SCRIPTURE. OBSERVATION. APPLICATION. PRAYER.
Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer.
March 25th
Scripture - Ephesians 5
Observation - Paul invited the Ephesians to imitate God by loving well! He also encouraged the church to respond to God’s love by living for Him, rather than other distractions by saying, “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.” That’s quite a list of things that are easy to fall into. It’s so easy to fall into sin - distractions from the way God really designed us to live. Paul most likely quoted an early church worship song or poem when he wrote, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” (1.) Don’t settle in the life that we so easily get caught up in - instead, remember that Christ gives us life - raising us from the dead. Christ absolutely loves us, HIS CHURCH, like a groom loves his bride.
Excerpt From: N. T. Wright. “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters.” iBooks. https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/paul-for-everyone-the-prison-letters/id554073462?mt=11
Application - God unconditionally, absolutely loves us right where we’re at, but he loves us too much to leave us where we’re at. What is it in your life that God might be inviting you to lay down - what sin or distraction that you get so caught up in? Instead, lay it down and fix your heart, your love, your affection on the one who has saved you.
Prayer - God, I am so grateful for your love! Would you help me to lay down the sins and distractions that pull me away from you? Teach me what it means to live in love with you, laying down anything that would distract me from your love for me. Help me to find complete and whole love in you God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
March 23rd
Scripture - Ephesians 3
Observation - Paul was called to share Christ with the Gentiles people. He wanted to bring the light of the Hope of Salvation to them. I’m this chapter, Paul also explained that we have the ability to come to God confidently. Our confidence comes through our faith in Jesus Christ. He finalized the chapter by getting on his knees and praying for strength for the Ephesians. He asked Christ to make his home in their hearts, and prayed that the believers roots would grow down deep in Christ’s love for them.
Application - Sometimes it’s easy to shy away when we see someone that’s new or different from us at 2911. Thankfully Paul, a Jewish man stepped out beyond his own herotage and carried the hope of Christ to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Take some time to ask God to help you step beyond your own comforts too- pray that he give us the courage and boldness to love people different from ourselves. Then, step out in faith and the Holy Spirit will meet you there.
Prayer - Father, help me to step out in faith and not fear. I speak victory in my life as I depend on you. Help me to build confidence in You as I spend more time with you. Help me to boldly spread your word and love to the people I come in contact with. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
March 22nd
Scripture - Ephesians 2
Observation - Paul shows that through the resurrection we were once dead in our sins, but now we are alive in Christ. Even though we are born again, Satan is still active in the world, constantly throwing temptation after temptation at us. Our old selves follow Adam and Eve into sinning. BUT! We are also alive in our new lives, turning from sin and death. Paul says that we are reconciled through God’s great love and mercy. We are saved by grace. God worked a very perfect plan together from the very beginning. He knew that his son would pay the price for our sins. That person was Jesus Christ. God didn’t do it because he had to, he did because he always loved humankind.
Application - Even at our worst, unlovable moments, God still loves us and wants every person to know the depths of his love. Are there unlovable parts of your life that you have tried to keep from God? Maybe shame or fear cause you to try to hold those pieces back from God. Take a few moments to hold out your hands as if to physically let God have each of those parts of your life. Christ came to make you whole. Allow him to begin to heal your brokenness. We’re undeserving, yet God loves us so much and sent his only son, Christ to make us whole.
Prayer - God thank you for your never-ending love. I know that your love never fails me. You strengthen us with your power and might. Holy Spirit, guide and direct me. Give me a fresh filling of you. Start in my heart and clean me from the inside out. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
March 21st
Scripture - Ephesians 1
Observation - Paul starts off his letter to Ephesus with a brief greeting. He then goes into speaking of God and the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ. In God’s wisdom he covered all humanity with grace and forgiveness through what Jesus did on the cross. Paul asks that they all consider how great God’s plan for us and to bring all believers together. God’s ultimate plan is that all glorify and praise Him. Paul also prays that the people in Ephesus would know the spirit in wisdom and that God would reveal himself to them.
Application - God’s blood covered our sins that day on the cross. Through this chapter, Paul gently reminds of us how God’s sacrifice of his son brought redemption to all of us. We no longer have to feel bound in our sin and shame. Jesus took it all.
Prayer - Father, I pray and repent of any sins that cover my heart. I surrender myself to you and ask that you heal and transform from the inside out. Let your Spirit be my guide in my day-to-day life. Make your ways my ways. In your name I pray, Amen.
March 20th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 13
Observation - Paul founded the church in Corinth and stayed a year and a half (Acts 18:11). He had a hard time on his second visit and was getting ready to visit for the third time. Paul realized that the Corinthians needed to respond to God by turning from their sins; he was urging them to respond to God before his next visit. Most of them wanted Paul to lead differently, some of them even saw him as a weak leader. Paul pointed them to the power of Christ instead though. He warned them that if they didn’t clean house before his arrival, he would make sure the task got done when he arrived. He also asked that they examine themselves to know if they realized that Jesus resided in them. Paul wanted them to be strong like a building built on a firm foundation. He knew that there was joy in walking with God, and he wanted the Corinthian Christians to experience that in their day-to-day lives.
Application - It’s easy to sometimes look at ourselves and not feel God or question if we are truly following him. Some days we mess up, other days we begin to get back on track with our old sins. The beautiful thing about salvation is that you get to walk it out daily. It’s not a snap-your-fingers-all-is-well kind of thing. Life is too messy for that. If you are weak in your walk with God or have a particular area that keeps drawing you back, find someone who is stronger than you to help guide you, lead you, and pray with you. Most of all, build your foundation on Christ.
Prayer - Lord Jesus, I’m tired of always going back to my old sin patterns. I have made some choices that have not led me to good areas. I’ve let the enemy whisper in my ear. I want your word to be the only thing growing in my mind. Help me walk away from lies and deceit. You created me in your image. You know every thought in my head before I even speak them out loud. Thank you, Father, for loving me and not disqualifying me because of my sins. Instead, you made me righteous by the work you did on the cross. Restore my heart and restore my faith. In your name I pray, Amen.
March 18th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 11
Observation - Paul warned the Corinthians that people would come, claiming to serve Christ, but teach a different Gospel -even a different gospel than what Paul taught. Somehow these ‘False Apostles’ were trying to distract these believers from the truth that Paul was teaching and living. Paul had gone through great challenges for the sake of the gospel. Yet, he endured, he was encouraging the Corinthians to hold onto the truth faith too, not to be distracted by the lies these other teachers offered them.
Application - There will always be someone or something with a more attractive message, but the Gospel of Christ is true. Have you gotten sidetracked by distracting teachings -maybe not even by false gospels, but by teaching that has turned molehills into mountains? Take some time to remember that God invites us to find our HOPE in the Simple Gospel of Christ Jesus, our savior. We invite you to take time to realign your focus on God’s true Plan, Hope, and Future for you and all of His church.
Prayer - God, Help me to fix my eyes on you rather than the millions of distractions that cloud my thoughts on a daily basis. Protect my mind and heart from false teaching and any thing that would distract me from your gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
March 17th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 10
Observation - Paul speaks to the Christians in Corinth with a gentle voice but tries to get his point across to them. On many occasions, Paul had to defend himself to the Christians in Corinth. Some thought he was ministering from his flesh and not from God. Paul was human just like each of us and had struggles just like the rest of us. But that’s when he suited himself up with the armor of God, while the Corinthian Christians used manipulation, personal success, words, perception of power, and human schemes. Paul wanted to teach them to fight for the sake of the kingdom rather than their own successes. Rather than pursuing their own accolades, Paul wanted them to live for God’s approval.
Application - Many times we come unequipped to the battle. While we do fight our flesh when temptation hits, our main fight is with the enemy. He comes at us fast and hard and we have to be on our guard, ready to fight at all times. Take time to invite God to equip you for the battle you are fighting.
Prayer - God, help me to fight my battles, equipped with strength from You. Help me to always be alert and ready when attacks come my way. I will stand strong on your word. Fill my life with your love and strength. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
March 16th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 9
Observation - Being diligent with your finances is what Paul emphasizes in this chapter. The Corinthian Christians were having a hard time with giving. Paul uses sarcasm or maybe even humor to get the Corinthian Christians in the mindset to willingly give selflessly. He uses an analogy of a farmer sowing seeds to help his readers understand what he’s saying. When a farmer doesn’t plant a lot of seeds, he shouldn’t expect much to grow, but when he goes above and beyond with the seeds that he plants, he will see a lot more growth. The same is with our giving to God. When we give from our hearts and with generosity, God will go above and beyond to bless you back. But when you hold back from God, He will hold back from you.
Application - When we trust God with our finances, we know and can trust that God will give us an abundance of reward both here and in heaven. When we give to God’s kingdom, it’s just not money that is brought back to us, we see growth in our faith, in winning souls and ministering to the community. How can you be a more generous giver? What is a tangible way that you can personally respond to what Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 9?
Prayer - Father, I don’t want to hold anything back from you. When it comes to the money that you’ve trusted me with, I don’t ever want to try to hold my money all to myself. Teach me how to be a generous giver and pour into your kingdom, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
March 15th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 8
Observation - Paul tells the Corinthians about how the Macedonian Christians who were poor and distressed themselves, gave generously to those who live in Jerusalem who they had never met. Paul urges the Corinthians to follow the very same example.
Application - Paul helped the Corinthians look at generosity as something that everyone could practice. How can you learn to be more generous with the finances that you have? Do you hide anything for God, or are you an open book? When we are good stewards with God’s money, he also gives back.
Prayer - God, I surrender my finances to you. I trust you with all that I have been given. I ask that you remove my fears, worries, and anxiety about money and replace them with faith. I know that you will provide as I begin to trust in you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
March 14th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 7
Observation - Paul continued to address the Corinthians about their morals. Most of them had been letting things slip, especially when it came to keeping their bodies pure. Paul tried to talk to them in a brotherly love kind of way. He encouraged them to step away from anything that defiles their bodies. God wants his followers to live a more holy life.
Application - Living a more holy life means leaving behind the thoughts, activities, actions, and words that distract us from following Jesus. That’s not an easy road to travel. Spend time evaluating your life. What activities or relationships do you need to adjust? What is beneficial to your walk with God and what is not?
Prayer - God, help me walk in the direction that you are guiding me in. Show me what needs to be in my life and what needs to be surrendered to You. Help me walk a holier life with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
March 13th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 6
Observation - Paul explained to the Corinthians that their good works were not reason they received God’s grace. Grace is always freely given. Just because grace is given freely, doesn’t mean that we should become complacent in following Jesus. Paul then continues on to write to the Corinthians about how following Jesus, ministry, and life in general can be challenging, even as we follow Jesus. Paul had poured out his life for their sake, but they had not opened their hearts to him. He urged them in verse 13 to open their hearts to him too— it seems that he was teaching them to not be just takers, but givers too. Then Paul urges his readers not to let anything be more important than God - no relationship, no job, nothing at all.
Application - Take a few minutes to thank God for his GRACE that he has given you so freely. God gives us grace so freely, and even places amazing mentors in our lives. Is there a person like Paul in your life that you could bless like Paul urged the Corinthians to do for him? Finally, take a few moments to examine your heart- is there anything that is sneaking it’s way into a more important place in your life than God? Take a step to lay down that distraction, or reassess your priorities.
Prayer - Father, you see my weaknesses and my failings, and without you I cannot accomplish what you have set before me. Your grace is never ending over my life. Give me patience as I walk out the path you have set before me. Help me to see people that I can give back to in my life. Finally, let nothing take a higher priority than you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
March 12th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 5
Observe it - Here we see that we must move past our old lives of sin and instead move towards our relationship with Christ. “In Christ” profoundly expresses the significance of our redemption. It speaks of the Power of the One who bears God’s judgment for our sin. We have assurance of a present and future glory that goes beyond our human comprehension. The miracle of new birth is the basis by which Paul pleads with others; be reconciled with God.
Apply It - It’s funny how many times Satan tries to remind of us of the past life we once used to live. He likes to plant little seeds in our heads and let our thoughts run wild. But, when we reconcile with God, all that past, sinful life is washed clean by His blood! So, the next time Satan tries to bully you with his words, just remind him that he was a lost cause once Christ died on the cross. Satan’s power is nothing compared to the power of our Father God!
Prayer - Lord, help me to trust you and empower me through your Spirit to stop my emotions for getting the better of me. I want to quit worrying about what might happen and focus on what has already happened. I want to focus on the faithfulness you have presented in my life. In your name I pray, amen
March 11th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 4
Observation - Paul encourages the church not to preach about ourselves, but instead about Christ “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. Greek We now have this treasure in clay jars. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” We are simply vessels that God shines his light through as we cling to HOPE from God and not ourselves.
Application - What does it look like for us to allow God’s message of Hope to be shared through our lives? It’s so easy to talk about ourselves, to be focused on our needs and wants. What if we were occupied by a deep desire to share God’s HOPE and the LIGHT he wants to shine through us? How does living with that focus change your plans for today, your conversations, your speech?
Prayer - God, will you shine your light through me today? Will you help me be more occupied with sharing the message of HOPE and LIFE that you have, than living for myself? Thank you for patiently walking with me every step of my life, and allowing this fragile clay jar to carry your Hope to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
March 10th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 3
Observation - Hope is the main focus of this passage. Before, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he covered his face to hide the glory of God from the Israelites. This was just a glimpse of God’s glory. Today, because of what Christ has done, and Holy Spirit’s presence, God’s glory is being displayed even more powerfully. We get to display God’s glory through our lives! In fact, the more we let it shine for the world to see, the more we show off hope to the world. We are slowly being changed from the inside out as we surrender to His Spirit filling us more and more.
Application - God wants to display his glory through you! What areas of your life can you step out and surrender to God today? “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” You are His image bearer!
Prayer - Lord, I thank you that your truth dwells in the atmosphere of your presence. I worship you in the splendor of your holiness. I praise you because you are mighty, powerful, loving, and kind. I thank you that you will break through the veils -the dry, hard areas of my life in order to display Your glory. In Your name I pray, Amen.
March 9th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 2
Observe It - Romans would take their captives and lead them through the crowds that lined the streets. We were once captives, but now we are overcome by God’s love and taken captive to his victory parade. We are on display for all the world to see how God’s goodness radiates in our lives. We are a sweet aroma, pleasing to God, but if we reject God, we bring on an odor of death.
Apply It - God loves nothing more than to show his love through us. We are his creation, made in his image. We reflect all that God is to a dark and hurting world. When we step away from his light, we no longer shine, but instead fade into the darkness. What areas of your life are that sweet aroma to the world? What areas do you need to surrender and allow God to bring back into alignment with him?
Prayer - Father, take my life and make it yours. Let me be a reflection of your love, grace, joy, and peace. Gather me into your arms so that I might find rest there. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
March 8th
Scripture - 2 Corinthians 1
Observe It - Paul opens this letter by telling the Corinthians about his experiences in Asia. When he was there, he wasn’t sure he’d leave the area and make it back home. Paul claims that suffering for God leads to compassion for others. What Paul meant by that was that when we follow Christ, there can be times we suffer, get made fun of, become the least popular person or worse. God takes the challenges that we face and gives us strength as he guides us and offers us comfort along the way.
Apply It - Even though it seems like we face the worst in life when we choose to follow Christ, we know that he is always there beside us. He is our guiding force that gets us through those difficult times. What is your faith costing you right now? Could it be that God is forming something more significant in you because of that challenge?
Prayer - God, I ask that you meet me where I am at today. Life seems to find a way of overwhelming me. Some days, it feels like I won’t get through the day, or there’s a heavy weight weighing me down. I ask that you take those troubles and worries and replace them with your peace and hope. I love you father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
March 7th
Scripture - 1 Corinthians 16
Observation — Paul gave the church instructions on how to generously take care of the church in Jerusalem. He also wrote to them about Timothy coming to the church, encouraging them to respect him as he does God’s work too. In closing this letter, Paul shows us just how important community is within the Church as he refers to a number of believers that he is connected with.
Paul closes this letter by telling the Corinthians to, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”
Application — How can you be an encouragement to other Christ followers - both at 2911 and other churches? How can you respond to Paul’s words, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”
Prayer — God, may I always be motivated by LOVE in all I do. Help me to remember this faith is meant to be lived out in the context of community. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
March 6th
Scripture - 1 Corinthians 15
Observation — Paul reminds the Corinthians that Christ rose from the dead. He also explains that as Christ followers, we will be resurrected too. Not to this life, but into eternity. If there were no resurrection, all that he preached, all of their church activities would be useless. Here’s the catch- if we believe that Jesus was only a good teacher, then our resurrection is not possible. Jesus rose from the grave so that we could be raised from the dead too. We cannot achieve salvation or resurrection without Christ.
Application — There is a lot activity surrounding our faith in God, the Church, and Theology. What molehills have you gotten caught up on that have distracted you from the fact that Jesus rose from the grave? What area of your life do you need to declare the scripture that Paul quoted: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” God’s overcoming work meets us in our day to day and is for our eternity.
Prayer — God, When things seem hopeless, help me remember that you have overcome the grave, that you are greater than my biggest failure and faults. Help me remember that my faith, my HOPE is built on Christ the Solid Rock who overcame sin, death, and the grave. In Jesus’ name, Amen.