THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.28.09

Simply Rejoice

PHILIPPIANS 4:4
Rejoice in the LORD always , and again I say, Rejoice!

Today's verse says it like it is - Rejoice always in the LORD - it never gives a time when we should not Rejoice in the Lord - because if we rejoice in HIM we will want to do it daily - He loves each of us - He wants a realtionship with each of us - He has a plan and it will come to pass - no matter what you are facing today - know HE is in full and complete control - with that you can place all your fear and worry aside and simply trust Him - for HE is trust worthy- I have learned much this week about what it means to trust Him - there will be hard times in each of our lives - but God is still there and HE is still on His throne - even when it seems HE is far away - so I say brothers and sister - Simply trust in JESUS - Simply Rejoice in HIM at all times - no matter how hard the battle may get or how frail we may be - HE can be depended on - He is worthy of our praise - He alone is to be worshipped - if you are facing a storm today - rememeber GOD Is there right with you - you don't walk this life alone -
so lets simply rejoice - rejoice in Christ our Savior - He alone is worthy!

Learning to trust even when I cannot see JESUS ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
ALL WE REALLY NEED IS CHRIST - REJOICE IN THIS!!!
Because we have CHRIST - we have a bright new hope daily!
8.28.09 - Building on the WORD
TRUST IN CHRIST - REJOICE IN HIM - AND YOU SHALL HAVE JOY!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.26.09

Be Like Our Master

LUKE 6:40
The disciple is not above his Master; but every one that is perfect shall be as his Master.

We who proclaim to be followers of Christ - should have it as our life's creed - to be more and more like our Master, Jesus Christ. He is our example - HE should be our life in all we do - each step we take - each breath we take - we should be more and more like Him - until others cannot tell where we end and Jesus begins - the verse today indicates that we are not above our Master - we can never know more then our Master - and by watching what HE does and then doing it ourselves - we become more and more like our Master - this will be at times a very bumpy ride - we will draw close to our Master only quickly to pull away - we must be taught to stick close to our Master - we cannot do anything on our own - we must live and breathe for the Master - we must be willing to forsake all else and follow - being a disciple is not easy - we must be willing to be trained to be like the Master - God has plan for each of our lives -and often He must use pain to bring us to the place HE wants us - often pain is very effective - raising up children is the same deal - we must be willing to show them the tough lessons by living them out - just as Jesus has lived out what it means to be perfect - we must always be willing to follow the Master and go wherever HE goes - HE knows the directions far better then we do or ever could - so today - will you follow the Master with the goal of becoming more and more like HIM and less and less like yourself!? God is calling us!

Knowing the MASTER leads to way ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
WE HAVE TO LEARN WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW TO BE A LEADER!
Because we have CHRIST - we have directions from the MASTER!
8.26.09 - Building on the WORD
IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHICH WAY TO GO - ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MASTER - JESUS CHRIST!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.25.09

Are These Things So?

Acts 17:11b
...They received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, where those things were so.

Today's devotional is written to me as much as it is written to you - you see the Word of God must be studied daily - and I admit sometimes I don't study it like I should - but it's very important - if you want to get off track - the easiest way is take God's Word for granted -we who have known Christ for some time sometimes don't study like we should - I pray we never get to the place where we feel we have nothing else to learn about God - that is not a place we should be at - we must study daily to see if what we have been told is true - you must not take my word for it - you must not take someone else's word for it - you must take God at HIS word and HIS word alone - we can be easily lead astray and very quickly if we don't study the WORD daily - even if it's a short passage - if you let it sink into your heart - that the WORD Is doing it's job - it's been called sharper then any two edged sword - it's been called the path on which we stand in Christ - it always illuminates Christ at all times - that's the truth of the Word of God - so if you don't study it daily - you can began to lose what it means - it only takes one day followed by another to find yourself far from the truth - we must daily study the WORD to see that what we have learned is true - man is never about the WORD - always study the Word - it is our bread that we daily need to feed on - it's all about JESUS and it's all found in the WORD!

Needing to study more about GOD ~ Daniel<><

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BUILDING MOMENT:
The WORD dwells in our hearts and leads us to JESUS always!

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Because we have CHRIST - we have HIS word!

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8.25.09 - Building on the WORD
THE WORD OF GOD - STUDY IT - BELIEVE IT - LIVE IT!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.20.09

Peaceably

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lies with you ,
live peaceably with all men.

God has called us to a life of peace in more ways then one - the first peace we have is what He gives to us through His Spirit - but also with that - He wants us to live peaceably with those around us - but He does add in this scripture - that as much as we can do it - we must do it - we must have the same mind as that of Christ -we must be willing to make peace whenever we are wronged - but God also knows that sometimes we cannot be a peace with others - personalities can clash and people who we want to be peaceful with won't allow us to do it - God knows this - this is a heart issue - it's not a surface issue - there are those who are natually peace makers - and those who cannot seem to make peace with anyone - God loves both - let's do our best each day to be a peace with those around us - no matter what they do to us - we must be of God's Spirit and love those around us - are you living in peace with others?
God is calling us to consider this today and every day - His peace is with us - let's spread it around our little part of the world!

Seeking peace with others but especially with GOD ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
If we know CHRIST we can have real lasting peace - always!
Because we have CHRIST - we can make peace!
8.20.09 - Building on the WORD
Peace like a river flowing though us is God's desire!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.19.09

Be Watchful

Jeremiah 14:14
Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in My name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke I to them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

We must be watchful as children of God - the truth is that there are false prophets all around us - many speak with enticing words that may seem as it is the truth - they are subtle about how they try and lead those who know Christ astray and those who are lost they just keep them that way - there are those who true desire is to steel from God - to be nothing more then satan's representatives but under the cloak of a new truth - we must be watchful - for God called only those who speak the truth to be prophets - not those who lie - we must be watchful - even the strongest follower of Christ can be lead astray if not careful - who are these false prophets? They are those who propagate lies within the church - they speak as if knowledgeable of the truth - but really have something else in mind - the main trouble is they are often hard to spot - but God knows who they are - and one day they will have to face Him face to face - be watchful - be diligent in your study of God's word - be in prayer and connect with God daily - these will keep you safe from the wolves that come spreading a false gospel - one that does not save - this is serious business -
but we have Christ in us - the Hope of Glory - and HIS Spirit will direct us in all truth - if you want to know the truth - it must be backed up with God's Word -
be careful and watchful - Jesus is coming soon - but He warned us many would come in His name and yet not even belong to Him - let's be careful in this world - for the deceiver of our souls lurks to see who he can steal away from the truth of the real gospel of Christ - that HE came - that HE died - That He paid the price for our sins - and we are now Children of God if we accept Him as our Savior- the false gospels say that it's not Christ that saves us - so be watchful!

Waiting and watching for JESUS ~ Daniel<><

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BUILDING MOMENT:
If we have CHRIST in our hearts- we will know the truth!

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Because we have CHRIST - we know the TRUTH!

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8.19.09 - Building on the WORD
JESUS IS THE ONLY GOSPEL!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.18.09

Who He Called

Mark 2:17
When JESUS heard it, He said unto them, "They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance!"

Jesus was being questioned for hanging up with "sinners" those who thought they where righteous (the religious) judged who Jesus was hanging out with - but Jesus had the last word and we see it in today's verse - He said that He did not come to call the righteous - but sinners - Jesus came to save sinners - not those who thought they could make it on their own merit - Jesus didn't come to hang out with those who thought they had it all together - but those who were down trodden - the forgotten - the over looked - we too need to keep our eyes out for the sinners that need JESUS - we are all sinners if the truth be known - without the blood of JESUS we are all headed to a place that is far from God - a place that is real - though many don't believe it - hell is a real place - and Jesus came to save us from it! He came and laid down HIS life so that we could have life eternal - Jesus didn't come here so that those who could do well on their own could see Him - He came to save the sin-sick - and again truth be known without Christ - there would be no hope at all - Jesus called the sinners to repentance - without the knowledge that we are sinners - we would never have accepted Christ -remember this when dealing with someone who does not know Christ - we have to be loving - but at the same time we must not water down the truth - Jesus loved the sinners - we must as well - again we are all sinner - but those who know Christ have become what I call - Sinners-saved! Let's celebrate our redemption in Christ - but also bear in mind there is a lost and dying world around us that needs JESUS today!

I know I am a sinner but also know that JESUS saved me! ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
JESUS WANTS ALL TO COME TO KNOW HIM!
Because we have CHRIST - we have hope no matter what!
8.18.09 - Building on the WORD
JESUS CAME IN LOVE - HE LOVED THOSE THE WORLD DIDN'T

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.14.09

Labor

John 6:27
Labor not for the meat that parishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of God shall give to you; for Him has God the Father sealed!

We typically spend about 40 hours a week at our job - some spend much more then that - I am not knocking work at all - but we spend so much time doing our job - we don't leave much left over - are we working for that which will parish? The sad truth is we are in many ways - but we live in a physical world and God does expect us to earn our living - but in the end HE will provide - He gave us our jobs - our talents and it all belongs to Him - sometimes we spend most of our time trying to get more and more - and ultimately more and more things - all the while we leave our relationship with our families and our Lord to what's left - it must not be that way - we must give GOD everything - so every moment of every day belongs to Him - it's not ours - we need to labor for what is not gonna pass away - our relationship with Christ is the only thing that will really last - all those things we earned money to pay for will all pass away - it's hard to deal with I know - we must work or else we won't eat - but we must worship our Lord above all - and we must care for our families - let's not get lost on our job - just remember it's a means to an end - in order to care for our families we go out and earn a living - but let's make sure we give them more then just what we earn - our time is of most value - let's give it all to JESUS!
Labor for what will never pass away - store up your treasure in heaven -
it's not here - for this is not our home!

Working for JESUS ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
What work has CHRIST called you to?
Because we have CHRIST - we labor for what lasts
8.14.09 - Building on the WORD
GOD CALLS US TO GIVE OUR LIVES AWAY - ARE WE DOING IT?

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.12.09

Should we look for another?

Luke 7:19
...And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, are You He that should come?
or do we look for another?

What a life John lived - he was the one to proclaim that Jesus was God's only Son - the Lamb that was to be slain - John baptised Jesus and saw the dove desend and the voice from heaven saying this was the One that was to come - but as he moved on in his life -doubt started to creep in - John, now in prison - could not see Jesus any more - he asked some of his followers to ask Jesus if He was the one - wow - what a change - the purpose of this email is not to bash John - Jesus even said that born of a woman there was no one greater then John and yet near the end of his life -John questioned Jesus if He was the one - one thing I take way from this is that none of us have arrived yet - we may be walking tightly with God right now - but we cannot see tomorrow or the next day - we can get smug and think we have it all together and that there is nothing more about JESUS we need to know - but the truth is we are all human and we all doubt from time to time - our trust must be in God and not in ourselves - we must be willing to see JESUS for who HE is - there is no one else coming - God has done it all in Christ - it's complete - now Jesus is coming back one day to take home His church - there will be no question on that day that JESUS does in fact rule over all - but right now - before that happens - we are free to choose to follow or not - but on that day - we will not have any chose - every knee will bow - there is not another to come - Jesus already came and died for our sins - you can trust JESUS to be totally all we need!

Waiting for Jesus ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
JOHN LOVED JESUS - DO WE ?:
Because we have CHRIST - we can follow Him forever!
8.12.09 - Building on the WORD
THERE MAY BE TIMES OF DOUBT - BUT FAITH SHOULD PREVAIL

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.11.09

What Manner of Man?

Mark 4:41
...and they feared exceedingly, and said to one another,
What manner of man is this, that even the
wind and the sea obey HIM?

Jesus was in the boat with the 12 and a great storm had come up out of nowhere and they all feared - Jesus was asleep and they were freaking out - how could Jesus sleep when they were in trouble? Sometimes we may ask the same thing - when sometimes it seems like Jesus is slow at doing what we want - that's the trouble - it's never about what we want - only what He wants - and He knows best - this seems hard to understand if you are in the midst of a trial - I have to be honest - I have been through some real fire lately - it's been hard but I know I am not alone - the 12 asked what manner of man was this that even the waves and the storm obeys Him - they knew this was JESUS - the same JESUS that saw call them all out to follow Him - this same JESUS was there on that boat - and they lacked faith - how much harder it is for us to not have seen Jesus - we have never seem Him with our eyes - but that does not mean He is not there - not at all - HE is there - HE is right there with us in the hardest trial we could ever face - the problem is really believing this - when times get hard - many times we run away from JESUS and instead we need to run to Him! I love the song by David Phelps that says "Even the wind and waves obey HIM, why can't I" - tough words - but we must take a look at them - are we willing to obey JESUS even when it hurts? When it's unpopular? And even if it gets the point of our dying for standing up for the name of JESUS?
These are hard questions but we serve a good Savior - One that came all the way down here to save that which was lost -what manner of Man is that?
That my friends is JESUS! Amen! Praise HIS Mighty life giving name!
Sometimes I cannot see JESUS for the storm - but yet HE IS THERE! ~ Daniel<><

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BUILDING MOMENT:
WHEN THE WIND AND WAVES BLIND YOU FROM SEEING JESUS - LOOK CLOSER - HE IS THERE - RIGHT BESIDE YOU! Can't you see??

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Because we have CHRIST - we have peace in the storm!
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8.11.09 - Building on the WORD
WHAT STORMS ARE YOU FACING TODAY?
MAKE SURE JESUS IS ON BOARD!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.7.09

Seasoned Speech

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you out to answer every man!

Our speech as Christ followers must always be full of grace - and today's verse adds seasoned with salt - to me salt seasons food - it also preserves things - another thing salt can do is sting - so an application of this today would be letting our speech always lift up Jesus Christ at all times and also to show those who hear what we say - that Christ came to save them from the sins - to some this will really sting, to the self-righteous - it will down right make them mad - many feel that if they just have more good then bad in their lives - it all balances out - and God is pleased - but the truth is - once we come to know CHRIST - He changes our hearts and we want to do nothing more then please Him - this must include our speech - now by this I am not saying we cannot joke around and have fun - but there are limits - our mouths should be used for God's glory like any other part of our body - what we say does matter - but what we do matters more - so lets make sure what comes out of our mouths is pure and honest - for what comes from the mouth actually comes from the heart- We have been called to be the salt of the world - let your speech be seasoned so that it flavors the world for Christ!
Being salty for JESUS~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
WHAT WE SAY IS THE SPICE OF OUR LIVES
Because we have CHRIST - Our words LIFT HIM UP!
8.7.09 - Building on the WORD
WHAT IS OUR LIFE SAYING? ARE WE SALTY ENOUGH?

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.6.09

First & Last

Luke 13:30
And, Behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

It's been said that this world has it all upside down - those with worldly riches or fame are put above everyone else -and those who live humble lives of faith are often passed over as less then others - our example is JESUS Himself - He came to serve not to be served - and while we would all agree He has all the rights of anyone to be first -He chose to be last - He washed the feet of the 12 and though one would disown him and another would sell Him as a slave -
Jesus didn't hesitate to serve - He healed the sick - He helped those in need -
He says in today's verse that the first shall be last and the last first -this is an odd statement to our 21st century ears - it seems from children we have been told to get all you can when you can - we are told to worry about ourselves and put others 2nd - but Jesus said just the opposite - if you want to follow Him you must be willing to serve - there are those who only follow Jesus because He can do something for them - Jesus is looking for those who want to serve Him even when times are tough and the reward is coming later instead of sooner -
Jesus came and showed us what it really means to serve -
We have been called to serve - let's just do it in HIS name!
Wanting to serve the SAVIOR more ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
JESUS CALLS US TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND FOLLOW...
Because we have CHRIST - we should become a servant!
8.6.09 - Building on the WORD
TO BE LIKE JESUS - SERVE OTHERS IN LOVE

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 8.3.09

See The Light?

Luke 11:33
No man, when he lighted a candle, puts it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light!

The life of a Christ follower should be full of light - in this I mean that those around them should tell there is something about them that is different from the world around them - their lives should speak of God's great love and compassion - the question I have for us today is - Do they see the Light?
If Christ is truely in our hearts - He should be seen in our lives - pure and simple - we must remember we are on display like it or not for the world around us - if we proclaim the name of Christ - we must be warned that the world will be watching us - they want to see if we really believe what our words say - they look more at our lives then anything else - we can say many things - we can do many things - but if we have the wrong heart - it's totally shallow - we must let the Light that is within us - shine out - for the world to see - I know we are human and we will make mistakes - but that should be just part of the whole - it's how we respond to others when they make a mistake against us -
let's face it - this world in which we live can be very very dark - but we who have Christ are to be the light of this world- Salt and Light should be our goal -
Let Christ shine through you today and every day after that! We have the light - let's not hide it - because the world needs is badly! Let your LIGHT shine Jesus in our lives!
Wanting Jesus to shine through me more and more! ~ Daniel<><
BUILDING MOMENT:
WHEN CHRIST SHINES IN OUR LIVES - THE WORLD SEES THE TRUTH!
Because we have CHRIST - HIS light shines in our lives!
8.3.09 - Building on the WORD
DO YOU HAVE THE GLOW OF CHRIST IN YOUR LIFE?

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT - 7.30.09

We Don't Have To!

Daniel 3:17
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand...

You all know the story - three Hebrews boys refused to bow down to the idols offered by the King and because of this they were sent to the furnace - yet these boys did not fear at all - but spoke boldly to the king saying that God would deliver them out of this kings hands - and it was so - not only that when the king was watching a forth figure was in the furnace - it was none other then our Lord Jesus!! You see when we go through the fires of life - Jesus is right there with us - take encouragement that the fight you fight is not a fight you fight on your own - Jesus fights for us - when the world offers us it's idols - we don't have to bow down - for God will deliver us - The lives of these three boys where never the same and you get bet that the king was not the same either - he must have been shocked - but in awe - maybe he bowed down to the real King - King Jesus? We can only hope - so when the world challenges you - when it pushes against your faith - you don't have to cave - you can soar on the wings of an eagle - God will deliver us - we have nothing to fear!
We don't have to give into the world's ways or idols - we can stand on the Rock at all times - this world is passing by - but God remains forever!
We don't have to give into the world's demands - we have only God to please - let's remember it's all about Him and not about us! Amen!
No longer wanting to give into the world, Daniel<><

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BUILDING MOMENT:
CHRIST IN US IS THE HOPE OF GLORY! Let's live that way every day!

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Because we have CHRIST - we can stand in the fire of this life!!!
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7.30.09 - Building on the WORD
WHAT FIRES ARE RAGING IN YOUR LIFE? JESUS WILL QUENCH THEM!