurd. One must repent and return to Christ for sins to be wiped away, anything less only smears sins. Salvation is found in Christ alone and He is available to all who will surrender to Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your protection, power and mercy! You are worthy to be praised everyday! Father, help me see the error of my ways and repent and return unto you. Lead me on the path that You would have me to walk. Lift me up above the shadows of my past and cause me to bring you glory, in Jesus name, Amen!

October 13, 2011 (Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 NASB

Observation: When the Holy Spirit filled the apostles a mighty move of God began to happen all around them. Thousands were added to the church because they repented and believed in Christ. They were devoted to the teaching, to each other, to breaking of bread together and to prayer. When a person is filled with the Holy Spirit a desire to be with God’s people is birthed.

Application: If we’ve repented from our sin’s, believed and accepted Christ as Savior, then we’ve been filled with His Spirit. Our flesh has been crucified with Christ and we’ve been raised in His likeness with Him. It’s our reasonable service to devote ourselves to the teaching of the gospel, to prayer, and to the fellowship of other believers. To share a meal with other Christians is a joyful occasion. Sharing in the blessings of God will lift up and encourage one another to stay on track.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your blessings, mercy and grace. Cause me to be devoted to Your teaching and apply it to my life. Thank You for the opportunities to fellowship with other believers You provide. Place a desire within me to seek You daily in prayer. Cause that desire to grow and produce good fruit, in Jesus name, Amen.

October 12, 2011 (Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8 NASB

Observation: After the walls were rebuilt and the doors and gates had been put into place they gathered together and read the Law of God. The word was translated into language they could understand. What good is hearing the word of God if you have no idea what it says or means?

Application: There’s a time to work, a time to play, a time to rest, a time to pray, and a time to come together and read the word of God. Strength is found in the support of others when we come together in unity and put others needs before our own. We need to intentionally make time for this cause, if we don’t satan will make sure we are always too busy.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I praise and worship You this morning. You are awesome in power and might. You watch over and protect Your children from on high. Father, help Your children love each other the way Christ loved. Help us have a sincere concern for others helping and being support to those who gather with us. Place the desire to spend time in Your word in my heart and cause that desire to grow and produce good fruit. In Jesus name, Amen.

October 11, 2011 (Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Then I perceived that surely God had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.” Nehemiah 6:12 NASB

Observation: Nehemiah was being led by the Holy Spirit. He was able to spot the snares of satan and avoided much disaster. Satan had invaded the hearts of Tobiah and Sanballat and they were being led by him. They wanted to get rid of Nehemiah so that the work on the walls would stop. They even hired Shemaiah to provide a false prophecy in an effort to make Nehemiah fear and ultimately sin.

Application: Beware! Those who come to you with a prophecy from God telling you what you should do could very well be workers of iniquity. Many wolves are dressed in sheep’s clothing providing false prophecies for people satan desires to destroy. A spirit has entered many causing them to work for satan and accomplish his work. Being filled with God’s Spirit is the only way you will avoid the traps satan has laid for you. So much more the reason we need to seek God daily in His word and in prayer, and be clothed with the whole armor of God!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your Spirit that opens my eyes to the snares of satan. Fill me with Your Spirit and place within me a desire to seek You diligently, daily. Protect that desire and cause it to grow and produce good fruit. Lord I pray for a sincere desire to pray more fervently at all times, not just in times of distress. I need that closeness to You so that my eyes will see, my ears will hear, and my mind will discern Your will. I praise You Lord, in Jesus name, Amen!

October 10, 2011 (Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.” Nehemiah 4:14 NASB

Observation: The people of God are rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and being faced with opposition. Many wanted to kill them because of the work they were doing. Nehemiah had to rally the troops. He reminded them of how great and awesome the Lord is. Nehemiah encouraged them to work and fight, knowing God was on their side.

Application: Building, or rebuilding, a life centered around Christ is not easy work. In fact you will often times be ridiculed and despised for your efforts to live according to God’s standards. The enemy will do his best to fill your heart with fear in an attempt to discourage you and get you off track. When your enemy roars, remember how great and awesome God is! He is our protector and provider and He will never fail!

Prayer: Thank You Lord for Your mercy and Your grace! You provide strength and encouragement in times of trouble. You lift me up and protect me when my enemies roar against me. You provide protection so that Your will and work can be accomplished, You are great and awesome! Fill me with Your Spirit and help me fight the good fight of faith until the very end, in Jesus name, Amen!