Genesis 25-26; Matthew 8:1-17
Guy with Leprosy: “You can heal me if you WANT to.”
Jesus: “I WANT to.” (Jesus touches the guy) “Be healed.”
HE still wants to.
“You can heal my BAD HABIT.”
“You can heal my PAST.”
“You can heal my FEAR.”
HE still WANTS to. Wonder if I’ll let him touch me today…
So much GREAT stuff in the Book this morning – what’s God speaking to YOU?
Have a BLESSED Wednesday!
Genesis 23-24; Matthew 7
I still can’t figure out arranged marriages – Letting somebody ELSE pick your husband or wife FOR you? No thanks. But – that question aside, it obviously was a BIG decision for Abraham. So Abe (knowing that God wanted Isaac to marry someone from his own clan) sends his servant to the old neighborhood to pick a wife for Isaac. Talk about FAITH. And talk about a NERVOUS servant. The servant PRAYS like mad – and to everybody’s surprise – he brings home the gracious – and gorgeous – Rebecca. How’d it work out for Isaac? Way better than most arranged marriages. It says “He loved her very much.” BINGO!
Abraham’s family acted in faith, and proceeded with prayer – and God met their need.
WOW – so much in Matthew 7 – but what struck me is we can trust God for OUR needs – just like Abraham. When I act in faith and proceed with prayer – God provides? Verse 11 hit me – “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.” Cool. Have a GREAT Tuesday!
WELCOME to my blog!
As we set out on this adventure, I have two thoughts for you:
First, I hope this page will become a regular place of encouragement for you. I’m looking forward to sharing with you and hearing from you as we tour the Bible together! And second, if you miss some days – don’t sweat it. If you can catch up – great; and if you can’t – just start fresh and go from there!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Genesis 20-22; Matthew 6:19-34
Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach “K” – for obvious reasons) – begins each season sitting down with each of his players.
He tells them, “I want you to know that I’m going to give everything I have – 100% of myself – to this team and to you – to help you become the best basketball player you can be. And now I have a question for you:”
“What are you prepared to give me?”
God takes Abraham (and us) to the same place in this Scripture.
In Genesis 20, God says “I’m with you – even when you mess up.”
In the next chapter, He says “I keep my promises – no matter what.”
Then – in chapter 22 – God says –
“NOW – What are you prepared to give me?”
Jesus addresses the same issue in our Matthew Scripture with this challenge:
“Don’t worry about your life – food, clothes, the future – Seek My Kingdom first – and I’ll provide what you need.”
No Question – commitment costs. But – isn’t it GREAT to know we have a God who is”100% Committed to us?”
See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Genesis 23-24; Matthew 7
We here at Bayside Church of Woodland are trying to make it easy for the community to learn more about us, communicate with our friends… and for everyone to give us feedback. Not only will John start new blog posts on Monday, but we also have a FaceBook Page – Bayside Church of Woodland, or you can follow us on Twitter @BaysideWoodland. Of course, there is always the old school way of communication – talking in person or picking up the phone. We are open to them all!
I am so excited to announce my new blog – “Through the Bible”!
Please join me on the adventure of reading the entire Bible together this year. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on each day’s reading, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts and questions. Join me beginning Monday, March 8th, 2010. Here we go!
John Withem, Pastor at Bayside Church in Woodland
Bayside of Woodland is about God and His community. We have created this blog in hopes that you will join in a conversation as a community. We will post short writings and invite you to comment. Submit a post and we will approve it to go live. So join us as we hear one another, encourage, and build community.
Let us know if you have been using the daily devotions links and how God is using that time with you… please keep your comments brief :)
Daily Devotions
Oswald Chambers – My Utmost For His Highest daily devotions
Charles Spurgeon – Morning and Evening devotions
