Time With God
A devotional trip through the Bible with a caring community to support, love and care for each other... while spending Time With God. If you would like our daily email version of this podcast send me a note to info@pinegrovecommunitychurch.com
February 29 2008
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February 29 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Ezekiel 4; Daniel 11: 25-45; James 4
Today is February 29 this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events, it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.
Yesterday was a busy day. I worked on the discovery class. Got that done. Prepared the bulletin. Finished that. Vivian stopped in to talk about how God is working in her life. She said that she and Mikey were
driving down the road, talking about some needs they have and she said, I guess we'll just have to wait on the Lord to provide and Mikey responded "No we're don’t need wait on the God, We don’t need to wait on God, He's waiting on us to do the right thing! Out of the mouths of babes. Ken came in, and so did Evie and we talked for a wile about ministry stuff. The ladies came for Bible Study. John and Colleen are back in the states from Panama. I spoke to him as he was driving back from Portland. I made a CD for Evie for Easter. I went to work on Sunday’s message called “conquering lust,” a message from the 7 deadly sins series. And I sent out a number of emails reminding people of our sat work day. Then after work, I worked out with Kyle & Marcia, and after dinner, I went out visiting with Carl. We had a great visit with Kenny & Phyllis.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:5-8 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the merciful. Mercy is similar to kindness, but there are some differences. Kindness means that I have a tender disposition to help people in need. Mercy is a little bit deeper. Mercy means that there will be times when someone does something to you which is deserving of a harsh response (like a sharp retort, a financial penalty or a lawsuit). But instead of giving the person what they deserve (justice) you respond not only in kindness, but you add mercy… you don’t give them what they deserve! You let them off the hook! Instead of a sharp retort, you kindly forgive. Instead of slapping them with a fee, you tell them that this is their lucky day! Instead of suing them you tell them that you have decided to drop the charges… because you feel merciful today. Maybe you don’t know this rule, but there is an unspoken human rule that goes like this: If I yell at you, you will yell at me (most of the time). If I say kind things to you, you will say kind things to me (most of the time). It’s an interesting thing. It’s reflexive. It works. Try an experiment. Try expressing kindness and mercy to some person and see what happens. If you show mercy, chances are they will be kind and merciful right back at you.
Dear Father of mercies and God of all kindness, I pray that I would act more and more like you. I want to lean to be a kind and merciful person, especially under pressure and especially when people try my patience. Help me to respond to them like I would want to be treated. I know sometimes I would like to lash out. Remind me that our anger never really solves any problems, it just creates more of them. Thank you for the mercy you showed me on the cross. When I owed an eternal debt I could not pay, you died for me, paid my penalty and gave me the gift of eternal life! What Mercy! Bless me with that kind of response to others.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:59 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Feb 28, 2008February 28 2008
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February 28 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Ezekiel 3; Daniel 11:1-24; James 3
Today is February 28 this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day.
Yesterday was Wednesday. I think I’m slipping behind slowly. I published a new radio podcast to the internet called “6 hours one Friday,” a message about the death of Christ. Check it out at http://pgteaching.mypodcast.com/ - I also did some work on Sunday’s Discovery Class. Jayn was there at church working away on the yard, bless her heart. Bill stopped by to do some work on the backhoe. I spoke to my brother Dale on the phone about his son’s wedding coming up. And Carl called to ask for help networking Dr Walther’s computers. So I ran to Wal-Mart to help Ken and Carl set it up. It wasn’t long and the network was running. Then I went to look at digital cameras. I can’t make my mind up whether I want to buy one or not. After dinner, Susan and I hopped a ride with Jim & Irene and went to a great Bible Study. We talked about some of the details of the tabernacle and temple from Exodus. In order for a person to worship a holy God, those people had to go through so many rituals that were meant to keep sinful man at a distance… but today, because of Jesus Christ, we can come directly to God! What a change!
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:5-8 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The hungry will be filled. This is the opposite of the popular song “I can’t get no satisfaction,” I tried, and I tried, and I tried, but I can’t get no… you get the idea. No matter what we try to fill our lives with only Jesus fills and satisfies. Some things work for a short time, but leave a saccharin taste, but when we hunger for spiritual things, and we seek God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we find fullness. Fullness is not the same as being full. We can be full and unsatisfied. Fullness is overflowing bounty. My cup runneth over! We are told to be “filled” with the Spirit, and filled with the fruit of the spirit. When God’s joy and presence fill our mind and heart it is better than being in love! We walk about a foot off the ground. We sing. We are grateful. We are happy. Jesus said, “I have come to give you life, and give it to you abundantly.” That’s being “filled.”
Dear Father and Provider. Please fill me with your fullness. I know the supply is always there, but I do not always come for the supply. I need to be regularly, daily, moment by moment filled with your presence. Too many times I have had leanness of soul, and in my hunger I have not sought you. Lord give me a thirst for your presence, and a hunger for your righteousness. Thank you for the promise to bring ultimate satisfaction and complete joy. Drop a big chunk of joy from heaven on me I pray. Thank you Lord.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:56 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008February 27 2008
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February 27 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Ezekiel 2; Daniel 10; James 2
Today is February 27 this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Yesterday I spent half the day on the phone. Lots of phone calls. Dave called to see how things are going. Several salesmen called. I spoke to Marcia about Awana. I called Jay and he called me back, then I called him back. Vicki called to tell me that the new drapes are up over the serving counter. They look great! Bill stopped in to chat for a while. We talked about the work day for this Saturday. I certainly hope we have a good crew out. We really need lots of help. And I spent some time editing Growing Together for the radio. More time needed for that project. In the evening, Susan and I took off to Albany to have dinner with Vic and Barb – a few crew mates from our cruise. We had a good time. And we began talking about spiritual things. I hope this develops even further so I can share Christ with them.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:5-8 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
I’m always hungry! I could eat all day long. Food is good. Good food not only tastes good, but is good for fuel; it makes you feel good and gives you energy to charge into your day. Food and drink is one of the bare necessities of life and one of the enjoyable extravagances as well! We need it to survive, we eat it to thrive. But good chow is not enough. We also need spiritual “food and drink” for the soul. Without a regular fare of the spiritual fruits, veggies, milk, water & power aide, we would starve and shrivel up spiritually. It is almost a surprise that we are told to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” because hunger and thirst comes natural to me. Maybe the reason for the command is that it is far too easy for us to eat “spiritual junk food!” We tend to replace our real needs with other less important stuff. We can chow down on all kinds of meaningless stuff from too much TV, to some good old fiction reading, to social interaction etc… some of this is good, ok and some of it just down right bad. But the problem with all the stuff we cram into our lives is that it was never meant to fill the spiritual void God put there. No matter whether you try to shove love, romance, fine dining, drinking, drugs, money… (you name it) it just doesn’t do the trick. That’s why we are told to hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS. We need to crave time with God in prayer and time with God in the Word. We need to pursue a life of godliness. Without it we WILL starve!
Dear Father, I come before you a hungry man (or woman). I am always aware of my hunger, but I am not always so aware that it is cause by a lack of the proper nutrients: spiritual things. Help me to take better care of myself by making sure that I fill my hunger for righteousness by pursuing a daily quite time with you in prayer and in the Word. Help me to realize that worship is one of the most important needs in my life. I want to be a righteous person. I know that to do that I must seek you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Please fill me, for I have come to the table to eat! Thanks for your bounty of spiritual blessings whenever I need them!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:42 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008February 26, 2008
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February 26, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Ezekiel 1; Daniel 9; James 1
Yesterday was my day at home. I spent quite a bit of time paying those pesky bills. I’m sure there are more where they came from. I also made an attempt to wire in a heater, but never got it done. I drilled a hole for the wire, but the drill bit wasn’t long enough. And then I ran out of time. I ran susan around to the doctor. He seemed to think she was making good progress. Then we went to get a prescription and a little bit of shopping done. We ran into Marcia there. Zac called to say that his cancer is benign and they gave him a clean bill of health, praise the Lord! And after working out, Shaphen stopped over for a bit.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:5-8 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The meek shall inherit the earth. This does not mean that the meek will own much property on this old earth or have many land holdings in this life, or rule many countries; this is a proverbial blessing. In proverb form, it is saying that the meek will be greatly blessed… this is the sum of all blessings. There are however some earthy blessings that come with it. For example, a quarrelsome man raises up enemies because he spends his time in disputes and may lose property in lawsuits due to his foolish actions brought on by a lack of meekness. Psalms 37:11 says “the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” We get some blessings here and now, but we will get our ultimate inheritance when there is a “new heaven and a new earth.” The meek shall inherit the “new” earth in the kingdom and partake of the blessings there. And “heaven” is literally made up of “the new heavens and the new earth.” It will be a re-created universe that we will be blessed to inherit. Are you ready for that kind of blessing! Bring it on!
Dear blessed Lord and Savior. Thank you for the promise of the kingdom. I can’t wait to “inherit the earth!” You have promised us so many blessings. Sometimes they seem so far away. Yet we know that this life will be over in the blink of an eye and then we will have an eternity with you. Help me to get a grasp on my inheritance so that it can impact me and change me eternally! Thanks for the promise, please make me meek.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:43 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Feb 25, 2008February 25, 2008
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February 25, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 52; Daniel 8; Philemon
Today is Monday. I think that today I need to wire in an electric heater and pay bills… other than that, I’ll have to see what my honey has on her mind. Yesterday was another great Lord’s Day, I hope it found you in God’s house. In the morning we began our series of messages on the 7 deadly sins. We talked about the need to be holy as God is holy and completely avoid any hint or suggestion that we are doing wrong. I had a great Discovery class where we discussed how to determine what is important in life and what is not. That afternoon, we spent it with Ken & Evie for lunch and together we went to Kyle & Marcia’s open house where we fellowshipped and watched the comedian “Nazareth.” In the evening we watched the creation science video, and then it was home again.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:5-8 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Usually we say, blessed are the pushers for they get what they want… or “nice guys finish last.” But this is the opposite of how we have grown up to think. Meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self interest. The meek person is not occupied with self at all. The humble man or woman has chosen to be humble because they believe that the best way to deal with injustice is to let God defend them. Meekness is a firm reliance on God rather than on our own strength. We respond gently because we know that God is good and that God is in control over the situation. And gentleness sure does solve a lot of relationship problems! Assertiveness is like a boxing match – when you put on the gloves, people tend to defend themselves against you. But tenderness is like a warm handshake and a smile, perhaps even a comforting hug which says, it’s ok for you to drop your guard around me. We can work on it together. Blessed are the meek!
Dear Jesus, meek and mild, I submit myself to you. I want to have your character. You were the greatest man that ever lived, your influence was so powerful, yet you were gentle in spirit. Help me not to be so occupied with myself, and instead let me be occupied with you and your kingdom. I really do want to have a style that is approachable and yet powerful in its own way. And most of all I want to submit all that I am and all that I have to your. You own it all. I relinquish it all to you, my Lord and Savior.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:35 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Feb 25, 2008February 25, 2008
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February 25, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 52; Daniel 8; Philemon
Today is Monday. I think that today I need to wire in an electric heater and pay bills… other than that, I’ll have to see what my honey has on her mind. Yesterday was another great Lord’s Day, I hope it found you in God’s house. In the morning we began our series of messages on the 7 deadly sins. We talked about the need to be holy as God is holy and completely avoid any hint or suggestion that we are doing wrong. I had a great Discovery class where we discussed how to determine what is important in life and what is not. That afternoon, we spent it with Ken & Evie for lunch and together we went to Kyle & Marcia’s open house where we fellowshipped and watched the comedian “Nazareth.” In the evening we watched the creation science video, and then it was home again.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:5-8 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Usually we say, blessed are the pushers for they get what they want… or “nice guys finish last.” But this is the opposite of how we have grown up to think. Meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self interest. The meek person is not occupied with self at all. The humble man or woman has chosen to be humble because they believe that the best way to deal with injustice is to let God defend them. Meekness is a firm reliance on God rather than on our own strength. We respond gently because we know that God is good and that God is in control over the situation. And gentleness sure does solve a lot of relationship problems! Assertiveness is like a boxing match – when you put on the gloves, people tend to defend themselves against you. But tenderness is like a warm handshake and a smile, perhaps even a comforting hug which says, it’s ok for you to drop your guard around me. We can work on it together. Blessed are the meek!
Dear Jesus, meek and mild, I submit myself to you. I want to have your character. You were the greatest man that ever lived, your influence was so powerful, yet you were gentle in spirit. Help me not to be so occupied with myself, and instead let me be occupied with you and your kingdom. I really do want to have a style that is approachable and yet powerful in its own way. And most of all I want to submit all that I am and all that I have to your. You own it all. I relinquish it all to you, my Lord and Savior.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:26 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Feb 23, 2008February 23, 2008
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February 23, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 51: 33-64; 2 Thessalonians 3
Today is Saturday. Today some of the youth will be taking a trip to the snow. If you missed taking your kids, you missed a great time. Today I have a premarital counseling session, music practice, and then Shapen and I are going to go to the fights together. Yesterday I worked all day on the message “7 deadly sins.” A message about the seriousness and reasoning behind why we should avoid a long list of vices. Ken called with news that he’d passed his first interview. Pray for his second one today. Wayne & Cathy came by to work out back! Thanks! I did music practice in the morning. And after work, I worked out. Then Susan and I spent a rare quiet evening together.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:3-4 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
The rewards of those who follow the beatitudes are in contrast to those who do not. The average man and woman want happiness, but differ dramatically on how to get it. The proof is in the puddin’. You can tell what I believe by were I stash my treasure. I put my money where my mouth is. So, it would seem that many of us believe that having economic stability and things like nice homes and nice cars is one of our most important goals (not bad), except that for some it becomes such an obsession that “the kingdom of God” gets squeezed out in the process. We don’t have time for the kingdom because we are too busy making a living, furthering my career, or making some strategic move that will bring me closer to my goal. Many of us believe that “fun” is a most important goal, like camping – concerts – dinner parties – sports – recreation or entertainment (and many of them are “fun.”) The conflict comes in when “fun” gets a higher rating for our lives than does the “comfort” of the kingdom. We prove it when we make choices which leave the kingdom in second place, or third, or… Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and ALL THESE OTHER THINGS will be added unto you.”
Dear Father. I want to seek your kingdom before I seek mine. I know that you deserve the honor of being first place in my life. I want to give you my treasure and my future. I believe the kingdom is my future. I also want to put you first in all my choices, including the times when I must make decisions between fun and time with you and your people in your house. I want to show by my choices that you, Jesus, are my number one choice in life. With all the things that I could choose to do, I choose you first of all.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:15 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Feb 22, 2008February 22, 2008
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February 21, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 51:1-32; Daniel 7; 2 Thessalonians 2
Yesterday was a typical Thursday. I got right to work preparing the bulletin stuff. The ladies were there in the morning for Ladies Bible Study. Robin stopped in to talk for a few minutes. I also worked on the sermon for Sunday called “7 deadly sins.” An introduction to vices we should avoid. We are to be set apart and holy to God, and avoid sins that harm us. I also prepared for Sunday’s Discovery Class and for EE. Carl and Sonja stopped by… they have a new van! It looks great. Bill and Helen also came by to pick up a dish, as did Cary and Diane. They were there to clean the church. After work, I took off to Myrtle Creek to teach Evangelism Explosion at a church there. We visited a family of 3 and shared the gospel with them! They all needed assurance of salvation and commitment to Jesus. We had a great time!
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:3-4 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Those who mourn will be comforted. To receive comfort when mourning is good, to BE comforted is better. When we are down, and a caring friend comes around to comfort us, that is uplifting. But sometimes even the best of comforters falls short, because there is nothing they can do to remove the sting of our sorrow. The promise of this verse is that THE COMFORTER, the Holy Spirit is so effective at removing the wound that caused our sorrow that we will BE comforted. That means that our sorrow is replaced with joy! When we weep over our sin and the horrible consequences that it brings, and our tears are tears of repentance, Jesus comes and wipes away our tears… and he restores us to fellowship with God. He takes away the sting with the promise that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us!” He restores the hope by promising, “I know the plans that I have for you. Plans for good and not evil, to give you a hope and a future.”
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our difficulties, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we suffer much for Christ, so we are comforted much through Christ. If we mourn, it is so we can learn to console others. Or if we are comforted, we can share our joy with you. Even when trouble burdens us beyond our own strength, so that we despair even of life it is so that we won’t trust in ourselves but in God who delivers us.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:14 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Feb 21, 2008February 21, 2008
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February 21, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 50: 21-49; Daniel 6; 2 Thessalonians 1
Today is Thursday. Yesterday was a productive day for me for once. I actually got some stuff done. I published growing together to the web, although I did have problems posting other podcasts. I went to lunch with Dr John Gardin – and had a great time. We talked about the possibility of him doing a series of Sunday Night messages on “The Family” sometime in September. I got some work done on Discovery Class 1 and some other stuff. Dave and Dale stopped in and we talked about our Creation Video Series. Boy what a controversial guy this Dr Kent Hovind is! He has lots of enemies and a few interesting viewpoints. Then it was off to Bible study where we spent some time fellowshipping with Don, Doris & Bill and Helen.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:3-4 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Are those who mourn blessed? Really? Why? The Beatitudes follow a careful progression. It began with a realization of our Spiritual Poverty. Once you realize that you are Spiritually Bankrupt, in need of a Savior, it should cause you to mourn over your sad condition. Mourning is extremely beneficial if you wish to change. Shedding honest, heartbroken, and sometimes even public tears of repentance can be the catalyst that results in life change. Do you want to overcome your habitual sins and addictions? You need a jump start. Honest, serious, repentant mourning is the way. Mourning is also the way to true conversion. Some people slide comfortably and easily into faith and no real life change occurs. They stay the same. They are unconverted. But when we really come to realize how much our personal sin radically offends God, and it impacts us, we will mourn. Repentant tears lead to true conversion and eternal life. If you want life change, you may need to mourn!
Dear Lord. I wish to have blessed change in my life. I realize how spiritually bankrupt I am without you. Help me to meditate and realize the impact and reality of that. I can not conjure up false tears and believe that it will change me. I need to come to the end of myself. I want real life change. I want to overcome my sins so that my life can be free and pleasing to your. I cry out to you. Change me I pray. Thanks for showing me that the way to joy and comfort is through sorrow. I want to be a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 12:13 PM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008February 20, 2008
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February 20, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 50:1-20; Daniel 5; 1 Thessalonians 5
Yesterday was my easy day in the office, although no day is really easy. It is the one day I don’t have any deadlines that absolutely must be done by the end of the day. I edited the Growing Together podcast and worked on our Easter Services. I am looking for Passion Play Pictures and Video from years gone by. I also posted stuff to the internet and sent out emails. Jayn left me chicken and fixings from the banquet and I had a great lunch. Boy was that good. Carl stopped by to chat a bit. He has been working on plumbing and phone lines at Casa De Belen, a local family homeless shelter. After work I worked out with Kyle and Marcia. They are counting the days until they go on their cruise. Then I ran over to the church, and then to Rich’s house for our men’s’ meeting.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:3-4 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
The poor in spirit shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. This is the reward of those needy enough to admit that they don’t deserve the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is somewhat synonymous with Eternal life or just plain heaven. Eternal life is the gift of salvation given to those of us who know we are sinners in need of a savior. It is the ultimate destination of joy to all who believe. What is this reward like? First there are some things NOT there: No sickness, tears, death or sorrow. Second, there is one thing there that makes heaven the most desirable place ever: God is there. He will be our God, we will be his people. We will delight in His presence. In His presence is fullness of joy. We will walk with Him (Jesus) and enjoy Him forever. Another notable thing about it is that we will have a “glorified body” and transformed nature so that we never again sin or fail! Heaven is also a place of eternal light, endless worship, the best music ever (angel bands) and complete joy. It is supremely above any pleasure we have ever experienced. It is rapture and ecstasy. As a sideline there will be beautiful trees that bear luscious fruit all year long, a Sparkling river of life that will be central to the place. It will be the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. There will be a capitol city so large, that it can be seen for hundreds of miles. It will be made out of the most exquisite materials that it will shimmer in beauty. And this is the reward of the poor in spirit!
Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of eternal life! Thank you as well for the promise of heaven! I want to go there. I want you to be my God, and I want to be your child forever. Take me in your arms and hold me. Fill me with the hope of the promise. I can’t wait for my new body and my transformation to take place so that I can be like you. I’m dreaming of walking down those beautiful streets, meeting my Savior, seeing family that has already gone before me. Lord, thank you for these precious promises! Mak
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:34 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008February 19, 2008
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February 19, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 49: 23-39; Daniel 4; 1 Thessalonians 4
Yesterday was Monday. I had hoped to get more accomplished around the house, but that just didn’t happen. In the morning I brought Susan in for a blood test. Things seem to be going well. Then I took off to do a simple plumbing job that took me till about 5:30 PM. It doesn’t seem to matter how well you plan, you still have to make several trips to the hardware store for parts you didn’t foresee. After that I came home and did a little house cleaning, showered, and spent a quiet evening at home with Susan.
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:3-4 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the poor in spirit… what does it mean to be poor in spirit? We all know what it means to be poor in money! It means dead broke! No bank account! Nothing, Nada, zip, penniless. Poor in spirit is similar. It means to be spiritually impoverished. It means that my spiritual bank account is empty. It means I have nothing, nada, zip, with which to “buy” spiritual things & Eternal life. The concept of “poor in spirit” is very similar to the theological doctrine called “the depravity of man,” which says, “man is a sinner, not only because of his sinful actions, but also by heredity.” He was born that way. He inherited it from mom and dad. He may not sin as much as he is potentially able to sin, but his nature is sinful. When we realize that spiritually we are destitute, unable to please God by our works and acts, we have reached the all important STAGE 1 of spiritual transformation. We are now humbly ready for God to change our spirit so that we can enter the kingdom of heaven.
Dear Father in Heaven: I am broke, destitute in my spirit. I know that I am a sinner in need of a savior. There is nothing I can do to please you but humbly surrender to you. The realization of my spiritual poverty has left me feeling empty. I feel like a beggar who can’t even by his next meal, or a prisoner who is at the mercy of his jailors. I need a savior. I need an inheritance. Thank you for riding into my world to save me. Thank you for taking me from the prison of my sins and setting me free in your house as a son and an heir. I am rich because of you! Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:50 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Feb 18, 2008February 18, 2008
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February 18, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 49: 1-22; Daniel 3; 1 Thessalonians 3
Today is Monday, Yesterday was the Lord’s day. And as usual, Susan and I spent the day of joy in worship with you all at Pine Grove. But let me back up. Saturday night was our Valentine Banquet. What a blast. The food was good, the décor was great, the games were a blast, and the speaker was practical and earthy. Loved it all. Wish you all could have been there if you weren’t. Then on the Lord’s Day, I gave a message on genuineness of faith. The idea was, “don’t be a pretender Christian, be a New Creation in Christ.” We had a great discovery class! Sunday Evening we were back for the Dr Kent Hovind Film series on Creationism. If you are not catching that at Pine Grove, I’m posting the audio to our Evening Service podcast page. http://pgbible.mypodcast.com/
This week’s theme verse. Matthew 5:3-4 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Oh to be on the receiving end of blessedness. If there’s one thing I would like, it is a life of blessing. Just what are blessings? Our English word “bless” comes from a Middle English word which meant to set apart to God by sprinkling blood on the altar. It was a formal thing a priest did “the blessing.” If you were blessed, you were in a special place of God’s favor. The Hebrew and Greek word means to, praise, congratulate, to wish prosperity on, to give a gift to someone. The men of old used to pass on the blessing to their children. The blessing was a formal benediction that pronounced happiness and prosperity and hope to their family. The word “happy” is another way of saying “blessed.” Again, let me say, if there’s one thing I would like from God is a life of blessing. Through the next coming weeks, we’ll see what it takes to live the blessed life.
The Lord bless you, the Lord keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace. May all you do bring hope, happiness and prosperity to your life. God bless you. Amen.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:41 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Feb 16, 2008February 16, 2008
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Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 48: 25-47; Daniel 2: 24-49; 1 Thessalonians 2
Today is Saturday. Today is our valentine banquet at 6 PM I hope you are there. I hope to see you. I hope to have some time off today to run some errands and be with Susan. Yesterday it was all focused on the message called “One Last Reproof,” a final message on Galatians that Paul aimed at those who wanted a stylish religion just for the sake of keeping up appearances. Image is not everything – a new creation is everything, said Paul. I also did music practice in the morning, and after a delicious dinner provided by Marcia, Carl and I went visiting. I finally got home about 10:15 and it was off to bed. I didn’t set the alarm thinking I’d sleep in, and I did. I slept in until 5 AM! So here I am.
This week’s theme verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Trust is the basis of the Christian life. It is essential to trust God for personal guidance. You can trust the Principles of His word to be true for your situation. God knows what He’s doing in your life. It is really a matter of the heart. If we trust Him with all our heart, God will guide our paths. Proverbs 3 tells us NOT to lean on our own understanding and instead to lean on Him, no matter the decision. By leaning on God, we are putting Him in the driver’s seat. God’s way is always best. Trust Him. He has your best interest in mind. IF I place my trust in the Lord for the outcome, and acknowledge Him in prayer He will direct me.
Sweet Jesus, my Savior, I’ll trust you with my life. Your word is true in every situation and I believe it. I give my heart to you. I will trust you now when things go well, and I’ll trust you when things aren’t so well. I want to lean on you and put you first place in my life. I believe your way is always best. Dire
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:51 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Feb 15, 2008February 15, 2008
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February 15, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 48; Daniel 2; 1 Thessalonians 1
Yesterday was another day with my nose to the grindstone. I published the bulletin, worked on discovery classes, prepared for Evangelism Explosion, uploaded Growing Together to the Internet and worked on this Sunday’s message for Galatians – “One last reproof.” Then we’ll go into a sermon series called “7 Deadly Sins” – a Biblical look at pornography, gambling, drinking, marijuana, smoking, Government Welfare, TV & Movies and more. It will be an interesting and hot group of topics. After work I ran to Myrtle Creek and taught an Evangelism Class to a church down there. I finally fell into bed at 10 PM.
This week’s theme verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Direction is something I am always in need of. Some decisions are difficult to make. Sometimes I am faced with choices that I really have no clue about which way to go. It sure would be nice to be able to have someone with the answers step in and lay it all out so clearly that there was no mistake about which choice I should make. Unfortunately that will never happen. What I can depend on, however, is IF I place my trust in the Lord for the outcome, acknowledge the truth from His word in prayer and commitment, that He will direct me. Too many times I have made the wrong decision on my own, sometimes in a snap judgment, sometimes after much thought. I have held many things in my hands, and lost them all, but whatever I placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.
Dear Lord, I need your direction. On my own I have made mistake after mistake. Please guide me and direct me in my daily affairs. I bring all my decisions to you. I trust you for the answers. I am committed to your direction. All that I have I place in your hands for safekeeping. Guide me oh thou great Jehovah.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:34 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Feb 14, 2008February 14, 2008
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February 14, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 47; Daniel 1; Mark 16
Yesterday was Wednesday. I finished editing Growing together for the radio. Did a little work on the web page and began to get Easter organized. I’m looking to call it “the Passion Play – Revisited.” I’m looking for anyone with pictures or videos of our past passion plays so that I can show a montage behind our Easter Morning Worship Service. I also worked on our next Discovery Class lesson. Judy stopped in to say hi. She said she missed us all, and hoped to be back. Developing the habit of church attendance is difficult. I called Chris – She said Jay & Sherri are supposed to get a final inspection on their place today. Last night 3 of us went to Melrose to observe an Awana Club. It was fun, and we got to see a number of people we have known for years. We are getting energized about Awana! Ask Marcia or Helen about it.
This week’s theme verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Leaning on your own understanding is the opposite of acknowledging Him. Your own understanding = “I did it my way.” To acknowledge Him = “I did it His way.” To acknowledge is first to express recognition – “yes God you exist;” Second it is to consider – “yes God you do have something to say about my ways and I’m listening.” Third to recognize His authority – “Yes God we’ll do it your way.” And fourth to appreciate – “Thank you Lord for leading me.” Acknowledging God is the opposite of ignoring him, refusing to listen to him… and in reality if we do that we are simply renouncing God and His influence in our life. Prayer is one important way we acknowledge Him. When we take every decision to God in prayer and say, “Your will be done, not mine,” and then listen for His voice and follow His leading, we are acknowledging Him. Have you ever said “hello” to some old acquaintance and had them stare straight ahead and ignore you? It doesn’t feel so great does it… Acknowledge God. Have you ever expressed your opinion and had it ignored as though you never even said it. Consider what God wants you to hear. But His truths are not mere opinion, they are Divine truth. Listen up and follow.
Dear Father in Heaven. Hallowed by Your name. I admit that you are there. I am ready to listen to your voice. I will do it your way, and I thank you for bending down into this insignificant life and giving me the time and interest to guide me. Forgive me for ignoring you when instead I should have been taking every decision to you in prayer. I do want you in my life. I do want to hear your voice and follow your leading.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:42 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008February 13, 2008
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February 13, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 45-46; lamentations 5; Mark 15:21-47
Yesterday it was back in the saddle again for me. After breakfast, and throwing a load of laundry in the wash, I dashed off to work. I spent quite a bit of time working on our podcasts, a few of them are published, with more to go. I published Dr Kent Hoven’s first video (in audio form) to our evening service forum. I also worked on this Saturday’s radio broadcast. After that I spent some time in the black hole, working on the church’s web page. It can be slow going. Carl and Sonja stopped in. Sonja made dinner for us! Boy was it good! Pork, stuffing, baked potato and cauliflower! Hmmmmm. Then I ran of to record a few intro’s with Kyle, and after dinner, it was back out to church for “the 12” our men’s ministry meeting. I had a great time of fellowship with Carl, Rich and Dave. Dave you had us laughing again.
This week’s theme verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
I have lived with me, all my life. In fact, I spend all day with me - every day! I tend to listen to my own opinions and thoughts more than I listen to others. I think that I know my strengths and weaknesses. I have an idea of my own emotional and spiritual condition. I also tend to have a pretty high opinion of my own viewpoints and opinions. I lean on them. I always have. Sometimes they have served me well, and other times… well, let’s just say, “not so good.” Proverbs 3 tells us NOT to lean on our own understanding. And instead to lean on God and His Word. Now that is difficult. It goes against everything we have ever done all our lives. It leaves us out of control, no longer in the driver’s seat. For some of us, that’s just plain scary. When God’s word tells us how to live, and that runs counter to the way we’ve always done it, doing it God’s way can be tough. Our internal alarms go off! Panic sets in. But God’s way is always best. I guess we know that – up here, in our head. But it’s just tougher getting it down into our heart. That’s what trust is all about. Trust Him. He has our best interest in mind. Lean on Jesus, not on your own understanding.
Dear Father, sometimes it is difficult to just lean back and lean on you. I feel much safer when I am in control. But father, so many times I’ve made a mess of things doing it my way. I know it’s time that I settled the issue. Your understanding is so much greater than my understanding. Your ways are so much higher than my ways. Help me with the panic, Lord, help me to rest in you deep in my heart. I choose to trust in your understanding rather than in mine.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:20 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008February 12, 2008
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February 12, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 44; lamentations 4; Mark 15:1-20
Yesterday I spent most of the day with Susan, running errands. After I did finances, we ran to Coastal for dog food and to the doctor for a blood test. He was pleased with her blood level. He said that it will be a few weeks before they can evaluate the torn ligament and further treatment. Then it was off to a CE meeting where we talked about breakfast, easter and Awana. Wed night we will head to Melrose to observe their awana club. After that Susan and I took off again to get our watches and my sunglasses fixed. We did a little shopping at safeway and walmart. Then it was home again to finish finances. While we were out, Zac called with the news that his removed intestine was cancerous… they don’t know yet if it is malignant or benign. Pray with us!.
This week’s theme verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
The heart of the matter is this: the issues of life flow from the heart. Where your heart is, that is where we will discover what you value. If you really love God with all your heart, you will demonstrate it with your life. If you have a divided heart, or are half-hearted in your devotion to God, other things will always find a way to become more important than spiritual things. Eventually they will even force spiritual things aside. Guard the heart above all things, for as the heart goes, so will go your life. How can we expect God to guide our paths if we don’t trust him with all our heart? It is a cause and effect issue. If you trust him with all your heart, then we will direct your paths. We can not expect God to be a water boy on the sidelines of our daily life, and then ask him to suite up and direct us on a whim. God wants to be a first string starter. Trust him with all your heart.
Dear Jesus: I pray that you would take my heart. I want to really love you with all my heart, soul and mind. And I want that to be evident in my daily life. I want you to be more important than anything else, I don’t want to leave you on the sidelines. Forgive me for not putting you on the throne of my life all the time. I now choose to put You first in all things.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:00 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Feb 11, 2008February 11, 2008
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February 11, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 43; lamentations 3: 37-66; Mark 14:32- 72
Today is Monday. Yesterday was the Lord’s day. We held our first discovery class in the new kitchen. It was well attended. And a great class. We also had a great service in the morning where I laid out 5 very important laws of the harvest. If you didn’t get to hear that, I’ll upload it some time this week and you should check it out. In the evening we watched a video by kent hovend on the age of the earth… very informative and lots of info. Dave and Barb stopped by for lunch, and we had a great time of fellowship. Tony & Patricia called and I had a good conversation with them. Marcia dropped by some food for us… Susan is not too mobile yet. Pray for her recovery.
Trust is the basis of the Christian life. To begin with, you must “believe” that God exists. There are lots of evidences for God’s existence that we won’t cover here, but it is well worth it to check out the facts so that we can be fully confident in Him. Secondly, God’s word is trustworthy. It is historically and scientifically trustworthy. All the evidence convinces us of that. Once we get to the place where we believe God and believe His Word is true, we realize that we still have to trust God for some more personal matters. Can I trust the Principles of His word to be true for my situation? Can I trust that God knows what He’s doing in my life? With all the confusion and difficulty in life, sometimes we doubt it. But we need to realize this: God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand, when you don’t see his hand, trust his heart!
This week’s theme verse. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Dear Father, help me to trust You. I believe in You. I even believe your Word is true. But sometimes I have trouble trusting you when I have to make daily decisions. Help me to trust your wisdom. I know that you are much wiser than I am. Help me to trust your love for me. I know that you are looking out for my best interest. Help me not to jump in and do things my way out of fear when I know that you are working all things for my good. I will trust you and never be afraid.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:44 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Feb 09, 2008February 9, 2008
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February 9, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 42; Mark 14:1-31
Susan is supposed to come home this evening! That will be nice. She looks so much better. Yesterday after music practice, I spent the day working on the message “The Laws of the Harvest.” I’m afraid I’m going to have to work most of today to catch up. Carl and Sonja made it back from Portland, it was good to see them. Dave called and we had a nice long talk, and John stopped in to see me! What a great visit! Love it. More about our cruise… The third stop we had on our cruise was Cabo San Lucas Mexico. This was by far the cleanest, most developed of the three spots. The beautiful cove had wall to wall hotels. We took a taxi around and saw the sights. We stopped in at a glass blowing place! That was impressive watching him make a pitcher. We also stopped at a market and bought a few souvenirs.
This week’s theme verse. Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Time is precious. Time marches on so quickly that here I am past the half way point in my life. I don’t feel ready to enter into my “golden years.” Then there’s the condition the world is in. It’s like a roller coaster, sometimes zooming to frightful speeds, and other times lulling us uphill to dangerous heights. Sometimes it seems as if things are getting so bad, that “the end must be near!” That’s why we do church: Because, as life changes, and as the world turns the screw on us, we need each other. Some of us have such frightening and difficult situations to face, and we could use a stabilizing hand. And if you are not in the middle of a life difficulty, you will soon be in one! The church is not just a crutch, it’s a whole hospital! We are there to encourage one another and help each other as we see dark days approaching and we are there to remind one another that “the Day” of His Return is near. Look for it!
Dear Lord, please give me the strength I need in the dark days I face. And help me to realize that there are multitudes who are facing much more difficult trials than I. I can’t help them all, but I commit myself to doing what I can. So I will do church, and I will do it with the purpose of looking to lift some weary soul out of the depths of their troubles. Help me to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I can’t wait for your return. Please come quickly. But in the meantime, help me to be faithful to you and faithful to your people.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:43 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Feb 08, 2008February 8, 2008
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February 8, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 41; lamentations 3:1-36; Mark 13.
This week’s theme verse. Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Encouragement is something all of us need at one time or another. Sometimes I’m up, and there are sometimes I’m down. And encouragement is needed. That’s another reason we go to church: One of the great goals of church is that I would take an interest in you, and you would take an interest in me for the one great purpose of encouraging each other. When I go to church, one of the burning questions on my mind is, “who can I encourage today?” So I look for people who are down or have a need. I may pray with one or squeeze the hand of another or laugh or cry with yet others. That’s one of the important things about Church. We are to help lift each other up and energize each other so that when we go back out and face the big bad world, we do it knowing that we have some great friends and supporters in our corner. If you don’t have any… maybe you should try being one! It’s amazing how 5 minutes of taking an interest in people gains you more friends than a lifetime of trying to get others to take an interest in you! Reach out and encourage me!
Dear Father, I want to be an encourager. I want to make it my purpose and goal for church to reach out and ouch someone who needs a hand up. When people think of me, I want them to see hope and friendship coming. Help me to take an interest in others, even people I don’t know. Guide me to those who need hope and an arm around the shoulders. Help me to always be asking this question, “who can I encourage today?” In Jesus name, Amen.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:55 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Feb 07, 2008February 7, 2008
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February 7, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 40; lamentations 2; Mark 12: 28-44.
This week’s theme verse. Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Habits are important. A habit is a matter of discipline. We try to develop habits because we believe that some things done repetitiously are beneficial to us, like brushing the teeth, taking showers, paying bills etc. Good habits, even in the small things, result in a “good quality of life” but a bad habit drags us down. The discipline of a habit is often what separates the “haves” from the “have nots.” If you want joy, fulfillment and a good life you must have good habits. That’s why the habit of church attendance is so important. One visit to church may not seem much of a help, and committing to one day a week may even seem like a colossal waste of time. How many of us even remember any of the sermons preached over a lifetime… I can’t even remember last weeks! But like daily meals, the cumulative effect of this habit is shockingly beneficial and the lack of it never impacts us until we wake up one day and realize how far we have drifted without it and the hole it has left inside. Fact: God made us to need the discipline of doing Church. It’s like a daily work out, like brushing teeth, like paying bills… if you don’t do them, at first you don’t notice any difference… but you just wait until the tooth ache! Then you realize how much this bad habit has cost you.
Dear Lord, I want to commit to a habit that will slowly and inevitably change my life: being with your people in your house every week. I am making a conscious decision to develop the discipline of hope and fulfillment. Please remove the nagging arguments from my mind that tell me I have better things, and more important things to do when I know that is simply not true. I know that worshiping you with your people is one of the most important things I can ever do. I don’t want to drift. I don’t want to wake up one day with a hole in my heart knowing that, with a little promising habit my life could have been so much better. I choose you!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:03 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Feb 06, 2008February 6, 2008
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February 6, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 39; lamentations 1; Mark 12:1-27
This week’s theme verse. Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
What’s the big deal about church attendance anyway? Can’t you do your own worship thing wherever you are? And then you don’t have to worry about church politics, bad singing, people you don’t like and long repetitious sermons. I suppose we might want to think about church the same way we think about Eternal Life. Most people think (without thinking it through) that they can get to God their way. “I did it my way.” That’s like a child informing his parents how he is going to be raised. God is the one who sets the way “I am the way” – the only way. Any other way won’t get you there. So you want to worship God “your way?” God has the right to tell us how to worship Him “HIS way.” If we reject his way and offer another way, it’s no less than a slap in His face, not worship at all. While there are other reasons we do church, the first is that the Church is God’s plan for your corporate worship life. Elementary.
Dear Father: I want to obey your plan for my life. I know one of those plans is that I “do church.” Right now I make a commitment to be faithful to you in corporate worship as you have been faithful to me. I am sorry for trying to do your things my way. I realize now that it is a matter of wills and I want your will to be done, not mine. I want your kingdom to come, not mine. Forgive me for trying to worship you selfishly. I want to worship you in spirit and truth.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:44 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Feb 04, 2008February 5, 2008
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February 5, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 38; Malachi 4; Mark 11
Martin Luther once said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
This week’s memory verse (NIV): Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
"Ah, LORD, I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, And He answered me. "Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice. For You cast me into the deep And the floods surrounded me. Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ For You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD, my God. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple. I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD."
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:10 PM | MAKE A COMMENT
Sunday, Feb 03, 2008February 4, 2008
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February 4, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 37; Malachi 3; Mark 10
Samuel Chadwick once said: “Spirit filled souls are ablaze for God, they love with a love that glows, they serve with a faith that kindles, they serve with a devotion that consumes, they hate sin with a fieriness that burns, they rejoice with a joy that radiates. Love is perfected in the fire of God.”
This week’s memory verse (NIV): Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Prayer:
You are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:00 PM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Feb 02, 2008February 2, 2008
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February 2, 2008
Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Jeremiah 36; Malachi 2; Mark 9
Zac Kreiss wrote in a letter to his family:
I am so amazed at the true nature of God. One thing that has been ringing though my head is that God loves me because he loves me. There is nothing I can do to make him love me. I don’t want to just feel his love, I want to know it.
This week’s memory verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 8:56 PM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Feb 02, 2008