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S-Scripture: Numbers 24:13, “13‘If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD, to do good or bad of my own will. What the LORD says, that I must speak’?” (NKJV)
O-Observation: Balak, the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites (Numbers 22:3). He had seen what Israel had done to the Amorites, and he became very distressed about the power of Israel. Instead of blessing them, Balak wanted Israel to be cursed (Numbers 22:6). In Numbers 22, we are introduced to Balaam. Balaam was called on by Balak “to give a word” against Israel, but he did not. Balaam sought the Lord, and the Lord spoke to him. Balaam did not say anything evil about Israel (even though it seems that in his heart he wanted to curse Israel). To Balaam (according to what is written) it did not matter who came to him, or how much money he would receive, Balaam was not going to curse Israel with his mouth.
A-Application: There is a lot we can learn (at least from Balaam’s words). One, we are to always do what the Lord commands no matter the cost! Two, we cannot allow the world to influence or tempt us to do evil. We can apply Matthew 6:19-21 to this passage!
P-Prayer: Dear God, help me to only do what You command! Help me to not be stubborn when it comes to doing Your will! Help me to always listen and follow Your directions. In Jesus Name. Amen.
S-Scripture: Mark 4:30-32, “30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” (NKJV)
O-Observation: Often times Jesus would use parables (Earthly stories with a heavenly meaning) to get His message across to those who would gather to hear. Jesus begins verse 30 by talking about the kingdom of God. Again, He always looked for word pictures or stories to illustrate His point He was trying to make. He said the kingdom of Heaven is like:
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A Mustard Seed – The smallest of seeds!
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When it grows, it is greater than any other herb in the fields.
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The purpose of the growth:
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The Birds of the air could rest from the cares of the world.
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The Birds of the air could “GO”.
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A-Application: As a new church is planted, it begins to grow. The core group may be small, but continual watering and attention helps establish a strong, self-supporting church. As the church grows, many disciples are developed and taught to “leave the tree” and go plant more and better churches for Christ. Another application which can be applied to these verses is: Everything large, once started out small! The purpose of of the Lord’s churches is to take the gospel of Jesus Christ , make disciples, baptize them, teach them, and send them forth to plant more and better churches!
P-Prayer: Father in Heaven, help StoneBridge Baptist Church to be a place where people can attend, learn, grow, and be sent out to make more and better disciples of You! I pray this in Jesus name! Amen!
S-Scripture: Psalm 23:3, “3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” (NKJV)
O-Observation: David is the writer of this Psalm. He gives us a Shepherds’ view of God’s love for us. The Shepherd would restore the sheep, and would lead them on the right path. A path that would be directed away from wild animals or their enemies.
A-Application: I am thankful for God’s restoration! I am thankful for God’s mercy and protection. He leads us, He restores us, He protects us, He is the ultimate Shepherd! There have been many times in my life that I have prayed for God to lead me in the paths of righteousness. I understand that if we are not lead, our natural direction is to the paths of unrighteousness. We enjoy the pleasures of sin, but only for a season. Thanks be to God for His loving discipline and correction to lead us to the paths of righteousness!
P-Prayer: Father in Heaven, it is my prayer that I would allow Your Spirit to lead me. I desire to be lead to the paths of righteousness. Lord, I want to know You more, and I want to do the right things while I live on this earth. Please help me to trust You! Help me to understand where it is that You want me to go, so that I can remain on the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s Sake. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
S-Scripture: Leviticus 11:45, “For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I [am] holy.” (KJV)
O-Observation: Throughout this chapter God is speaking to Moses and Aaron, giving them instructions, so that they can give them to the children of Israel. He gives them regulations for which food to eat, and not to eat. In verse 45, he made it clear who is speaking. God gives a command, not a suggestion for Israel to follow. There are several things we can learn from this verse:
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They were to recognize the Sovereignty of God…”I am the Lord.”
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They were to recognize the Deliverance of God…“that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt.”
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They were to recognize the Love of God…“to be your God.”
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They were to understand the Commandment of God…“Ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
A-Application: I must understand these same principles. God has rescued me from my Egypt! Why? So that I would walk in holiness, that I would promote His glory and name, and so that I would acknowledge Him as my LORD.
P-Prayer: Father, You are Holy! You are God! You have delivered me from my sin, through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Sovereignty, Deliverance, Holiness, and Your deep love for the human race. In Jesus Name. Amen.
S-Scripture: Acts 6:1, “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaintagainst the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.” (NKJV)
O-Observation: In Acts 6:1-7 there are several key things we see in respect to a growing church:
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Disciples were multiplying.
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People began to complain about “their” needs not being met.
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The Apostles devised a strategy.
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Deacons were chosen to serve the church (not run, manage, or dictate the church).
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The Apostles thoroughly explained their mission:
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Prayer to God.
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Reading the Word of God.
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Prayer was made for the Deacons.
The Results were phenomenal:
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The Word of God spread.
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More Disciples were made.
A-Application: We are in the business of multiplying disciples. I see several key things for the leaders of the Lord’s churches to implement. If we want to see disciples made, and the word of God spread, we must be about several things:
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We must be about Discipleship.
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We must be about Delegation.
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We must work the Strategy.
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We must be about Prayer.
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We must be about our Devotional time.
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We must train others to reach the next generation.
P-Prayer: Father in Heaven, this is a powerful passage of Scripture. It does my heart good to know that these are things that you desire your leaders to be involved in. Help me to be about the ministry of prayer. The ministry of the Word. The ministry of multiplying disciples. Help me to delegate the other areas of ministry that I am not supposed to be involved in. Help me to lead by example, and help me to be a Spiritual Leader to StoneBridge Baptist Church. Father, please multiply disciples at StoneBridge Baptist Church, in Morgantown, and in the World. In Jesus Name. Amen.
S-Scripture: Acts 4:13, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (NKJV)
O-Observation: Peter and John had just healed a man who was crippled from birth in Acts 3:6. Peter and John’s boldness and mercy cost them a night in the Poky! When the rulers gathered together to discuss this matter, here is what happened:
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They saw the boldness of Peter and John.
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They marvelled at their wisdom.
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They realized that these men had been with Jesus.
A-Application: As a Christ Follower, I must pray for boldness, wisdom, and a genuine heart. When people see my life, what do they see? Do they say, “What a coward?” or do they say, “What a man of God?” May they never boast of my accomplishments, but may they always know by my testimony that I am a man who has been with Jesus!
P-Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the example of Peter and John. Thank you for the boldness that you give us when we share the wonderful message of the gospel. Father, I pray for a woman named Krista and a man named Jeff M. tonight. Lord, open their eyes, so that they may see Jesus! Thank you for the opportunities that you give to us to share Your message. In Jesus name. Amen.
S-Scripture: Luke 24:32, “They said one to another, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?’” (NASB)
O-Observation: Jesus had risen from the grave (Luke 24:6-7), and thank God He did! For without the resurrection of Jesus Christ we would still be in our sins! At the beginning of this chapter, the women came to Jesus’ tomb, but they were met by the Angels. The Angels told them, “He is not here, He has risen.” The women went back to the Apostles (v10) to tell of the things that the Angels had told them. Only Peter and John ran to the tomb. When they arrived, John had beat Peter to the tomb, but did not go in. When Peter arrived, he stooped down to see Jesus (if we want to see Jesus we must stoop down in humility to see the Lord). In the process of the resurrection, two of Jesus’ disciples were on the Road to Emmaus. They were talking about the things which had taken place. As they were traveling, Jesus approached them, and began traveling with them. As they were traveling, Jesus did not make Himself known to them. As they talked, He began questioning them about the events which had taken place. They told Jesus, about Jesus! They had passed the test! When they arrived in Emmaus it was getting late, and the two disciples begged Jesus (whom they did not know on the road) to stay and eat with them. So, when Jesus broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. In verse 32, they said, “Were not our hearts burning within us?”
A-Application: When we open God’s Word, does our hearts burn within us? Are we so amazed at Jesus the Nazarene that we cannot put the book down? Are we so amazed that we have a personal relationship with the Creator of this world? May we get back to the basics of knowing Jesus! May we strive to understand God’s Word, for in it, is where true transformation takes place!
P-Prayer: Father, this story thrilled my heart today! I was so thankful for Cleopas and the other disciple’s witness to this stranger (You, Lord). Thank you for faithful witnesses who are not ashamed to tell others of the life changing message of the gospel. Help me to be more diligent in sharing the message of Christ with those who are outside the faith. In Jesus Name. Amen!
S-Scripture: Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (NKJV)
O-Observation: Jesus visited Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Tree. He told Zacchaeus that today he would be a guest at his house. Many in the crowd said, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” The sole purpose of the Son of Man coming to earth was to reconcile sinful men, women, boys, and girls to the Father! Jesus did not come to call the righteous to repentance, but the sinner. Only sinners, who humble themselves before the Son of Man can take Jesus home with them.
A-Application: As this verse reminds me of the purpose of Jesus, I have to ask myself, “Self, what is your mission? Is it the mission of Jesus?” Am I willing to sit with “the sinners”? Am I willing to get my hands dirty with “sinners”? If I am not, then, I am not carrying out the same mission Jesus carried out! It is important to remember why we are here:
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We are here to glorify the Father.
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We are here to finish the work of the Savior.
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We are here to follow the leadership of the Spirit.
P-Prayer: Father in Heaven, remind me daily of my mission. Remind me daily, to remind StoneBridge of her mission. We are here make disciples of Jesus Christ, who in turn will make disciples. Lead us to people who are eager to hear, and eager to respond to the life-changing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Jesus name. Amen!
S-Scripture: Luke 13:7-9, “Finally, he said to his gardener, `I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s taking up space we can use for something else.’ “The gardener answered, `Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.’ “ (NLT)
O-Observation: A man planted a fig tree in his garden. For three years he came to reap his harvest, but there wasn’t any fruit from his labor. This was disappointing, frustrating, and seemed to be a waste of time, so he instructs his gardener to CUT IT DOWN! The gardener has a different perspective on the fig tree, because he had been in the garden working. He pleaded with his master to give him ONE MORE CHANCE to revive the fig tree. He says:
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Give it more time.
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Allow me to give the tree special attention.
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Allow me to give it plenty of fertilizer.
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If we get figs next year, fine.
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If not, you can cut it down.
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A-Application: I am thankful that God gave me one more chance, one more opportunity to bear fruit for him. I am sure there have been many people who have written me off, but God never gives up on me. He gives me special attention, special fertilizer (the Word, others, the prayers of others, etc) and wants me to bear much fruit for Him. My second thought is: How many times have I been guilty of giving up on people? Am I like the faithful gardener who sees great potential in “the tree” to bear much fruit? Or, am I like the master who says, “You’ve had plenty of time! Cut them down and write them off! They are worthless!”
P-Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me chance after chance, opportunity after opportunity to bear fruit for You! Please do not give up on me. Please give me special attention and plenty of fertilizer so that I can bear much fruit for You! Help me to not be too hasty in writing people off, but help me to encourage them and provoke them to love and good works! In Jesus Name. Amen!
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