LIFe with God
LIFe (Living in Fellowship) with God is our daily devotional. You can subscribe and receive these posts via email by signing up in the sidebar.
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May 8, 2012
Scripture
Acts 24
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
What did Paul do when given a chance to speak before Felix (24)?
Application
Do I take advantage of opportunities to speak up for Christ?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
LORD God, Open my eyes to opportunities to share Christ, even in situations that, from my perspective, are negative. I praise You in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:
- Brandon & Lindsey Dockins
- Ken & Twilla Eden (Mattea, Joshua, Jonathan, Sophia)
- Gil & Lois Estes
- Gary Friend
- Scott & Kristi Guinn (Josiah)
Missionaries:
- J & G Simon, missionaries to Austria
CLF:
- Ask that we would be a church that is devoted to true fellowship: Pray that we would be encouraged from being united with Christ, comforted by His love, bonded with His Spirit, tender and compassionate with one another. Pray that we would be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Ask that we would do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider one another better than ourselves, looking not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of each other. Pray that we would all have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.
Community: Pray for single adults…
- To embrace Christ as their best friend and lover of their souls
- To more fully grasp the family heart of God
- That God will bring them Godly friends to care for and support them
- That God will give them a peace and drive away lonliness
- That God will provide them with meaningful work & ministry in which to use their gifts
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Now I implore you, brothers, watch out for those who cause dissensions and pitfalls contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Avoid them; for such people do not serve our Lord Christ. – Romans 16:17-18 (HCSB)
May 7, 2012
Scripture
Acts 23
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
How did Paul use his knowledge of the contention between the Pharisees and Sadducees to his advantage (6-8)? What wonderfully encouraging event happened to Paul (11)?
Application
Do I use the circumstances God provides to my advantage for ministry, while still maintaining integrity? Am I thankful for the encouragement of the Lord?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Lord, Your Word tells us to be gentle as doves and wise as serpents. Help me to be on the alert as to how best to use the circumstances at hand to further my opportunities to witness, and to protect my life and safety, while maintaining integrity as Paul did. Thank You for the encouragement that comes from walking in the Spirit and being in Christ! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:
- Mike Daniels
- Theresa Daniels
- Travis & Hali Davidson (Andrew)
- Brian & Eileen Davis
- Patti Doty
Missionaries:
- Tim & Miranda Penn (Samid, Sarah), missionaries to Albania
CLF:
- That Christian Life Fellowship would be a church that is devoted to the Word of God, and that we would be doers of it and not just hearers; that we would study the Word and so always be prepared to give everyone an answer–in season and out of season–and be approved workers who do not need to be ashamed, able to accurately understand and explain it.
Community: Pray for orphans and children in foster care…
- that they would come to know the adoptive Father-heart of God
- that they would be positively influenced by Christian workers
- that God would bring Christian friends alongside them
- that they would come to salvation
- that they would be adopted by godly parents
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Now I implore you, brothers, watch out for those who cause dissensions and pitfalls contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Avoid them; for such people do not serve our Lord Christ. – Romans 16:17-18 (HCSB)
May 5, 2012
Scripture
Acts 22
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
What did Paul say that caused the crowd to quit listening to him? How did Paul use his common sense to keep from being flogged by the soldiers?
Application
Am I prepared to share God’s message even if it means people will get offended and possibly even violent? Do I understand that God gave me common sense and it is legitimate to use it honorably and ethically to be delivered from unjust treatment?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father in heaven, Thank You for the example Paul set time and time again! May I follow his example in being bold and unashamed of the gospel, even if it is unpopular and even if my listener’s may get offended and threaten me harm. But I also thank You that You have given me a brain and common sense, and that You have placed in me in a situation where, like Paul, I have certain rights under the law of the land that give me recourse when being treated unjustly. may I use those rights when warranted to further my ministry for You and Your people. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
SATURDAY
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.
- Chris & DeAnn Smith (Sasha, Noah, Gavin, Natalie)
- James Williams
- Danielle Youngblood (Kayla, Kendra)
Ministry:
CLF:
- That we would be devoted to thanksgiving and praise to our Lord–for what He has done, for what He is doing, for what He will do, and for who He is–in good times and bad.
Community: Pray for the salvation of the lost
- Readiness to repent
- Hearts prepared to hear God’s voice
- Deep dissatisfaction and unrest with life without Him
- Godly influences
SUNDAY
- Jenn Austring
- Sher Brodoski
- Debbie & Amy Brueggemann
- Brook & Erica Butts (Brooklyn, Boston)
- Chris Carlton
Missionary:
CLF:
- That we will be devoted to evangelism and growth; that the Lord will add to our numbers those who are being saved.
Community: Pray for the relationship between generations–parents, children, grandparents
- That the true Christian faith of older generation would be clearly communicated and passed down to children
- That saved children in unsaved families would clearly exhibit and communicate the faith to their parents and grandparents
- A harvest of souls of all ages
- Good, nurturing relationships
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB)
May 4, 2012
Scripture
Acts 21
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
How far was Paul willing to go for Christ (13)? How did the brothers respond (14)? What was the result?
Application
How far am I willing to go for Christ? How do I respond to my fellow believers when they feel led to something God is telling them to do?
Prayer
Dear Father, Thank You for the saving grace of Jesus Christ! Give me a heart like Paul’s, that is willing to go even to death for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And may I never stand in the way of a brother or sister who is following Your lead, even if I don’t understand it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.
- Moy & Janeth Ortiz
- Doug & Pam Patchin
- Jared & Amanda Patchin (Alex, Luke)
- Keith Rast
- Andrea Rodriguez (Willie, Yulieta)
Ministry:
CLF:
- That we will be people who are devoted to giving to the Lord’s work and to anyone who has a need.
Community: Treasure Valley Churches – For elders, deacons, workers (volunteer and paid), and their families
- Encouragement
- Marriages/families
- Finances
- Work/life balance
- Relationships, good friendships
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB)
May 3, 2012
Scripture
Acts 20
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
How did Paul minister (18-21)? What is significant about his determination to go to Jerusalem to minister (22-24)? What was his warning to the elders of the Ephesian church (28-31)?
Application
Do I serve the Lord in humility, even through tears and trials? Do I follow God even when I know there is going to be persecution and affliction? Am I on my guard for myself and my fellow believers against false doctrines and false teachers?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear God, I ask that Your Spirit would empower me to serve You with all humility, even through trials and tears. Keep me from shrinking back from proclaiming anything that is profitable for Your kingdom, or from teaching it in public and from house to house. May I never be ashamed to testify about repentance toward You and faith in the Lord Jesus. Please strengthen me to go where You send me, even if I know in advance that I’ll be facing opposition and affliction. Remind me to count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:
- Pat & Hannah Kelley
- Joe & Sheala Lehosit
- Fred & Shirley Leonard
- Mark & Michelle Morgan (Cody, Kyle)
- Michael Morgan
Ministries:
- Provenance
- Genesis World Mission
CLF:
- That we will devote ourselves to prayer, individually, in small groups, and as a church.
Community: Pray for area pastors and their families:
- Encouragement
- Faithfulness in the Lord’s work
- Finances
- Marriage/family relationships
- Work/life balance
- Deep friendships and support from other Christian leaders
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB)
May 2, 2012
Scripture
Acts 19
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
What mistake did the seven sons of Sceva make (13-14)? What was the result?
Application
Do I walk in the Spirit and live for Jesus, or do I just give Him lip service? Do I fear God and magnify the name of the Lord Jesus?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father God, May I never be just a “spiritual name-dropper,” being self-centered under the guise of spirituality. Rather, strengthen me to consistently walk in Your Spirit, living in the fear of god and magnifying the name of the Lord Jesus. In His name, Amen
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:
- Mike & Jamie Haberkorn (Hannah, Sean)
- Deborah Halkola
- David & MaryBeth Hollander (Cole, Marcus)
- Bob & Peggy Hoover
Ministry:
- Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Housing
CLF:
- Pray that we would be a church that is dedicated to the breaking of bread, both in the sense of being devoted to observing the Lord’s Supper, and in meeting together for meals to fellowship, to deepen bonds, to heal offenses, and to end disputes.
Community: Pray for outreaches & service projects
- Creative strategies
- Volunteers
- Anointing of the Holy Spirit
- Believers working together in unity
- Provision of necessary resources
- Salvation for people reached
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB)
May 1, 2012
Scripture
Acts 18
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
What did God tell Paul (9-10)? How did Priscilla and Aquila help Apollos (26)?
Application
Do I believe God is in control and trust Him to take care of me? Am I willing to explain the way of God more accurately to those younger in the faith–or to be instructed by those more mature in the faith?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
LORD God, Help me to remember that nothing can ever touch me without Your permission. May I keep ministering for You! Show me how I can help bring along those younger in the faith than I, and give me a heart that accepts accurate teaching from those more mature than I. I praise You in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:
- Brandon & Lindsey Dockins
- Ken & Twilla Eden (Joshua, Jonathan, Sophia)
- Gil & Lois Estes
- Gary Friend
- Scott & Kristi Guinn (Josiah)
Missionaries:
- J & G Simon, missionaries to Austria
CLF:
- Ask that we would be a church that is devoted to true fellowship: Pray that we would be encouraged from being united with Christ, comforted by His love, bonded with His Spirit, tender and compassionate with one another. Pray that we would be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Ask that we would do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider one another better than ourselves, looking not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of each other. Pray that we would all have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.
Community: Pray for Unity in the Body of Christ…
- that we would be united in our love for Jesus and each other
- that we would encourage and support each other
- that we would focus on Biblical principles in every arena of our lives
- that we would have a spirit of cooperation in outreach
- that Satan’s divisive strategies would be confounded
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB)
April 30, 2012
Scripture
Acts 17
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
What commendable thing did the people of Beroea do upon hearing the Apostles’ teaching (11)? What was the result (12)?
Application
Do I welcome messages from godly speakers with eagerness and examine the Scriptures daily to be sure they are accurate?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Lord, Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who gifts teachers, preachers, and pastors. Give me a heart that is eager to hear teaching from Scripture, but even more, give me a heart that diligent to examine the Scriptures to make sure the teaching I hear is accurate. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:
- Mike Daniels
- Theresa Daniels
- Travis & Hali Davidson (Andrew)
- Brian & Eileen Davis
- Patti Doty
Missionaries:
- Tim & Miranda Penn (Samid, Sarah), missionaries to Albania
CLF:
- That Christian Life Fellowship would be a church that is devoted to the Word of God, and that we would be doers of it and not just hearers; that we would study the Word and so always be prepared to give everyone an answer–in season and out of season–and be approved workers who do not need to be ashamed, able to accurately understand and explain it.
Community: Pray for young children in our community
- For Godly influences
- For safety and protection from accidents, abuse, and predators
- Salvation for unbelievers
- For a heart to learn and to know God from a young age
- That they will not be prodigals, but remain true to God all the days of their lives
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (HCSB)
April 28, 2012
Scripture
Acts 16
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
What did Paul & Silas do after being wrongly beaten and imprisoned? How did God reveal His power? What did this lead to?
Application
Am I prepared to praise God even if I am abused and humiliated? Do I understand that God often uses just these kinds of situations to reveal Himself through His people?
Prayer
Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father in heaven, Thank You for the example Paul and Silas gave! May I follow their example. I ask that you would keep me from a complaining and self-entitled spirit, and help me to praise You even amid suffering, abuse, and humiliation. I ask that You would reveal Yourself to others in my life, and that you would receive all the glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
SATURDAY
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.
- Chris & DeAnn Smith (Sasha, Noah, Gavin, Natalie)
- James Williams
- Danielle Youngblood (Kayla, Kendra)
Ministry:
CLF:
- That we would be devoted to thanksgiving and praise to our Lord–for what He has done, for what He is doing, for what He will do, and for who He is–in good times and bad.
Community: Pray for Media Industries (TV/Movies, Radio/Music, Print/Internet)
- Godly themes/influences
- Christian workers at all levels sensitive to God’s leading
- Salvation for influential media leaders
- Courage to share God’s message
- Financial rewards for wholesome media
SUNDAY
- Jenn Austring
- Sher Brodoski
- Debbie & Amy Brueggemann
- Brook & Erica Butts (Brooklyn, Boston)
- Chris Carlton
Missionary:
CLF:
- That we will be devoted to evangelism and growth; that the Lord will add to our numbers those who are being saved.
Community: Pray for Teachers & Administrators & School Boards
- Godly curriculum
- God’s wisdom in teaching and leading
- Salvation for unbelievers
- Ability to inspire a love of truth and learning
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:13-14 (HCSB)
April 27, 2012
Scripture
Acts 15
Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway
Observation
What was the controversy the apostles debated? What was their decision? What sparked the heated debate between Paul and Barnabas? What was the result?
Application
Do I place conditions on people that God doesn’t place on them? How do I resolve disagreements with fellow believers?
Prayer
Dear Father, Thank You for the saving power of Jesus Christ! Keep me from adding to Your grace by putting additional conditions on people that You do not require. I pray that when I have disagreements with other believers that Your Spirit will give me grace and insight in how to to resolve them, and if resolution is not possible, that we would be able to bless each other before going our separate ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:
- B – BODY (physical health)
- L – Labor (their job or school)
- E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
- S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
- S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)
Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.
- Moy & Janeth Ortiz
- Doug & Pam Patchin
- Jared & Amanda Patchin (Alex, Luke)
- Keith Rast
- Andrea Rodriguez (Willie, Yulieta)
Ministry:
CLF:
- That we will be people who are devoted to giving to the Lord’s work and to anyone who has a need.
Community: Pray for business professionals providing goods and services
- God to be glorified by excellent work
- Ministry to occur in the workplace
- Godly employers and employees
- Salvation for unbelievers
- Sound financial strategies
- Strong, God-honoring relationships
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:13-14 (HCSB)
