"Word of God Speak"

August 14, 2011 (Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “But as for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd after You, nor have I longed for the woeful day; You Yourself know that the utterance of my lips was in Your presence.” Jeremiah 17:16 NASB

Observation: Jeremiah was surrounded by all sorts of evil acting people. He was burdened by the sins committed by those who had turned away from God. Yet he stood firmly close to God. He did not quit, give up and say “what’s the use in even trying” He didn’t long for the woeful day that God’s judgment would come upon them. He pressed through the pain and stayed in the presence of God.

Application: We can certainly understand how Jeremiah felt in those days. The majority of America has forsaken God and turned to worship idols. Yet those of us who trust in the Lord and who’s trust is the Lord need to stand firm until the very end. We must not hurry away from God and give up on Him. God will rescue us. He will deliver His people from the enemy. God is not a terror to His people, He is our refuge in the day of disaster.

Prayer: Dear Father praise and honor my lips utter to You in Your presence. Let those who persecute me be put to shame, but as for me, let me not be put to shame; let them be dismayed, but let me not be dismayed. Bring on them a day of disaster, and crush them with twofold destruction! Rescue me from the grasp of my enemies so that they will know You are with me and that I am Yours! In Jesus name, Amen.

August 13, 2011 (Jeremiah 13-15; John 15)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” John 15:16 NASB

Observation: We didn’t choose Christ, He chose us. We didn’t come to Him, He came to us. We didn’t find Him, for He was not lost, He found us. He appointed us to go forth and produce fruit worthy of His name. Our fruit remaining, is the condition set forth, so that whatever we ask of the Father in Christ name, the Father will give unto us.

Application: We need to be about the Fathers business everyday of our life. Jesus said in verse 14 “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” So what is it that Jesus commanded us to do? The answer is found in verse 17 “This I command you, that you love one another.” How can we produce fruit and it remain if we don’t love one another? How can we claim to be a friend to Christ and not obey His command? Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friend. Are you willing to lay down your life for your friend Christ? Have you?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father thank you for Your many blessings, mercy and grace. Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus, to pay the ransom for my soul. Help me live the way Christ said live, help me love the way Christ said love. With my life laid down for Christ, cause fruit to be produced and remain. Hear my pleas for help God and honor Your word by delivering me from the hands and desires of my enemies. In Jesus name, Amen.

August 12, 2011 (Jeremiah 10-12; John 14)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.” Jeremiah 10:24 NASB

Observation: We all need correction from time to time. Correction is not meant to be destructive, but reconstructive. God want’s us to be the best we can be for Him. His desire is for us to have life and enjoy it more abundantly. When He corrects us with His justice we are built up, when God’s anger is poured out things get destroyed.

Application: To be honest, correction is not an easy thing to embrace. In fact being corrected can be quite painful at times. What if God chooses to use a pastor to preach a message of correction to us, do we willingly receive it or cast it away? What if He uses our spouse, a friend, or a complete stranger! When we embrace God’s correction, we are provided wisdom and peace this world cannot fathom. When we embrace God’s correction we live life more abundantly.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for Your correction. I pray You will correct me with justice and reserve Your anger for those who commit evil. Give me ears to hear and a heart to receive Your correction. You provide peace and contentment this world cannot fathom that gives me life more abundantly. You know all my needs, and my greatest need is You. Draw nigh unto me, I reach my arms out to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

August 11, 2011 (Jeremiah 7-9; John 13)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Peter said to Him, Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for you.” John 13:37 NASB

Observation: Peter was like most of us, he often opened his mouth and inserted his foot! Here Jesus is preparing His disciples for His death. Jesus says, “where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” Peter and the others wanted to be with Christ but had no idea what they we’re about to face. Oh, like Peter, I struggle to understand God’s ways.

Application: Are you willing to lay down your life for Christ? Do you even know what that means? Many of us say these words but fail to consider the cost involved in such a statement. We would lay down our life for Christ but we’re not willing to lay down alcohol, drugs, food, money, sex, houses, cars, pride, and the list goes on. If we are truly willing to lay down our lives, then these things would certainly be laid down first right? Many have professed to give their life to Christ, but few actually give their live for Christ.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you today for Jesus and the life He gave to set us free from the powers of darkness. I pray that You would draw near to me in my time of need, hear my cry and comfort my soul. I long to see You supernaturally provide victory for me, protect me and help me lay down my will to Yours. Take my life and do with it as You please, in Jesus name, Amen.

August 10, 2011 (Jeremiah 5-6; John 12)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “For they loved the praise of men rather than the approval of God.” John 12:43 NASB

Observation: Many of the rulers believed in Jesus, but did not openly confess Him because of the fear of being put out of the temple. The praise of men was more valuable to them than the approval of God. So who were they serving? More importantly, who are we serving?

Application: If we’re not careful we can find ourselves doing the same thing in today’s world. Being more concerned about what men think of us and how they will receive or reject us causes us to place great value in the wrong place. As a Christian, our desire should be to win the approval of God at any cost, whatever happens. Glory and praise belong to God and He alone is deserving of it all.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your love and mercy. Help me I pray, value Your approval more than the praise of men. Instill in me the courage to stand and live in a manner that is pleasing to You, regardless of what men think. If I get thrown out of the temple for seeking Your approval, grant me the courage to rest in You. Father I seek to be with people who love and desire you and Your will. Help me find where they are, in Jesus name, Amen.

August 9, 2011 (Jeremiah 3-4; John 11)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “But when Jesus heard this, He said, This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” John 11:4 NASB

Observation: Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick. He knows what’s about to take place, yet He waits around two more days before He starts the journey to go see Lazarus. He’s about to reveal God the Father to His disciples in great power and anointing. The blessings of God bring Christ glory and are rich in mercy towards us.

Application: Today Jesus shows us the Father through the mighty miracles He performs in our everyday life. Maybe what you’re facing is not a sickness. Maybe it’s a job loss, a car wreck, a personal injury, a court case, a financial hardship, repossession, bankruptcy. Whatever it is, whatever happens, hold on to Christ! He will show up and bring you forth with power and great glory at the proper time and will bring God glory! Be happy and rejoice that you have been chosen for such a blessing as this.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are so awesome! You know what’s going on and nothing takes you by surprise. I praise and worship you for who You are! You are wonderful and holy! I trust and believe that this event in my life is not to end in death, but rather it will end with You being glorified! Have Your way and Will in this, I love You and desire to worship and serve You forever, whatever happens, in Jesus name, Amen!

August 8, 2011 (Jeremiah 1-2; John 10)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 1:19 NASB

Observation: God called Jeremiah to boldly proclaim an uncompromising message to God’s rebellious people. God warned Jeremiah to not be discouraged when he stood before them, but to be strong, just as a fortified city with pillars of iron and walls of bronze. He also warned Jeremiah that they would fight against him, but provided hope by letting him know he would not be overcome and ultimately God would be with him through it all.

Application: God in all His mercy, still to this day, is sending messengers to proclaim an uncompromising message to a rebellious people. And just as in Jeremiah’s day, we continue to fight against the message of God and those chosen for such an important task. God has made us just like Jeremiah, a fortified city with pillars of iron and walls of bronze. Remember we must heed God’s warning to not be discouraged or dismayed when they fight against us, but trust God completely, knowing He is with us.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me this morning to have the confidence in You that You deserve. Fill me with Your love that cast out all fear. Lift up my spirit for I feel crushed. Fortify me with Your strength and mold me into a strong warrior that will not quake in fear of the enemy. Cause my lips to boldly speak the message You’ve given without compromising due to fear or distraction. Thank you for Your word, Your strength, and Your unfailing love, in Jesus name, Amen.