Thursday, Jan 31, 2008

January 31, 2008

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January 31, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 34; Zechariah 14; Mark 7

Hudson Taylor once said "Whatever is your best time in the day, give that to communion with God.”

This week’s theme verse:
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Prayer:
We ask earnestly, praying and giving of thanks for all men, for rulers and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence that they may be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.O LORD God, do not turn your face away from us; remember your mercies. Praise the LORD, For He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Amen.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 8:21 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008

January 30, 2008

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January 30, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 33; Zechariah 13; Mark 6

Pearl Bailey said " People see God every day. They just don’t recognize him!"

This week’s theme verse: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

LORD God, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. When we sin against You, and You become angry with us yet when we come to ourselves and repent, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness’; and when we return to You with all our heart and with all our soul hear our prayer and their supplications, and maintain our cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You. Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place. Arise, O LORD God, Let Your people, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, And let Your saints rejoice in goodness. O LORD God, do not turn your face away from us; remember your mercies. Praise the LORD, For He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Amen.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:00 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008

January 29, 2008

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January 29, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 32; Zechariah 13; Mark 6

Abraham Lincoln once said " I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day."

This week’s theme verse: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Occasionally I have to have to confront someone. I don’t look forward to this sort of thing. I have to trust God when He says he will strengthen me to be equal to the task He’s set before me. It doesn’t mean I get to skip the difficult task, but rather that He will take me through it. What do you face? God will guide you though as you bring it before the Him.

Dear God, You are the only true God. You are the only living God. You used Your power to make the earth. Your wisdom set the world in place. Your understanding spread the heavens out. When You thunder, the waters roar. You make clouds rise from one end of the earth to the other. You send lightning along with the rain. You bring the wind out from your storerooms. Lord, I know that a man doesn't control his own life. He doesn't direct his own steps. But You do. Help me to trust You. I ask You for the means and strength to handle whatever situation is set before me. Amen.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:20 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Jan 25, 2008

January 25, 2008

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Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 31; Zechariah 12; Mark 5

This week’s theme verse. Romans 12:1-2
I implore you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

What is the plan of God for my life? How can I know his will? This verse tells us how we can recognize it… but not everyone possesses the wherewithal and the determined follow through to find it. We are told to prove the will of God. The idea of proving is a testing, examining or scrutinizing to determine genuineness. There is a way to recognize God’s will. But in order to be able to discern it, we must be willing to have our mind transformed. Only those who are submissive to God, allowing him to mold their minds are wise enough to be able to find God’s will. In the ancient world, proving was used of coinage makers who had passed the test of integrity. When metal was melted to make coins, while they were still soft, some coin makers would save the edges to increase their profit. But men of honor who put only full weighted money into circulation were called proved, or approved men. When we obey God’s Word completely and don’t “shave it” by partial obedience, it can transform our minds and then we are approved and we are able to recognize what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is.

Dear Father: I want to know your plan for my life. I want to be able to recognize your perfect will for me. Give me the determination to follow you in every way, so that I will have the discernment to examine, scrutinize and identify your leading. I now submit my mind to your will. Fill me with your word that it might make me more like Jesus. I want to be a man of honor. I choose not to take short cuts nor to shave off or cut short my obedience to you, even of the difficult things. Thanks for this wonderful promise of discernment that comes with obedience. Show me your will.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:50 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Jan 24, 2008

January 24, 2008

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Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 30; Zechariah 11; Mark 4

This week’s theme verse. Romans 12:1-2
I implore you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Transformation is the goal of the Christian life – to become like Christ. The word transformed comes from a Greek word related to our English word “metamorphosis.” Metamorphosis is a noticeable and rapid transformation from one form into another. God wants to change us from an ugly caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, so to speak. The mechanism for this transformation is what is known as “the renewing of your mind.” Real change occurs when our mind is renovated… how does this renovation occur? God’s word is the agent of change. When we begin to immerse ourselves in the word and meditate on it and begin to have our thinking patterns change so that we are “thinking God’s thoughts,” rapid and noticeable change will occur. You will become like Christ! Try it!

Dear Father, I would like you to transform my mind. I want to become like Christ. I am tired of being like this “ugly caterpillar” and I’d like my life to resemble that beautiful butterfly. I am willing to have you step in and renovate my thought processes and patterns. I will begin today by meditating on your word, by thinking biblically, by immersing myself in your world and thinking your thoughts. Thank you for such an awesome promise and such a life changing tool. I want to be like Jesus.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:34 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008

January 23, 2008

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Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 29; Zechariah 10; Mark 3

This week’s theme verse. Romans 12:1-2
I implore you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Nonconformity is one of the Christian’s challenges. We are told not to conform to the norms of this world. And this statement has created many responses. Some have gone into the solitary existence of a hermit, like John the Baptist. Others have taken this to mean we should dress only in black, white and gray or some other fashion statement. But nonconformity has to do more with attitude and behavior. The World System is a view of life that is the norm for most people in our society. It can be defined by what they believe and how they live. They live for greed, power, recognition and pleasure. We are not to let our lives be governed by the commercial ideas that cry for us to buy. Instead we are to be transformed by a new mindset, the mind of Christ.

Dear Lord, I ask now that you will reveal to me the areas in my life in which I have chosen conformity to the world so that I can remedy them. I choose, here and now a life of nonconformity. I choose not to have my life governed by greed, power, recognition or pleasure. Instead I wish to have my mindset and world view transformed by the mind of Christ, that I might love what you love, and think like you think. Lord, I am asking for nothing less than a radical transformation!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 7:23 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008

January 22, 2008

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Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 29; Zechariah 10; Mark 3

This week’s theme verse. Romans 12:1-2
I implore you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Nonconformity is one of the Christian’s challenges. We are told not to conform to the norms of this world. And this statement has created many responses. Some have gone into the solitary existence of a hermit, like John the Baptist. Others have taken this to mean we should dress only in black, white and gray or some other fashion statement. But nonconformity has to do more with attitude and behavior. The World System is a view of life that is the norm for most people in our society. It can be defined by what they believe and how they live. They live for greed, power, recognition and pleasure. We are not to let our lives be governed by the commercial ideas that cry for us to buy. Instead we are to be transformed by a new mindset, the mind of Christ.

Dear Lord, I ask now that you will reveal to me the areas in my life in which I have chosen conformity to the world so that I can remedy them. I choose, here and now a life of nonconformity. I choose not to have my life governed by greed, power, recognition or pleasure. Instead I wish to have my mindset and world view transformed by the mind of Christ, that I might love what you love, and think like you think. Lord, I am asking for nothing less than a radical transformation!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:20 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008

January 22, 2008

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Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 28; Zechariah 9; Mark 2

This week’s theme verse. Romans 12:1-2
I implore you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Just what is a living sacrifice? Well, it is better off than a dead sacrifice, I can tell you that! A sacrifice was an animal that was picked out especially because it was without flaws or imperfections, to be offered up to God in place of a sinful man or woman. It was a substitute. The sacrificial system ended shortly after Jesus offered himself as our substitute sacrifice. He died for us! He paid the price we could not pay! Now, what he asks of us to offer ourselves to him as a “living” (not dead) sacrifice. That means we make a decision to willingly lay down our life for Jesus. The is reasonable because, well, he could have demanded that we be a dead sacrifice – to pay the penalty for our own sins… so living is pretty reasonable! Now the only problem with a living sacrifice is that it is always trying to climb off the altar! God wants us to constantly remember that we are offered to him.

Dear Lord Jesus: I thank you for offering yourself as a sacrifice for me. Thank you for paying a price I could not pay, for a debt you did not owe. I willingly choose to give my life to you as a living sacrifice. I choose to set myself apart to live for you. To sacrifice everything I have and everything I am because of the gracious gift of eternal life you have given to me. Help me to remember that living for you is the most important thing I can do, and offering myself as a living sacrifice is the most reasonable thing in the world. I choose to serve you.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:46 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Jan 21, 2008

January 21, 2008

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Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 27; Zechariah 8; Mark 1

This week’s theme verse. Romans 12:1-2
I implore you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Do you want to know what God’s will is for your life? What is his plan for you? Romans 12:1-2 clearly state that this is the perfect will and plan of God for you, that you sacrifice yourself for God, giving it all up for him. God wants you. He wants your body, he wants your mind and he wants your will. And He considers this request a reasonable one. Right now God is challenging you to make the choice and do something so significant that it will radically change the way you life: Give yourself to God. It is the greatest decision you will ever make.

Father, I bow before you, asking that you would reveal your plan to me. I want to know that is that good and acceptable will of God. I now present my body as a living sacrifice. I give you my mind and my will. Please transform me and give my life the significance that I crave. Even if that means a radical restructuring of the way I think and the way I live, I am willing to give myself to you.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:50 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Saturday, Jan 19, 2008

January 19, 2008

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Today's Reading:
Jeremiah 26; Romans 16

Weekly Theme: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, But With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could protect your heart and your mind from hostile influences like bitterness, frustration and anxiety? Now you can! And it won’t cost you $14.99 plus shipping and handling. No it’s free. What you must do is make a decision to replace your anxiety with thankfulness. Thankfulness is the guard at the door of your heart and mind. It will stop every thought that tries to enter with a “who goes there.” If it is an anxious thought or if it is bitter or angry or frustrated, thankfulness will interrogate the thought until it is changed. No thought may be allowed to enter until it can see things from an Eternal Perspective – everything works together for the good, and from God’s perspective – God is the blessed controller of all things. Thank God! Really!

Dear Father, blessed controller of all things, please protect my heart and mind from the hostile influences that are all around me. I choose this day to replace my anxiety, bitterness, frustration & anger with thankfulness. I want to have my thoughts transformed so that I can see things from an eternal perspective. Even though I can’t see it now, I know that all things work together for good. And I want to see things from Your perspective, I believe that you are the Sovereign God who is in complete control. I trust you. And I choose to be thankful.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:58 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Jan 18, 2008

January 17-18, 2008

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Sorry this did not get posted yesterday, I was interruped by the power outage.

Today" Reading:
Jeremiah 25; Zechariah 7; Romans 15

Weekly Theme: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, But With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Everyone wants peace. World peace! Domestic peace. Peace in the home… but more than anything personal peace. Sometimes we think if circumstances were different, if people would not be such a pain, then I’d have a bit of peace. Maybe I need to steal off to some deserted Island by myself in order to find peace. Funny thing about peace – if you have none in your heart, you can be alone and yet in turmoil. Yet if you are at peace, the world can be in an uproar and you can remain serene. That’s what I’d like! To get that kind of peace we must understand the two sources of peace: Peace with God, and the Peace of God. Peace with God means that you have met all of God’s requirements for Eternal life – surrender to Jesus as Savior. The Peace of God is something that God gives those who are walking with God… more on that tomorrow.

Lord I want the peace that surpasses all understanding. My world is often topsy-turvy. Everything is in a state of upset. Things don’t always turn out the way I want them too. Sometimes the anxiety and frustration of life overwhelm me. I could use your peace! I do trust you as savior. I do believe in you for Eternal life. I do want to be at peace with you. But Lord I also would like to have the serenity and peace that comes with a deep walk with You. I want to sense your presence in my life. Thanks for the promise. I’ll take you up on it!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 2:47 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008

January 16, 2008

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Jeremiah 24; Zechariah 5-6; Romans 14

Weekly Theme: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, But With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

A lot of us talk about prayer, but few of us practice it well. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is life changing. Prayer is something that we need more of. We need to spend time in the Lord’s presence to hear what he is really saying. The typical “hi” and “bye” of a quick prayer is enough to get ahold of a small corner on the peace of God, but if you really want to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding, you need to spend more than that. How about getting on your knees, and intently focusing in prayer on God. Practice keeping your mind directed on your prayers, and practice listening to what God is saying to your heart and mind as you wait in silence. Prayer is a discipline that when practiced is one the most effective life transforming tools we have.

Dear Father, teach me how to pray. As Jesus taught his disciples to pray, I too need to learn. I need the time with you God, to have your presence change my life. Sometimes I’m so busy, my mind runs nonstop thinking about other things, that I struggle to focus. I know that a strong focus in prayer will bring a stronger focus in life, so teach me the discipline and practice of prayer. And Lord, I am ready now to listen to you speak so that I can follow your leading. Speak Lord for your servant is listening.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:03 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008

January 15, 2008

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Jeremiah 23; Zechariah 4; Romans 13

Weekly Theme: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, But With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

One of the great keys to overcoming anxiety, depression, frustration and all many other downers is thankfulness. Learning to be grateful for what God has done. This is a spiritual principle I put into practice whenever I am feeling blue. I begin to remember what great blessings I have… health, family, a great wife, house, car… and the people who love me. When I consider these things I am flooded with the peace of God. It begins to overtake my blues and turn a gloomy day into sunshine. Try it.

Lord Jesus thank you for all that I have in you and all that you have given me. I have so much to be thankful for. I thank you for giving me eternal life! I thank you for hope for the future. I thank you for sending your son for me. I am so thankful for my health! My children! My grand children! And then there’s all the stuff that I “own.” You have given me so much. And I also want to thank you for all my friends. There are so many who love me. I am overwhelmed by gratitude for all you have done. THANK YOU!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:39 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Jan 14, 2008

January 14, 2008

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Jeremiah 22; Zechariah 3; Romans 12

Weekly Theme: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, But With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Anxiety is the curse of human existence. Because we have so much to do and so little control over how life is going to turn out, we worry. Some of us would not be happy if we could not worry. The NLT says, Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. The key to dealing with anxiety is to be able to place it in God’s hand knowing that he is in control of all things. Once we realize that, then we can go about living our lives with peace in our heart.

Father, there is so much in life that I have concerns about. My family! I pray for them that you would watch over them and keep them safe. My finances. There never seems to be enough. There are so many bills and it seems I’ll never catch up. My health and the health of those I love… then there is the fear of what might happen. Father please take my anxiety. I cast all may cares on you so that you might take care of all my needs. In Jesus name, Amen.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:56 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Saturday, Jan 12, 2008

January 12, 2008

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Jeremiah 21; Zechariah 2; Romans 11

Weekly Theme: 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God can be trusted. He is faithful. That is one thing you can count on. When we confess our sins He forgives them. Depend on it. But, all too often, we still struggle with guilt. Did God forgive? Yes. Then why do we continue to wallow? One of the reasons is that deep inside we don’t take God at his Word. Hanging on to our guilt, the pity party is like calling God a liar! No God you really didn’t forgive. I don’t believe you. Now we are in danger of another serious sin. A person who has a clear conscience is also a person who has learned to trust God. God is faithful. Do you have faith?

Lord, I admit, I have not always taken you at your word. I want to change that. Please forgive my lack of faith. I believe that you are faithful. I believe that you have forgiven me. I want to live a life of faith that results in a guilt free and joyful life. Thanks for your great gift!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Jan 11, 2008

January 11, 2008

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January 11, 2008
Jeremiah 20; Zechariah 1; Romans 10

Weekly Theme: 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Guilt is a huge issue among Christians. We want to do right and often do not do it. Others have expectations of us that we do not meet. We ourselves have personal unfulfilled expectations of ourselves. We must learn to differentiate between true guilt and false guilt. True guilt is when I am “guilty.” I have really “sinned” – I’ve disobeyed God or done something to hurt someone. For that we need Confession, restitution and restoration. But many times we feel false guilt. For example: if I feel guilty because I can’t do something for you because I am unable to, I may feel guilty… but it is false guilt and should be dismissed. Or if I have confessed my sin, and I still feel guilty, that is false guilt as well because my offense has been cleared. When it is false guilt, we must be firm with ourselves and say, “you have 1 minute to feel sorry for yourself, and after that – No More!”.

Father, sometimes I struggle with false guilt. I struggle with the expectations of others. I struggle with sin that has already been forgiven. Please help me to be firm with myself and be aware that the enemy wants me to wallow in guilt, but you do not. That’s why you made provision for my sin. Thanks for your wonderful forgiveness!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:05 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Jan 10, 2008

January 10, 2008

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Jeremiah 19; Haggai 2; Romans 9

Weekly Theme: 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Numerous Christians struggle with guilt. They have committed some sin with serious consequences or they have hurt someone… and they feel guilt. They seek forgiveness. In their head, they may even know that God promises it. But yet they can’t shake the guilt, and the self condemning feelings. How does one combat this problem? 1 John 1 9. Believe God. Not just when you confess it, but every time your thoughts are thrown in your face. Constantly remind yourself of God’s forgiveness. Combat the guilt with God’s promises. It will take time and practice, but peace will come.

Father, sometimes I struggle with guilt. When I remember those I have hurt, or when I am reminded of my faults. I seek a clear conscience. I want to be free. Remind me of your promises that never fail. I claim them now. I claim the promise you have given of a non condemning forgiveness and restoration to fellowship at your side.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:58 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Jan 09, 2008

January 9, 2008

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Jeremiah 18; Haggai 1; Romans 8

Weekly Theme: 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

The beauty of 1 John 1 9 is that it guarantees forgiveness to any Christian who confesses his sin. You don’t have to spend sleepless nights wondering if God really has forgiven you. You don’t have to spend days and weeks wallowing in guilt questioning forgiveness. God not only forgives the known sins we do confess, but he also cleanses us from all unknown sins. To forgive means “to send away.” Our known sins, once confessed no longer stick to us. They are gone. To Cleanse means “to wash clean or to cure.” All our sins, known or unknown have been purified. The slate has been wiped clean. Thank God!

Lord, thank you for forgiveness. I want to confess all my failings, faults and sins to you. Thank you that they are sent away and gone. And Lord thank you as well for washing me clean of all my sins. Thank you for curing my sins so that I am “sin free” whenever I confess. Sin free because of your righteousness. Thanks for the clean slate and the new start!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:56 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jan 08, 2008

January 8, 2008

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Jeremiah 17; Zephaniah 3; Romans 7

Weekly Theme: 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Confession is good for the soul. To "confess" means to agree with God that our sin is sinful! The word confess in the original language is "if we keep on confessing." The idea is that it needs to be repeated. Every time we sin, and as often as we sin, we need to confess our sin again, and again, as multiple occasions arise. Some of us have sinned again and again, and some of us think, “If I really was a Christian I would constantly battle with temptation and lustful thoughts like I do. A Christian doesn’t think these evil thoughts!” And that is where we are wrong. We are under constant attack. The real truth is that If I wasn’t a Christian, then my conscience wouldn’t bother me. But since I am a Christian, I feel guilt when I sin, thus the need of confession.

Father, I sin, and I sin a lot. My thoughts accuse me and attack me. There is a barrage of sinful, angry, lustful thoughts that go through my mind. Sometimes I think that I must act on them. When I do, I feel even more guilty. Please forgive me of my sin and help me to learn the secret of controlling my thoughts. Thanks for your unending supply of forgiveness.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:40 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Jan 07, 2008

January 7, 2008

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Jeremiah 16; Zephaniah 2; Romans 6

Weekly Theme: 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

What does God want of me? What does God want of us? Probably every Christian has asked these very questions. God wants us to call our sin what he calls it. To "confess" literally means to "say the same" thing about it as God does! Pardon, in the Scriptures, always supposes that there is confession, and there is no promise that it will be imparted unless a full acknowledgment has been made. Confession is the mode in which the conscience is to be kept free; it is the means of your deliverance from guilt.

Father, Give me the courage to call my sin what you call it. Pardon, me I pray and give me a clean conscience. Deliver me from sin and keep me from repeating it. Lord I throw myself on your mercy. You are so gracious and loving to wipe the slate clean. I am so grateful. I love you lord. Amen!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:49 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Saturday, Jan 05, 2008

January 5, 2008

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Jeremiah 15; Zephaniah 1; Romans 5

Weekly Theme: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

The Spirit walk is by faith, the flesh walk is by sight, touch, taste and feel. It seems everyone and everything is competing for our affections. Our body is wired to be in tune to our senses. To walk by the Spirit, often means that we must transcend our feelings and senses and take step after step into the unknown. To walk in the spirit requires that we develop the practice of trusting God in every circumstance. OK lord, I know this is difficult, but I will trust you. OK Lord, I can’t do this on my own, but I will trust you. When we trust Christ, we are walking in the Spirit.

Father, help me to walk is by faith. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. My flesh craves to be satisfied, but I want to be satisfied by you. Help me to transcend my feelings step out by faith. I want to trust you in every circumstance. Lord, trust is difficult, but I will trust you. I can’t do this on my own, but I will trust you.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:46 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Jan 04, 2008

January 4, 2008

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Jeremiah 14; Habakkuk 3; Romans 4

Weekly Theme: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Inner spiritual warfare is the nature of the Christian life; it is the experience of all those who live by the Spirit. Each day the Christian who chooses to walk by the Spirit is engaged in a fierce battle between the Spirit and the flesh. It is important to stress this point, because many Christians feel ashamed to admit that they are experiencing such a conflict. They feel that mature Christians should somehow be above this kind of struggle. They imagine that the great saints were surely too spiritual to feel the desires of the flesh. But Paul flatly contradicts such images of superspirituality. The mature Christian knows he is in a spiritual battle, that’s why we must walk in the spirit.

Lord help me to be ready for spiritual warfare; and help me to live by the Spirit. Inside of me there is a fierce battle between the Spirit and the flesh. I am in the midst of a great struggle. I surrender to you now, and help me to focus on you all day as I attempt to walk in the spirit.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:36 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Jan 03, 2008

January 3, 2008

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Jeremiah 13; Habakkuk 2; Romans 3

Weekly Theme: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

The answer to a vital life is to walk in the Spirit. Or to live in the spirit. our focus is to spend all our waking hours walking with God and thinking about spiritual things all day long. It also means that we must surrender to the influences of the Holy Spirit. To walk in the spirit is to yield to all his suggestions. If a man would yield the influence of the spirit, he would be able to overcome all his evil faults; and it is because we resist the Spirit that we are overcome by our passions.

Lord, help me to walk in the Spirit. I want to have a vital life. Remind me moment by moment to spend all my waking hours thinking about spiritual things. Please give me the desire and motivation to resolve conflicts that I have with others. I want to grow in the power of the Spirit. Today I choose life in the spirit. I want to live in a spiritual way. I want to walk with God.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:44 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008

January 2, 2008

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Jeremiah 12; Habakkuk 1; Romans 2

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

The answer to a vital life is to walk in the Spirit. Or to live in the spirit. our focus is to spend all our waking hours walking with God and thinking about spiritual things all day long. It also means that we must surrender to the influences of the Holy Spirit. To walk in the spirit is to yield to all his suggestions. If a man would yield the influence of the spirit, he would be able to overcome all his evil faults; and it is because we resist the Spirit that we are overcome by our passions.

Lord, help me to Walk in the Spirit. I want to have a vital life. Remind me moment by moment to spend all my waking hours thinking about spiritual things. I now surrender to your influence. I am willing to yield to your guidance. When temptation strikes, give me the mental and spiritual focus to be aware that I must not resist your holy spirit but instead let me be overcome by your love and your powerful presence so that I sink into fellowship with you. Help me remember that fellowship with you equals overcoming my sin.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:45 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008

January 1, 2008

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Jeremiah 11; Nahum 3; Romans 1

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

The answer to avoiding temptation is to walk in the Spirit. The word walk can mean the same thing as live in the spirit. The daily walk. What does it mean to live in the spirit? It means to spend all your waking hours walking with God. It is our focus. It is our mind set. It is a matter of thinking about God and spiritual things all day long. It is a matter of thinking about every daily activity and thought with a spiritual slant. Maintain a constant communion with the Spirit.

Lord, help me to Walk in the Spirit. I want to spend all my waking hours walking with You. To focus on your presence in my life. To set my mind on godly things. To think about You and your truth all day long. Whatever comes my way today, may I seek to have you show me how to think about it in s spiritual way, the way you would think. I want to have you close to my heart and to spend time with God all day long today.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:18 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT