“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God” (Mark 10:27)

March 1, 2012

In what hope or dream from God have you given up? Does it seem impossible to you now? Pray and cast all your cares on Him. All things are possible with God. He exposes our unmet needs, so that we understand that He alone can meet them.

Leap Day Entry (OYB doesn’t have a Feb. 29th)

February 29, 2012

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need” (Psalm 23:1).
The LORD is all that I need. All of my deepest needs are met in Him. All of my lesser needs are met as I follow Him. He alone is the focus of my following. My needs are met without worrying about them as I seek Him and His Kingdom first.

“I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies” (Psalm 44:6-7)

February 28, 2012

Not my bank acct or credit card. Not according to my reason or resources, but according to God’s. I will place my trust in Him today for the enemy I face.

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’ The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:23-24)

February 27, 2012

We have divided minds and hearts. We even have divided believing. But trusting Christ for everything we become undivided in our devotion and in our believing. Exercised faith grows.

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:35)

February 26, 2012

What have you given up for the Gospel? Time? Money? These represent symbols of your life, but have you yet bled for it? Most have not. Have you risked anything yet? Stop just hanging on. Give it up for Jesus!

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble” (Psalm 41:1)

February 25, 2012

This joy speaks of what Jesus said about giving: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Today, our church is hanging food bags to ask our neighbors to partner with us in feeding the hungry. Come experience the joy with us!

“You let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God” (Mark 7:12-13)

February 24, 2012

The 5th commandment says to “honor” your parents. This means to “give them their due.” What are they due? Respect & love? Yes. But also, financial support. Jesus warned the Pharisees about not caring for their parents. Children are to care for their elderly parents.

“I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart” (Psalm 40:8)

February 23, 2012

It is not burdensome duty, but beloved devotion that motivates a believer’s following. This is not the external pressure of the law, but the internal heart change that the Spirit gives. We joyfully choose God’s will until our wills come into alignment, wanting what He wants.

“People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace” (Proverbs 10:10)

February 22, 2012

A truism for the family, the church and the nation. It starts with the parent who thinks their child’s sin is cute. It won’t be when its full-grown. This “winking at wrong” problem starts in the home and has spread to our culture. Parents, boldly reprove sin in your child!

“The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces” (Proverbs 10:8)

February 21, 2012

Great leaders are learners, they know when to ask for advice. But fools think they can do everything themselves. Do you have a mentor? Someone speaking into your life? Start listening more, talking less. As my mother used to say,”Stop talking just to hear your head rattle!”