Galatians 1:15 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
But when God, who from my mother's womb set me apart and called me by His grace....
As you grow older you will hear people ask you "What do you think God has called you to do?" Often people assume that what you are good at is how you will serve God. Oswald reminds us today that God's calling depends on Him, not us. We often find it easy to serve God with what comes naturally and not what puts us out of our comfort zone. Bottom line is make sure you are starting early; to first go to God with everything in your life and then wait till He responds to your petition!!!! Take a look back over your journals so far, is there something you prayed about and still haven't heard the answer to? If so, rewrite the prayer request and also write, to God, about how you feel about not having an answer yet. Take about 5 minutes and practice being quiet and listening for God's voice. Record what God says to you.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Showing posts with label utmost 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label utmost 2011. Show all posts
Monday
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Sunday
16 January
Isaiah 6:8 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us?
The fastest way to grow in your relationship with God is to finally see that there is nothing you can do or figure out; concerning Him without Him allowing it!! When we depend on our own knowledge to figure out what scriptures means or use our talents to get something done for God we are not allowing God to work within us. Sometimes the very thing we wish we could change about ourselves is the one thing God will use to humble us and bring us into a right relationship with Him. Learn early, to not do anything until you are certain that God is directing you to do it. Chances are He's going to call you to do something that requires you to be completely dependent upon Him to accomplish. We are to glorify God with our lives and we do not do that with our abilities but allowing God to show His glory in strengthening us to do what we could not do on our own!!!! Write down one thing you do not think you could do but know that God would want you to do:
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adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us?
The fastest way to grow in your relationship with God is to finally see that there is nothing you can do or figure out; concerning Him without Him allowing it!! When we depend on our own knowledge to figure out what scriptures means or use our talents to get something done for God we are not allowing God to work within us. Sometimes the very thing we wish we could change about ourselves is the one thing God will use to humble us and bring us into a right relationship with Him. Learn early, to not do anything until you are certain that God is directing you to do it. Chances are He's going to call you to do something that requires you to be completely dependent upon Him to accomplish. We are to glorify God with our lives and we do not do that with our abilities but allowing God to show His glory in strengthening us to do what we could not do on our own!!!! Write down one thing you do not think you could do but know that God would want you to do:
1.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Saturday
15 January
Romans 6:4 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life.
Do you remember the day you were baptist? Do you remember why you were baptist? One of the amazing things about being baptist is not only are you telling the world that you follow Christ but it is also a great reminder that you are a new person with Christ!!! Because the Holy Spirit lives within you, He has the ability to make changes to you that you would not be able to do by yourself!!!!! Mainly He prompts you and by His power we are able to turn our lives from a self focus to a Christ focused life. Stop now and think about how your life is self focused, list at least one way:
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Now how is your life Christ focused:
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Is there more that God is calling you to do? If so write down how the Holy Spirit is calling you to change:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life.
Do you remember the day you were baptist? Do you remember why you were baptist? One of the amazing things about being baptist is not only are you telling the world that you follow Christ but it is also a great reminder that you are a new person with Christ!!! Because the Holy Spirit lives within you, He has the ability to make changes to you that you would not be able to do by yourself!!!!! Mainly He prompts you and by His power we are able to turn our lives from a self focus to a Christ focused life. Stop now and think about how your life is self focused, list at least one way:
1.
Now how is your life Christ focused:
1.
Is there more that God is calling you to do? If so write down how the Holy Spirit is calling you to change:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Thursday
13 January
John 14:26 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit; the Father will send Him in My name;will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
One thing I find very comforting is the fact that while Jesus was with the disciples, they had many questions and often did not understand what He was teaching. (Mark 4:10 When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him asked Him about the parables.) I'm sure they asked a whole bunch of questions but you know what? Until they stopped talking and listened it wasn't until then that they understood and they didn't even fully understand until they received the Holy Spirit. We are so much luckier because the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit and all of God's wisdom is within us waiting to be revealed. The important thing to remember is that it isn't dependent up us to understand!!! Nope, we only have to wait until God is ready to reveal the truth He has within us!!!!!! Is there something you are struggling to understand, if so write it down and when God reveals the answer to you come back and write down the answer!!!!!!
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit; the Father will send Him in My name;will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
One thing I find very comforting is the fact that while Jesus was with the disciples, they had many questions and often did not understand what He was teaching. (Mark 4:10 When He was alone with the Twelve, those who were around Him asked Him about the parables.) I'm sure they asked a whole bunch of questions but you know what? Until they stopped talking and listened it wasn't until then that they understood and they didn't even fully understand until they received the Holy Spirit. We are so much luckier because the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit and all of God's wisdom is within us waiting to be revealed. The important thing to remember is that it isn't dependent up us to understand!!! Nope, we only have to wait until God is ready to reveal the truth He has within us!!!!!! Is there something you are struggling to understand, if so write it down and when God reveals the answer to you come back and write down the answer!!!!!!
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Wednesday
12 January
Mark 4:34 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Privately ... He would explain everything to His own disciples.
My son, never forget that the Bible is God's Living Word and that God is not a silent God. If you ever feel that you can not hear God 1 of 2 things is occurring. Either you are not listening or God is ready to go deeper within yourself and training you to wait until He speaks. Remember, to be a disciple you must be disciplined. Is God speaking to you about ways you can be more disciplined in your walk with Christ. If so, list them in your journal. If not, practice being quiet so that when God speaks, you can hear Him!!!!
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Privately ... He would explain everything to His own disciples.
My son, never forget that the Bible is God's Living Word and that God is not a silent God. If you ever feel that you can not hear God 1 of 2 things is occurring. Either you are not listening or God is ready to go deeper within yourself and training you to wait until He speaks. Remember, to be a disciple you must be disciplined. Is God speaking to you about ways you can be more disciplined in your walk with Christ. If so, list them in your journal. If not, practice being quiet so that when God speaks, you can hear Him!!!!
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Tuesday
11 January
Luke 23:26(Holman Christian Standard Bible)
As they led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.
Wow, I wonder how Simon must have felt knowing that he was carrying the cross that Jesus would die on? Would you have carried the cross that Jesus was to die on? Now before you answer too quickly, think about the fact that it was God's will for Jesus to die and obedience to God, for Simon, was to carry the cross for Jesus. So both Simon and Jesus were obeying God yet it was at a much greater cost for Jesus than Simon, wasn't it? Take a moment and be honest with yourself and write down one or two ways you could give it all up for God. If you aren't sure, pray and ask God to show you one area in your life you need to give up for Him. Make sure you write down His reply so that you can remember it!!!!
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adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
As they led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.
Wow, I wonder how Simon must have felt knowing that he was carrying the cross that Jesus would die on? Would you have carried the cross that Jesus was to die on? Now before you answer too quickly, think about the fact that it was God's will for Jesus to die and obedience to God, for Simon, was to carry the cross for Jesus. So both Simon and Jesus were obeying God yet it was at a much greater cost for Jesus than Simon, wasn't it? Take a moment and be honest with yourself and write down one or two ways you could give it all up for God. If you aren't sure, pray and ask God to show you one area in your life you need to give up for Him. Make sure you write down His reply so that you can remember it!!!!
1.
2.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Monday
10 January
Acts 26:17-18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.
Two big words you will hear as you grow older are salvation and sanctification. To understand the difference between these two words will help you discern the difference between your religion and your relationship with Christ.
- Salvation is receiving forgiveness of your sin by accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior. Because salvation is a gift from Christ you can accept it but there is nothing you can do to get it.
- Sanctification is the process you go through when you yield your life to Christ acknowledging that it is no longer yours to do with what you want but submit to God and live your life how He wants you to live it.
In your own words write down what it means to be saved and how you know that you are saved:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.
Two big words you will hear as you grow older are salvation and sanctification. To understand the difference between these two words will help you discern the difference between your religion and your relationship with Christ.
- Salvation is receiving forgiveness of your sin by accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior. Because salvation is a gift from Christ you can accept it but there is nothing you can do to get it.
- Sanctification is the process you go through when you yield your life to Christ acknowledging that it is no longer yours to do with what you want but submit to God and live your life how He wants you to live it.
In your own words write down what it means to be saved and how you know that you are saved:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Sunday
9 January
1 John 1:7(Holman Christian Standard Bible)
But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
You will soon walk a fine line of believing what you believe because of what you have been taught and what you have read for yourself. Today's reading is a great example of that. When we have the Holy Spirit residing within us, we have the power to no longer live in sin. What we are taught, however, is that when you become a Christian you don't stop sinning but you just sin less.What if we could stop sinning? Not because of our own actions but because we have the same power within us that rose Christ from death; the Holy Spirit residing within us.Do you think that is possible?
Why or Why not?
Today I challenge you to boldly ask God to give you the answer to this question and when He does, come back and write the answer down so that you will remember His answer.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
You will soon walk a fine line of believing what you believe because of what you have been taught and what you have read for yourself. Today's reading is a great example of that. When we have the Holy Spirit residing within us, we have the power to no longer live in sin. What we are taught, however, is that when you become a Christian you don't stop sinning but you just sin less.What if we could stop sinning? Not because of our own actions but because we have the same power within us that rose Christ from death; the Holy Spirit residing within us.Do you think that is possible?
Why or Why not?
Today I challenge you to boldly ask God to give you the answer to this question and when He does, come back and write the answer down so that you will remember His answer.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Saturday
8 January
Romans 12:1
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.
To be honest with you, I have never noticed those two words underlined together before. But let's look at them again. A Living Sacrifice. That sounds like a conflict doesn't it. What God is wanting us to do is not so much be willing to die for him but live our lives in a way that we live it for Him and not for ourselves. What are some way you think you can live your life for God and not your self?
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If you have not been living your life as God wants you to, confess this to Him now and ask Him to help you live a life that glorifies Him. Remember with God all things are possible!!
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.
To be honest with you, I have never noticed those two words underlined together before. But let's look at them again. A Living Sacrifice. That sounds like a conflict doesn't it. What God is wanting us to do is not so much be willing to die for him but live our lives in a way that we live it for Him and not for ourselves. What are some way you think you can live your life for God and not your self?
1.
2.
If you have not been living your life as God wants you to, confess this to Him now and ask Him to help you live a life that glorifies Him. Remember with God all things are possible!!
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Friday
6 & 7 January
I was having issues with blogger yesterday and not able to post. So I will be combining yesterday's and today's journal posts. Thanks for understanding!!!!
6th
Exodus 16:19-20 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Moses said to them, "No one is to let any of it remain until morning." But they didn't listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and smelled. Therefore Moses was angry with them.
In Bible God and Jesus are called our river of life , fountain of life, and even living waters. Now picture a beaver building a dam. What does the dam do to a flowing body of water? It stops it, that's right. Well we become beavers with God's blessings when we keep them all to ourselves! When God blesses us with something, he doesn't want us to keep it to ourselves, NO he wants us to share it. I want you to stop and list 3 ways you can share the blessings of Christ's salvation to your friends or your family. Remember sometimes its not just telling people who Christ is but letting Christ shine through our lives!!
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Don't forget to take time to practice being still and listening to God. Write down what He is telling you so you do not forget!!!
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
7th
John 15:1-4 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
To be a disciple means you must be disciplined in Christ's teachings. Do you think you can become disciplined if you don't spend every day with Christ? What about if all you do is just talk to God but never listen to what He has to say to you? We can often find reasons and excuses as to why we don't make time to spend with God daily. Remember that to be a disciple of Christ means you are disciplined in His teachings and to be disciplined you will have to give up what you WANT to do for what Christ is TELLING you to do. What is something you can think of right now that you can give up for Christ?
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Now list one thing you are going to do for Christ that He has asked you to do.
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adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Wednesday
5 January
John 13:36 Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later."
My son, you have chosen to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior!!! What a blessing it has been to walk with you this far in your relationship with Christ BUT I want you to always remember that there is always work to be done within each of us. Never be prideful in the changes God makes within you and never look down upon those who struggle with different things than yourself. After all if it were not for the work of Christ, there would be no hope for us as there is no good found in anyone apart from Christ!!!!! Today as you talk with God, take to him something you have been struggling with and ask Him to help you break free from that sin. If you feel comfortable write down what it is you are struggling with and then when you are released from it, come back and write down when and how you were able to over come that struggle!!!!
1.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
My son, you have chosen to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior!!! What a blessing it has been to walk with you this far in your relationship with Christ BUT I want you to always remember that there is always work to be done within each of us. Never be prideful in the changes God makes within you and never look down upon those who struggle with different things than yourself. After all if it were not for the work of Christ, there would be no hope for us as there is no good found in anyone apart from Christ!!!!! Today as you talk with God, take to him something you have been struggling with and ask Him to help you break free from that sin. If you feel comfortable write down what it is you are struggling with and then when you are released from it, come back and write down when and how you were able to over come that struggle!!!!
1.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Tuesday
4 January
John 13:37 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
37 "Lord," Peter asked, "why can't I follow You now?"
Over the last couple of days you have been praying to God. Have you always heard an answer? If not, do not think He did not hear you; remember God knows everything! Continue to wait, until you know for certain that He has answered you before you do anything!!!! See God is always faithful and will always give us an answer, just not always when we want it. Why do you think God makes us wait for answers to our prayers and questions? Write your answer down:
Sometimes, we are not quiet enough to hear God speaking to us. Are you making time in your day to rest and be quiet so you can hear God? Pray right now and ask God to help you find time, everyday, to spend with Him.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
37 "Lord," Peter asked, "why can't I follow You now?"
Over the last couple of days you have been praying to God. Have you always heard an answer? If not, do not think He did not hear you; remember God knows everything! Continue to wait, until you know for certain that He has answered you before you do anything!!!! See God is always faithful and will always give us an answer, just not always when we want it. Why do you think God makes us wait for answers to our prayers and questions? Write your answer down:
Sometimes, we are not quiet enough to hear God speaking to us. Are you making time in your day to rest and be quiet so you can hear God? Pray right now and ask God to help you find time, everyday, to spend with Him.
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Monday
3 January
Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” John 6:63
Much of what you believe to know as truth is what you have been taught. It is now your responsibility to take charge of your relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, and seek out His Holy Word on your own. Don't depend on your Sunday School teachers, AWANA leaders, your pastor or even your parents to tell you what the Bible says. Experience it for yourself, read it and be fed by that which gives life to all who accept the truths it holds, God's Holy Word.
List one thing you have read in the Bible that you remember.
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Now ask God how that applies to your life and write His answer down so that you will not forget it:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Much of what you believe to know as truth is what you have been taught. It is now your responsibility to take charge of your relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, and seek out His Holy Word on your own. Don't depend on your Sunday School teachers, AWANA leaders, your pastor or even your parents to tell you what the Bible says. Experience it for yourself, read it and be fed by that which gives life to all who accept the truths it holds, God's Holy Word.
List one thing you have read in the Bible that you remember.
1.
Now ask God how that applies to your life and write His answer down so that you will not forget it:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Sunday
2 January
Luke 12
23 Then He said to His disciples: "Therefore I tell you, don't worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing....29 Don't keep striving for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don't be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
As you grow up, you have many choices to make. So many people telling you what you should do or become. Always remember, however, that what is most important is to follow the path God has paved for you. But know that often God reveals only what you need for today and challenges you to grow in your faith to believe that He will take care of tomorrow!!! One way to help you not worry is to write down what is bothering you or to ask God a question you have. Then you pray for it until you feel God gives you an answer and record that answer so you don't forget what God told you. Let's try that today by writing down one thing that makes you worry and then pray about it until God gives you an answer.
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God's answer was:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
23 Then He said to His disciples: "Therefore I tell you, don't worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing....29 Don't keep striving for what you should eat and what you should drink, and don't be anxious. 30 For the Gentile world eagerly seeks all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
As you grow up, you have many choices to make. So many people telling you what you should do or become. Always remember, however, that what is most important is to follow the path God has paved for you. But know that often God reveals only what you need for today and challenges you to grow in your faith to believe that He will take care of tomorrow!!! One way to help you not worry is to write down what is bothering you or to ask God a question you have. Then you pray for it until you feel God gives you an answer and record that answer so you don't forget what God told you. Let's try that today by writing down one thing that makes you worry and then pray about it until God gives you an answer.
1.
God's answer was:
adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
Saturday
1 January
Philippians 1:20-21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored.......
Today is the first day of a new year. It is today that many will begin their resolutions. But often we look to change ourselves instead of letting God change us. Do you think God wants to change the same things we want to change about ourselves? Maybe, maybe not. One thing is certain, God designed us with a need that only He can fill: a desire for fellowship with Him. I want you to think of how you fellowship or spend time with God each day. Now list 3 things you can do each day to fellowship with God:
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3.
Take time and ask God to help you be faithful in spending time with Him everyday this year Write down how you think God answered this prayer:
*adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored.......
Today is the first day of a new year. It is today that many will begin their resolutions. But often we look to change ourselves instead of letting God change us. Do you think God wants to change the same things we want to change about ourselves? Maybe, maybe not. One thing is certain, God designed us with a need that only He can fill: a desire for fellowship with Him. I want you to think of how you fellowship or spend time with God each day. Now list 3 things you can do each day to fellowship with God:
1.
2.
3.
Take time and ask God to help you be faithful in spending time with Him everyday this year Write down how you think God answered this prayer:
*adapted from My Utmost for His Highest
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