Climbing Higher~Epiphany Jan. 6th

Is. 60:1-6: Prophecy of the kings coming to Jesus. Also that Jesus will make it possible for gentles to come to God.

Ps. 72:1-7,10-17:Prophecy of what gifts shall be given to Jesus by the kings from other nations..

Eph. 3:1-12:The mystery of Christ given also to the gentles. 

Mat. 2:1-12:The fulfillment of the kings coming to give gifts to Jesus and worshiping him. 

In these verses ,we read the prophecy of Kings coming from gentle nations to bring gifts to Jesus and worship him. In these verses we also read how this shows that Jesus will open the door for Gentles that sat in darkness the spiritual light that would lead to the way to God. 

Challenge of the day:

As we celebrate this day, let us thank God for that open door that allows us to also be saved and live with him in heaven some day.

Accomplishment of the day:

How has this knowledge changed how you look at your walk with God?

Climbing Higher~ New Years Day

Ecc. 5:1-13: It is better to say nothing, then to say much as your words could be a sin. Which will make God mad and he will destroy the work of your hands. The man who love riches will never be happy with what he has. The sheep of one who has worked hard is sweet, but the rich man will not be able to sheep. 

Ps. 8: God's power is seen in the world he made. God put man on that world to rule & care for the world.

Rev. 21:1-6a: In the day that there is a new heaven and a new earth, a new temple will be placed in the new Jerusalem. Jesus will sit on a throne there and will make all things new and will allow the thirsty people of the earth to drink from the fountain of water. 

Mat. 25:31-46: Jesus tells the story of how he will come to earth some day to judge all the people of the nations. He will separate them as a shepherd would separate sheep from goats. He will say to the people who are like sheep, blessed are you for you gave me what me what I needed ( food, drink, clothes, shelter, friendship). He tells the goats to go into hell for they did not do those things. When they ask him when they did or did not do those things, he will say, "When you did or did not do it to the least of these you did or did not do it to me."

These verses speak of how we will also be judged for what we have said, and done while we were here on the world. With this in mind let us seek ways to help others in the next year. For this will bring glory to God. If we do so, we will be rewards on the day of judgement.

Challenge of the year:

Who will you help this year? How will  you do that?

Accomplishment of the year:

Come back at the end of the year and write what you accomplished in this area. 

Have a God filled New Year!

Climbing Higher~ New Year Eve

Is. 61:10-62:3: The earth & I will rejoice in the God of righteousness.

Ps. 148:Heaven, earth and mankind praise the Lord.

Gal. 4:4-7: Jesus came to earth as a human baby to make a way for mankind to become children of God.

Luke 2:22-40: Faithful servants of God praised God when they saw Jesus who they knew would be the Messiah who would save his people.

When Jesus was eight days old his parents brought him to the temple to present him to God and name him. while they were there a couple of older faithful servants of God saw Jesus and praised God for being able to lay their eyes on the promised Messiah (Luke 2:22-40). Paul speaks of why Jesus came down to earth as a human baby to make a way for mankind to become children of God (Gal. 4:4-7). When we think about this we should sing praises to God with the heavens, earth and mankind for his righteousness and salvation (Ps. 148: Is. 61:10-62:3). 

Challenge of the night: 

As we pray and wait for the New Year to start, let us sing praises for what God has already done for us.

Accomplishment of the night:

What things did you praise God for? How will that help you as you start this new year?

Climbing Higher~ Christmas Day

Is. 52:7-10:How beautiful are the feet of those who share the message of salvation.

Ps. 98:Song inviting all of creation to sing praises to the Lord, our King for salvation.

Heb. 1:1-4,(5-12): God choose to speak to mankind through his son, Jesus. He is the one who made the earth, the one who can take our sins away and reigns King over all. 

John 1:1-14:Jesus who made the earth came to the earth to save it. 

Jesus who helped create the earth & universe, choose to come to earth as a human to speak to mankind himself, then die for the cancer of their souls~sin (John 1:1-14: Heb.1:1-4,(5-12). 

Today, on this day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We should join the earth in singing songs of praise to him for loving us enough to come to save us (Ps. 98). Then we should go out from this day and proclaim the great message to the world that Christmas is the beginning of the journey to Easter. Where we see how Jesus paid for our sins. The Bible says that God sees the feet of those who give this message as beautiful (Is. 52:7-10).

Challenge of the day:

Spend this day singing praises to Jesus on his birthday. Then pledge to tell others of his great message of salvation in the next year. That would be the best gift you could give him, other then your soul.

Accomplishment of the day:

So how did doing the challenge help your Christmas feel?

Climbing Higher~ Christmas Eve

Is. 9:2-7: Prophecy of Jesus birth & reason for coming.

Ps. 96:Song that encourages for God's people to sing praises to God for being our Creator & Judge, so that the world will hear.

Titus 2:11-14:The grace of God sent Jesus to come and teach us to live righteously. He also gave us salvation. 

Luke 2:1-14,(15-20): Jesus is born & the angels goes and tells the shepherds.They go to see and worship him. then went out and told others what they had seen.Many wondered if it was true.

 While God's people was in slavery, Isaiah prophesied to God's people of a day when a messiah would come and save them (Is.9:2-7). We see the fulfillment of that prophecy in Luke 2:1-14(15-20). I find it interesting that God sent the angels to shepherds outside of Bethlehem to come and see Jesus. when he was born. I had read that some believe that they were the shepherds that raised the sheep for sacrifices in the temple. This makes since to me as Jesus would become our final sacrifice for our sins. In Titus we read of how we as followers of Jesus should live & tell others of Jesus' sacrifice for the worlds sins (Titus 2:11-14). We should stop and sing the song that is in Psalms 96 to the world. 

Challenge of the day:

Today, take the time to sing songs of praise and joy to God for coming to earth to save us. Also use this day to share the good news of why Jesus came to earth. this is the perfect time to share that. 

Accomplishment of the day:

How did this challenge get you ready for Christmas day? Were you able to help someone else get spiritually ready for Christmas? How?

Climbing Higher~ 4th week of Advent

Is. 61:10-62:3: I will rejoice in the Lord for he has clothed me in salvation...

Ps.148: A song of Praise to the Lord.

Gal.4:4-7:When the time was right, God sent his son born of a woman under the law to save those under the law, from the law.

Luke 2:22-40:  When Jesus was 8 days old, he was taken to the temple to be circumcised & named. An old man & woman praised God for being allowed to see the  promised Messiah.

Challenge of the week:

On this last week before Christmas, let us take the time to remember that God sent his son to fulfill the law & be our final sacrifice (Gal. 4:4-7). Because of that we can sing the songs of praise that we read in Isiah & the Psalms (Is. 61:10-62:3: Ps. 148). Let us be like the old man & woman that praised God when they saw Jesus as the fulfillment of salvation (Luke 2:22-40). 

Accomplishment of the week:

How did this challenge prepare you for Christmas  spiritually?

Climbing Higher~ 3rd week of Advent

2 Sam. 7:1-11, 16: Prophecy to David that God would establish his house & line. 

Luke 1:47-55: Mary's song of praise to God. 

or Ps. 89:1-4,19-26: God's covenant with David & his throne.

Rom. 16:25-27:The mystery of Christ reveled.

Luke 1:26-38:Angel of God came to Mary to get her permission to have her be the Mother of Jesus.

God made a promise to King David that he would establish his house & line to include the Messiah (2 Sam. 7:1-11,16; Ps. 89:1-4,19-26). When the time was right for God to fulfill his promise to King David, he choice a young lady to be his son's Mother. then he sent an angel to go and get permission from her (Luke 1:26-27). After wards Mary went to see a cousin who was pregnant with John the Baptist. When her cousin Elisabeth saw her she spoke encouraging words to her about being the Mother of the son of God. Mary felt free to sing a song of praise to God and all that was in her heart (Luke 47-55). Because of men like Paul, we now now the mystery of Jesus & can be saved (Rom. 16:25-27).

Challenge of the week:

As the mystery of Christmas and Christ coming to the world is reveled to us this week. Let us be like Mary and lift our voices in praise to God for his great gift of Jesus & salvation through him. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did singing praises help bring you closer to God? How has it brought more meaning to Christmas for you?

Climbing Higher~ 2ed week of Advent

Is. 61:1-4,8-11:  Speaks of how God would send someone who will turn their mourning into joy.

Ps. 126: Song thanking God for taking them out of slavery where they had mourned.

or Luke 1:47-56:Mary's song of joy to God for through her son, Jesus, salvation would come to mankind.

1 Thess. 5:16-24: Paul tell the Thessalonians to  always rejoice,always pray, always give thanks to God for this would please God.

John 1:6-8, 19-28:John the Baptist came to tell of the coming of Jesus who would save people from the darkness and bring them into light. When he was asked if he was the Christ. He told him that he was not the Christ, but the one who was to come to prepare the way for the Christ.

When Isaiah was speaking to the people they were slaves. He told them that he was sent to bring them hope & joy in the mist of their mourning. But he was also prophesying of the one who would also be bringing hope in the future (Is. 61:1-4,8-11). In Psalms 126, we read the song that was given to God's people to sing remembering that God had giving them joy when he took them out of slavery. We read Mary's song of joy that prophecies of how her son would bring salvation to the people (Luke 1:47-56).

Then in John, we read how John the Baptist answers the spiritual leaders when they ask if he was the Christ. He tells him that he is not. But that he is the one who was going before the Christ to prepare hearts for his coming. You see, in Bible times, when a king was going to come into a town or city. Someone came in front of him telling the people to get to ready, for the king is coming. John was doing that for Jesus (John 1:6-8,19-28). Only John was telling to get their hearts ready for Jesus' message.

Challenge of the week:
This week as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let us listen to what Paul tells us to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. Rejoice always. Always pray. Give thanks for all things. Let us practice that this week.

Accomplishment of the week:
So how did you do? How did it help bring you closer to God?

Climbing Higher~ 1st week of Advent

Is. 40:1-11: A song of comfort that prophecies of John the Baptist & Jesus' coming.

Ps. 85:1-2,8-13: speaks of God's salvation.

2 Pet. 3:8-15a: Speaks of God's patience before judgment. 

Mark 1:1-8: Speaks of the prophecy of John the baptist & how he fulfilled it. 

While God's people were captives because of their sins, Isiah comfort the people by prophesying of the salvation that was coming (Is. 40:1-11).  We see the fulfillment of that prophecy in Mark 1:1-8.  The people sang songs of salvation for many years like the one in Psalms 85.  Peter encouraged God people of God's patience by giving them a lot of time before he judged them (2 Pet. 3:8-15a). We see that God has been patient with his people for generations. But we should be careful to not push him too far. For we can see that he has been known to punish his people from time to time for now following him. 

Challenge of the week:

In this season of preparing our hearts for Christmas let us go to God and get right with him. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So do you have all things right between you and God now?

Digging Deeper~ Thanksgiving Day (USA) Sorry forgot this day

Deut. 8:7-16:When you are in the land the Lord give you & all is growing, and multiplying well, remember the Lord your God and thank him for giving it to you.

Ps. 65:A song of God's goodness in all that he has made.

2 Cor. 9:6-15:Paul tells the Corinthians that what we will sow what we will reap. Then he goes on to tell them to be cheerful givers to the Lord, since it will bring thanksgiving to God through those that receive it. 

Luke 17:11-19:Jesus heals 10 lepers and one returned to glorify God for the healing.

Challengge of the day:

These verses gives us reason to sow unto the Lord, as well as giving us many reasons we should give thanks to God. Today, we should read these verses, think on ways we could sow, then take the time to thank God for all that he has blessed us with. 

Accomplishment of the day:

How did the verses move you to thank God? What did you thank God for?

Climbing Higher! The beginning

Greetings!

This is the last book in a 3 book sceries that I have been writing. Each was done using the Methodist Christian calendar. The first 2 books were Steps of Faith, & Digging Deeper. You can find the first 2 books on this blog. This book is called, "Climbing Higher". It is my prayer that you will use this book to help you as you climb spiritually higher towards God & heaven. It also could be used as a tool for teachers & preacher to use as a starting point when preparing a lesson or sermon. Feel free to do so.

Blessings!

Toni Whitacre~Kratochvil

Digging Deeper~ the end

This ends the book, "Digging Deeper". I pray that this book helped you to grow and get closer to God.

Blessings!
Toni Whitacre-Kratochvil

Digging Deeper~ 25th week after Pentecost (last week after Pentecost)

Ez. 34:11-16,20-24:Instructions to the Israelites on what to celebrate & how to do so. these were celebrations that  thanked God. 

Ps. 100:A song praising & thanking God

Eph. 1:15-23:Paul gives thanks to God because of the gift Jesus gave us us, & for the Ephesians Salvation & good works in responds to that gift.

Mat. 25:31-46: Christians being judged for what they did not do for the least of these.

As I write this, we here in USA is getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. On that day, we are to stop and thank God for all the great gifts God has given us all year long. No matter where we live, we should take some times away from our lives to stop and thank God for all his gifts including salvation.

Challenge of the week:

Take some time out this week to thanks God for all the gifts that he has given you.

Accomplishment of the week:

What did you thank God for? How did that help you to be more thankful then you were before?

Digging Deeper~ 24th week after Pentecost

Jud. 4:1-7:The children of Israel did evil in the site of the Lord, so God let King Jabin oppress them for 20 years. God rose up Deborah to be judge over them. They went to her to be judged. 

Ps. 123: A song that speaks of ever keeping our eyes on God. 

1 Thess. 5:1-11:Paul speaks to the Thessalonians of how the 2ed coming of Jesus will be like and how they are do act until He comes. One thing we should do is be ever watchful for it.

Mat. 25: 14-30:Jesus tells a story showing what the Kingdom of heaven is like. In this one he tells of a man who gives talents to men before he goes away. Then it tells of how he rewards them when he come back by how they used the talents. 

The theme is being faithful to God & his will. 

In  Psalms 123, we read a song that tells the Israelites to every keep the eyes on God and be faithful to him. In Judges 4:1-7, we see what happened to the Israelites when they were not faithful to God and his will for them. They undergone 20 years of oppression from King Jabin of Canaan. We also see how Deborah was faithful in judging the people during that time. 

Jesus tells a story about the the kingdom of heaven and talents God gives to us to to use for the kingdom of God (Mat. 25:14-30). This story tells us what God expects us to be doing after we become Christians until the day we either die or Jesus comes back for us. Paul tells the Thessalonians to be ever watching for Christ's return (1 Thess. 5:1-11).

Challenge of the week:

This week, seek ways to keep your eyes on God, the kingdom of God while using your talents for Him & growing the kingdom of heaven. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did you go about doing the challenge? How did that bring you closer to your spiritual goal & God?

Digging Deeper~ 23rd week after Pentecost

Jos. 24:1-3a,14-25:Joshua tells the people what God told him to say. That they now needed to choose whom they would serve the real God or the gods of Egypt. Then he said, As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Ps. 78:1-7: a song telling the people to listen when Jesus spoke of the Godly things in stories called parables. 

1 Thess. 4:13-18: Paul encourages the Thessalonians about those who died as Christians raising from the dead first when Christ returns. 

Mat. 25: 1-13:Jesus shares a story explaining that we must be ever watching for Christ's return or we will miss going into the kingdom of heaven. 

 Just like the people of God had to do when thy were getting ready to enter the promised land. Each day, we must choose whom we will serve also (Jos. 24:1-3a, 14-25). Jesus shared many stories that explained God &  the kingdom of heaven(Mat. 25:1-13). God's people use to sing a song letting God's people to listen when Jesus comes and tells the stories called parables (Ps.78:1-7).We too should listen and learn from his parables. As well as the whole word of God.

Challenge of the week:

This week let's be more active in the kingdom of God.

Accomplishment of the week:

How did you do? How did that help your walk with God?

Digging Deeper~ 22ed week after Pentecost

Jos.3:1-17:God talks to Joshua telling him how to get the people across the Jordon River. 

Ps. 107:1-7,33-37:Song of how God lead the Israelites out of bondage, across the river and into the promised land. 

1 Thess. 2:9-13:Paul speaks to the Thessalonians of how he had worked day and night while preaching to them so not to burden them. 

Mat. 23:1-12:Jesus tells he followers to obey what the scribes & Pharisees who sit on the seat of Moses says, but not how they live. For they seek to lord over people. God's leaders should serve and not be served. 

The theme is being a leader for God among the people. In these verses above, we read how those who lead others should say & act. We also read the warning of how leaders should not act. 

Challenge of the week:

This week search yourself to make sure you are leading others in the way in which god wants you to do. 

Accomplishment of the week:

In doing the challenge of the week, what did you find out? How did you go about fixing it?

Digging Deeper~ 21st week after Pentecost

Deut. 34:1-12: Moses is the only prophet that ever talked face to face with God until Jesus came to earth. But he disobeyed God, so God took him up on a mountain and let him see the land that was promised to the Jewish people. then told him that he would not let him go into the land. then Moses died there & God buried him. But before Moses died, he laid hands on Joshua. 

Ps.90: 1-6,13-17: A prayer Moses prayed.

1 Thess. 2:1-8: Paul, Silas, and Timothy write to the Thessalonians thanking God that they show their faith by showing love to one another, as well as, endure hardship for Christ. 

Mat. 22:34-46:The Pharisees test Jesus in asking him which is the greatest commandment. Jesus silences them when he sums up all the commandments in 2 commandments. Then Jesus asks them a question that they can not answer. So they leave him.

The theme is obeying God & loving your neighbor. In doing both, we fulfill all of God's commandments. We see what can happen when we do not obey God in Moses' life(Deut. 34:1-12).

Challenge of the week:

This week work to obey God's Word & love your neighbor. 

Accomplishment of the week:

In what ways did you accomplish the challenge of the week?

Digging Deeper~20th week after Pentecost

Ex. 33: 12-23: Moses talks God into showing mercy to the Israelites when God wanted to destroy them because of their lack of faith in Him. 

Ps.99: A song of praise for God leading and reigning over his people.

1 Thess. 1:1-10:Paul praises the Thessalonians for their great faith & in living that faith out as they told other about Jesus.

Mat.22:15-22: The Pharisees try to trick Jesus by asking him if it is lawful to pay taxes. Jesus tells them to pay the taxes & God what we owe.

The theme is faith. Faith that shows itself in how we live. In Exodus 33 we see what lack of faith looks like & how God feels about that. In Ps. 99, we see the song that those who have faith in God should be singing to Him. In Mathew 22 we hear Jesus words that tell us to honor those who have rule over us with taxes  to government & tithes  to God.  Lastly, In Thessalonians we listen as Paul praise the people of that church for living their faith out in word and deeds. 

Challenge of the week:

Do you show your faith in word and deed? How about how you handle your money? If you do not, hoe can you change that this week?

Accomplishment of the week:

What did God and you do this week?

Digging Deeper~19th week after Pentecost

Ex.32:1-14: While Moses was up on the mountain getting the ten commandments, the people were worshiping a false god.God wanted to kill them for doing so. Moses talked God out of it.

Ps.106:1-6,19-23:Speaks of praising God for his mercies, then tells of the mercy God showed them when they sinned in the wilderness by worshiping the golden calf.

Phil.4:1-9:Paul says to rejoice in the Lord, pray about everything, and think on the good things of God. 

Mat.22:1-14:Jesus tells the parable that tells how the kingdom of God is like a wedding feast for God's son. When those he invites does not come to it, he sends his workers out to invite the unwanted to come to the feast.

The theme is God's mercy. 

The verses speaks of the many times that God has been merciful towards those who were not worshiping him. They also tell us that we should sing praises to him for saving us when we did not deserve it. Jesus speaks of how those who were not suppose to go to the feast was invited to come after the chosen guests refused to go. We too are invited to the feast in heaven one day even though we may not be Jewish (God's chosen people). We should rejoice and sing praises to him for his mercy towards us.

Challenge of the week:

This week take the time to check to see if you have wondered from God's path like the Israelites did. If you have repent and make it right. No matter what rejoice and sing praises to God and think on all the good things of God.

Accomplishment of the week:

What did you and God accomplish this week together?

Digging Deeper~ 18th Week after Pentecost

Ex.20:1-4, 7-9,12-20: Some of the 10 commandments, which comes down to worshiping God only, & be loving towards others. Ps. 19: Speaks of the heavens declaring God's glory; The role of God Word; a prayer for forgiveness. Phil. 3:4b-14: Paul's testimony. Mat.21:33-46 : Parable of the vineyard & it's caretakers who beat the owners servants & killed his son.  The theme is What God views as sin, forgiveness, &  being faithful to obey God's Word.  God gave his people the ten commandants so that they would understand what God viewed as sin (Ex.20:1-20). Why because sin separated us from God & he wanted a relationship with people. The Psalms that the people sang spoke of God love for them & his forgiveness (Ps. 19). But just having the ten commandments did not save the people. Paul shows that when he gave his testimony. I  it, he tells of how he followed the law of God but found it did not save him. Knowing Jesus is what saved him from his sins (Phil. 3:4b-14). Jesus speaks of how God's people treated God, his prophets, and would treat himself by killing him. Also showing how important it is to do what God asks of people in the parable his tells of the vineyard keepers (Mat.21:33-46). We should work hard to make sure that we are staying close to God. We do this by reading, & obeying God Word. Challenge of the week: This week, check yourself to see where you do not obey God's Word~ The Bible. Then ask God to forgive you, and show you in His Word what it is that He want you to do instead.  Accomplishment of the week:  What did sin did God show you? How did you change it? What verses helped you to do so?

Digging Deeper~ 17th Week after Pentecost

Ex.17:1-7:The Israelites were thirsty in the wilderness & they complained against Moses. Moses talked to God about it & God told him to take his rod with him in front of the elders & God himself would stand before him in the form of a stone. Moses was to strike the stone & water would come out of it. 

Ps. 78:1-4,12-16:This Psalms reminds the people of God of the needs God did to lead the Israelites safely out of Egypt, including giving them water from a rock.

Phil.2:1-13: Live in love, just as Jesus did who loved us so much that he died on the cross for our sins. Even being willing to died the lowest of deaths for us. Work to be like him knowing that God will help you to do so.

Mat.21:23-32: The Chief Priest & elders asks Jesus as to whose power he is doing miracles. Jesus asked them, By whose power did John the Baptist baptized people".  He told them that he would only answer him if they answered him.They answered him that they did not know for fear of looking bad in front of the people. Jesus then told them that he would not answer them. Then Jesus told the parable of two brothers who were asked by their Father to go out in the field and work. One said that he would go , but did not do so. they other one said, NO". But did later. Then Jesus told them that Harlots would go to heaven before they did.

The theme is love. God lead his people out of slavery out of love. He also provides all they needs while they wondered in the wilderness. Even being willing to be struck by Moses to provide water for them.Jesus was the rock that stood in front of Moses (1 Cor.10:4; John 4:10 ). 

Jesus became a human to show us how to live & then died for our sins. He did all this by the power of God the Father (Mat. 21:23-32). Why did he do that? Because of love (John 3:13&14: Phil. 2:1-13). Paul tells Jesus followers to show others the love Jesus showed by acting loving towards each other. Paul went on to tell us that we can do this when we love other using God's love. We do not have to do this alone. 

Challenge of the week:

This week, seek to "work out your salvation by showing love to others, even when they are hard to love. 

Accomplishment of the week:

Who did you show love to this week? How did you do that?

Digging Deeper~ 16th week after Pentecost

Ex. 16:2-15: God provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.

Ps. 105:1-6,37-45: Israelites told to trust in the Lord for he had proven that he would care for them in the wilderness. 

Phil.1:21-30 : Paul's pull between wanting to be with Christ & staying on earth to share Christ with them. 

Mat.20:1-16: Parable about the landowner who hired people to work for him at different times during the day, but paid them all the same at the end of the day. 

The theme is God's faithfulness.

In Exodus 16:2-15, we read how God took care of the Israelites in the wilderness by providing manna for them each day, so that they would not starve. In Psalms 105:1-6,37-45, we read a song that speaks of trusting in God for he had taken proven his faithfulness in taking care of them in the wilderness. In Matthew 20:1-16, we are told of the landowner who pays each person who he had hired what he had promised at the end of the day. God is like that landowner, he promises that if we follow him & work for him, he will give us eternal life at the end of our lives. Lastly, we read of how Paul a bond servant of God shares how he is torn between serving the Lord and being with the Lord (Phil.1:21-30). We too may find ourselves pulled between these desires. Let us be as faithful to God as he is to us.

Challenge of the week:

This week, take time to thank God for his Faithfulness to you. Also strive to be faithful in your walk with God. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did you do this week? 

Digging Deeper~Week 15 after Pentecost

Ex. 14:19-31:God parted the waters to let the Israelites cross over and be saved. God also put the waters back & drowned the Egyptians.

Ps. 114: Speaks of when the waters were parted & when water came out of a rock for Israelites to drink.

Or Ex. 15:1b-11,20-21:A song of how God saved the Israelites from Egypt. 

Rom. 14:1-12:Do not judge your brother, & do not make him stumble in his faith. 

Mat. 18:21-35:Jesus speaks of forgiving others, because God has forgiven us.

Egyptians ruler was keeping the Israelites from worshiping God as God wanted them to, so, God freed them & kept them safe by parting the waters to let them walk on dry land where the sea was, but drown the Egyptians. After that Moses and the people sang a song of praise to God for saving them (Ex. 14:19-31;15:1b-11, 20-21). Later a song was written for the Israelites to sing over the years(Ps. 114). 

We are warned to not cause others to stumble in their faith. We can do this by openly judging them for how they worship and serve God, also by not forgiving them (Rom. 14:1-12: Mat. 18:21-35).  

Challenge of the week:

This week seek to be more loving towards our younger brothers and sisters in the Lord. We can do that by not judging them, and forgiving them when they stumble in their walk while getting use to being a Christian. 

Accomplishment of the week:

How did you fulfill the challenge of the week?

Digging Deeper~Week 14 after Pentecost

Ex. 12:1-14: The first Passover when God told his people how to kill an unblemished lamb & put the blood on the door posts so that God would not kill the first born of man or beast in that household. 

Ps. 149:Let God's people praise the Lord.

Rom. 13:8-14: Instructions to love your neighbor. Take off the garments of darkness & put on the armour of light and Christ Jesus. 

Mat. 18:15-20 :Instructions on how to treat someone who has sinned against you. Then the promise of where two Christians are God is also.

God was giving plagues to the Egyptians, so that the Pharaoh would let them go. One of these plagues was to kill the first born son & beast in the land. But God wanted to protect his people from this plague, so he instructed them to kill an unblemished lamb & put the blood of the lamb on the door post so that the angel of death would passover that house without killing the first born in it.(Ex. 12:1-14). This did two things. First, it saved the valuable first born of God's people. Second, it was a picture of what Jesus would do for us. You see, Jesus is that unblemished lamb. He was God's first born. He was sacrificed for our sins when he hung on that cross. Now his blood covers our sins & when our lives are over. Our souls can go live with God in heaven because we are protected by the blood of Jesus. That is why we should take off the garments of darkness & put on the garment of light & Christ (Rom. 13:8-14). Because of God's salvation, we should praise him (Ps. 149).

But it does not end there. As God's people we are to act differently towards our neighbors & those who have sinned against us. We should deal with them in love and understanding. We are also encouraged that where two or more of God's people are, Jesus is with them (Mat. 18:15-20). 

Challenge of the week: 

This week check yourself. What spiritual garments are you wearing? Do you look and act like the world around you or do you look and act like Jesus Christ? Are you wearing the garment of darkness or light?  Or has someone sinned against you? Choose to deal with it as Christ Jesus has instructed us to do. Lastly, are you in an area where there is very few Christians. Take heart, my friend .If you can find just one other Christian to fellowship with. God is with you. If you are alone. Pray that God will give you the boldness to tell others of Jesus' love, so that others can become Christians also. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So when you checked yourself, what did you find that needed done? What did you do to fix it?

Digging Deeper~ 13th week after Pentecost

Ex. 3:1-15:God called Moses to lead his people out of Egypt.

Ps. 105:1-6,23-26,45c: Sing praises to God for his mercy. He showed it when he wanted to destroy his people for worshiping another god. But Moses reminded God of his promises to his people & God showed them mercy and did not kill them. 

Rom. 12:9-21: How to live as a Christian. In Christ's love towards others & do not love the world. 

Mat. 16:21-28:Jesus tells Peter that whoever follows him would have to pick up his cross and carry it. He also told him not to worry about losing his life for Christ's sake for those who do will get a award from God in the after life. 

The theme is answering God's call in leadership. It is not easy to be a leader for God. It can be down right scary! But that is no reason not to go ahead and do it anyways. Moses was scared when God called him to lead his people out of Egypt.For it was a big responsibility & cross to bear. But he did it anyways. We too have been called to pick our crosses up and follow Jesus, doing the calling he has for us (Mat. 16:21-28). I

t was not easy for Moses for the people he was leading out to freedom did not seem to always want what him or his God. They even proved it when they built a different god and worshiped it. This made God so mad, that he spoke to Moses about destroying them & make a nation from him & his children. But Moses being the good leader of these people pleaded a case with God showing him that He, God would be going back on his promise to these people if he did so (Ps. 105:1-6,23-26,54c). We too may need to pray and plead a case for a person, community, or country for salvation. in doing so we would be fulling Romans 12:9-21.

Challenge of the week: 

Who have you been called to minister to? What would be the first steps towards doing so? How will you accomplish those steps?

Accomplishment of the week:

What did you and God accomplish this week together to get you to your calling

Digging Deeper~ 12th week after Pentecost

Ex. 1:8-2:10: A new king who did not know Joseph made Joseph's people slaves. He was very afraid of their strength & wanted the boy babies killed at birth. But a couple from the tribe of Levi had a son and they hid him until the daughter of Pharaoh found him in a small basket. She adopted him & named him Moses. Ps. 124:A song of praise to God for saving his people from their enemies in the past. Our help is in the name of the Lord.  Rom. 12:1-8: Present your bodies as living sacrifices to God and use the gift that he has given you for the church.  Mat. 16:13-20: Jesus asked this followers who people think he was. Peter said, "You are the Christ, the son of God."  Jesus spoke a blessing and a prophecy over Peter for answering so well. The theme is Preparation. After the King who knew Joseph and protected his people had died the new king being afraid of Joseph's people made them slaves. But God had a plan to save his people from slavery. So he gave a son to a Levi couple who would love and protect him as well as they could.To do so, they made an ark to hide and hold him safely from sight. But the Pharaoh's daughter found him and adopted him. She named him, "Moses". This was the best way for God to protect him and have him prepared to lead God's people out of slavery into the promised land (Ex. 1:8-2:10).  Jesus was preparing this disciples for 3 years to be the ones who would take his message to the world. In Matthew 16:13-20,  we see how Jesus is preparing Peter for just that. Paul speaks of how we can prepare ourselves for service to him. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices by living Holy lives, daily (Rom. 12:1-8). You see, God still needs people to go and sing a song of salvation such as the one in Palms 124.  Challenge of the week: This week, allow God to prepare your heart, mind, body, & soul to do whatever ministry he is getting you ready to do in the future.  Accomplishment of the week: How did you prepare this week? Where do you think that God is leading you? Click here to Reply, Reply to all, or Forward 1.21 GB (8%) of 15 GB used Manage Terms - Privacy Last account activity: 22 minutes ago Details

Digging Deeper~ 11th week after Pentecost

Gen.45:1-15: Joseph revels to his brothers who he is and explains that he is now a ruler in Egypt. He also tells them that it was God's will for him to be there, so he could save his family in famine. Now the family was to move to Egypt to be with him. 

Ps. 133: How good it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. 

Rom. 11:1-2a,29-32: God has not castaway his people. His people are those who believe in him. 

Mat. 15:(10-20),21-28: Jesus first came to bring his people, the Israelite,s back to God. But then non-Jewish people were also coming to Jesus in faith. 

In Genesis 45:1-15, how God worked it out so that & Joseph to save his people from famine and death. Why did God go to great lengths to save them, because of a promise he had made to Abraham , Issac & Jacob After that Joseph's family was united and dwell together in unity (Ps. 133). . God is still trying to save his people,the Jews when he sent Jesus. But many of his own people would not follow his, so he also went to the non-Jewish and saved them (Mat. 15:(10-20), 21-28). Today, God still wanted to save all men including the Jewish people (Rom. 1-2a,29-32). God also wants us all to dwell  together in unity(Ps. 133).

Challenge of the week: 

How is your relationship with God?  Who can you reunite with this week that you have been separated from for a while? 

Who can you reach out to this week and tell them of God's great Love to help them to become united with God? Who can you help become united with a loved one or friend that they need to reunite with this week?

Accomplishment of the week:

So how did you put unity into your life this week? How?

Digging Deeper~ 10th week after Pentecost

Gen. 37:1-4,12-28: Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery because they were jealous of the fact that their Father loved him more than them.

Ps. 105: 1-6,16-22,45b: Descendants of Abraham & Jacob through Joseph the chosen one to save his people; sing praises to God for all the good things he has done. 

Rom. 10:5-15: Confession that Jesus is Lord with faith will save, but someone must go and tell others so they will believe and be saved.

Mat. 14:22-33:Jesus sent his followers ahead in a boat on the water so he could pray. After Jesus prayed he started to walk across the water to meet them on the other side. but they saw him and were afraid. Jesus told them to not be afraid as it was him. Peter said, "If it is you, tell me to walk on the water to you. " Jesus told him to do so, and Peter got out of the boat and began walking on the water to Jesus. But when he saw the waves he became afraid and started to sink. When that happened he called out to Jesus for help & Jesus grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the waves. Then asked him where his faith was.

 The theme is slavery & faith

Joseph was sold into slavery because his brothers were jealous of how their Father  loved him more than them (Gen. 37:1-4, 12-28). But because Joseph kept his faith in God and ended up saving his people during a time of famine. Because of his faith in him, God used his descendants to bless the world with Jesus (Ps. 105:1-6,16-22,45b). God also later blessed Joseph's people with freedom from generations of the slavery they were born into. 

We too have been born into slavery~ spiritual slavery. All mankind have been born into the slavery of sin. Satan is our master in the kingdom of sin. Why does Satan hate us? Because he are loved my God the Father and he is jealous. But there is good news! We do not have to stay in this slavery, like Joseph did for his people, Jesus provide a way to save us. You see, Jesus bought our freedom out of the kingdom of sin when he paid the sin offering with his own blood on the cross. And then he made a way fro us to lived forever , spiritually (Rom. 10:5-25). Like Moses he will lead us out of the kingdom of sin if we will but follow him. But some times we do forget that he is in control & sink into sin as Peter sank into the waves. But  we, like Peter can call out to him, he will pull us out of those dark scary waves (Mat. 14:22-33). . 

Challange of the week:

This week, check to see where you are~ spiritually. If you find that you are a slave in the kingdom of Sin.  If you are drowning in the waves. Call out to Jesus and be saved from it. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So what did Jesus and you do this week? What did do for your spiritual health?

Digging Deeper!~ 9th Sunday after Pentecost

Gen. 32:22-31:Jacob fights with an angel to be blessed. Then the angel informs Jacob that his name has been changed to Israel. Which is the name his people will be called from this point on. 

Ps. 17:1-7,15: a prayer for God to bless.

Rom. 9:1-5: Paul speaks of his wanting the Israelites to be saved. 

Mat. 14:13-21: Jesus feeds 5 thousand men plus women & children after he has blessed the small amount of food that they had & all were filled. 

The theme is being blessed. 

Jacob fought with an angel all night trying to get him to bless him. In the end he was given a new name from God. This name would be given to all who were related to him (Gen. 32:22-31). Jesus blessed some Israelites who had come to hear him preach, as he fed them spiritually with the preaching and physically with food (Mat. 14:13-21). In Romans Paul speaks of his desire for the Israelites to be blessed with the Good News of Salvation (Rom. 9:1-5). We too can pray a prayer to be

 blessed. One good prayer to pray is found in Psalms 17:1-7.15. 

Challenge of the week:

This week let us seek to not only be blessed by God but to bless him. 

Accomplishment of the week:

So, what did you and God do this week to bless each other?

Digging Deeper~ 8th Sunday of Pentecost

Gen. 29:15-28: Jacob worked 7 years for Rachel, but ended up marrying 2 sisters because of his Father-in-law's deception when he put Rachel's sister, Leah in place of Rachel at the wedding & wedding bed. But because Jacob loved Rachel so much. He worked 7 more years for her. 

Ps. 105:1-11,45b: Sing praises to the Lord giving thanks for all that he has done . Hallelujah!

Rom. 8:26-39: The Holy Spirit prays for us when we do not know how to pray for he knows our heart. Remember that God works all things out for those he has called. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God.

Mat. 13:31-33,44-52:The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that starts small and grows big; and is precious like a very valuable pearl; or a fish net that caught both good and bad fish. In the end, when God's angels pulls in the net they will throw out the bad fish (people). 

Jacob marries 2 sisters and through the children he has with them, the kingdom of Israel is made(Gen. 29:15-28). God builds his kingdom through those of us who are born again. Jesus was trying to explain what the kingdom of God was like in Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. People are like the fish that is caught in the net. When time come to an end the angels will take the bad fish which are the unsaved people and throw them into hell. Because we are in the kingdom of God when bad things come & we do not know how to pray, The Holy Spirit who knows our hearts will pray for us. Let us remember in those bad times that God will work everything out for those he has called. And nothing can separate us from the love of God (Mat. 13:31-33, 44-52). Because of this we should sing praises of thanksgiving to the Lord (Ps. 105:1-11, 45b).

Challenge of the week:

This week, take the time to sing praises of Thanksgiving to the Lord for all he has done for you. Even if it was a bad day.

Accomplishment of the week:

So, how did taking the time to think on God and all the good things he has done & singing to him help you?

Digging Deeper~ 7th Sunday of Pentecost

Gen. 28:10-19a :Jacob has a dream that the angels were climbing up and down from heaven to that place on earth on a ladder. Then he dreams that the Lord is standing at the foot of the ladder and tells him that he is to be the Father of a great nation.  Jacob names the place Bethel. Ps. 139:1-12,23-24: God knows everything about us and is always with us. A prayer for God to test us to see if we are on the right path, if not help us to chance that.  Rom. 8:12-25: Paul tells the Roman believers that they are saved from slavery of sin & become the children of God. Mat. 13:24-30,36-43: Jesus tells the story of the weeds & then explains it to his followers. The theme is being God's people.  Jacob had a dream & in it he saw angels going up and down a ladder from heaven to earth. Then she sees the Lord standing next to the ladder. the Lord tells him that is is going to be the Father of a great nation. a nation that will be set apart for God. That is just what happened! He had 12 sons and they became the tribes of Israel~ God's chosen people (Gen. 28:10-19). .  God wants us to be his people also. That is why Jesus came to earth. He knew that we were spiritually in slavery called sin & that we needed someone to free us from that slavery. To do that, a price had to be paid. The price was a blood sacrifice of a perfect person. Jesus was that person. He died on a cross to free us from the slavery of sin (Rom. 8:12-25). Jesus tells a story about seeds that are sowed on the earth. A man sowed good seed, but the enemy sowed bad seed into the field also. those bad seed is called weeds. Jesus explains to his followers that God sows the good seed of the Word of God we call the Bible. But the enemy of God~ Satan sows bad seed into the world. God is allowing both seed to grow up together until it is time to harvest. Our souls are harvest. that is when we die( Mat. 13:24-30,36-43). It is like the earth is a flower garden and we are either flowers or weeds. If we have accepted Jesus as our savior, we are flowers & if we have not we are weeds. God knows who are flowers and who are weeds (Ps. 139:1-12). But he wishes for all of us to be flowers in his flower garden. We can choose to be a flower or a weed. If we are a weed, we can go to God and ask him to  search us and see if we are a weed (Ps. 139:23-24), and to save us from our slavery of sin & then we become the flowers in his flower garden on earth. I like to look at it this way, when a Christian dies, god has picked that "flower" and put them into his bouquet in heaven. When we are God's flowers, we are also his people. Challenge of the week: This week take the time to sit with God and examine yourself to see if you are a weed or a flower. If you are a weed, get right with the Lord. If you are a flower make sure you are acting like the people of God should. Accomplishment of the week: So what did you and God work out this week? How has that helped your walk with the Lord?