"Word of God Speak"

October 9, 2011 (Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: But Jesus said to him. “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48 NASB

Observation: Judas had negotiated with the scribes and pharisees for money to help them take Jesus into custody outside of the city and the crowd of people. They wanted to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people. Judas led them to where Jesus was and told them Jesus is the one I will kiss. Jesus knows full well what its like to be betrayed by one of His own.

Application: When we look at Judas we act so amazed that he could do such a thing. To betray the very Son of God with a kiss, how scandalous! Yet our lips often betray Christ just the same. We pronounce with our lips how much we love Jesus, but we walk in ungodliness as if its no big deal. We praise God with lips on Sunday that often times the night before were worshipping satan and his worldly desires. The sinful act of Judas seems so clear to us, but have we examined ourselves lately? Have we betrayed Christ, by kissing on the world?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your blessings, mercy and grace. Thank you for Your patience towards us. Father I pray my lips will be reserved for bringing You honor and glory. Place praise in my mouth for You and Your wonderful works. Keep my lips from betraying You! Remind me of my love for You daily, so that I will walk according to Your standards and ways. In Jesus name, Amen!

October 8, 2011 (Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “For I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.” Luke 21:15 NASB

Observation: Christ provides wisdom and knowledge that will confound those that are against Him. He provides us words to speak that they cannot refuse or refute. His spirit fills us and leads us into all truths. Christ did this many times when He spoke to the Scribes and the Pharisees. When Christ uttered words of wisdom they couldn’t refute, they became so angry that killing Christ was to only option for them!

Application: Many people are lead by the wrong spirit; we can tell by the fruit they produce. When a true Christian is put into a position where he or she must speak words of wisdom beyond their own ability, Christ will provide the wisdom and the words to speak. Just think of how Christ used uneducated fishermen to proclaim the truth of His gospel to men of much higher learning. The disciples words could not be resisted or refuted because they were the words of God. The word of God shall not fail, ever!

Prayer: Dear Lord thank You for always providing the wisdom and words to speak. You always come through and never let me down. Help me be prepared as much as possible to perform the task You’ve called me to do. I trust and rely on You completely to provide the wisdom and understanding I need. Without Your provision of words, my tongue would be barren of any good thing. Come unto me Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and anoint me to speak words of wisdom and truth, in Jesus name, Amen!

October 7, 2011 (Ezra 7-8; Luke 20)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, “The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.” Ezra 8:22 NASB

Observation: Ezra is leading the people from Babylon to Jerusalem. He proclaimed a fast at the river, ask the people to humble themselves and seek God for a safe journey for them, their little ones and their possessions. He did not ask the king for an army for protection because he trusted and relied on God for protection and provision. The hands, eyes, and ears of God are open to those who seek Him, but His power and anger are against all who forsake Him.

Application: We often trust in and have more faith in our own power and abilities than we do in God. Sometimes we feel like we have to do something, because if we don’t disaster will be inevitable. But God is stronger. He knows what we have need of. His eyes, ears and hands are ready to help His people. We must remember in times of blessing, or in times of distress, that God has a perfect plan and will for our life. He is never caught off guard and He is always faithful. We must remember to seek Him about all things and trust Him to honor His word and His name.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank You for always being faithful. You have never let me down and You always know whats best for me. Your protection and provision is unmatched by anything the world can offer. Father I seek You for wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Help me know how to apply Your word to my life. Help me live my faith in You everyday, knowing, trusting and believing in You completely. Help me love You right, in Jesus name, Amen.

October 6, 2011 (Ester 9-10; Luke 19)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it”  Luke 19:41 NASB

Observation: When Jesus looked upon Jerusalem He was moved to tears over their actions. His compassion for them could not be hid. Those whom He loved had rejected and refused the Savior that was promised long before. His desire was to save them, but they could not see the Savior, for religion had blinded their eyes.

Application: Have you ever wept over a city? How about lost loved ones? It’s a sad reality that most people do not care enough about others to ever shed tears of sorrow for them. Cities around the world are filled with people in desperate need of a Savior and yet few will ever weep for them. Jesus was, and is, our perfect example of how we should act, feel and respond to those in desperate need around us. How many do you know that need a Savior? Do you care enough for them to shed a sincere tear?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your loving kindness. It endures from generation to generation. You are moved with compassion and love towards Your people. Lift us up above the shadows of despair we wander in. Deliver and set free from the power and bondage of sin that traps us. Make our hearts completely Yours. Place a compassion with me that’s not ashamed to weep for the lost and hurting I see. In Jesus name, Amen. 

October 5, 2011 (Ester 3-8; Luke 18 )

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?” Luke 18:7 NASB

Observation: God brings about justice for His people. His timing is perfect and He works out all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God is not bound or confounded. He is not caught off guard. He knows our needs and provides deliverance right on time.

Application: We must cry unto God day and night when we face difficulties that we don’t know how to face. Ester fasted and prayed for three days before going unto the king to plea for her people. She could have been killed for coming before the king uninvited. But God provided just what she needed because of her plea to Him day and night for her people. The unjust judge gave in to the widow because of her consistent plea. Jesus will answer our plea as well. If we truly desire His help, we have to seek Him continually and earnestly. He will deliver us quickly, however when He delivers will He find us believing?

Prayer: Dear Lord forgive me for being slack concerning prayer. Help me to realize its importance everyday. Help me to pray with faith and not merely emotion. Deliver me from the hands of my enemies just as You delivered Ester. You know my needs and You are my provider. Help me Lord be content with what You see fit to give. For the honor of Your name, provide for Your people in Jesus name, Amen.

October 4, 2011 (Ester 1-2; Psalm 150; Luke 17)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘we are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’ Luke 17:10 NASB

Observation: The servant is not thanked for doing the things he was commanded to do. It is expected that a sincere servant will desire to please his master. When we do all that God has commanded us to do in His word, we are only doing what is expected of us. We deserve no “thank you” from God for doing that.

Application: Today we praise ourselves more than we praise God. We love the praise of men and if we can’t get it from others, we give it to ourselves. “I gave to the poor today”, “I shared the story of Christ with someone today”, “I prayed for the sick today”, and my favorite is, “I went to church today”. All of these things are what God expects from us, His children. We’ve done God no favor by doing what is expected from us. We deserve no “Thank you” from God, but rather we owe a “Thank You” to Him!

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You, for You are the One worthy of all praise and honor. It’s You that accomplishes the work performed and completed by us each day. For without You we could do nothing! Help me Lord, to give You all the praise and glory for what is completed through me. Keep me from trying to steal Your glory. I’m an unworthy slave, I’ve only done that which I should have done. Help me do what You expect, in Jesus name, Amen.

October 3, 2011 (Ezra 5-6; Psalm 138; Luke 16)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Luke 16:13 NASB

Observation: God requires full dedication and commitment. Half hearted commitment is not acceptable to God or wealth. They both command your full attention and commitment. While wealth only provides temporary peace and satisfaction, God provides eternal peace and eternal life. The choice is obvious, but not always that easy.

Application: In this life we struggle and claw trying to make every dollar we can to have the things the world says will make us happy. I know many people who have lost everything they own who are happier today than they’ve ever been. They’re happier, not because the things are gone, but because the stress to hold on to those things is gone. A commitment to wealth will blind our eyes to whats really important. We soon find ourselves doing things that are out of our character when we are committed to the wrong thing. On the other hand, when we serve God and commit ourselves to Him, we find peace and contentment this world cannot understand or comprehend.

Prayer: Dear Lord, today I lift You up and praise Your name. You are so merciful and patient towards mankind. Forgive us for serving wealth and trusting in it as our provider. You and You alone are the One who provides for Your people! I trust in You, help my heart not be divided, but be fully committed to serving You. In Jesus name, Amen!