Day 10 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
08-26-08
ROMANS 12:4-5
4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together. Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 4:1-16).
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
Monday, September 8, 2008
Day 9 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
Day 9 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
08-25-08
MARK 9:34
But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
The disciples, caught up in their constant struggle for personal success, were embarrassed to answer Jesus’ question. It is always painful to compare our motives with Christ’s. It is not wrong for believers to be industrious or ambitious. But when ambition pushes obedience and service to one side, it becomes sin. Pride or insecurity can cause us to overvalue position and prestige. In God’s Kingdom, such motives are destructive. The only safe ambition is directed toward Christ’s Kingdom, not our own advancement.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
08-25-08
MARK 9:34
But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
The disciples, caught up in their constant struggle for personal success, were embarrassed to answer Jesus’ question. It is always painful to compare our motives with Christ’s. It is not wrong for believers to be industrious or ambitious. But when ambition pushes obedience and service to one side, it becomes sin. Pride or insecurity can cause us to overvalue position and prestige. In God’s Kingdom, such motives are destructive. The only safe ambition is directed toward Christ’s Kingdom, not our own advancement.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
Day 8 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
Day 8 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
08-24-08
MATTHEW 25:34-40
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
This parable describes acts of mercy we all can do every day. These acts do not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence; they are simple acts freely given and freely received. We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs, and we cannot hand over this responsibility to the church or government. Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others’ needs (Isaiah 58:7).
There has been much discussion about the identity of the “brothers and sisters.” Some have said they are the Jews; others say they are all Christians; still others say they are suffering people everywhere. Such a debate is much like the lawyer’s earlier question to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). The point of this parable is not the who, but the what—the importance of serving where service is needed. The focus of this parable is that we should love every person and serve anyone we can. Such love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for him.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
08-24-08
MATTHEW 25:34-40
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
This parable describes acts of mercy we all can do every day. These acts do not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence; they are simple acts freely given and freely received. We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs, and we cannot hand over this responsibility to the church or government. Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others’ needs (Isaiah 58:7).
There has been much discussion about the identity of the “brothers and sisters.” Some have said they are the Jews; others say they are all Christians; still others say they are suffering people everywhere. Such a debate is much like the lawyer’s earlier question to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). The point of this parable is not the who, but the what—the importance of serving where service is needed. The focus of this parable is that we should love every person and serve anyone we can. Such love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for him.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
Day 7 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
Day 7 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
08-23-08
PSALMS 94:12-13
08-23-08
PSALMS 94:12-13
12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
At times, God must discipline us to help us. This is similar to a loving parent disciplining his child. The discipline is not very enjoyable to the child, but it is essential to teach him or her right from wrong. The Bible says that “no discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:11). When you feel God’s hand of correction, accept it as proof of his love. Realize that God is urging you to follow his paths instead of stubbornly going your own way.Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
Day 6 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
Day 6 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
08-22-08
ROMANS 8:31-34
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Do you ever think that because you aren’t good enough for God, he will not save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? Then these verses are especially for you. If God gave his Son for you, he isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave his life for you, he isn’t going to turn around and condemn you! He will not withhold anything you need to live for him. The book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God’s redeeming grace—it is a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to you.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
08-22-08
ROMANS 8:31-34
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Do you ever think that because you aren’t good enough for God, he will not save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? Then these verses are especially for you. If God gave his Son for you, he isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave his life for you, he isn’t going to turn around and condemn you! He will not withhold anything you need to live for him. The book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God’s redeeming grace—it is a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to you.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
Day 5 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
Day 5 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
08-21-08
1 CORINTHIANS 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
Christians are free to be all they can be for God, but they are not free from God. God created sex to be a beautiful and essential ingredient of marriage, but sexual sin—sex outside the marriage relationship—always hurts someone. It hurts God because it shows that we prefer following our own desires instead of the leading of the Holy Spirit. It hurts others because it violates the commitment so necessary to a relationship. It often brings disease to our bodies. And it deeply affects our personality, which responds in anguish when we harm ourselves physically and spiritually.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
08-21-08
1 CORINTHIANS 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
Christians are free to be all they can be for God, but they are not free from God. God created sex to be a beautiful and essential ingredient of marriage, but sexual sin—sex outside the marriage relationship—always hurts someone. It hurts God because it shows that we prefer following our own desires instead of the leading of the Holy Spirit. It hurts others because it violates the commitment so necessary to a relationship. It often brings disease to our bodies. And it deeply affects our personality, which responds in anguish when we harm ourselves physically and spiritually.
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
Day 4 Scripture – 40 Days of Prayer #6
08-20-08
ROMANS 12:9-10
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Most of us have learned how to be courteous to others—how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to show compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond being hypocritical and polite. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.
We can honor others in one of two ways. One involves ulterior motives. We honor our bosses so they will reward us, our employees so they will work harder, the wealthy so they will contribute to our cause, the powerful so they will use their power for us and not against us. God’s way involves love. As Christians, we honor people because they have been created in God’s image, because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and because they have a unique contribution to make to Christ’s church. Does God’s way of honoring others sound too difficult for your competitive nature? Why not try to outdo one another in showing honor? Put others first!
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
08-20-08
ROMANS 12:9-10
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Most of us have learned how to be courteous to others—how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to show compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond being hypocritical and polite. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.
We can honor others in one of two ways. One involves ulterior motives. We honor our bosses so they will reward us, our employees so they will work harder, the wealthy so they will contribute to our cause, the powerful so they will use their power for us and not against us. God’s way involves love. As Christians, we honor people because they have been created in God’s image, because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and because they have a unique contribution to make to Christ’s church. Does God’s way of honoring others sound too difficult for your competitive nature? Why not try to outdo one another in showing honor? Put others first!
Dear Lord,
We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for us. We ask that as we read your WORD we also allow the WORD to read us! We humbly ask that you reveal to us what we need to know, as you intended and that we will go out into the world to bring you glory each and every day! In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
Cheryl Burns
Director, Christ Community Center
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Director Family Ministries
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